As Alpha Malik made his way back inside the palace, a heavy cloud of hurt and betrayal engulfed him, obscuring the warmth and love Aurora had once ignited within his heart. With each step, his pain deepened, casting shadows on the memories of their shared moments.
Unknown to him, a sense of urgency tugged at his soul, compelling him to seek out Aurora. He couldn’t fathom the reason behind this inexplicable need, but he was certain that when she woke up, she would face the consequences of her deception. And as for Evans, Alpha’s blood boiled with disbelief at the thought of his supposed ally supporting Aurora in fooling him. The mere idea was unfathomable, and he vowed that Evans would pay dearly for his betrayal.
Yet, amidst his wild thoughts, Alpha brushed away the intrusive doubts, focusing on his path ahead. Determined, he walked with measured steps, the imposing presence of the palace surrounding him like a symphony of grandeur and deceit. As he advanced, his attention was drawn to the commotion emanating from the physician’s quarters.
Curiosity mingled with fear within him, tightening his chest with a sense of foreboding. What had transpired? His heart raced, plagued by the unknown. Had something terrible befallen Aurora? The idea sent shivers down his spine, awakening a deep-rooted fear he had never experienced before.
Lost in his inner turmoil, Alpha almost missed the presence of the maids bustling about the corridor. They curtsied as he passed, their whispers punctuating the air like elusive secrets. Caught in the ebb and flow of their gossip, they briefly interrupted his thoughts, discussing rumors and speculations with hushed voices.
A group of maids crossed his path, their eyes wide with curiosity and concern. They exchanged glances, their voices hushed yet filled with gossip. Morena, the physician who tended to the sick, was being criticized for refusing to attend to others, redirecting them to different healers instead. One of the maids said.
“I heard the king summoned her,” one maid murmured, her voice tinged with skepticism.
“What makes her so special? After all, she is a murderer ” another maid questioned, her tone laced with doubt. “Just because she saved the king, who’s to say she wasn’t the mastermind behind the assassin in the first place?”
Naturally, hearing them Malik would want to leave them with their gossip, that is one of the things he learned when he was growing up as a young prince, that a palace is a home to gossip, where people’s lives can be changed negatively or positively.
Alpha steps quickening drawing closer to the source of the noise. The maids, their gazes filled with a mix of fear and curiosity, glanced at each other in anticipation, their hushed voices trailing off.
And then, as if on cue, the door swung open, revealing Alpha’s presence. The maids’ eyes widened in surprise, their conversations abruptly silenced. The weight of the king’s presence commanded their respect and silenced their words.
Alpha’s piercing gaze scanned the group of maids, his voice resonating with authority. “Who among you would lay her life down to save others?” he asked his voice firm yet laced with vulnerability.
The maids stood frozen, their mouths agape, unable to respond. Fear and uncertainty gripped them, their hearts racing at the king’s question. The gravity of sacrifice hung heavy in the air, leaving them momentarily speechless and in awe of the courage it required.
But before the silence could stretch any longer, a cacophony of noise erupted from within Morena’s chamber. The name “Aurora” echoed through the chaos, a sharp pang of concern shooting through Alpha’s heart.
Fear gripped Alpha’s chest, his determination intensifying as he swiftly turned away from the maids. He rushed towards Morena’s chamber, his footsteps echoing in the corridor, propelled by an urgent mix of dread and determination.
The maids watched, their eyes wide with anticipation, as their king disappeared into the chamber, bracing himself for the unknown fate of Aurora. They imagined what kind of charm Aurora used against their king to make him run just because he heard her name.
Meanwhile;
Xena cautiously made her way towards Jericho’s chamber, her gaze darting around, wary of being caught in this forbidden encounter. With every step, her heart raced, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety coursing through her veins. She knew the risks involved, the potential consequences if her secret rendezvous were discovered– The king won’t hesitate to kill her.
As she entered Jericho’s chamber, her eyes widened at the scene before her. A maid was pleasuring him, giving him a blow job.
Her actions accompanied his unabashed moans that filled the room, in that instant jealousy settled in her bones, although she hated the feeling, she wanted the king no one else.
The sudden intrusion caused the maid to zip up Jericho’s trousers hastily, her face flushed with embarrassment. Recognizing Xena as the king’s Mistress, she bowed respectfully, acknowledging her presence and ran out of the room.
Jericho stood up, his gaze fixed on Xena, desire flickering in his eyes. His hand moved possessively around her neck, attempting to forcefully claim her lips. Xena, however, intercepted his advance, pressing her hand against his chest and parting her lips to speak.
“I didn’t come here to be your plaything,” she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of defiance and disappointment. “You could call your toys back to fulfill your desires while I am away.”
Jericho’s expression shifted, a hint of insecurity slipping through. “Are you jealous?” he taunted, his tone betraying a touch of openness.
Xena couldn’t help but let a smile dance upon her lips. “Jealous? Why would I be jealous of an ordinary maid?” she retorted, her voice tinged with amusement and underlying pain.
Jericho’s eyes softened, his voice filled with sincerity. “I don’t love anyone else, not even my wife. It’s only you that I want, only you and I vowed to make you mine only”
But before Xena could respond, Jericho’s hand connected with her cheek in a swift motion, leaving a faint stinging sensation. Her face contorted in a mixture of surprise as Jericho pressed a kiss on her lips.
“I came here to share the information you asked me to gather, I’m not here for this’ ‘ she finally spoke as she regained her composure, her voice steady. “I heard that the assassin was captured by Jaguar, and the king was aware of it before the incident occurred.”
Jericho’s expression shifted, his shock evident. “Is that true?” he asked, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty.
Xena nodded, her eyes locked with his. She couldn’t help but recall the discussion she had with Evans, the suspicion that Jericho may have played a role in the assassination attempt. She gathered her thoughts and decided to confront him. “Did you have any knowledge of the assassin’s plans?” she inquired, her voice measured.
Jericho’s eyes widened at the question, his surprise genuine. “Why would you even ask such a thing?” he responded, a hint of defense in his voice.
Jericho’s brow furrowed as he contemplated the question. Sensing her unease, he quickly responded, “No, I know nothing. I had no involvement.”
Xena’s gaze lingered on his face, searching for any signs of deception. Satisfied with his answer, she nodded once more, her focus shifting to the matter at hand.
“Do you know where they have imprisoned the assassin?” Jericho asked, wanting to find way to eliminate him.