CHAPTER 247: REVENGE PLANS AND DENIAL

It did not take long for the news to reach Leon: Riven was staying with both Soren and Ronan. The words echoed in his mind like a drumbeat he couldn’t silence. "So this was what he’s doing after leaving me so abruptly? That asshole."

Leon stood in the massive stone hall of his castle, his fingers gripping the edge of the table until his knuckles turned white. Once, he had been the spoiled king, the one everyone whispered about behind his back. But now, because of that damn wolf, he had been reformed.

He had earned praise from nobles and commoners alike. Yet, as the titles of "capable" and "beloved" adorned him, a darker shadow lurked within. At this moment, he did not care about the praise. He wished that he had never met Riven, and he was still the ’spoiled’ brat his mother called him.

The anger simmering inside him felt like molten lava. How could Riven just abandon him? After they did... What they did. How could he just leave?

Leon’s thoughts spiralled into a frenzy. He had thought they had bonded, they were at least friends. What kind of a friend does this?

With a sharp intake of breath, Leon pushed away from the table, the sound echoing through the empty hall. He felt the weight of the crown pressing down on him, a constant reminder of his responsibilities. But those responsibilities felt trivial compared to the betrayal he felt coursing through his veins.

He wanted to march over there right now, grab him by the collar and maybe... Hah...

It could go either way, kiss him or punch him.

His mind raced as he paced the polished marble floor. He had already made up his mind about taking revenge. It was only a matter of time.

He did not think that the opportunity would present itself after only three days, but the fact that the people Riven cared about were gathered in the same place seemed so perfect, a chance he had to exploit.

He could already see the plan unfolding in his mind. He would confront Soren and Ronan, tell them about their ’special’ time together.

He marched towards his bedroom... Where they had- Leon leaned against the cool stone wall of his chamber, the weight of his thoughts pressing down harder than the crown upon his brow.

He wondered about the aftermath of his plan, the implications of confronting Riven’s new life. What would Ronan do about this?

Soren was staying there, and Leon couldn’t help but laugh mockingly. Ronan was a cuck wasn’t he? He could not believe he would allow that to happen to himself.

A bitter laugh escaped Leon’s lips, echoing off the walls like a ghostly taunt. "What a sight that must be," he mused darkly, conjuring up images of Soren standing idly by, watching Riven and Ronan share moments that should have been his. "Getting rid of Soren seems easier." The thought flickered through his mind.

But beneath the anger, confusion gnawed at him. He felt like he was losing his mind. Here he was, a king who had been placed on a pedestal since birth, he never had to go after anyone, it was always the other way around, yet he was consumed by jealousy and betrayal.

A storm brewed within him, a tempest fueled by pride and heartache. He had more dignity than to seek out someone who had left him, yet there it was—the same pride that had been goading him on, telling him to confront and ruin Riven. Why did he care about Riven? He got his throne back and got rid of that annoying dog that used him, made him act like a servant.

And yet, the only justification he could find was his ego. His pride was hurt, and he wanted revenge, that reason was flimsy.

The irony tasted bitter on his tongue. He could imagine it vividly: Riven’s face, eyes sparkling with charisma.

Yet it was that very image that sent a wave of rage crashing over him. "I’ll make him regret it," he swore softly, the words feeling like a dark pact with himself. "I’ll be the one who walks away."

But the thought of Riven’s face, of the pain that would flicker in his eyes, caused a pang in Leon’s chest. He promptly ignored that ache. It was nothing worth noting. He was going to abandon Riven the same way he had abandoned him.

Sure, he was reinstated as king three days ago, but he was going to take a few days off for himself. His mother had been managing the kingdom well, she can do so for a few more days.

Would he really go through with it? The idea of abandoning Riven felt both intoxicating and terrifying. As much as he hated Riven, he liked him too... And he wouldn’t mind... More of what they did before he left.

---

Riven didn’t know when he had drifted off to sleep in Soren’s arms, but the heaviness in his limbs told him that Eli had been right—he was utterly exhausted.

But now, nestled in Soren’s arms, felt great, except... Wait, something was odd.

As he slowly stirred awake, Riven blinked against the light, trying to open his eyes and find the source of the oddity.

Ronan! Ronan was hugging him, too! Well, in an awkward position, but it was a hug nonetheless. He was sandwiched between two hot men! Ah!

Soren was sprawled on one side, his features relaxed and serene, a gentle smile playing across his lips as he slept. Riven could almost feel the quiet contentment radiating off him. Soren was happy that he got to hold most of Riven.

Riven turned his head to see Ronan’s expression, and he was not surprised.

Ronan lay with a frown etched deep into his brow, his fair hair tousled and wild. He seemed almost pouty, as if he were annoyed at having missed out on some precious snuggling time. Riven couldn’t help but stifle a chuckle at the sight.