Chapter 183 Chapter 182
Morvan learned the king had brought Rayena into the palace, and he couldn’t be more glad and relieved. Finally, after all these years of searching, they had found someone who could help him out.
He also knew they needed to prepare her before his rut hit again, so this didn’t cause more pain than she was capable of handling. Learning the king had gone on a run to cool off, he decided to wait for him.
The king arrived much later in the afternoon, and on spotting him, motioned for Morvan to walk next to him. Morvan lowered his head in greeting before falling into step with him. “I hear Rayena is in the palace. I’m glad you finally decided to keep her close.”
Xenon shrugged, looking as disinterested as ever, but Morvan knew that was all a mask. “Well, it would be useless to keep acting like she won’t be beneficial to us. Although it may be a little troublesome trying to teach and prepare her, it’s a necessary sacrifice.”
“That’s a good thought. A word of caution, however — being so close with her may speed up your rut.”
“I know, and that’s what I’m concerned about. We really can’t afford to waste any time.” The king murmured, his tone contemplative.
“But…” Morvan asked, his steps slowing as they entered the palace. “Is she truly compatible with you?” he asked in a hushed voice.
“By compatible, do you mean my beasts don’t go berserk when she’s around?” Xenon asked with a side glance. Morvan nodded. Xenon’s brows furrowed in thought. “Well, the wolf clearly wants to claim, mark, and mate with her. I’m not sure about the tiger, though. But if it was disgusted, he would have harmed her a long time ago.”
Morvan sighed, clinging to the good news in the neutrally spoken words. “I pray it goes well for the two of you. You need all the luck you can get.”
“Oh, you’ll stand guard on that day. If you see I’m going to be a danger to her, take her away from me,” he commanded.
“Yes, your majesty,” Morvan responded with a bow of his head. Xenon stopped abruptly then.
“Now, you need to take the edge off yourself. You’re about to turn into a monk guarding me all the time.”
Morvan stiffened, shocked the king had picked up on his restlessness. “I’m fine, your majesty,” he muttered with a grumble.
“I can smell your agitation, Morvan. You’re not fine. You should take some time off. One night at least — nothing will happen to me, I promise.”
“Your majesty…” Morvan tried to protest.
“Morvan,” Xenon growled, his voice infused with command.
Morvan relented. “Okay, I’ll go.”
Xenon smiled then. “That’s more like it.”
.
.
.
Morvan was on his way out of the palace when he picked up on a strange scent. He paused, looking around him, trying to ascertain where it was coming from. Whoever it was, the person was definitely far away, but since he was on edge, he picked it up easily.
He decided to find who it was, and the search led him to a lady crouching in the bushes. He rolled his eyes, tired of playing this game. Clearing his throat, he watched as the figure jumped, stumbling to the ground before picking herself up, embarrassed at being caught. It was none other than Soraya.
Raising a brow, he made to speak. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, I’m looking for my friend, Rayena. She was called in earlier, and I haven’t seen her since then. I’m worried she might be in trouble.” Her expression grew troubled. “Is she alright?”
“Yes, she is. The king has chosen her, so she won’t be returning to the harem anymore,” he announced. Soraya’s eyes grew wide.
“Really?”
Morvan nodded. She jumped up in excitement, then giggled disbelievingly to herself. “Aww, I’m so happy for her. And concerned too. She’ll be alright, won’t she?”
“She will,” Morvan groaned. He narrowed his gaze. “You should go back to the harem. You know trespassers are punished, right?” he reminded her, watching as a flush stained her cheeks.
“I’m sorry, I’ll go now. Bye!” she called out, already sprinting back. He watched her go, feeling his tiger stir with interest within him, emitting a soft purr and then groaning at the distance between them. That puzzles him but he didn't give I much thought.
It was fascinating, watching her being concerned for her friend. Slowly turning around, Morvan left the palace with a half-smile on his face.