The King’s Tainted Mate
Chapter 69

I had finally done something right by her. Even though still seemingly unsure of herself and the new reality that had dawned on her, my mate was happy. Or I hoped she was. I knew it was one thing to find your true family, but another thing to know for sure that what you have known your entire life was a lie. It was that lie that had led me to my chamber's balcony to ponder over the matter. Many things were right or they seemed to be. But if there was something I had learned from the whole ordeal with Myrna, it was that nothing was as it seemed. "Seeing that you insist on partying alone, I come bearing gifts." Rakon came and stood by my side, a large pitcher in his hands. "It is known to quench a man's thirst and dampen sorrows too. Which is your fancy?"

"I'm afraid I do not know, but I'll have it regardless." I presented my empty cup of wine to be refilled.

"Will you not join them?" Rakon inquired. Even without saying, I knew who 'them' were.

"Not just yet." I sipped on my wine. "How is she?"

"If I'd only met her today, I would say happy." Rakon answered, his answer making me frown.

"And if you had met her way before today?"

"I would say she was missing something. A certain someone. Her eyes keep searching the crowd. Perhaps for a king?"

Something warmed at that answer, but I was not about to rush to my mate's side. "What of my former queen?"

"She is right where you asked, unharmed. I do not get your decision, however." My best friend turned to me, frowning. "None of those banished from Xatis ever get to see a wink of sleep within its boundaries, so then why does she get to stay?"

I sipped on my wine as I contemplated my answer. "It's simple really. She may be banished, but I'll be damned if I will let her run right into the bossom of my enemies. Many who would keep her safely within Xatis's boundaries." Myrna was many things, but stupid was not one of them. Something told me that her presence at the ritual was going to yield a positive result or at least she thought so. That in itself meant everything was not yet over. "Someone you have in mind apart from the obvious ones?"

I had a couple, but I was not about to make those accusations yet.

"The whole point of inviting guests is so that you, as their host, can entertain them. Not hide away in some crevice somewhere." My father, surprisingly scolded over our mind link. I had expected such from Liira, but the matriach seemed to have been occupied by God knows what.

"I'll be there." Not being in the mood to argue, I conceeded. "This lone party has to come to an end unfortunately." I gulped the rest of my drink before setting my cup down.

"Argh...Do we have to?" Rakon all but whined.

"Whining does not look pretty on you." I patted my best fried as he dragged his feet towards my chamber's doors.

At the door, I was met with an unusual guest.

"Shyla?" She was about to turn back when I emerged. "Where is Gol, Samara and Norae?" I couldn't help the edge in my tone as I scanned the empty hallway, thinking of a million things that could go wrong just because she'd sneaked away from those charged to watch her.

"I did not sneak away from anyone." She mumbled as if she read my mind. And when I only eyed her incredulously she pointed down the hallway. "My guards happen to be that way. I merely requested for a little privacy." Colour bloomed in her cheeks when she said that, but I couldn't even stop to admire the sight as I was still rattled by the fact that she was alone in the palace that was full of potential enemies. Posted by FindNovel.net; visit us for more free novels.

"Where the hell are you?!" Not that I did not believe my mate, I had to know where Samara and Norae were. Gol too.

"Down the hallway, your majesty." They answered in unison.

"I will deal with them. You are scaring your mate." Rakon glared.

My focus shifted back to my mate and only then did I notice that I was almost shifting. Her look, however, was not of horror as Rakon insinuated. It was more...was she sad?

"Are you alright?" I pulled her in and held on, cursing myself while at it.

"I am. More than actually, but it is a lot to take in and I just needed a moment." And she'd sought me out? That perhaps was the best thing I had heard the whole day and having her melt in my arms so effortlessly just made it so much better.