Page 1

Chapter

One

KYSON

I clench my teeth, my gaze fixed on Cedric as he rises to his feet, offering a respectful bow. I had been anticipating this moment, knowing with absolute certainty that it would come to pass. Landeena guards are unwaveringly loyal to the empress or emperor, just as my own men serve me.

“We heard of her return, my King, and we mean no disrespect. We appreciate your generosity in accepting the Landeena people. However, our loyalty has always been to Landeena. We needed to be certain, and when her power resonated through our bloodlines, we knew she was indeed a true Landeena empress,” Cedric explains, his head bowed. I furrow my brows at his words and glance at Trey, who nods in agreement. It makes me wonder about the history between Cedric and Trey, their connection shrouded in mystery.

“Keep her guardian close, my King. Trey is your greatest asset. There is a reason Tatiana compelled Garret to sire Trey with their daughter,” Cedric adds before presenting me with the Landeena sword. Trey extends his arms to receive Azalea, and though I hesitate for a moment, I reluctantly hand her over.

“You will come to me as soon as Liam returns to resume guard duty,” I instruct Trey, reclaiming the sword. Surprisingly, it feels light in my grip. The Landeena crest and markings adorn its length.

“No need, My King. I have returned,” Liam’s voice echoes from somewhere in the crowd of Landeena people. I lift my eyes from the sword and scan the faces before me. Trey halts in his steps and turns towards me as Liam pushes through the throng, firmly holding Peter’s arm and Ester’s.

Cedric growls at Ester, causing her to flinch away as he steps in Liam’s path. “How dare you tarnish the Landeena name with your offspring,” Cedric snarls, though he ultimately defers her fate to me. I glance at Trey, but Cedric is the one who clarifies. “Trey came to me searching for Ester’s parents. I was the one who escorted the woman home,” Cedric explains, Trey growling softly as Liam shoves Ester towards me. I press my lips together, casting a stern gaze at Cedric.

“Is this the sire of your people?” I ask curiously.

“The sire to the firstborn Landeena, the rightful heir. Not an illegitimate child. I should have killed her when Trey asked me to,” Cedric says, nodding towards Trey before leading his people away from the castle grounds.

‘Alive and delivered, My King,’Liam informs me, his voice ringing through our mindlink. He swiftly removes his shirt and tosses it to Ester, who crouches at my feet. I sneer at her, wanting her far away from me.

“Cover yourself!” Liam snarls at her, striding towards Trey. He extends his arms, ready to receive Azalea while Trey hands him her limp body.

“My office, now, Trey. And someone find Damian for me,” I command, turning on my heel and making my way towards my office. I know Ester will follow; it would be foolish for her to attempt an escape with the presence of the Landeenaguard surrounding us. I have no doubt that Cedric would not hesitate to end her life if their paths were to cross again. His disgusted snarl reveals his true feelings towards her. But there are questions that need answers, and I intend to get them.

Upon reaching my office, I find Damian leaning against the door, appearing disheveled and exhausted. He rubs his eyes, as if he had only just woken up and was forcibly dragged out of bed. Pushing open the door, he steps aside to let me enter, followed by Ester and Peter. Trey follows behind them. Collapsing into my chair, I call out to Clarice, knowing she would be lurking nearby. She peeks her head in the door, acknowledging my unspoken request before wandering off.

‘I am stationed outside her room. The Queen is safely tucked in bed,’Liam informs me through our mindlink.

‘Bring Azalea to me when she wakes,’I instruct him before severing the connection. Scanning the room, I notice Peter moving towards the window on the far wall, his mother standing beside him. I motion towards the chair next to Trey, positioned across from me. He growls softly but remains silent, only averting his gaze when she takes her seat beside him.

Damian flops onto the chaise near the window, where Peter stands nervously, his complexion pale as a ghost. The desire to punish him fiercely burns within me, but Azalea had shown mercy for some reason.

“Someone better start talking. And quickly,” I demand, reclining in my chair. Yet none of them speak until Damian breaks the silence.

“I will extract fingernails and teeth if necessary. Speak up!” Damian growls from behind them. Trey glances over his shoulder at him before directing his attention to his sister.

“Start from the beginning,” I prompt her, eager to hear her side of the story. She looks away guiltily, but something nags at my mind. If she was in the Landeena Kingdom, how could shenot have recognized Marrissa when she was here? They worked closely together. Trey wasn’t present during that time, and we found evidence supporting his alibi – he was indeed hunting Marrissa with the Landeena guard and was hospitalized. But Ester was here, which meant she should have recognized her.

As the room remains silent, I am about to press further when Clarice knocks on the door, holding a tray of coffee in her hands. Damian immediately rises, snatching a cup for himself. I feel a pang of guilt; he has been shouldering a tremendous burden, and it’s taking a toll on him. I will need to send him away for a break soon; otherwise, he’ll be drained and exhausted.

I take my cup and express gratitude towards Clarice, who lingers nervously, her eyes darting towards Peter as if expecting me to unleash my wrath upon him. As tempting as it may be, I won’t do it – not without Azalea here. I can’t risk damaging our bond. She holds all the power now, and I know she will question everything, so I need answers to satisfy her inquiries.

Nodding at Clarice, she takes a seat beside Damian. “Now, speak,” I urge Ester, but she remains silent. Trey sighs and leans forward, resting his arms on the desk.

“Tatiana was supposed to marry Garret to forge an alliance. It was a strategic marriage,” Trey begins with a low growl.

“So, where do you fit into all of this?” I inquire.

“I was originally one of Garret’s guards. It was only when we visited Tatiana’s Kingdom that we discovered she was my mate,” Trey explains.

“And Garret allowed you to live?” I ask incredulously.

“He didn’t know at first. We kept it hidden from him. It took twenty years before he figured it out. But Tatiana knew that divorcing him would put me in danger. Garret could have chosen any of her sisters, but he only wanted her. He rejected her sisters’ advances, despite Tatiana’s efforts to convince him otherwise,” Trey reveals.

“How did Garret eventually find out?” I press further.