Page 43 of Ruined Kingdom

I’d been told we were visiting a village, but this looked much more like a city.

There were stone buildings that lined either side, standing tall and proud.

Only a few merchants were scattered here and there. Most of them had their own shops.

What was most surprising was how many different creatures there were walking about and minding their own business.

I couldn’t believe it. There were beings I couldn’t even have imagined existed in my wildest of dreams.

“Miss, the King is waiting for you.” The footman cleared his throat and whispered to me quietly. His voice shook, and I could tell he was scared to speak to me.

I couldn’t imagine why. I’d never had a negative interaction with any of Kaine’s staff. “You don’t have to be so nervous around me. I’m not going to hurt you.”

I reached out in the hopes of calming him, but he only jerked away from me.

“You might not, but the King might.” His brows were deeply furrowed in concern.

I looked up, noticing Kaine was standing there rather impatiently waiting for me. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”

I glanced back at the footman and smiled before taking my time to walk up to Kaine. I could tell my lack of haste was getting under his skin.

“I apologize for the wait. I imagine it would have been less of a walk if I was allowed to share a carriage with you.”

His lips parted as he prepared himself to say something, but I walked ahead of him before he had the chance.

In hindsight, it might not have been the brightest idea to piss off someone who had trouble controlling their shifted form, but I just couldn’t think rationally with so many emotions swirling around in my chest.

As soon as our presence was no longer hidden by the carriages, I could tell there was a shift in the air.

The creatures that had been quietly bustling about their own business fell silent. They stared at us almost in horror as they whispered among each other.

Some of them even ran inside to whatever shops were closest.

I slowed down a bit, allowing Kaine to catch up with me. “Tough crowd?”

“Something like that. You don’t become the protector and keeper of immense power without making a few enemies.” He spoke to me but didn’t stop looking ahead. It was almost as if he was trying to look intimidating.

“Do you mean to say that the Dark Fae weren't the only creatures trying to take the power from you?” I questioned him, much louder than he appreciated.

He didn’t answer, but his jaw clenched, letting me know that I was right.

And here I thought everyone was in harmony except for the Dark Fae. I suppose that was an unrealistic notion.

“I see. Then why are we here to elicit help? Wouldn't it be more dangerous than anything to let them know that you are not at your strongest?” I made sure to whisper this time.

“I still have my friends here. That’s important for you to learn, too.” He was being so curt with me.

I understood that we were in public, but goodness, I hated it! “Why would it matter to me?”

He glanced at me from the corner of his eye. “Because you will be my queen one day. My allies will become your allies. If Goddess forbid something happened to me, you need to know who will help protect you and our kingdom.”

His words took me by surprise.

My lips pressed together as that icy cold dagger in my chest twisted at the thought.

If something happens to him… Am I supposed to lead on my own, then?

The thought hadn’t crossed my mind until now. It was scary enough to think that something might happen to Kaine that would take him away from me, but to think that I would have to take his place was a daunting task all on its own.

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