Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 125

Adelaide

I stood by the window of my chambers, my eyes constantly drifting toward the tightly shut door. Ever since the disastrous end of the soul bonding ceremony, I had been confined to this room that was once filled with sweet memories. Lycanthar still remained absent with no word, and my heart felt as though it were being squeezed by an invisible hand, each breath accompanied by fear of an unknown fate.

Suddenly, voices of argument drifted from beyond the door.

"I need to deliver dinner to Lady Adelaide. It's what the Wolf King ordered," came Lina's voice, carrying its usual gentleness yet also an undertone of firmness.

"I haven't received orders allowing anyone to enter," replied a guard's voice, cold and resolute.

I held my breath and crept closer to the door, hoping to hear more clearly.

"You must be new here," Lina's tone carried a barely perceptible hint of impatience. "I'm Lady Adelaide's personal handmaiden. I bring her meals at this time every day. The Wolf King specifically instructed that no matter what happens, her basic needs must be ensured. You could ask him, but he's currently dealing with that vampire matter, and I doubt he'd appreciate being disturbed by such trivial issues. Besides, if the princess goes hungry because of your hesitation, the Wolf King might be very displeased."

After a moment of silence, another guard's voice responded: "I recognize her. She is indeed Lady Adelaide's handmaiden. I've seen her many times before."

The first guard hesitated: "Alright, but be quick. The situation is special now, and I'll be responsible for this decision."

The sound of the lock turning reached my ears, and I quickly retreated to the center of the room, trying to maintain composure. The door opened, and Lina entered carrying an elegant silver tray. The guard watched warily before closing the door behind her.

"What's happening outside?" I asked urgently, completely ignoring the food on the tray. "Where is Lycanthar? Has he said anything?"

Lina placed the tray on the table with slow, careful movements. "The situation isn't good, Your Highness," her voice was low. "The leaders in the council hall are still debating your fate. Some are very angry, especially those families who lost loved ones in the war three hundred years ago. They're demanding severe punishment, even... execution."

My heart sank, but I was more concerned about another question: "What about Lycanthar? What does he think?"

"The Wolf King has just returned from the dungeon." Lina began arranging the tableware, her eyes not meeting mine. "He dealt with the vampire named Morgana."

"Morgana!" I lifted my head sharply, a flash of realization in my eyes. "I knew something was wrong. That necklace... that woman has been sabotaging everything from the shadows."

Lina set down the last dish and looked up at me, a strange light flickering in her eyes. "So... is it true? Are you really the human princess? Of Valendria bloodline?"

I took a deep breath, my shoulders drooping slightly. At that point, what was there left to hide? Perhaps letting those around me know the truth was better than being seen as a complete fraud. "Yes, I am," I admitted quietly, my gaze lost in memories.

I didn't notice the twisted expression that flashed across Lina's face upon hearing this confirmation, nor the shadows that rose in her eyes. I walked toward the window, my back to her, my thoughts completely occupied by worry for Lycanthar.

"I only hope he's safe. He must be in such pain, feeling betrayed by me," I said quietly, more like speaking to myself. "I need to explain everything to him, tell him that my feelings have never been false for even a moment..."

My words were suddenly interrupted by sharp pain. I felt razor-sharp claws pierce my back, excruciating agony coursing through my entire body. I turned in shock to see Lina's face contorted with hatred, completely different from her usual gentleness. Lina's fingers had transformed, extending into deadly werewolf claws, blood dripping from the tips proving that what had just happened was no illusion.

"Valendria..." Lina's voice was filled with venomous hatred. "I've waited far too long for this day."

I clutched the wound, staggering backward until my back hit the windowsill, barely managing to stay upright. "Why...?" I asked with difficulty, feeling warm blood flowing between my fingers.

"Why?" Lina let out a laugh that was almost maniacal and cold. "Three hundred years ago, during that so-called 'Eclipse Night,' your ancestor, the King of Valendria, led humans and vampires to betray the covenant with the werewolves. My son, my only child, barely seventeen years old, was killed by your royal family members with their own hands in the camp. He couldn't even fully transform yet!"

Lina stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with tears and madness: "I've endured for three hundred years, bearing the pain of losing my child, just waiting for the chance of revenge. When I heard that a human girl was to become Wolf Queen, I requested to become your handmaiden, just to get close to you. And now, knowing you're actually of that damned bloodline, this is fate's gift to me!"

I felt dizzy, my vision beginning to blur, but I still struggled to stay conscious. "I understand your pain, Lina... but hatred only brings more suffering... this isn't... the way to solve things..."

Lina raised her blood-stained claws, preparing to strike at me again: "Your family owes me a life, and today I'm taking it back!"

Just then, the door was suddenly thrust open, and two guards rushed in, shocked by the scene before them. "Retract your claws!" one guard shouted, quickly drawing his sword and pointing it at Lina.

Lina didn't resist, but her eyes still held crazy satisfaction, as if she had already accomplished her mission. The guard grabbed her and forced her to withdraw her claws.

"Get Seraphina the healer immediately!" the other guard shouted to his companion. "Go notify the Wolf King!"

I slowly slid to the ground, blood forming a dark red pool beneath me. My consciousness began to fade, but strangely, I felt no fear or anger. Looking at Lina, who was being restrained but still wore a fierce expression, I felt no resentment in my heart, only a strange understanding and compassion.

In my gradually darkening vision, my thoughts drifted to Lycanthar. I remembered his smile, his gentle touch, the wordless understanding between us. If this was the final moment, I only regretted not being able to see him one more time, not being able to tell him personally that regardless of my bloodline and origins, my love for him had never been a lie.

"Lycanthar..." my lips moved weakly, the barely audible whisper dissolving in the pool of blood. "I'm sorry... I love you..."

As the last trace of consciousness faded away, all that remained before my eyes was Lycanthar's face, along with those explanations that could never be spoken aloud and that never-fading love.