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.

Theo was only a toddler,

this?” Justin asked, arching an eyebrow

I bowed respectfully.

Hathaway, a guest of

“Hm…”

prince studied me for a

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

couldn’t help studying the children.

really was Dylan and the soul swap had happened 13-14 years ago, then Prince Justin wasn’t

boys

and I did the same. Then he

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

to some cold, damp room or a dungeon, the guard brought me to the King’s

with a warm, friendly smile

in, don’t be shy,” he said

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

me with intense 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 question the sincerity of the

eyes drifted to the man standing next to the

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

and stiff but it was obvious that

away from him, refusing to acknowledge his presence more than

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

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

expected 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 a few feet between us and he smiled, it could

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

guard bowed and backed out

with Eros and the king… this wasn’t

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

not appearing too offended. He

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

me, Sire, but he isn’t my friend! My

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

bringing Miss Hathaway to the palace was 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 me from

thumped

was a slave? I didn’t think the royal

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

smile and I caught the

would be such 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…

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

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

it almost seemed like he was always this submissive and docile

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

to retrieve the artifact for the king, too. Why else would he take it?

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

his arm out to the