Chapter 164
Killian’s POV
That name had almost vanished from my ears. I never expected Robert to still be alive, considering he was neither an immortal werewolf nor a Lycan like me. Leonidas shared the same reaction..
“Killian, I believe this is a bad om
Leonidas didn’t realize he had let his manners slip. I let it go, since it was just the two of us and an unwelcome letter from one of our kin. I handed the sheet of paper to Leonidas.
“You’re acting as if we’ve never been through this, Leonidas.” My eyes scanned the expanse of the green field. “No arrogance intended. In the end, those who oppose me always end up beneath my feet.”
“I agree with that point, although your arrogance is always irritating, my beloved King. But surely you realize we’re talking about Robert!”
Frustration was written all over Leonidas’s face. One hand rested on his hip while the other waved the piece of paper in front of my face in irritation.
“He must be coming for revenge!!”
He clicked his tongue. “I told you before, it would’ve been better to just kill him. And now look somehow that piece of trash managed to find a way to prolong his life on this earth.”
“And I’m certain he’s the mastermind and the leader who brainwashed the Aztecs. Otherwise, how would the Aztecs know our kingdom so well?”
Leonidas accused.
The Beta’s rant continued at length. I had already considered it and wasn’t dismissing that fact. Most likely, Leonidas’s assumption was correct. My jaw tensed as my mind drifted. Robert could do whatever he pleased. I would be waiting for him to show his face before me.
From the beginning, that man had made his own choices. He enjoyed the comforts of a Lycan noble. I never once interfered in his business, so long as it didn’t taint the throne or my name. Wealth, status, everything was in his hands. I often tolerated his behavior whenever we sat at the same table, each with our differing arguments.
But apparently, it wasn’t enough for him that I was a good family to him.
‘Ah, I’m suddenly feeling nostalgic‘
“Thank you for voicing your concern, Beta. Return to your quarters.”
“Killian! How can you be this calm?!” Leonidas exclaimed.
My steps halted, and I turned toward him. “Is that what you see?”
That piercingly cold tone made Leonidas flinch and take a step back. He quickly apologized the moment I gave him a look he knew well, one that meant bowing his head was far wiser than meeting my gaze with defiance,
“As your king, I will say this I regret letting one dangerous man slip through our grasp. But as your family, you should have understood it more deeply,” explained.
A mistake I would never forgive myself for.
“I already have a family,” I added. “And knowing how obsessed Robert is with the throne, he will no doubt target them to try and break me. Do you think I’m that easily shaken?”
Leonidas stammered. “I never meant to imply you were-
“I didn’t think you did. I’m simply correcting your words a little.”
1/3
5.36 Inu, 103
Chapter 164
My crimson eyes softened slightly. “Advice and counsel are always welcome, Leonidas. But right now, you’re not in the condition to give either
“I–I understand. Forgive me, cousin.”
A faint twitch tugged at the corner of my lips. I approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“You’re more than just á Beta. Thank you for staying by my side, even choosing to live a long life with someone like me.”
“It’s a blessing for me, too. Without that choice, I would’ve never met my true mate,” Leonidas confessed.
“Then come see me when your heart is steadier.” From a distance, I could hear my children’s voices. “Remember, our kingdom will soon be bustling with guests. It would do us good to think positively for a while.”
Leonidas said nothing more, offering only a respectful bow. I spent the rest of the day back in the warmth of my family. I couldn’t fathom how I had ever lived without this.
A foolish thought once claimed that a wife was a burden.
“There’s another wrinkle on your forehead.”
Ruby squinted, suppressing a grin that threatened to spread across her face. She was pretending to play detective here. I gave her a mock–arrogant stare.
“If you keep doing that, I’m sure you’ll age sooner than expected.” She tilted her head flirtatiously, letting her long hair fall to one side with a playful air.
“Hmph! Well, technically, you are already old. It’s just that your looks are still incredible thanks to your power. Should I start calling you Grandpa from now on, my dear husband?”
I glared. “Darling, trust the stars above. I won’t let you get away with that easily if you do.”
Instead of backing off, Ruby gave me her usual bold wink.
“Grandpa.”
Ruby’s shriek pierced the air as I lunged at her. She darted across the garden, and honestly, what made her think she could ever escape from my grasp?
“Killian!”
I kissed her cheek, my arms tightening around her slender frame. That earned us a disgusted reaction from the twins, who had just spat out their juice.
“Ew!”
I laughed. “I’ll cover your future therapy bills. Just endure your parents‘ affection a little longer.”
“Never!” Alice shouted.
Alicia nodded. “You two will probably turn this whole garden into something indecent in a minute. Come on, Alice, let’s go!”
“Yes!”
Ruby’s back pressed against my chest while I savored the warmth radiating from her. My nose nestled into the crook of her neck.
“Your kids are dramatic. Thank goodness Elias is more understanding.”
“Don’t let the three of them hear that,” Ruby said, turning in my arms and looping hers around my neck. I happily led her farther into a secluded corner. A few guards discreetly scattered to a safer distance, aware of what was likely about to happen.
“Well then, maybe we should prove the twins right. What do you think? Doesn’t this garden seem like a perfect place for some romance?”
I grinned wickedly. “Hmm. Let’s find out.”
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