bChapter /bb137 /b

    Now I realized why he had stalled for time and spent so much time trying to make me dance to his tune.

    He wanted to show the people that I truly was with him, that I truly would stand by him. But then nobody knew the threats and trickery he was employing to make me do as he wished.

    I cast one look at Mary, who still mouthed a ‘No‘, but I quickly rushed towards her and helped her get on her feet.

    “You dont have to…” She began, but I shook my head.

    “Just go get healed. And stay in my room. I will returnter” I said, eyes boring into her. I knew she wanted to rebel but we were severely outnumbered.

    I had to pretend that I would do as he asked if I wanted to create a n to exit this kingdom and find Killian.

    “Please” I insisted, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. She seemed to realize what I meant and reluctantly nodded atst.

    I looked around and spotted something to cover up her bare and now red, injured back as she slowly took one step after another outside the door.

    Martin, thankfully, didn’t yank me away from her so I lowered my voice and whispered to her.

    “If possible, demand for Sarah. Fill her in on everything and get her to bring back a few herbs.”

    I quickly whispered a few names to her and hoped that she would be able to remember all of them by the time she actually met her.

    I had to keep some weapons with myself and I was thankful for the knowledge Killian had given to me through the temple.

    I recalled most of the things I had scribbled on the scrolls and the ingredients, but having Sarah confirm and cross check the ingredients would be reassuring.

    A n was slowly beginning to form in my mind, and I hoped it would somehow give me an edge over whatever Martin was nning.

    I clutched the long velvety robe Emery had thrown over me and I was d that it was long enough to cover half of my legs.

    That way I wouldn’t be facing the general public in nothing but a flimsy, almost see through dress.

    I grabbed onto its edges and held on tightly with one hand as Martin slipped his hand down and interlocked his fingers with mine.

    Every nerve in my body wanted to shove him aside but the thought of seeing Mary bloodied again was scary

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    enough to push the thoughts of rebellion away.

    He had to believe I had truly given up for me to be able to think clearly without having to watch over my back every second.

    Martin and I thus kept walking down the hallways and four guards apanied us, two on either side.

    I looked around and noticed that the paintings in the major hallways and walls of King Aecidus had already been taken down and reced with Martin’s.

    He was seated royally on his father’s throne and painted in vibrant colors but I could see how even the painters couldn’t keep off that smug and devilish grin off his face.

    I tore my gaze away from it and realized we hade across my quarters, the ce I shared with Killian.

    My heart lurched at the open doors, praying that I would find the room intact but Martin made a conscious effort to slow down and let me take a good look at the ce.

    And what I saw in it crushed me.

    The ce had been torn down viciously. Killian’s study that housed so many of his books was now a scattered pile of debris just like, the rest of the room.

    The bed that I had slept in with Killian while he was bleeding and fell asleep, it still had faint stains of his

    blood.

    The bedsheets, the cushions, everything that reminded me of the memories I shared with him was gone.

    The room was now a bare shell with no soul and barely any furniture that was covered in white sheets. The color and soul of the room were gone.

    I whirled at Martin and blurted out.

    “Where are my belongings? And Killian’s?”

    He seemed to enjoy my reaction, and I realized, albeit a littlete, that this was the very reason he was taking me through this route.

    To show me how much damage he can inflict on me, to subdue me not just physically but emotionally as well.

    I fought to keep the tears off my eyes even if they stung at the back of my eyes. I didnt want to give that bastard the satisfaction of how much it broke me to see the ce I had started to feel like my own being torn and shredded to pieces like this.

    There was no point in asking why he was doing this. He was going to continue finding ways to keep the threat dangling over my head it seemed.

    “Shall we?” He motioned for me to keep walking forward and I forced myself to breathe as bI /bcontinued climbing the stairs down.

    I hadn’t really wondered what time of day it was or what to expect but when we did reach the huge royal hall I

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    was shocked to see that it was filled with people.

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    And another memory tried to force its way up my throat, taking up too much space in my eyes and brain.

    This was the ce where Killian had kissed me in front of everyone. This was the ce where he had shown the mark on my chest just underneath my corbone.

    I could still taste the kiss on my lips. I could still feel him around me.

    I blinked and that memory disappeared into thin air as I came face to face with the present again.

    Therge dining table was reced with a long bed on which the Kingy. There was no sign of the crone or Elder Amara anywhere.

    However, a few temple keepers were busy tending to him while Senior Nina was overseeing their activities. When she turned to look at who had arrived, her eyes glowered just for a second before she schooled her features into one of concern.

    Her gaze slowly trailed down our joined hands and a look of confusion crossed her face before she returned to stare at me with…disappointment? I was not sure why she looked so surprised.

    But I didn’t care.

    Martin stepped forward, his hand still clutching mine as he asked her delicately.

    “Please give me some good news about father’s health. I can only rely on you.” He said and faked sorrow.

    She gave him a pitiful look and replied.

    “We are trying everything we can, but it looks like our efforts are strongly against the Goddess‘ will.”

    Goddess‘ will my foot!

    Martin pinched the bridge of his nose, and his shoulders rocked upon hearing that news. Was he crying?

    Nina wore a solemn expression as she told him that despite her best efforts and prayers, the King bwas /bshowing no signs of recovering.

    I couldn’t stand this debauchery, and words tumbled out of my mouth before I could take them back.

    “Where is the Crone or Elder Amara? They might be better at saving the King’s life if you are failing.”