Sold AS The alpha King's Breeder

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.

and Theo was only

is this?” Justin asked, arching

I bowed respectfully.

is Miss Hathaway, a guest of

“Hm…”

prince studied me

a guest but it wasn’t the right time or place

the children. They didn’t exactly look

soul swap had happened 13-14 years ago, then Prince Justin wasn’t his child! It was an odd realization, and one I knew I had to

you boys

the same. Then he led me into the

so big and empty. Everything was perfectly clean and well decorated but it

damp room or

with a warm, friendly

shy,” he

couldn’t let my guard down. I was still a hostage. I still had been forced to go somewhere I

way he sat was regal and authoritative. That aura wasn’t diminished by his

to the man standing

I thought if I blew on him, he’d fall over. It must have been from

and stiff but it was obvious that

away from him, refusing to acknowledge his presence more than I already

majesty, may I present Miss Hathaway,” the guard

bowed too. I’d almost forgotten my manners but 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 between us

meet each other!” He waved at

bowed and backed out of

and the king… this wasn’t

Majesty, I’m sorry to say this, but if I’m being honest, this isn’t a meeting I

not

He turned to Eros. “Why don’t you help make your friend here

Sire, but he isn’t my friend! My

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

you would release me as a free man. I request that you please honor your word and free me from

thumped

I didn’t think

casually. “Yes, Eros, you’ve done well. In

a sly smile and I caught the concern in Eros’s

Are you sure you don’t want to remain

for your kind words and your generosity over the years. However, please excuse my forwardness. With my lack of ambition, I would be of no use. Please, I beg

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

down because of Ashley’s rejection, but it almost seemed like he was always this submissive and docile around the

wanted to feel sorry for him. But Eros had made a selfish deal with the king. Me for his freedom! I never would have traded

probably had to retrieve the artifact for the king, too. Why else would he take it? And I was the final

can’t change your mind, then I will honor

his arm out