The Devil's Son and His Fated Bride
Chapter 169: Pursuing a plan.

Chapter 169: Pursuing a plan.

He shrugged. "I didn’t do this to myself," the King said evenly. "I met your Fae grandfather. He demanded punishment, and I accepted it. Sunkiath healed most of the wounds, I kept this one. I wanted to see how pleased my court would be at the sight of my blood. Their faces brightened when they saw I could bleed."

Kai stiffened. He had always assumed his uncle would kill this human on sight. He was generous, since when? The Fae is cruel when it comes to humans. Particularly nobles.

"He just whipped you?" His disbelief rang clear.

"For now, yes. At least he listened to me... and allowed me to return. But something struck me as I crossed the Monster Sea on my way back."

Ren lowered her hand. The soft hum of her magic faded, and Sunkiath let out a deep, satisfied exhale before slipping into sleep. He had likely flown farther than any of them realized.

"Did you pass by Saint Witch Island?" Kai asked, his voice serene.

The King shook his head. "I’d never risk Sunkiath’s life with those sea giants prowling that stretch. But I did see three ships, the same ones reported lost to the Monster Sea."

Kai and Ren exchanged a look, their unspoken thoughts hanging heavy between them. The questions in the dining hall were already fishy.

"Those ships belonged to Karon Kalia, and Chancellor Oka personally loaded them with goods. Tell me, how did those ships manage to cross those treacherous waters, heading toward that cursed island without being torn apart or destroyed by monsters? What force is powerful enough to tame those sea beasts?"

The King’s words hung in the air, leaving Ren and Kai silent, the weight of his question pressing down on them. They were utterly speechless.

"I trust no one except Everin. My court is rife with corruption, and I will punish them for it."

"Will you kill the war minister?" Kai asked, his voice steady but cautious. Somehow he wanted to hear yes.

"I’ll give him a warm, fiery welcome," the King responded, his tone filled with vengeance. "But I cannot fight both your brother and Sokalia at the same time." He smirked at Kai, but the brief amusement quickly faded as his gaze shifted to Sunkiath.

For the first time, Ren saw a flicker of pain in the King’s eyes. A hollow sadness lingered there, an undeniable sense of isolation. When someone like him was so broken, the collapse seemed inevitable. Ren’s heart ached with pity she couldn’t suppress. So little remained that could inspire loyalty toward him now.

The King walked toward the lake, where a cluster of stalagmites and stalactites surrounded its calm waters. Drops of water fell from each jagged formation, creating ripples in the otherwise calm surface. The lake was deep, so deep, no one could say where it ended. The King stood there for a long moment, gazing at his reflection in the water.

"If I die in this war, I want you to keep Sunkiath safe. I haven’t decided on his next rider yet. I need his permission first."

His voice was as calm and unyielding as the water itself.

Ren’s heart jolted at his words. It didn’t matter how stone-hearted the King seemed, no one could deny that he had been guiding the seven kingdoms with unwavering precision, securing their futures, even if at great cost. He protected his people.

"Speaking of death... This is unlike you. Tell us everything," Kai pressed, his tone serious but filled with a flicker of curiosity.

King Benkin had made a deal with the Fae King, and Kai could see it too, the subtle shift in his expression, the calculated silence. He knew something more than he was letting on.

~*~

In Jaigara, Vixen Street was infamous for its extravagant brothels, gambling houses, and taverns. It was an area where noble ladies were never seen. Yet, for noblemen, it was a playground, one they visited when their wives failed to fulfill their desires. Did those noblewomen care that their husbands frequented such a sacrilegious place? Not in the least, unless it meant draping themselves in gold, flaunting their wealth and beauty for all to see.

But for the young princess of the Ruby Throne, this was a disgrace, a transgression that would not go unpunished. However, she had already accepted the punishment in advance, should anyone discover her secret.

Ara pulled her cloak tighter around her, the fabric concealing her face beneath its veil. Her mouth was hidden behind a black leather mask, ensuring her identity remained a mystery. She moved cautiously, her steps deliberate, drawing closer to the two guards who flanked her. This street was crawling with thieves, gamblers, and drunks, with danger at every corner.

When she reached a brothel, she paused, scanning the area, before slipping inside. The guards followed her, their eyes constantly scanning, their discomfort palpable. They were supposed to keep their composure, but the women and their naked bodies, those breasts, made it difficult to focus and not get hard. Though their duty was clear, even they struggled to ignore the temptation, few were ever granted the privilege to indulge here, and even fewer could resist its allure. To be a guard, you shouldn’t be distracted.

They could only pass by the drunk men who were touching every corner of flesh they wanted and laughing loudly, exaggerating in lust.

"Stay here. I’ll summon you quickly."

Araben strode toward the office, where an old woman in a lavish red dress awaited.

"Madame Helene, where is Josa?" Ara’s voice was flat, betraying no emotion.

"She’s attending to a guest, but she’ll be here shortly. Please, have a seat, princess!" Madame Helene gestured to the room, her smile wide but empty.

Ara waved a dismissive hand, repulsed by the idea of sitting in such a place. The damp smell clung to the walls, thick and suffocating. As she stood, the sounds of screams and moans filtered through the thin, crumbling walls, making her stomach flutter.

The door behind her clicked open, and Josa entered. The young woman had fiery red hair, her body perfected into an image of sensuality. But when her eyes landed on Ara, a visible wince twisted her face.

"Your Grace! It was you, the visitor?" Josa’s voice trembled, the shock of recognition clear in her eyes.

"Yes, Josa. How have you been? Well-punished, I hope?" Ara’s tone was chilling, though she masked her true feelings behind a veil of icy indifference.

Josa had once been Ara’s personal maiden, a trusted companion. The last time they were in Jaigara, a nobleman had taken an interest in the girl, and Ara had sold her, and discarded her into the hands of Madame Helene’s brothel. To make her learn that seducing a man could turn her into a whore!

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