Chapter 67 Proven Yourself Useful
Back at the atelier, the air was thick with the metallic stench of blood. Streaks stained the floor where Melva had been beaten, her breath shallow but steady. The Queen Mother’s eyes narrowed as she took in the sight.
“That’s enough,” she snapped, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. She waved her hand in annoyance. “This is no fun anymore. I see it now. That whore is truly Cain’s daughter. No compassion. No heart. Not even for her own servant.”
Her fury twisted into a cruel smile as she motioned for Melva to be dragged forward. A maidservant lifted the girl’s chin roughly, forcing her face up. Blood trickled from the corner of her lips.
Wilma leaned in, her voice low as she grunted, “You. Look closely at your lady. She left you to suffer without even blinking. Don’t you want revenge? Don’t you want to get back at her?”
Her eyes gleamed with malice. “Work for me instead. Be my eyes and ears while you serve her. Do this, and I will reward you. I’ll see to it your life is spared. I’ll even grant you a place here as one of our own.”
Melva trembled, her lips parting, but before she could speak, Ava stepped forward. Her gaze flicked to Melva’s broken form, while Althea’s composed and nonchalant face awhile ago appeared in her mind.
“Your Grace,” Ava said carefully, studying Melva, “I’m not convinced. If Lady Althea truly doesn’t care, then this servant holds no value for us. Why waste time testing loyalty? Put her in the dungeons for now. Let her rot until she proves useful.” Ava didn’t want to risk it yet; she preferred to test the waters first and see whether the girl could be turned against the breeder.
The Queen Mother considered the suggestion, her eyes narrowing as she stared at Melva. A wicked smile slowly curved her lips. “Very well,” she said, voice cold as steel. “The dungeon it is.”
At her command, the guards seized Melva’s arms and dragged her away. Then Wilma turned to a servant and spoke without another glance back. “Clean this mess. Make sure Gavriel never gets the slightest hint that anything happened in his workshop. Remove every trace of blood.”
Ava quickly linked her arm with the Queen Mother and helped guide her out of the atelier. They had barely stepped into the corridor when Marga, Wilma’s head servant, came rushing toward them, her face pale and her breathing uneven.
Wilma’s brows pulled together. Just one look at Marga’s expression told her the news would not be good.
“Spit it out,” Wilma demanded sharply.
Marga bowed her head, her voice trembling. “News from the throne hall, Your Grace. Lord Thanos… he won’t be regaining his position. The Alpha King himself laid out evidence—case after case—of corruption and abuse of power. The court has decided he’ll be detained until His Majesty gives a final judgment for his crimes.”
Ava’s knees nearly gave way. Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, she clutched the Queen Mother’s arm harder just to keep herself upright.
‘Father… detained? Was stripping him of his position not enough, now they had detained him too?!’ Her stomach twisted, heat flooding her face, but she forced it down, hiding the storm raging inside.
She couldn’t let them see her break. Not here. She clenched her teeth, fury burning in her chest. ‘It’s that whore’s fault! Everything has been falling apart since she arrived. She’s destroying everything I worked for!’
Wilma placed a hand over Ava’s trembling fingers. Her eyes softened only slightly. “You’ve stayed by my side for years, assisting me faithfully in my duties. I am sorry, child. There is little I can do about your father now. By this time, I am sure some ministers will try to plead for him… but you know my son.”
Ava took a shaky breath, her lips pressing into a thin line before she forced them into a calm smile.
“Do not concern yourself, Your Grace. If my father truly committed crimes against the kingdom, then I will not defend him. The laws exist for all of us. I only hope his actions will not cast a shadow on me, nor on the duties I have sworn to serve here in the royal estate.”
Her voice was steady, but her nails dug into her palm until it hurt.
Wilma gave a firm nod. “You have my word. Whatever happens to your father, it will not taint your standing here. I will see to that personally. You’ve proven yourself too useful to me, and I will not let this bring you down.”
Marga, still catching her breath, added carefully, “There is more, Your Grace. The Alpha King dismissed all talks regarding the Luna and Alpha Queen selection. He said it will not be discussed for now.”
Wilma’s face darkened, her jaw tightening as if she were holding back a storm. “That stubborn son of mine! I should sever the mate bond soon!” she snapped, her voice low but full of spite.
Ava gasped, her eyes widening. “But only those who practice dark magic can do that, Your Grace.” She clasped her hands as if troubled, but deep inside her chest was a rush of excitement. The very thought of Gavriel being freed from that cursed bond made her blood sing.
“I know,” Wilma muttered, her eyes narrowing. “And I can find one. The black market in Sanguira Continent has what I need.”
Her lips curved into a slow, dangerous smirk.
Ava lowered her gaze politely, but her mind raced. ‘If the bond is broken, then the Alpha King will no longer be chained to that whore. He will no longer feel her pull. And when that happens… who else will stand by his side but me?’
Wilma leaned closer, her voice dropping to a hiss. “I’ve already sent word to my nephew days ago. Midas will see to it. Once he returns, we’ll have what we need to cut the bond.”
Ava’s heart fluttered, though she made sure her face stayed calm. ‘Yes, let them think it is for the good of the kingdom. But in truth, it will open the path for me. Gavriel will finally see who truly belongs beside him. And I will make sure he chooses me.’