Chapter 160 

Ruby’s POV 

Betrayal is a word that has become far too intimate in the story of my life. 

No soul can truly endure it, least of all me. And yet, I’ve always believed that violence should never be the first resort. Slowly, life seeped out of Aztes body, and with it, the pain began to dissolve. The wound inside my chest unseen, but deeply felt stretched wider. Still, I managed to hold back the tears throughout the ordeal. 

Retribution. 

He pleaded at my feet for mercy as I arrived to take part in his punishment. As expected, Killian stood nearby, silently observing. No matter how thick the mask he wore or well he played his part, I knew the man too well. He relished this version of me. 

“Are you all right?” Leonidas asked gently. 

“That doesn’t seem like a question suited for someone who’s just taken a life,” I replied evenly. 

“But you are not the guilty one, my Queen. He merely reaped what he sowed.” 

“That’s how you see it, is it?” 

Leonidas didn’t doubted. “Yes. Absolutely.” 

My gaze drifted to Aztes‘ lifeless body, now being placed into a body bag. I had asked Killian to burn the remains. His displeasure was barely masked. I knew what was going through his mind. I’ve lived long enough beside my husband to read him like a book. Especially when it came to those who dared to lay a hand on me or our children. All I could do now was keep him from surrendering to his darker instincts. 

There was no point in mutilating a corpse. His sins would be tallied soon enough in the afterlife. And there, he would receive the justice he truly deserved. 

Do I feel no remorse for what I’ve done? 

The gods alone know the grief I carry just thinking about it. All I ever wanted was a life of peace. Why is it that evil always finds its way back to ruin what little happiness I’ve tried so hard to build? 

“My Queen, allow me to escort you. His Majesty seems intent on staying,” Leonidas offered, his concern barely masked by his composed demeanor. 

It was only then that I realized how cold I was to the bone. My hands were trembling, flecked with blood. A sourness lingered in my mouth as though! had swallowed acid. My knees buckled, and I might have collapsed had Leonidas not been there to catch me. 

“Please take me away. I want nothing more to do with this prison.” 

“Of course,” 

Killian stepped forward, worry etched into his face but I raised a hand to stop him. I shook my head slowly, then gestured for him to go and pick up Elias from school. After everything that had happened, the thought of entrusting my youngest to anyone else sent a shiver down my spine. 

Leonidas led me gently back to the palace. He hadn’t changed, still the same noble beta who always set aside his authority when he was with me. 

Now that I think about it, he was my first friend aside from Nora. Gods, how I missed that wild, brilliant witch. 

“I’m truly sorry for what happened,” Leonidas said, voice low with regret. “You never should’ve been dragged into the old politics and grudges of the court, Ruby.” 

“When I chose to be with Killan, I knew what came with that decision. There was never any path that wouldn’t make me a target too. Pei decepta don’t have to explain to you much, right?” 

1/2 

10:49 Fri, 13 Jun GOD 

Chapter 160 

“That’s not what I meant-‘ 

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“I know.” I cut him off. “And I appreciate your concern. Truly. I’m thankful it was you who stopped Aztes from harming Elias that day. I can’t bear the thought of losing my child again in this second life, Leonidas.” 

I let out a breath, offering him a weary smile. 

“So, it’s all right.” 

Leonidas didn’t entirely agree with what I had said and I could see it in his eyes. Without further comment, he called out for the royal physician and guided me gently toward the master chamber. 

“I know how deep your compassion runs, Ruby,” he said at last. “As boundless as the sea. But I need to ask you something. What will you do about Aztes” children? According to the latest report, he had no surviving relatives.” 

I froze at his words. 

It was a detail I had nearly overlooked. My stomach clenched at the thought of those innocent faces, waiting for the day they’d be told their father was never coming home. And yet I couldn’t afford to let Aztes live. 

I had offered him a choice: defect and live in peace or remain loyal to a rebellion that saw him as nothing more than a tool. Aztes chose poorly. 

“Please, see that the child is cared for,” I said weakly. “Send one of our trusted maids to look after them. And bring them to the palace tomorrow. I want to speak to them myself.” 

Leonidas tilted his head slightly, his expression somewhere between a smirk and fond exasperation. 

“You could’ve just asked me directly. I’d argue I’m far more emotionally equipped to handle children than your husband. No offense meant, of course just stating facts.” 

“It’s fine. I just I want to bear the responsibility. Even if it feels like I’m shouldering the weight of a sin. Please, Beta.” 

The one–eyed beta knew exactly what I meant. He carried out the order and didn’t question it again. A few moments later, I began to feel more like myself. I kept stroking my stomach gently, trying to push away the shadows forming in my mind, the flashes of what could go wrong. 

There’s no room for weakness now. One threat has been eliminated. 

And yet, something within me stirred uneasily. 

“Is this truly a premonition or just an illusion born of fear?” 

A knock on the door broke my reverie. The servant came, greeting me. 

“Your Majesty, a guest has come to see you.” 

I frowned. “Who?” 

“Luna Karina.”