Chapter 475: Runaway bride
After investigating, Kaiden discovered it was the magistrate’s niece who had drugged Ariel with the aphrodisiac. She had done it in a calculated attempt to lure Kaiden.
He took swift action after all, Kaiden was no saint. He wrote to the Duke of Nightshade, demanding a replacement for the current magistrate. Pierre responded personally and saw to the matter himself.
The magistrate’s family was removed from power. Although the magistrate himself had committed no crime, the single action of his niece was enough to doom the entire household. It also helped cover up his second son’s rude behavior toward the prince.
It was only after several pleas from the townspeople who still held the magistrate in high regard that Kaiden chose to spare his life. Even so, the man still paid the price for turning a blind eye to his children’s behavior.
All of this unfolded within a week while Ariel remained unconscious. Unfortunately, during that time, Claire was buried in the presence of a few family members from a neighboring town. Ariel, still considered "dead," was absent.
The body couldn’t be preserved because of its condition or at least, that was what Kaiden had been told.
Ariel’s eyes sharpened. "I am not your wife," she said through gritted teeth.
Kaiden smirked and leaned in until they were eye-level.
"Not yet," he said softly. "We’ll get married once we arrive in Vitalis. Of course, you can refuse, after which you’ll have to deal with the consequences of what happened between us." He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear.
"The royal family won’t hesitate to erase you to cover it up. You might end up assassinated. The choice is yours," he whispered like the devil, calm and terrifying.
Ariel’s head jerked up, locking eyes with him. She knew he wasn’t lying. The royal family would silence anything that threatened their image, especially someone like her. If anyone even brought up the incident, she’d already be gone. No evidence. No witnesses.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked.