Chapter 224 Another Version of Romeo and Juliet

Chapter 224 Another Version of Romeo and Juliet
Adrian’s POV   

I waited but he didn't make any other move. Did I see wrong?

The tension in the air thickened even more, like the calm before a storm that could burn everything down. 

My heart hammered against my ribs. Kira’s breath hitched beside me. Tristen’s gaze flicked between us, still soft on her but lethal when it landed on me.

I caught the movement from Sebastian again…his hand still inching toward his belt like he was weighing his options. 

My blood boiled, but I kept my voice steady, forcing confidence into every word even though my wolf was clawing to get out and paint the walls red.

“Sebastian,” I said, loud and clear, locking eyes with him. “I will advise you not to try anything funny right now. Whatever you have planned, drop it.” 

I gestured around us, at the tension crackling in the air like static before a lightning storm. “So what I suggest is we all move to a quieter place…maybe my study. We can sit down and talk about things calmly. As a family.”

Kira nodded her head so enthusiastically behind the veil that the fabric bobbed like she was agreeing to the best idea in the world. I could practically feel her hopeful energy bubbling through our bond.

Tristen’s response was immediate…a deep, guttural growl that vibrated through the hallway and made the guards shift uneasily on their feet. 

“I didn’t come here to talk,” he snarled, his voice echoing off the stone walls. “And I can never be family with a bloodline as vile as the Dravens. All I came for…” He looked directly at Kira, his eyes softening for a split second before hardening again. “is to take my daughter. Return her to her rightful place. Her home. I warned her the next time I came here, I’d drag her back even if I left a trail of blood in my wake.”

The words hit like a slap. The scent of aggression thickened…sweat and that underlying fury rolling off Tristen in waves.

Kira growled. Not a cute little sound. A real, pissed-off growl that cut through the tension like a knife. In one swift motion, she ripped the veil off her head, revealing her face. 

God, she was breathtaking…flushed cheeks, eyes blazing with that untamed fire, hair slightly messy from the veil. But that wasn’t the point right now.

It was the look in her eyes. The one that screamed she was about to go fully and unapologetically Kira mode.

“Oh uh,” I muttered under my breath.

She launched the bouquet straight into my hands. Petals exploded everywhere as I caught it awkwardly against my chest. 

Then she planted both hands on her hips, stance wide like she was ready to take on the entire army herself.

“Father,” she yelled, voice echoing down the corridor, “I’ve been trying to be patient and calm but you are getting me upset!”

Tristen’s brow furrowed deep, mouth opening to respond, but Kira jabbed a finger at him like a schoolteacher scolding a naughty kid. 

“You will let me speak!” The reprimanding tone was exactly the one she used on me whenever I pissed her off or suggested something stupid. It was almost hilarious how it worked on him too…for a second.

She kept going, words tumbling out hot and fast. “I understand your pain and fury. I do. But you’re the only parent and family I have left. Doesn’t that mean you should care about my feelings? About what actually makes me happy?”

Tristen’s voice softened, cracking just a little at the edges. “I do, my child. I’m willing to give you the entire world… as long as it doesn’t include Draven.”

“But my world is Draven!” Kira shot back, stepping closer to me.

Tristen shook his head violently. “No. Not after everything they did to me…not after what they did to our family. You will come with me. You will reject him and unite with Sebastian because he’s the one for you!”

“No!” Kira snapped, the word flying out before I could even open my mouth. Inside my head, my wolf was already snarling promises. 

‘How the hell is Sebastian the one for her? I’m her rightful mate. I’d sooner tear his jaws out than let him touch my woman.’

Kira wasn’t done. “I don’t want Sebastian, Father. I want Adrian. I know this kingdom…this throne wronged you. But they were deceived, Father. They didn’t know better. And Adrian is so sorry! I’m sorry too! I had to live without my father because of this. I was a victim too, Dad!”

My heart ached so sharply I had to swallow hard. The pain in her voice was raw, real, and it gutted me.

“Which is why you should come with me and stop defending this monster!” Tristen roared, pointing at me. “He is a fool, a bloodthirsty monster, the rot of the earth—”

“Just stop, Father!” Kira’s voice cracked with emotion. She draped a protective hand over her belly, looking up at me with those fierce, loving eyes. “He is my husband. He’s my mate. And the father of my child.”

Tristen lost it. His face twisted in pure rage, eyes bulging. “Never! That is not happening! No child of mine will carry a Draven bloodline. The bastard will be terminated. You will reject Adrian and come home with me!”

Kira’s mouth fell open in horror. “Tristen Ravenwood! What the hell are you talking about? You want me to remove an innocent child? Your grandchild?!”

“I don’t care!” he bellowed, chest heaving. “All I know is that you are not staying here!”

Kira’s voice dropped quieter, but it shook with intensity. “Mom will want me to be happy, Father. And Adrian makes me happy.”

Tristen’s eyes grew moist instantly. He blinked rapidly, fighting it back. “Don’t mention Angela.”

“I will,” Kira pressed, tears welling in her own eyes now. “Because she is my mother. I know nothing can ever make up for the injustice done to you. We’ve already handed the people responsible for the lies to you. Adrian is willing to do anything to appease you so we can all be together and…”

“Then he should leave you!” Tristen interrupted harshly. “If he's willing to do anything to appease me, then he should reject you…set you free!”

“You’re not listening, Father,” Kira said, voice breaking. “I will not leave him. And I will not let him reject me.”

Tristen’s next words came out pained, almost a whisper. “Even if it means losing me?”

Kira’s eyes got moist, tears spilling over. The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating.

Why is he pushing her to the wall? I exhaled sharply, stepping forward. Enough. This was my mess too. I started bowing deeply…crown still firmly on my head…holding the position with sincere respect.

“Your Majesty, what are you doing?” Thomas hissed through the link, voice panicked. “If you must bow…then take the crown off first before you do that!”

I ignored him, bowing a second time, then a third. 

The weight of the crown felt heavier than ever. 

Everyone knew what this meant. A king bowing with his crown on was sacred, reserved only for coronation when honoring the previous king. It was forbidden otherwise…showing the person before you was higher than the crown itself. A gesture of ultimate reverence.

Thomas rushed forward to stop me, but I held up a hand, freezing him in place. I stayed bowed.

“The Crown of Draven bows before you, Tristen,” I said, voice steady and sincere. “I vow to restore everything that has been taken. To restore your place in this kingdom. All I ask is for your blessing. Kira is my life. I would do anything to keep her by my side.”

Tristen’s fury only exploded higher. “If my daughter is your life, then I have come to take her! I have come to take your life.”

Kira started sobbing openly now, soft sounds breaking free. “Father, please…”

Tristen gave a sharp signal and sebastian moved instantly toward Kira.

She backed away fast, slipping behind me, her hands gripping my robe tightly.

“She should not resist,” Tristen warned coldly, “or it will turn bloody!”

Kira peeked out from behind my shoulder, voice shaky but still carrying that wild spark. 

“This is worse than Romeo and Juliet’s story! Can’t we all just make up and hug it out?!”