Chapter 767

Chapter 112 : Manipulating the Manipulator

*Mila*

When I arrived at the palace, I stood at the front gate, too stunned for anything else.

There were acres of beautiful, manicured gardens out front with walking paths through them. I could see staff members gardening and keeping things clean and tidy.

Beyond the gardens, I saw the palace. It rose up at least ten floors with several additional wings jutting out. I was pretty sure that some of the wings had wings!

Did the royal family really need so much space? I felt like the entire Saboreef territory would fit in the gardens alone. The palace was like a whole city on its own.

I thought of Soren. He’d be on his way to catch up with me by now, but I had time to talk to the king and figure out what he wanted with me.

I knew Soren would be upset… A letter wasn’t a substitute for talking in person and I was carrying precious cargo. I could practically hear the lecture Soren would give me once he caught up to me.

But I had to do this!

Clenching my fists, I walked into the gardens. Many of the staff glanced at me but they didn’t stop me. It was like they were expecting me.

I wasn’t going to turn back now. Helen was supposedly in the palace. If there was even the slightest chance she was here, I had to find her. The last time I’d seen her, she was so weak and didn’t seem like she had much time left.

If I’d waited to make a plan with Soren, it might have been too late for Helen.

He’d understand that… I kept telling myself.

Helen was my only family and I wasn’t going to lose her!

Before getting to the interior palace, I came to a gate that separated the gardens from the palace. There were guards blocking the gate.

One of them nodded to me.

“Miss Hathaway, his Majesty has been expecting you.”

“Lead the way.” I motioned through the gate.

Only one of the guards led me through and into the palace courtyard. The other remained behind to guard the gate.

As we walked through the courtyard, I heard children’s laughter. Instinctively, I looped my arms around my stomach and looked at where the laughter was coming from.

To the right of the courtyard was a large field with smaller gardens in it. I could see three kids playing there.

The guard led me right over to the garden. He bowed when the eldest boy looked at him.

“Crown Prince Justin,” he greeted.

The oldest boy who looked to be about sixteen just nodded and kept a sharp eye on his younger brothers.

“Prince Warren, Prince Theo,” the guard greeted them as well, though they didn’t seem to care. They were too busy playing.

Theo was only a toddler, about two years old,

asked, arching an

I bowed respectfully.

Hathaway, a guest of the king,”

“Hm…”

studied me for a

didn’t let the princes or the guard see. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a guest but it

the children. They didn’t exactly

13-14 years ago, then Prince Justin wasn’t his child! It

boys any

again and I did the same. Then he led me into

and empty. Everything was perfectly clean and well decorated but it didn’t feel like a home. It felt like a

or a

a warm, friendly smile

welcome. Come in, don’t be shy,”

thighs. As nice as he was being, I couldn’t let my guard down. I was still a hostage. I

me with intense eyes. He emanated strength and power. Even the way he sat was regal and authoritative. That aura wasn’t diminished

eyes drifted to the man standing next to the

looked pale and weak. I thought if I blew on him, he’d fall over. It must have been from the pain

stiff but it was obvious that

turned away from him, refusing to acknowledge his

Miss Hathaway,” the

I bowed too. I’d almost forgotten my manners but I still

like I always imagined royals to be. Instead, he stood up and walked around his desk. Leaning his hips against it, there were only a few feet

Hathaway. Finally, we get to meet each other!” He waved at

bowed and backed

bit my lower lip. Alone with Eros and the king… this wasn’t exactly what I

I’m being honest, this isn’t a meeting

not appearing too offended.

don’t you

but he isn’t my friend! My friends

lips tightened but he didn’t respond to me. He didn’t even look at me. Instead, he bowed

servitude. You said you would release me as a free man. I request that you please

thumped

was a slave? I didn’t think the royal family

“Yes, Eros, you’ve done well. In all these years, you’ve

smile and

a pity for me to let someone of your talents go… Are you sure you don’t want to remain in the palace? With your skills and qualities… Well, the

“I thank you for your kind words and your generosity over the years. However, please excuse my forwardness. With my lack of ambition, I would be

Every time I’d seen him, he’d been so confident. He didn’t act like a slave

rejection, but it almost seemed

feel sorry for him. But Eros had made a selfish deal with the king. Me for his

king, too. Why else would he take it? And I was the final task

I will honor my word. When you walk out

his arm out to

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