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“Yes, the whole Marrissa situation is baffling. Why didn’t she come forward? It defies logic. If Peter is Landeena, she would know that we would protect him. So why the secrecy?” Damian questions, shrugging his shoulders. His point is valid – Landeena’s have immunity, so who is Ester hiding Peter from?

“Do you think Ester is lying?” I probe further, and both Damian and Liam nod in agreement.

“Not entirely, but there are half-truths woven into her narrative. Marrissa had been working here for years and hadn’t made a move against Claire. She started in the gardens with Tanner before moving to the castle, yet she still had ample opportunity to strike at the kingdom. So why did it take her twoyears to act, Kyson? That’s what I find strange,” Liam points out, his words resonating with me.

“Hmm, you’re right,” I concede. “That does sound suspicious. Make sure someone is constantly with Ester and Peter, keeping them off castle grounds and under guard until we can resolve this situation.”

“And what about Crux? Can I send a few men to investigate these places?” Damian inquires, picking up a piece of paper from the pile.

“Deluxe Night and Midnight Tricks Gentleman’s Club?” Liam plucks the paper from Damian’s hand.

“I volunteer myself, my King,” he declares confidently. “I’ll test out the girls for surveillance purposes, don’t worry.”

“Surveillance - not a test run,” Damian corrects him sternly.

“Scratch and sniff; taste and whiff - whatever it is, I volunteer my time and pecker for the task,” Liam declares as Damian shakes his head.

“The sacrifices I am willing to make for you, my King,” he continues unabatedly. “I’ve got this one handled - Dustin can come along...” He ponders for a few minutes.

“Damian, you should come too. It could be a boys’ night out – you might finally get lucky. It might help with that stick you have shoved up your ass. What do you say?” Liam suggests, nudging Damian playfully. Damian growls in response.

“And what exactly is Dustin going to do at a brothel?” Damian questions, his tone laced with frustration.

“He can handle the surveillance while I test out the girls. Duh!” I give Damian a pointed look, silently urging him to accompany Liam to ensure no trouble arises. Liam has a knack for bringing women home with him, and Damian’s presence would serve as a deterrent. Damian groans, running a hand over his face.

“Fuck! Fine,” he concedes with a defeated shake of his head.

“I need to find some appropriate attire for our outing,” Liam exclaims excitedly before taking another swig from the bottle of whiskey. He lets out a loud burp. “You’ll have to drive though,” he informs Damian, holding up the bottle. “I’ve already had a few; don’t tell the boss man,” he whispers, though I raise an eyebrow at his comment, considering the boss man just watched him down his liquor.

“He’s going to be the death of me,” Damian laments, and I chuckle.

“That’s Liam for you,” I assure him, and he nods in agreement.

“Yeah, if he weren’t so damn reliable, and trustworthy, I’d kill him myself,” Damian jokes as he stands up from his seat.

“I’ll be back in three days then - will you be alright here?” His words are more statement than question as I wave him off, telling him to go ahead. Damian needs a few days off - not that they’re really taking time off - but it’s good for him to leave the castle grounds for once. And Liam will force him to relax which is why I don’t protest his desire to accompany them.

“If you need me, just call, and I’ll come back,” Damian offers before making his way towards the door.

“I’ll be fine; I just need to get Azalea in line,” I reply, my words more determined than convincing.

“She’s not a pet, Kyson. And if you want her to listen to you, treat her as an equal,” Damian retorts.

“I do treat her as an equal!” I protest defensively.

“Only when it suits you. I heard about Ester and Peter. Yes, they deserved punishment, but dragging Azalea along and forcing her to witness it? Who were you really punishing, Kyson? Peter or her? Because it seemed like both,” Damian admonishes incredulously, shaking his head as he slips on his coat.

“She needs to understand how things work. She needs to learn to lead,” I argue, my voice tinged with stubbornness.

“Yes, alongside you – but every time she tries, you shut her down or exploit her vulnerabilities. If you want her to learn to rule beside you, show her how and stop forcing her. She did what any woman in her position would have done – anyone who knows the pain of that damn whip. Azalea understands that pain, and yet you made her watch?” Damian rebukes, his tone filled with frustration.

“They needed punishment, Damian,” I insist stubbornly but he shakes his head in dissent.

“You’re never going to learn, Kyson. If you want respect from her, then show some too! I’m sick and tired of...you know what? If you want to help while I’m gone: teach her how to un-command Dustin and Gannon, so I can have a damn night off!” Damian snaps before turning on his heel and walking out.

I huff as the door clicks shut behind him. Deep down, I know he’s right. In a way, I punished Azalea for not allowing me to exact my own form of justice. Shame washes over me as I realize the truth in Damian’s words. My anger and jealousy have clouded my judgment and tainted my actions. Damian is right; if I want respect from Azalea, I must show her the same. I am sickened by my own behavior; my anger and jealousy have gotten the better of me.

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