The Dragon King's Hated Bride
Chapter 49: Threat

Chapter 49: Threat

>>Aelin

The moment his gaze fell on me, it softened and the grim expression on his face disappeared.

!?!?

It happened so fast, it made me think whether I imagined it or not.

He then began to move, "You should rest," Draegon said, his voice quiet but firm, as he turned to leave.

"You’re leaving?" I asked and he paused to look back at me.

"Yes," he was a little surprised I asked that but I was even more surprised. Why did I ask that?

"Okay," I replied and looked away with a frown.

Why did I say that!? It made it seem like I was upset he was leaving! I pursed my lips. It’s just that when I saw him leave, a part of my brain had this weird feeling that he wouldn’t come back to me again.

After all this was the same room where he pushed me off of him and left to go to Ruoxy.

"Okay..." He turned around and began to walk away and I slowly raised my head and looked at him as he left

I know it was all fake now. But no one can erase it and the actions, though manipulated, still remain.

I stayed where I was, watching him as he moved toward the door. For a moment, I caught a glimpse of something in his expression—something dark and unsettling that sent a shiver down my spine. His face seemed harsher, almost frightening.

I blinked, shaking my head slightly to clear the thought. No, I probably just saw wrong, I told myself.

I tried to focus on his face again but now he had his back to me and I couldn’t see his face at all.

Without another word, Draegon left the room, closing the door softly behind him. The sound of his footsteps faded into the distance, leaving me alone in the heavy silence.

I sank down onto the edge of the bed, the cosmic book still clutched in my hands. My fingers traced the intricate patterns on the cover, and for a moment, I just stared at it, my thoughts a tangled mess.

Slowly, I raised my hand to my forehead again, touching the spot Draegon had pointed out. My fingers brushed over the smooth skin, but there was nothing there—no sign of the glowing sun he had described, no lingering warmth, no indication that anything had changed.

I didn’t know what to feel about it.

But considering the kind of magic I have, I wonder if mom’s health did really go bad because of me. And all the accusations were true all along. Many of them were true, yes.

But when I was holding onto the hope that her getting sick wasn’t because of me.

I brought my hands down in defeat, resting them on my lap.

If it was true, I wonder if mom secretly hated me too... I turned my head and looked out the window.

Maybe I’m really meant to be not liked by anyone.

***

>>Draegon

I reached her doors and knocked firmly, three sharp raps. There was a pause before her voice floated out, calm and composed as always. "You may enter."

Pushing the door open, I stepped inside, my eyes immediately scanning the room. The Queen was seated at the round table in the center, her back straight and posture pristine, surrounded by scattered files and papers. She was in the middle of sliding a page down onto the table when I entered.

Her focus didn’t waver as I crossed the room to stand on the other side of the table. I waited, watching her work, but she didn’t bother to lift her head or acknowledge me beyond the initial invitation.

The room was silent save for the faint rustle of parchment as she moved another paper into place. My hands curled into fists at my sides, though I kept my face impassive.

"Your Majesty," I said evenly, breaking the silence. "I believe I made my expectations clear the last time we spoke."

Her pen paused, hovering over a page, before she finally glanced up at me. Her expression was unreadable,

"Prince Draegon," she greeted, "To what do I owe this... unannounced visit?" Her words made my eyebrow twitch.

I stepped closer, producing a folded parchment from the inner pocket of my cloak and placing it on the desk between us, "I’m giving you a list of names." I said as I slid the papers towards her, "You need to get rid of them."

Her gaze flicked to the parchment, but she didn’t move to touch it. "And you’ve brought me... a list?"

"Yes," I replied. "I don’t care what position they are in, you need to handle this."

We both stared at each other for a moment

The Queen finally reached for the parchment, unfolding it. Her eyes scanned the names, her expression unreadable but her lips tightening ever so slightly.

"These are... a lot of individuals," she said after a moment, her voice sharp. "And you want me to get rid of them? For what?"

"I do," I said firmly, "For the way they all treated my wife."

"Are you out of your mind-"I cut her off

"The only reason I’m asking you is because I’m still trying to give you some respect. Despite the things you forced on me."

She set the parchment down and fixed me with a cold stare. "And what proof do you have of these accusations?"

"Huh," I scoffed as I leaned forward, meeting her gaze unflinchingly. "As if you don’t know. You’ve known right from the start. You’ve simply been ignoring it." My gaze hardened, "After all, you were the one who sent Aelin to the isolated wing."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, her fingers drumming lightly on the desk. "That’s right. But I sent her to the isolated wing so that she’ll be safe."

"And was she safe?" I asked

"She’s alive." She answered

"Oh, she would have lived even if she lived in the main palace." I straightened up, "You just didn’t want to be bothered." I looked down at her, "Do your duty right and get rid of the people."

The Queen’s eyes narrowed. "Do not presume to lecture me on my duties."

"I am not presuming," I said, stepping back and straightening. "I am warning. If action isn’t taken and you choose to turn a blind eye, I will act in your stead."

Her gaze hardened. "Is that a threat, Prince Draegon?"

"No," I said evenly, turning toward the door. "It’s a promise."

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