Even as warrior Ruko was scared and felt like he could pee his pants at any time, he maintained a straight face. He knew that if he showed any sign of fear, he'd become a suspect to the King and well, that would end up with him being tortured until he spilled out the truth.
The King had very heightened senses so warrior Ruko tried very hard to stop his heart from racing fast. It was almost impossible with the way he was scared at that moment, but it was either this or his head.
"My King, the Queen almost tripped earlier and I caught her. Perhaps, it's why her scent is all over me." Warrior Ruko replied as he quickly came up with a lie.
King Killian turned to Elena, "You almost tripped?"
Elena raised her brow and was about to say she did not trip when the memory came rushing back. She saw how she tripped and how Warrior Ruko caught her. It was a strange memory because a while ago, she was very certain that she almost did not fall. "Y-yes, Killian, I tripped," Elena replied, even though she was unsure of her response.
"I see." King Killian muttered. Though he did not like that his wife's scent was all over another man, he could not possibly prefer for her to fall. Facing warrior Ruko again, he commanded. "Go wash off my wife's scent from your body now."
"Will do just that, my King." Warrior Ruko replied as he bowed his head in honor and with that, he walked out of the garden, silently thanking the witch for her potion.
Warrior Ruko couldn't help but praise the witch in his mind after the final part of the powder took effect. Thanks to the powder, he was able to manipulate Elena's memory for just one hour after she woke up.
It was a close call for Ruko, as the King arrived just in time. Had he asked the same question later, Ruko would have been dead, as he would no longer have control over Elena's memories. Regardless, spending more than half of his lifetime savings on this powder was worth it.
"We shall meet again my Queen." Warrior Ruko thought to himself. He disappeared from the garden with a deep smile plastered on his face.
"You came early? I wasn't expecting you until the evening?" Elena asked in a calm tone as she fixed her eyes on King Killian. His sudden appearance felt strange to her.
"Well, I'm here now. Plans got changed." King Killian replied casually. He spared a glance at Irene before turning to Elena again, "Be careful." He did not even allow his wife to speak again before he turned and left.
"Well, that was all shades of strange," Irene commented as she walked over to the Queen's side. "The way he came, how he spoke, it's almost like he had suspected you'd be in danger, which is very strange." She added and Elena nodded.
"Well, I'm just glad Warrior Ruko caught you when you tripped. Because not only would you have scratched your beautiful skin, I'd also have been punished for not being here." Irene commented as she grabbed the hand fan, ready to continue fanning the Queen.
"U-uhm, Irene, I didn't trip over myself," Elena said, her tone laced with worry. She was concerned about herself and how she suddenly felt out of the loop. What was happening to her?
Irene's face paled. The Queen was definitely sick and she was going to report it to the King.
Because Irene did not want to scare Elena, she said in a bubbly voice. "Yes, oh forgive me, I thought you said you had tripped."
Meanwhile, King Killian walked back into the palace with just one thought in his head. Earlier, he was really certain that Elena was in danger. His instincts were never wrong so why was she not in danger like he had sensed?
Or was the real threat still lurking, hidden from his sight? Nah. Maybe he was just wrong this time as Elena had been messing with his senses lately.
Annoyed, King Killian blocked out all thoughts about Elena as he focused his gaze ahead. Soon he reached his study and was not so surprised to find his Beta already waiting for him.
"Welcome, my King," Beta Gareth said, bowing respectfully. The glint in his eyes showed that he had news.
King Killian only nodded and then went to sit on his chair, he was silent for a while before he ordered, "Have your seat."
Beta Gareth nodded in understanding before taking his seat on the chair opposite King Killian's. He straightened his back and cleared his throat before he started. "My King, I now have all of the information you need."
"Good. Now go ahead and spill it." King Killian voiced, his tone hard and lacking any warmth.
Beta Garrett nodded and then began explaining everything to the King. How Alpha Zade had disobeyed him, how Elena was treated, and how he was right about her bloodline.
"Hmm," was all King Killian said after hearing the Beta's report. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, while his foot tapped a steady rhythm against the floor.
After what felt like an eternity, King Killian spoke, "So... Zade not only disobeyed my direct order but also dared to make my wife's life miserable?"
"Yes, my King," the Beta replied, bowing his head.
"Very well," King Killian said smoothly. "It seems I'll have to pay the Nightshade Pack a personal visit... and offer my dear Alpha friend a proper greeting."
Beta Gareth nodded. He wasn't surprised with what the King had said. This meant that Zade would not leave to see another day after meeting the King, or he would face a fate worse than death.
"Is there anything else you want from me, my King?" Beta Gareth asked after the duo discussed a few other things.
"No, you may leave." King Killian voiced. However, he stopped Gareth almost immediately. "Wait."
"My King?" Gareth replied, turning to face the King again.
"I want you to run a background check on Warrior Ruko. There's just something strange about it. Keep an eye on him as well."
"Okay, I'll do just that." King Killian waved his hand, dismissing the Beta and he left immediately.