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

is this?” Justin asked, arching an

I bowed respectfully.

guest of the king,” the

“Hm…”

crown prince studied me for a

the guard see. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a guest but it wasn’t the right time or place to make

the children. They didn’t exactly

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

you boys any longer,” the guard

the same.

so big and empty. Everything was perfectly clean and well decorated but it didn’t

of bringing me to some cold, damp room or a dungeon, the guard

waiting with a warm, friendly

Come in, don’t be shy,” he said

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

eyes. He emanated strength and power. Even the way he sat was regal and authoritative. That aura wasn’t diminished by his friendly smile. If anything, it made me

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

stood straight and stiff but it was obvious that

away from him, refusing to acknowledge his presence

I present Miss Hathaway,” the guard said, bowing to the

bowed too. I’d almost forgotten my

the king to be cold and distant, like I always imagined royals to be. Instead, he stood up and walked around his desk. Leaning his hips against it, there were only

to meet each other!” He waved at his

guard bowed and backed

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

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

shoulder, not appearing too offended. He chuckled

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

my friend! My friends don’t betray

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

last task in servitude. You said you would release me as

heart thumped in

think the

and regarded Eros casually. “Yes, Eros, you’ve done

sly smile and I caught the concern in Eros’s

pity for me to let someone of your talents go… Are you sure you don’t

my forwardness. With my lack of ambition, I would be of no use. Please, I beg

to see Eros begging. Every time I’d seen him, he’d been so confident.

almost

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

king, too. Why else would he

and nodded. “Well, if I can’t change your mind, then I will honor my word. When you walk out that office door,

held his arm out to