Chapter 279 - 278. Players And Pawns (3)
After the meeting, the nobles began to file out one by one, each offering their parting respects to the King and Damon.
Damon and I made our way toward the grand entrance of the palace, our steps echoing in the long corridors.
"Why wasn’t I informed of this new man in the palace?" I demanded, my voice low but edged with an undercurrent of irritation.
"Please forgive me, Master. That man... he has been living in the palace since the banquet a couple of months ago. I didn’t see how that would be significant," Damon explained, his tone apologetic but tinged with the hint of unease I’d come to expect from him.
"Every damn tiny thing is important, Damon," I sneered, my eyes narrowing as I watched him flinch. The tension in my chest made my pulse quicken. There was always more to the story—there always was.
"I’m sorry," he muttered again, clearly flustered.
I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair in frustration. The situation, though still precarious, was slowly falling into place. I had more pieces now, more clarity, and that was a small victory.
Just as I thought that, a presence I hadn’t expected brushed against my senses—dark, suffocating, like the air had thickened. A cold void. I turned instinctively, sensing it even before I heard the footsteps.
"Your Grace!" Zale called out, his voice smooth but carrying an unsettling undertone.
Damon and I turned to face him. Zale was walking toward us with a casual, almost practiced grace, his smile wide and serpent-like, as though he were unfurling his fangs. He stopped before us, his eyes glinting with a strange, predatory amusement.
"Apologies, I didn’t mean to stop you, but I was truly intrigued by your plan. Using a fake Dragon, and then... announcing the possibility of fighting a real one if the need arises," he continued, his tone laced with mock sincerity.