Stolen by the Rebel King
Chapter 276: The Gentleman’s Return II

Chapter 276: The Gentleman’s Return II

Daphne had to force herself to stop trembling, her hands balling into fists by her side. She reminded herself that she wasn’t powerless. She had better control of her powers, and Atticus would never let Eugene land a hand on her. She plastered a confident smile on her face.

"He’ll have to join the queue. I have a long line of people who want me, dead or alive," Daphne said. "In fact, one of them is standing right here in front of me."

Alistair scoffed, laughing as he did. Yet, the joy in his tone could only be described as sadistic. "Talk all you want, Daphne, but your time will be up soon."

"So will yours," Daphne quipped. Two could play this mental game. If Alistair thought that he could crumble her walls by bringing Jean Nott back into the picture, she too could wave the dog bone in front of him. "You overheard, haven’t you? What Mother said."

"Please," Alistair said with a roll of his eyes. "As if Father would actually give the kingdom to you. A married daughter is as good as water that is thrown out."

Alistair didn’t need to overhear it from Queen Anette. Daphne knew as well that he had long learned the news from King Cyrus’s own lips. It was so on-brand for her father to cut off the weakness before it spread.

The nights spent with Alistair’s howls coating the walls of the palace were enough to tell Daphne that her dear brother hadn’t slept well since learning the news. How upset he must’ve been.

All the better for her now.

"Yet you have shown yourself inadequate to be king," Daphne calmly retorted. The corners of her lips curved, slanting into a smile. "You are not entirely skilled with economics and world matters, are you?"

Alistair’s expression darkened. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Think about it, dear brother," Daphne said. "If I were to become the queen of Reaweth, Vramid and Reaweth would be joined to create a new superpower. We would be an unstoppable force and no other kingdom would dare compete. Reaweth has the resources but let’s be honest, it no longer has the influence of the olden days."

She took a step forward, her confidence surging when Alistair stepped back.

"Yet, do you know which kingdom has the strongest military might?" Daphne smiled, pausing for just a beat to let her words sink in. "That’s right. Vramid does. And guess what? If Reaweth doesn’t come under my power, my husband has declared war against you for sins our dearest sister Drusilla committed. You might’ve also heard of that from Father. Now, would you dare to fight against Atticus?"

She made a point to look down at his missing hand, scoffing as she smirked, shaking her head.

"Well, if you did engage in battle with Atticus, I am sure he would be happy enough to make both your hands a matching set."

"Your husband got lucky―"

"Luck is a skill as well, dear brother," Daphne said, her voice sing-song. "And at the rate he is lopping off heads and sending his enemies to the grave, it would seem like he has a lot of it in store. Father is a wise king. He would know that giving Reaweth to me would ensure the peace and prosperity of the kingdom for generations to come."

Alistair’s face had gone pale. That, and also a bright cherry red. It oscillated between the two, changing colors like an indecisive chameleon.

"Face the facts, Alistair," Daphne said. "You were no match for him with two hands, you’re no match for him with just one. Even if you cower behind your army and hide for your dear life, he will find you and weed you out before you become the downfall of Reaweth."

"Reaweth is the hub of magic," Alistair proudly shouted. "It is where magic is born! He will not be able to defeat the true king of Reaweth."

"I’ll say this plain and simple, Alistair. Even Leonora would be a better ruler than you," Daphne said. "And I don’t particularly favor that sister of mine either. That says a lot about you and your wife. Besides..."

Daphne flexed her fingers. Ever so easily, a spark ignited at her fingertips. It grew and shriveled as she breathed in and out, following the rise and fall of her chest. She could control the flame so easily. That was all she had ever wanted as a child and it was now at her fingertips, quite literally.

How funny.

With the memories that Nereus had shown her earlier, she knew too that this wasn’t all. There was still something else inside her that could be unlocked. Daphne just needed to find out how.

"Even without Atticus watching my back, you might not be able to beat me so easily in a one-on-one fight," she said.

"I wouldn’t be so sure of that if I were you, dear Daphne." Alistair sneered. "Just because you can light some sparklers now doesn’t mean you can win in a fight against me. I’ve had years of training. You’ve just awakened your powers through unnatural means. Who knows when Jean Nott’s miracles would magically disappear just as they magically came?"

"Weren’t you so sure of his abilities to regrow you a hand?" Daphne retorted. "Make sure you succeed in growing one. I wouldn’t wish to be accused of bullying a handicapped person when the time comes."

"Remember what you said today, Daphne," Alistair warned, his voice low and grave. "Don’t be a coward when you’re about to die by my fire."

"As long as you can make sure it wouldn’t get snuffed out too quickly," Daphne rebutted.

With a huff, Alistair turned and left. His steps were hasty, headed right for the wing where their father’s office was located. Daphne wondered if Alistair was about to ask King Cyrus about his change in decision for his heir.

Whatever it was, Daphne was just glad he was gone.

She breathed out a sigh of relief, nearly falling to the ground if Zephyr hadn’t supported her from behind.

"Should we go after him?" Zephyr asked anxiously.

The mention of Jean Nott had sent his feathers standing and a shiver down his spine. He hadn’t heard of the name too many times but the brief encounter in Raxuvia had left a lasting memory in his mind.

That man reeked of dark magic.

"If he really has connections to Jean Nott, we should tell―"

"We will," Daphne said. "Which is why we shouldn’t waste our time on Alistair. We need to find Atticus. He needs to know that Jean Nott has been found."