The Dragon King's Hated Bride
Chapter 26: Hidden Motives

Chapter 26: Hidden Motives

>>Ariston

The drawing room was quiet save for the soft crackle of the fireplace, its golden light flickering against the dark wood paneling. I sat on the edge of the chaise lounge, one leg crossed over the other, fingers idly drumming on the armrest. Across from me was Ruoxy, who had her jaw tightened for some reason while she held a wine glass in her hand.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. I could feel the weight of her gaze on me, as though she were trying to bore a hole through my skull.

"You called me here," I finally said, "I have other things to do," I looked at the wall clock that showed it was nine in the night.

"You’ve been quite the busybody lately, haven’t you?" she finally said, her voice smooth but I sensed the harshness behind it.

I glanced at her, letting my lips curl into a faint smile. "Have I? I thought I was just getting acquainted with the place."

Ruoxy’s eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward slightly. "Don’t play coy with me, knight. You may have fooled others, but I see right through you."

I chuckled lightly, leaning back against the lounge. "I’m flattered by your attention, truly, but I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about."

Her lips twitched into a mockery of a smile, "Don’t get on my nerves, Ariston. I have little patience for meddlers."

"Meddlers?" I repeated, tilting my head slightly. "I didn’t realize exploring the garden or the halls made me such a threat. Surely, you’re not afraid of a simple human wandering about."

Her expression hardened, and her fingers tightened around the glass. "Afraid? Hardly. But I’d caution you against sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong."

"I wasn’t aware I’d done anything to warrant such concern," I replied, my tone light but tinged with sarcasm. "Perhaps you’re simply seeing things that aren’t there."

Her gaze darkened, and for a brief moment, I thought she might actually lash out. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, composing herself with an effort that was almost impressive. "You’ll regret this, knight. Whatever game you’re playing, it won’t end well for you."

"I wasn’t aware I was playing a game," I said with an innocent shrug. "I’m just here to fulfill my duty and... perhaps reminisce a little."

She straightened, her posture rigid and cold. "Didn’t you come here to meet Draegon?"

My smile widened just a fraction, and I let the silence stretch for a beat too long before responding. "I did."

"Then why," she snapped, her voice low and dangerous, "is it that you never meet him?"

I met her gaze steadily, my voice calm and measured. "Well, I haven’t found him." Her eyes flared with anger, but I pressed on before she could interrupt. "The Draegon I’m looking for seems to be... missing."

Her fingers curled tightly against the armrest of her chair, her nails digging into the fabric. For a moment, I thought she might strike me, but instead, she pushed herself to her feet with a sharp, controlled movement.

Her lips parted as though she wanted to retort, but she bit back whatever words were on the tip of her tongue. Without another word, she turned and strode out of the room, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

I watched her go, the smirk on my lips fading into a contemplative frown. As the door slammed shut behind her, I let out a quiet sigh, leaning forward and resting my elbows on my knees.

Well, at least she’s finally started to crack.

I glanced at the door. Maybe I need more bait

***

>>Aelin

The stillness in my room was unsettling. I sat by the window, staring out at the garden below, the cosmic book in my hands. I had been reading it slowly slowly, learning new things and what I can do with the magic I have in me.

It certainly allows me to do a lot and I have been trying to practise what I read but it’s taking me time. I always had a lot of mana but there was never anyone to teach me magic.

But as I was taking a break my thoughts wandered back to Draegon. It felt like days had passed since I last saw him. It was as if he’d vanished from the scenes altogether. Even in fleeting moments when our paths should have crossed, he wasn’t there.

Where was he? Is he not leaving his room much? Or did he leave the palace? Did something happen to him?

I shook my head, trying to push the thought away, when a sudden, piercing sound shattered the quiet.

!!!

My heart leapt in my chest as the emergency sirens blared through the palace—a deep, resonating sound blown from the ceremonial horns.

I stood up quickly, my pulse racing.

An announcement followed, echoing through the corridors in a commanding voice. "All palace residents please gather in the throne room immediately. All main exits are now sealed.There is nowhere to run. Any person who doesn’t make it to the throne room will be considered a traitor and executed."

!?!?

What?

My stomach twisted. The announcement was clearly meant to be a threat and fueled my anxiety. Why were the doors locked? What was going on?

Before I could spiral further into my thoughts, a firm knock sounded at my door.

!!!

I turned to see Ariston stepping inside. He didn’t smile as he usually did, his expression grim but composed.

"I’m sure you heard it,," he said, "It’s best if we leave right away." He extended his hand towards me, "As the only humans, we need to stay cautious."

"Do you know what’s happening?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly as I stepped toward him.

He hesitated but shook his head. "Not yet. Stay close to me." He took my hand and we left the room.

Together, we made our way through the dimly lit halls. Other residents joined us, all walking silently toward the throne room.

When we arrived, the atmosphere was tense. The grand room was packed with people, all murmuring anxiously among themselves. The queen’s towering figure stood at the topmost step before the throne, her presence commanding silence without a word.

I froze as I took her in. She wasn’t seated as she usually was. Instead, she stood with her arms crossed, her crimson eyes blazing with fury. Her big black dragon wings, unfurled to their full span, cast long shadows across the room, blocking the view behind her.

On the lower steps was Draegon. His expression was unreadable, but his presence alone made my breath hitch. It was the first time I’d seen him in days, and despite the gravity of the moment, I couldn’t stop the mix of relief and unease from washing over me.

The Queen’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. "There has been a murder within the palace walls."

What!?!?

The room erupted into whispers, gasps, and shocked murmurs. My chest tightened, the air suddenly feeling too thin. A murder? Here?

Draegon’s voice, low and sharp, broke through the noise. "Who?" His eyes burned with intensity as he stepped forward, addressing his mother. "Who is it?" He sounded even more monotonous than usual, "The person who died,"

The queen’s wings shifted, folding slowly back into place. She stepped aside, her movements deliberate, and the sight behind her made my blood run cold. Made me gape and my eyes went wide

"My God..."

The whispers turned to horrified gasps as everyone took in the scene.

There, sprawled lifeless on the throne, was Princess Alishay.

A dagger jutted from her chest, its hilt soaked in blood. Crimson pooled beneath her, staining the regal throne as her lifeless body hung at an awkward angle, her wide, unseeing eyes staring into nothingness.

My knees felt weak. The sight was grotesque, shocking. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the brutal display.

"Silence!" The Queen roared, her voice shaking the walls. The whispers stopped immediately.

But my heart didn’t. It pounded in my chest, a sickening rhythm that refused to slow.

Who could have done this? And why? My gaze flickered to Draegon, his face remained calm. But everyone else around me wore the same expression of fear, shock, and suspicion.

And suddenly, the locked doors and urgent summons made chilling sense.

"To kill a demon princess, and Alishay at that," She shook her head, "That’s a feat." Darcelle’s voice was low but anyone could tell how full of rage it was. Why wouldn’t it be, her daughter was dead.

Murdered.

"But I will find you." She glared at us and my skin stood up

Someone among us was a murderer.

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