Chapter 30: She Belongs to Me!

Lucian strode quickly back to his room, with Riven following closely behind. The atmosphere in the palace corridors that night felt colder than usual, despite no wind. The tension in the air was palpable, given the events that had just transpired. It was no secret that Misaya was jealous of Elena. The man intervened to stop Elena's punishment from his mistress.

The story spread like wildfire, becoming a sensational tale that resembled a royal romance drama. Yet, they were certain Misaya wouldn't remain silent. They eagerly waited for the next chapter, wondering what would unfold.

Lucian walked with a mind burdened with anger. He had been suppressing his fury for far too long. He stopped in front of his room and turned to face Riven.

"Punish the bodyguards who brought my slave to the dungeon," Lucian ordered. His tone was calm but his eyes betrayed his rage.

Riven hesitated, as if he wanted to protest, but one look at his king's expression silenced him. He nodded obediently and swiftly departed.

Lucian was greeted by Misaya when he entered his room. The woman clearly waited for him and rushed over. Her face was twisted in annoyance, her eyes blazing. However, as soon as Lucian slammed the door shut behind him, her courage wavered.

"Your Majesty," she greeted, keeping her tone even. "You've finally came. We need to talk—"

Lucian silenced her with a gesture. His eyes were sharp and cold.

"Who gave you permission to touch her?" Lucian snapped fiercely, though he managed to hold back his anger.

Misaya looked defiant. "Why can't I punish her? She's a slave. I did what needed to be done. Isn't that why you brought her here? To make her pay for what they've done to us?"

Lucian snorted harshly. "So, you thought you could torture her to death?" he asked. "You crossed the line, Misaya!"

Misaya clenched her fists. "You're too soft on her, Your Majesty! She's the daughter of a kingdom that made us suffer! I was only—"

"I don't like it when people take control of me," Lucian interrupted.

"Your Majesty!" Misaya stepped forward, her face contorted with anger. "I only wanted to ease your burden! I'd do anything to help you—you know how much I love you! I'd sacrifice everything for you!"

Lucian shook his head in disbelief. "You misjudge me if you think you can act as you please. I won't tolerate this."

"What do you mean? Do you consider her more important than me?" Misaya asked, her voice trembling. "I'm the one who has always been by your side, while she's just a slave!"

"Listen carefully," Lucian said coldly, stepping closer. "Whatever you say, it doesn't give you the right to touch what belongs to me."

Misaya held her breath as Lucian grabbed her chin, his grip tight and unyielding.

"You forgot one thing," he whispered. "That girl is mine. She isn't Gaulle's slave, she's MY slave. She can only be punished or killed by ME!"

Misaya groaned in pain, clutching his arms. "Your Majesty..."

"If you cross the line again, I will not spare you. Remember that, Misaya!" he warned.

In a violent motion, Lucian released her. He walked toward the sofa but stopped and turned back. "Where did you get that slave remote collar?"

Misaya froze. She had taken it secretly and hadn't expected him to find out so soon. She avoided his gaze.

Lucian held out his hand. "Give it to me!"

Misaya sighed and retrieved the remote from her dress pocket. She walked over and handed it to him.

Lucian's gaze was colder than ever, making Misaya feel like she no longer recognized him. He felt distant, almost foreign. She didn't like her version of him.

Lucian shouted to call the guards. Misaya jumped at the sound. The door opened, and two guards entered.

"Take her. Make sure she doesn't leave her room for three days!" Lucian commanded.

Misaya glared at him. "Your Majesty... You're punishing me? For that slave?!"

Lucian's expression was without regret. "Be thankful I only gave you house arrest for three days. You touched my property and took it without permission—that's punishable by death."

Misaya's mouth fell open in disbelief. She wanted to retaliate but, seeing the situation, thought better of it. She roughly brushed off the guard's hand and stormed out of Lucian's room.

The door slammed shut behind her.

Lucian held his forehead, breathing heavily. He gripped the remote tightly and locked it away in a drawer. He wouldn't tolerate anyone taking it again.

That afternoon, Lucian was restless. Despite his mounting tasks, he couldn't focus. Eventually, he asked Riven to accompany him to Elena's room. For some reason, the girl's condition worried him.

Inside Elena's room, he found two maids sitting on the edge of the bed, looking agitated and sad. Upon seeing Lucian, they stood and bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty," Michelle greeted.

Lucian approached Elena, who lay still with her eyes closed. "How is she?"

Hera spoke first. Her face was swollen from crying. "She won't wake up, Your Majesty. She only spoke to me once earlier, and since then, she hasn't opened her eyes."

Michelle added, "The herbs we have aren't strong enough. Elena's wounds are too severe."

Lucian remained silent, gazing at Elena. "What did the doctor say?"

"The doctor said he needed stronger herbs, but he doesn't have any in stock. The herbs only grow on Palmolia's hillsides," Michelle explained.

Lucian's expression sharpened. "What are you waiting for, then? Go and get that plant!"

Michelle was surprised by his urgency. She hadn't expected him to care so deeply. She lowered her head.

"Hera and I will go. But we need time, Your Majesty."

"Get ready," he said impatiently, as if his own life depended on it.

Michelle hesitated. "But Your Majesty... while we're gone, someone must look after Elena. And... she can't stay here." She didn't dare fear Misaya might harm the girl.

Lucian was aware of her concerns. He fell silent, contemplating.

Despite the silence, the atmosphere became even more tense.

Finally, Lucian made his decision. He turned to Riven. "Take her to my room."

Everyone froze. Of all the possibilities, bringing Elena to Lucian's room was the least expected. Yet, the king offered.

Hera gasped, and Michelle looked up in shock. Riven opened his mouth in shock but closed it before Lucian's piercing gaze silenced him.

"Hurry up and leave!" Lucian ordered again.

Hera and Michelle hurried out, relieved that Elena would be safe in the king's room.