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.

be about eleven and Theo was only a toddler, about

is this?” Justin asked,

I bowed respectfully.

guest of the king,” the

“Hm…”

studied me

but I didn’t let the princes or the guard see. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a guest but it wasn’t the right time or place to make a scene. Especially with a toddler

the children.

ago, then Prince Justin wasn’t his child! It was an odd realization, and one I knew

keep you boys any longer,” the

same. Then he

clean and well decorated but

some cold, damp room or a

warm, friendly smile

be shy,” he said in a friendly

thighs. As nice as he was being, I couldn’t let my guard down. I was still a hostage. I still had been forced to go somewhere I didn’t want to

regal and authoritative. That

man standing next to

looked pale and weak. I thought if I blew on him, he’d fall

and stiff but it was

acknowledge his

Miss Hathaway,” the guard

my manners but I still needed

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

get to meet each other!”

bowed and backed

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

this, but if I’m being

one shoulder, not

appreciate your honesty.” He turned to Eros. “Why don’t you help make your friend

isn’t my friend! My friends don’t

didn’t respond to me. He didn’t even look at

was my last task in servitude. You said you would release me as a free man. I request that

thumped

think the

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

the king gave Eros a sly 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?

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,

was so strange to see Eros begging. Every time I’d seen him,

down because of Ashley’s rejection, but it almost seemed like he was always

sorry for him. But Eros had made a selfish deal with the king. Me for his freedom! I never would have traded someone else’s life for

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

your mind, then I will honor my word.

his arm out