Chapter 184 Treason!!

Chapter 184 Treason!!
ADRIANA
I paced around Jared’s living room as he went inside to change.
My body was still humming in post-orgasmic bliss, but it was the sight of the stain on his crotch that was the source of my shock and pride. I had no idea what to do when he came back out. Thank him? I could thank him for that feeling, but at the same time, it felt… wrong.
“Hey.” He was back.
“Hey.”
To my surprise, he came forward and placed a soft kiss on my lips. It felt like a factory reset action, because I instantly grew a little calmer.
“I think it’s time we talked about the gems, right?”
I nodded.
“Did you find out anything tangible?” he asked.
I shook my head to signify no.
“You should use your words, baby girl,” he chuckled, his fingers tracing invisible designs on my thighs again.
I found myself purring.
“I think there is something in the gem,” Jared began. “I did a little research, and these stones match only something called Seykia Gems. They are powerful stones that can trap souls, gods, and even primals.”
Now my tongue loosened. “Primals?” Primals were ancient beings; they were myths to us, just as werewolves were myths to humans.
“Yes.”
“You think that this gem might hold a Primal?”
Jared shook his head. “It has the ability to, but we don’t know what they hold at the moment.”
“I see.” I nodded. “So, this Seykia Gem is like an upgraded version of a soul catcher?” I asked.
Jared nodded. “Exactly.” Then he paused and gave me an amazed look. “How do you know about the soul catcher?”
I shrugged. “Can’t remember. Probably read about it. So, if this gem contains something powerful, what’s the problem? They’re caged, right?”
“I thought about that, but then I read something else. The Seykia Gems weren’t originally meant to cage souls. They were used to tame aggressive beings—aggressive, powerful beings.”
Oh. “Meaning, whatever is in the gems is aggressive, powerful, and in need of taming.”
Jared nodded. “I couldn’t find anything on how the gem is used to tame beings, though.”
I thought I had an answer to that, but I had no idea if I was right or wrong. I also considered that he might freak out if I told him the gem was attached to me.
“Tell me the moment you notice something weird or off about the gem,” Jared advised.
I nodded.
His fingers came up to my waist beneath the jacket. “Are you up for an adventure tonight?” he asked.
I nodded in excitement. Another opportunity to beat up bad guys? “Yes!”
“There are some people gathering at night in a park downtown. I’ve been wondering what they go there to do. Last night, I tried to join them, only to find out that it’s a strictly by-invitation event. They know and identify each other, but I’m curious as to what they’re up to,” he explained.
“Are you a naturally curious person, or is there something about this gathering that sets you off?” I asked.
Jared thought about it. “Not particularly,” he started. “The truth is, I’m trying to help Adriana.”
I paused.
It was the first time I had heard him mention my name. Not Queen Adriana. Just Adriana.
“The Queen,” I murmured.
Jared nodded. “She’s doing so much. She’s trying her best, but there’s only so much she can do as a woman with no experience in ruling. I want to make things easy for her, and that includes finding gems, beating up bandits, and finding out the reasons for suspicious gatherings. They could be planning a coup, you know?”
I nodded. “She must appreciate you so much,” I managed, trying to hide the tears that were gathering in my eyes. I looked away, pulled myself together, and turned back to him. “Let’s go find those bad boys.”
The park was really far downtown, but it was funny that it wasn’t too far from the palace; it was just a less occupied area. I made a mental note to confirm if it was under royal land or if it was part of a private property.
We didn’t join the men; we only watched from afar.
There were no women in the group. It seemed like a nice and normal meeting at first glance, then I noticed something odd. “The leader is wearing a mask.”
“What?” Jared was surprised. We were quite far away, but I could see clearly. It seemed like he couldn’t.
“The second man on the high chairs, second from the right. He hasn’t said a word, but he’s been giving orders to everyone who wants to talk. He’s obviously the leader, but why is he masked?”
Jared had to strain his eyes to notice the mask. “I see it now,” he muttered. Then he frowned.
I turned to the gathered men again. Now they were all standing, with their hands on their chests like they were swearing an oath.
“This meeting… this… this is treason!” Jared swore.