The Devil's Son and His Fated Bride
Chapter 196: A shining dagger to end a life.

Chapter 196: A shining dagger to end a life.

"How long do we have to endure this torment?" Gloria asked softly. It was difficult to relax when every glance in the hall seemed to land on her, weighing her down like chains of expectation.

"Just a little longer," Ren murmured. "You know why we’re doing this."

Soon after, a small group of noble ladies approached, their smiles painted on with practiced ease. They curtsied and exchanged pleasantries, their words polite but their eyes probing. Ren and Gloria responded with equal grace, playing the game.

Across the hall, Kai stood near the King, quietly discussing the next phase of their strategy. But his attention wavered when he noticed something, or someone, approaching from the corner of his eye.

Chancellor Oka.

He was moving slowly, deliberately, closing in like a shadow that refused to be ignored.

Kai leaned toward the King. "When are we going to deal with this one?"

The King’s lips curled into a cold smile. "Tomorrow will be a harsh day."

As Chancellor Oka drew near, Kai’s expression shifted into a mask of calm indifference.

"Chancellor," he said evenly, "how is your nephew? Were you able to heal his legs?"

Oka shot him a resentful glance, his pride clearly stung. "He won’t be able to wield a sword again," he muttered, his voice tight with concealed bitterness.

Kai nodded, satisfied. "That suits him well. Beasts don’t take kindly to strange men speaking too freely about their mates."

Oka flinched, just slightly, but it was enough. He avoided Kai’s gaze, caught between awe and fear. There was something wild and dangerous in Kai’s presence, something no court rank could protect him from.

"Your Highness," the Chancellor began cautiously, "I came to say... it was wise of you to keep your heirs hidden from the court."

He chose his words with care, clearly aware of the creature standing so calmly beside the King. The presence of the beast, Sunkiath, behind that wall, hung heavily in the air, and even veiled compliments could be dangerous if misunderstood.

The King raised an eyebrow. His voice, though soft, carried an unmistakable edge. "Why do you think that was a wise decision, Chancellor Oka?"

The question caught him off guard. He hadn’t expected to be challenged, especially not for what he thought was flattery. His mouth opened, but no words came.

Fortunately for him, Lord Alekin stepped in before the silence could grow more damning.

"Are you referring to my true daughter, Chancellor?" Lord Alekin’s voice carried a calm edge, laced with just enough boldness to remind everyone of the fire still burning beneath his polished exterior. It was a tone Oka hadn’t heard in years, a voice he thought had long been silenced by compromise and age.

"I only wish I had known sooner," Oka replied, feigning regret. "It was... quite a shock. Dankin had such a bloated sense of entitlement, convinced the whole realm adored him."

Lord Alekin’s brow rose, and the warmth drained from his face. "I do love Dankin. And he is Zillgaira’s heir. That realm needs him." His voice was sharp now, unwavering. "You know my son well. The moment he learned the heir would inherit the dragon, he understood. He accepted it."

The Chancellor’s jaw tightened. Behind his neutral expression, resentment brewed. So, the sly Lord Alekin had been maneuvering in the shadows all this time.

Before Oka could respond, another figure approached, cutting through the tension like a blade through silk. It was the elder of House Qowen, striding forth from the nearby cluster of nobles.

"Are you so afraid," the elder said coldly, "that a child of the House Qowen might claim the throne? A woman?"

Lord Edis Qowen was known throughout the courts for his bold tongue, never afraid to speak the truth, no matter how sharp. The quiet rivalry between House Kalia and House Qowen stretched back generations. While the kings of Alvonia had long favored the loyalty and wisdom of House Qowen, House Kalia always demanded rewards for their support, especially when war loomed. They were quick to offer aid, but just as quick to turn when the tides shifted.

To silence those threats once and for all, King Benkin had ended the wars with a single stroke, and taken the throne of Sokalia.

"Lord Edis Qowen," the Chancellor said with a grin, "why would I fear a woman on the throne?"

The King chuckled deeply, the sound echoing through the hall like rolling thunder. "Am I dead already, that you all bicker over my crown?"

Lord Edis bowed, his voice humble. "Please forgive our rudeness, Your Majesty."

The King tilted his head toward Ren and Gloria. "Those two..." he said, eyes briefly softening, "...are the only ones who aren’t waiting for me to fall. Everyone else in this hall looks far too eager."

The nobles turned their eyes toward the princesses. But something was wrong.

Among the silks and shadows, another figure stood, Araben. She was walking to Reneira and Gloria.

The King’s gaze flickered. That girl had defied him openly. Good! He was just about to signal Kai to go...

But his eyes caught a flash of steel.

A maid behind Araben moved. In one swift, practiced motion, she unsheathed a hidden dagger and lunged forward.

Josa grabbed Araben from behind and her blade kissed her throat, slicing the thin skin and blood gushed out.

All the nearby women screamed from the bottom of their bellies.

Ren’s eyes grew wide, but there was no time to be bewildered. Blood was oozing out of Ara’s neck like a fountain.

Minister Karon Kalia hurried from the other side of the hall, his daughter Rebedina following after her, crying out her daughter’s name.

"Do not touch my daughter," Rebedina screamed, so afraid.

But her daughter’s throat was open, bleeding harshly.

Ren ignored them all and white light poured out of her hand, Gloria held Ara’s shoulders. Life was slowly slipping out of her body.

Ren’s heart was pounding wildly, this wasn’t how she planned.

"Hang on, Ara! I’m going to save you."

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