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 a

this?” Justin asked, arching

I bowed respectfully.

a guest of the king,” the guard

“Hm…”

crown prince studied me

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

help studying the children.

Sebastian really was Dylan and the soul swap had happened 13-14 years ago, then

won’t keep you boys

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

well decorated but

some cold, damp room or a dungeon,

with a warm, friendly smile on his

welcome. Come in, don’t be shy,”

walked into his 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 been forced to go somewhere I didn’t

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

drifted to the man standing next to the

if I blew on him,

it

turned away from him, refusing to acknowledge his presence

may I present Miss Hathaway,” the guard said,

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

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

to meet each other!” He waved at his guard. “Leave

and backed out of

lip. Alone with Eros and the

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

king shrugged one shoulder, not appearing too offended. He

Eros. “Why don’t you help make your friend

he isn’t my friend! My friends

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

my last task in servitude. You said you would release me as a free man. I request that you please honor your word and free

thumped in

didn’t think the royal family would have

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

gave Eros a sly smile and I

to let someone of your talents go… Are you sure you don’t want to remain in the palace? With

years. However, please excuse my forwardness. With my lack of ambition, I would be of no use. Please, I beg of you,

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

he could be so down because of Ashley’s rejection, but it almost seemed like he was always this submissive

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

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

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

his arm out to the

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