Chapter 243

Elenna's POV

Millicent's words hung in the air, heavy and accusatory. Her eyes, once welcoming, now burned with judgment as she stared directly at Aurelian, pointedly ignoring me.

"You abandoned your harem, refused union with a pureblood noblewoman like Arielle..." she continued, her voice gaining momentum. "You pushed aside every perfectly acceptable female from every worthy species..." Her gaze flicked toward me, filled with undisguised contempt. "All this so you could be with a human?"

I'd faced prejudice before, but this was different. In that moment, I realized with startling clarity that the issue wasn't my lack of status. It was my blood – my humanity – that made me unworthy in her eyes.

Millicent straightened her shoulders. "Must I remind you of your noble dragon bloodline? You come from a long line of powerful Dragon Kings, partly because they united with powerful females." Her voice dropped to a near whisper, but each word struck like a hammer. "You're throwing that away now, and it's an insult to your bloodline and to the entire kingdom."

I felt myself shrinking under her words, even as anger flared inside me. Who was she to judge me based on something I couldn't control? I wasn't less because I was human. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Aurelian spoke first.

"Who are you to speak to me this way? To talk about my bloodline and my ancestors?" He took a step toward Millicent, and I saw a flicker of uncertainty cross her face. "My father Hadrian didn't even tell me about you. Your opinion means nothing to me. You are nothing."

The insult landed like a physical blow. Millicent's face went pale, her fingers trembling slightly, though she stood taller. She didn't respond immediately, seemingly gathering herself.

After a moment, she cleared her throat. "Yes, well, if you'll excuse me, I must prepare for tonight's gathering." Her voice was brittle, but controlled. "Please, continue to enjoy the garden."

With a tight smile, Millicent turned and walked swiftly toward the house, leaving us alone with her servant, who lingered at a distance, watching us with sharp eyes.

I exhaled slowly, not realizing I'd been holding my breath.

Aurelian took my hand, guiding me deeper into the garden where we could speak more privately, though still being watched.

"She hates me," I said, the realization settling heavily in my chest. "I mean, I know I shouldn't care what she thinks. Her opinion of me is practically irrelevant, but..." I trailed off, struggling to articulate my feelings.

I didn't like being judged for something I couldn't control – being human instead of dragon or some other powerful species. If Millicent was going to hate me, I wanted it to be for my actions or my character, not my blood.

Aurelian's fingers gently traced my cheek. "This has nothing to do with you. Her anger is directed at me. Even if you were of noble birth, she would be determined to hate you." His golden eyes held mine steadily. "None of this reflects on who you are, Elenna."

I smiled weakly. "Well, I suppose as long as you like me, that's what matters."

Aurelian raised his hand to cup my face, his palm warm against my skin. "You can be certain of that."

The servant watching us turned away slightly, granting us a small moment of privacy. Aurelian seized the opportunity, leaning down to press his lips against mine. The kiss was brief but intense, his lips firm and possessive against mine.

When he pulled back, his eyes had darkened to a deeper gold. "Let's continue our walk," he said, his voice slightly rougher than before. "We still have much to learn about this place."

I nodded, taking his arm. As we strolled deeper into the garden, my mind raced with questions. What was Millicent's true role in all this? How deeply was she involved with the rebels? And most pressingly – where was Adrian being kept, if he was here at all?

But beneath these urgent concerns, Millicent's words about bloodlines and worthiness continued to echo uncomfortably in my mind.

Doria's POV

I had no cleaning duties today. With Elenna and King Aurelian occupied with Millicent, I found myself with unexpected free time. I moved through the mansion's corridors uncertainly, not quite knowing what to do with myself. After years of constant service, idleness felt wrong to me, almost dangerous.

I decided to look for Malcolm. Our brief reunion had awakened memories of happier times, before I'd been sent to serve in the royal palace. Perhaps he could show me around the servant areas of this enormous estate.

As I approached the kitchen, voices drifted from around the corner. Recognizing Millicent's sharp tone, I quickly ducked behind a thick marble column. My heart pounded as Millicent and her butler passed by, so close I could smell the lady's floral perfume.

"A human! Just a human!" Millicent was saying, her voice trembling with rage. "What's happening to this kingdom?" She stopped abruptly, forcing the butler to halt beside her. "We need to accelerate our plans. Solan can have her for all I care, but the sooner we act, the better for the entire kingdom."

I pressed myself against the cold marble, hardly daring to breathe. They were talking about Elenna – it had to be. The mention of Solan confirmed it. So Millicent was definitely working with the rebels, just as the king suspected.

"And how do you suggest we proceed, my lady?" the butler asked, his voice measured and calm compared to Millicent's fury. "The Dragon King is no fool. He's watching everything."

Millicent gave a dismissive snort. "He might be powerful, but he's distracted by that human girl. It makes him vulnerable." There was a rustle of fabric as she adjusted her dress. "Make sure the preparations for tonight are flawless. And double-check that all the exits are secured as we discussed."

"Of course, my lady."

Oh no! They're planning a trap!

I gasped before I could stop myself, clapping a hand over my mouth—but it was too late. Even that tiny sound seemed to echo down the silent corridor outside the kitchen.