The Devil's Son and His Fated Bride
Chapter 244: A secret lover.

Chapter 244: A secret lover.

Kai was already at her side, dropping to his knees before her. He seized her wrist, his eyes shut tightly as if trying to keep his anger from erupting.

"That’s it," he said through clenched teeth. "The magic you used on me... it was too strong. Too dangerous for your body." His eyes snapped open, glowing with fury. "You are not allowed to use magic again. Not without permission."

He turned to Lora with a sharp glare.

"You watch her. Understand?"

Lora nodded, startled, her face pale.

"Let me heal her," Agara offered calmly.

Lora quickly held out the wooden box, but the Fae prince shook his head.

"If it was magic that drained her, no potion will help, little human."

Lora’s cheeks flamed at the title, and she stepped back in silence, watching anxiously as Agara raised his hands over Ren’s back. Soft, glowing tendrils of energy seeped from his fingers, weaving warmth into her aching spine.

Within ten steady breaths, the Queen of Thegara let out a deep sigh. Her shoulders relaxed. Color returned to her cheeks.

"Thank you for coming, Uncle," she whispered.

Agara smiled, though his gaze shifted to Kai’s trembling hands. He didn’t mention it. Instead, he addressed Ren with quiet authority.

"Never use magic without me present again."

He turned to leave, his robes whispering against the floor.

"You—little human—come with me."

Lora blinked, then quickly followed him, understanding she had just been dismissed.

Ren plucked a grape from the bowl and held it near Kai’s lips. "Eat something... and worry less. I’m fine now. But your hands, they’re still trembling."

Kai looked up at her, and for a moment, the mask slipped. Desperation screamed silently from his eyes.

"I cannot live without you," he whispered. "Just ignore me... and focus on healing." His voice was calm, like still water hiding a storm beneath.

Ren smiled softly. "If you eat, I promise I’ll rest."

His gaze dropped to the grape, and he leaned forward, but just as he was about to bite it, she pulled her hand away and kissed him instead.

When their lips parted, she reached into her robe and pulled out a small glass vial. She gently pressed it into his palm.

"I made this for you," she said. "After I learned what happened, I added a few extra ingredients. Spray it on your clothes. It’ll help suppress the lust... and protect you. Don’t ever let that poison corrupt my beloved wolf again."

Kai blinked, stunned by her insight. He stared at the vial, then at her. How had he underestimated Anarya’s daughter?

"Then why did you use that magic to extract the darkness?" he asked, his voice hushed.

Ren gave a rueful smile. "Because I was foolish enough to think I was as strong as Nimoieth... that I could draw all the darkness out on my own."

She nudged the plate closer. "Now eat. Then go back to your work. We’ll be leaving for Alvonia soon."

Kai obeyed without protest. He ate slowly, then sprayed the cologne onto his clothes. The effect was immediate, cooling, calming, like a shield around his aura. She’d been right. The old scent had burned like poison. But smelled very good.

He leaned in, pressed a grateful kiss to her lips, and then quietly left the room.

Later that day, Lora returned to the room. She lingered near the door, fidgeting, clearly wanting to say something, but unsure how to begin.

Ren, ever perceptive, raised an eyebrow. "What is my little beautiful Lora hiding from me?"

Lora pouted. "Oh, my lady, I’m not little. I’m three years older than you!"

Ren blinked. "I thought we were the same age."

Suddenly, the girl dropped to her knees, her head bowed. "No... I’m not. The woman who raised me told me to lie. She said that if House Dorient found out I was older than you, they wouldn’t hire me."

Ren was stunned for a moment. "Lora... that doesn’t matter to me at all. It never did. Now, please, stand up."

But the girl shook her head, her shoulders trembling. Silent tears began to fall. That was when Ren realized... this wasn’t about her age.

"No, My Queen..." Lora whispered. "The man you brought in as a prisoner, I know him."

Her voice cracked. She bit down on her lip, fighting the wave of emotion.

"You... know my brother?" Ren asked, her voice trembling.

Lora nodded slowly. "Yes. I’m from Sobis Village. I became an orphan there."

Ren’s heart skipped a beat. She stepped forward and gently helped Lora to her feet. "Come. Sit down. Tell me everything you know about my brother."

~*~

The royal carriage of Thegara was about to depart, wheels creaking against the cobbled path, but Ren’s gaze remained fixed on her brother, Hector.

Hector sat across from her and Kai, angled toward the curtained window, deliberately avoiding her eyes.

"It’s sunny today," Ren said softly. "I’m sorry."

"Sorry?" His voice was clipped, bitter. "After killing all the Lords?"

"They were there to kill the people I love, and to take me hostage," she replied, her tone calm but firm.

"You’re all the same," Hector muttered, rolling his eyes.

"Hey," Kai snapped, his voice like a warning drumbeat. "Watch your tone when you speak to my wife. I’m not that patient."

The air inside the carriage tightened, thick with unspoken tension. As it lurched forward onto the shadowed road of the portal, Ren exhaled slowly, trying to dissolve the rising friction.

"Please... don’t fight," she urged. "I’m pregnant. And when I’m stressed, I can’t keep my stomach calm."

Ren shifted her attention back to Hector, scrutinizing his expression. "You don’t look pale. Did you drink the blood I sent you?"

Hector didn’t look at her, but his reply was laced with sarcasm. "Hmm. Did you kill a virgin to feed me?"

Ren raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like that wicked Phoria to you?" She crossed her arms. "You have a lover...someone who begged me to keep you alive in Alvonia."

That made Hector’s eyes snap toward her, sharp and searching. "Oh, do I?"

"You’re not the only one from Sobis Village I’ve met, brother," Ren declared, a slow smile curving her lips. "And to my surprise... someone from there still remembers you."