Valencia

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    If looks could kill, Nina’s gaze would have beheaded me long ago. The re she leveled at me was harsh and

    cruel.

    There was no doubt she hated me for whatever reason but I never understood what problem she had with ollime. /li/ol

    The entire crowd that had been watching our interaction seemed to pause. The huge hall went entirely quiet after my irritated words left my mouth.

    All the heads turned to me, even those who had been whispering and discussing something among themselves silently.

    Martin was still doing a fine job of pretending to be crying but my words made him look up and the dry eyes. would certainly not fool me.

    He quickly pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away the non–existent tears and looked at me.

    “I am so d to have you by my side at such difficult times. I wouldn’t have the courage to face this if not for you.”

    His hand squeezed mine under the robe a bit too hard and he red at me, indicating to y along.

    Nina was still wondering what to answer but Martin looked at her and said with a sad smile.

    “The turn of events has been rather harsh on her. First Killian’s betrayal, now father’s declining health, she mes herself for all of this.”

    He said in a voice loud enough to boom through the hall.

    Wait?

    What the hell was he bbering about again? When the hell did I me myself for anything? And what did he even mean by Killian’s betrayal?

    Nina gave him an understanding nod though she did not change her look of contempt to sympathy for me. Her hatred for me shone through the web of lies Martin was weaving.

    “It is understandable, Prince Martin. The royal healer proved to be of no use in this delicate situation and the Crone retired to the temple to pray for the King’s health citing that now only prayers could heal him. 1, however, decided to stay back and offer whateverfort I could….in his final moments.”

    The crowd watched expectantly as the drama unfolded. She answered my question but she didn’t direct it to ollimeb. /b/li/ol

    And now I was understanding what was truly going on.

    17:21 bWed/bb, /bbSep /bb17 /b

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    They were staging the King’s death as a natural phenomenon and making it a public disy for Martin to garner sympathy and ascend the throne without any repercussions.

    A man who had been standing by the side slowly stepped forward and bowed to him.

    “I am sorry to bring this up at such a delicate time, my prince, but we should probably hold an emergency meeting right away.”

    The man straightened and I realized he was one of the members of the court who had been sitting beside Martin thest time I was invited here.

    Martin faked confusion as he asked him.

    “Feel free to speak freely, Lord Bastian. What is it that you wish to talk about?”

    Lord Bastian was a balding man with grey hair on either side of his head but his face had that sort of cunning look which matched Nina and Martin.

    Lord Bastian looked around as if to hesitate and then continued.

    “The news of the King’s declining health along with the youngest prince’s betrayal has already reached neighboring kingdoms. Our kingdom and crown are in a delicate position right now. This Kingdom needs a King for the other kingdoms to not see us a ripe fruit ready to be plucked.”

    Martin pinched the bridge of his nose again, feigning how it was absolutely gutting for him to be talking about usurping the throne right now.

    “No dont talk about anything else except father’s health, right now, Lor Bastian.”

    “But my King…” Lord Bastian began and Martin raised his voice.

    “I said dont talk about it. I don’t want to think about it right now. And dont you dare refer to me as your King while my father is still alive. I will rip your heart out.”

    Lord Bastian opened his mouth but then closed it and bowed to him.

    Meanwhile, Martin turned in my direction and ced his head on my shoulder and his shoulders rocked as if he was crying.

    I had to put all efforts into ensuring I didn’t scowl or make a disgusted face as his stale breath tickled my ear.

    “You shouldfort me if you dont want another maid to get her back bloodied.”

    I gritted my teeth and replied.

    “I hope you rot in hell”

    “Oh darling, I wont because I have to live this life enjoying you and your reactions. Now quick or the guard to your left will turn around to whip some innocent if you dont console me in the next few minutes.”

    My gaze drifted to the guard who was just about to turn around and my hand quickly flew up to pat Martin’s

    b17:21 Wed/bb, /bbSep /b17

    back.

    “Aah, your touch bis /bbso /bsoft. But you have to show some more affection, darling.”

    He whispered as his mouth came closer to my neck.

    When I didn’t respond, he added.

    “Oh maybe you like being kissed in the room full of people. I now remember.”

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    He said and I added another hand to pat his back while the previous hand went up to his hair to gently stroke it.

    “Aah, thats so much better, darling. Though you know I can pretty much fuck you right now and its only my good manners stopping me right?”

    “I would rather die”

    He inched even closer, his wet lips on my ear that he kissed.

    “That can be arranged easily but where is the fun in that, little witch.”

    I stared at him with all the hatred I could pour into my eyes but he finally pulled away from me and smiled at me while giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

    “Pardon me for my insolence but I believe, Lord Bastian is not wrong, Prince Martin.”

    A familiar voice rang out from the crowd and I followed its direction to see Sir Nichs stepping forward.

    “I have received news of the northern kingdom preparing for an attack as we speak. The throne needs a King as does the army to be battle ready. You need to step up, if not for yourself but for the people of Elorin.”

    Goodness, just how many people were ying this game?

    A few more men stepped forward and they all began to convince Martin to take up the crown and sit on the throne though he kept ncing at his father every now and then as a doting son.

    He would have easily fooled the Bureau and escaped all the crimes he was used of with his acting.

    I was just d he had stepped away from me and my hands were subconsciously trying to dust off the feel of his touch on my body and not vomit in disgust.

    “And you should also marry the witch’s descendant as quickly as possible to present a strong front to our rivals. With your marriage sealing your alliance with the witch, no kingdom would dare even look at us.”

    Sir Nichs addedb, /band before I could object, another voice rang out from the crowd.

    “Oh really? What about me then?b” /b