Chapter 122: His Lorelai
"So she agreed?" Gian asked, stepping closer to the men. "And you are certain you are prepared to face the consequences of this decision?"
"Bringing the princess to our kingdom with her consent is one thing," Alim chimed in, his tone serious. "But she is engaged to the second most powerful man in Erelith. This is bound to lead to serious trouble for us."
Rhaegar strode toward his carriage, his steps firm, and gently placed Lorelai onto the seat. He draped his black cloak over her small, trembling form, ensuring she was covered and warm.
He was fully aware of the gravity of his actions, but there was nothing he could do to turn back now. He had wanted this, and Lorelai had said yes. As he had promised her, he would take care of everything. He would keep her safe, no matter the cost.
"The old duke is dead," Rhaegar finally said, his voice low as he turned back to face his men. "The princess killed him, driven by the queen’s spell."
His shocking revelation left both Alim and Gian momentarily speechless. The idea that the fragile, fearful princess they had seen trembling in Rhaegar’s presence was capable of murder—especially the murder of someone as powerful as Duke Kalder—was almost impossible to believe. Even if she had been influenced by witchcraft, it seemed unfathomable.
Yet, if their king spoke the truth, they had no choice but to accept it.
But the situation was far from improving for the beasts. Now, with their departure coinciding so closely with Duke Kalder’s death, it was certain that no one would blame the princess. The blame, without a doubt, would fall squarely on Rhaegar.
"I am aware of that as well," the king interrupted, as if he had read his aide’s thoughts. "We will start by taking the princess out of here. After that... perhaps we can figure something out."
He was about to climb into his carriage when Alim grabbed the sleeve of his robe, his gaze sharp and cold.
"While I fully support your decision," Alim said, "can you at least tell me what your plan is? The pursuit and ambush by the royal knights is inevitable, but what do we do once we have dealt with them?"