Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 32

Draven

The interrogation chamber's atmosphere turned frigid as stone. I exchanged a meaningful glance with Vespera, both of us acutely aware that Garrick's sudden appearance had completely altered the power dynamic. The torchlight cast our shadows dancing uneasily across the walls, as if presaging the conflict about to erupt.

"Liliana's orchestration of the Wolf King's frenzy constitutes grave treason against the crown," I declared, my voice cold as winter iron. I stood rigid, muscles tense, eyes burning with restrained fury. "According to our laws, treason carries only one sentence—execution." My fingers pressed into the stone table, leaving hairline cracks.

Garrick's lips curled into an arrogant smirk, releasing a contemptuous chuckle. "I distinctly heard Liliana state you lack concrete evidence." He circled her lazily, fingers grazing her shoulder in a possessive gesture. "Moreover, the Wolf King has already descended into madness. If we execute his only stable blood thrall, severing his lifeline..." His gaze locked onto mine, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "This would be salt in Lycanthar's wounds."

Garrick suddenly erupted into maniacal laughter that echoed through the stone chamber. "Perhaps that's precisely your intention, Draven?" He stepped closer, voice falling to barely a whisper. "Let the Wolf King die completely, then you can conveniently ascend the throne?" Each word dripped like venom through the air.

My jaw muscles twitched, eyes flashing dangerous gold for an instant as a low growl rumbled from my throat. I surged forward, hand already shifting to half-beast claws. "You dare question my loyalty to the Wolf King?" The air crackled with impending violence.

Vespera swiftly interposed himself between us, his movement graceful yet unmistakably authoritative. One hand pressed against my chest while the other rose, palm glowing with faint green magic in clear warning. "Enough!" His voice rang with unexpected firmness. "At this critical juncture, we cannot turn on each other."

Vespera surveyed the room, his green robes swirling elegantly as he turned. "Since Liliana remains suspect but evidence insufficient, I propose house arrest in her quarters until the matter resolves. This prevents further mischief while maintaining the Wolf King's blood supply." His sharp gaze swept over Liliana's pale features. "This represents the most reasonable compromise."

Garrick's face bloomed with triumphant satisfaction, hands clapping in exaggerated applause. "How remarkably wise." He executed a theatrical bow. "I concur completely." Extending his hand to Liliana with a flourish of mock courtesy, "My dear lady, I fear you must endure temporary chamber confinement."

Liliana curtsied low, her posture perfectly displaying submission and innocence, though the gleam in her eyes betrayed her true emotions. She followed Garrick gracefully toward the door, their shadows casting distorted shapes against the stone walls.

The heavy oak door closed behind them with finality, leaving only Vespera and myself in the chamber. I slammed my fist against the stone table with a resounding crack. "He's protecting her!"

Vespera sighed, shoulders sagging slightly. "Now isn't the time for direct confrontation with Garrick." His voice carried deep concern. "Our priority is restoring the Wolf King's sanity. Otherwise, when the eclipse arrives..." He left the sentence unfinished, but we both understood the implications.

"But now even Adelaide, the only one who gained the Wolf King's trust, has been rejected by him," I said, frowning, my voice revealing rare frustration and exhaustion. "What options remain to awaken him?"

The chamber fell into oppressive silence, broken only by the torches' crackling flames. Both of us wore equally grave expressions, as if witnessing an approaching storm we were powerless to prevent.

Liliana

In the corridor's shadowy depths, Garrick halted and turned to face me. Under the dim lighting, his eyes gleamed dangerously, yet his voice was surprisingly gentle. "Excellently done this time, my dear Liliana." His fingers traced my chin tenderly. "Your performance was truly impressive."

I smiled ingratiatingly, tilting my head to press my cheek against his palm. "Serving you brings me honor, Lord Garrick." My voice flowed sweet as honey, though barely concealing my ambition. "Their stupidity exceeds my expectations."

Garrick's smile gradually turned vicious, voice dropping to a whisper. "I hope the Wolf King maintains this maddened state." His eyes sparkled with cruel light. "Each day of madness pushes him closer to death's edge. Soon, on the eclipse..." His voice trembled with excitement. "Silverhowl will welcome a new sovereign."

A calculating gleam flashed in my eyes as I boldly traced my fingers across his chest. "I only hope that when you ascend the throne..." I bit my lower lip gently, meeting his gaze. "You won't forget my contributions." My voice carried both plea and subtle demand.

Garrick released a low chuckle that echoed through the empty corridor. "Of course not, my little fox." His fingers wound through a strand of my hair. "Loyalty always receives reward... while betrayal demands payment." The words served as both promise and warning.

He released me and strode away, boots striking the stone floor with resounding impacts, his silhouette melting into the corridor's darkness. I remained motionless, my ingratiating smile gradually fading, replaced by a mixture of calculation and ambition. I caressed my wrist lightly, as if already feeling the weight of a queen's bracelet.

The game had only just begun, and I intended to emerge victorious. Soon, very soon, that pathetic human girl Adelaide would understand the price of crossing me. And when Garrick claimed the throne, I would stand beside him as his queen, ruling over all those who had dared underestimate me.

Let them think they had won this round. In the shadows, real power was already shifting, and I would ensure I held the winning hand when the final moment arrived.