bChapter /bb637 /b

    bChapter /bb637 /b

    bHe /bbhadn’t /banticipated that, by a twist of fate, she would return to her role as Queen in such a way.

    Shirley and Henry had been inside the training hall for quite some time, long enough to imagine what might have transpired.

    In Edison’s mind, Shirley had always been a woman of discipline and restraint. He never would have imagined her locked in such intimate moments with a man, let alone in a ce like that.

    But Henry was different, the man she cared for.

    With him, she let down her guard, revealing a side no one else had

    ever seen.

    Edison’s eyes burned with envy. What he had long desired

    Was

    now in the arms of another.

    Shirley had been merciless toward him.

    But he had no intention of stepping aside. If he couldn’t have her, he would destroy her. If she wouldn’t be his, she wouldn’t belong to anyone else.

    His thoughts grew darker, fueled by possessiveness and spite.

    Back inside, as Shirley began to feel the stirrings of

    Thunger, the two finally emerged from the training grounds, hand in hand.

    Henry’s face was radiant with joy.

    He was eager to share the news, especially with Roy.

    Roy, ever since getting together with Molly, had been insufferable. At least Joshua showed some restraint. Roy, by contrast, constantly gloated, even mocking Henry for not having a girlfriend.

    Now, Henry had something to show. He and Shirley nned to celebrate over steak, a small but meaningful gesture to mark the beginning of their rtionship. Henry believed in romance, in ritual, in moments that mattered.

    As they stepped outside, waiting for their car, moonlight spilled across the pavement. A breeze rustled the leaves overhead.

    Henry draped his jacket over Shirley’s shoulders and, unable

    the pull between them, kissed her again beneath the quiet silver light.

    She teased him yfully, her touch deliberate, sending waves of heat through him.

    Feeling her hand on his stomach, he pulled back slightly, voice low. “Careful. We might not make it to dinner if you keep that up.”

    Shirleyughed and eased off, though her eyes still sparkled with mischief.

    Then, her expression shifted. She nced toward the shadowed base of a nearby tree.

    There was no one, only the dry rustle of leaves, stirred by the wind and tumbling softly across the ground.

    “Did iyou /isee something?” Henry asked, noticing the sudden tension in her posture.

    “I thought someone was watching,” she murmured.

    Henry narrowed his eyes. The danger around her had not disappeared. There were those who coveted her position and those who bwanted /b

    her heartb. /b

    b1/2 /b

    21:58 Tue 5 Aug.

    bChapter /b637

    bBut /bbthings /bbhad /bchanged. If anyone dared harm her now or tried bto /btake her from him, he would not stand idly bby/b, especially not Edon

    bHenry /bhad distrusted him from the very start. The man’s gaze had always been wrong. And after the bkidnapping /bbincident/bb, /bHenry knew he would have to stay one step ahead. Perhaps it was time toy a trap, draw him out.

    “I’ll have someone review the surveince footage,” he said.

    She nodded. “All right.”

    The car arrived, and Henry opened the door for her. “Come on.”

    The restaurant was softly lit, candlelight dancing between them. The atmosphere was warm, intimate. They clinked sses.

    Henry’s fingersced tightly with hers. He looked at her with quiet resolve. “I want the whole empire to know you’re mine. Would byou /bbbe /bball /bright with that?”

    Shirley gave a calm nod. It would certainly put an end to the ministers‘ endless attempts to match her with suitors or pressure her to bproduce /broyal heirs.

    Beaming, Henry opened Orthish, navigated to the most popr forum in the Kingdom of Xyperia, and posted a photo of the two of them together. The caption read: [Your queen has given her heart away.]

    bAD /b