In defiance of Killian 's instructions to summon another guard to accompany Yifa to the recent King, Jacob adamantly insisted on staying by her side. Though Jacob remained silent, Yifa sensed his concern for her as she caught him stealing glances at her from the corner of his eyes. It warmed her heart to know that someone like Jacob cared about her, yet she couldn't shake the guilt of harboring feelings that should have been reserved solely for her true mate.Regrettably, her true mate did not reciprocate her affections. Yifa had long accepted the reality that Killian held an aversion towards her, for reasons she couldn't quite fathom, though she had her suspicions lurking in the depths of her mind. Despite her concerns about the potential consequences Jacob might face, she yearned for a moment of selfishness, desiring someone to provide solace for her even at the expense of another's punishment. Just this once, she craved the presence of a companion by her side."Are you absolutely c
"May I ask who you are?" inquired the aged and feeble King, observing Yifa with a discerning gaze. Suppressing her inner trepidation, she endeavored to maintain a composed facade."I am a member of the staff here," Yifa replied with modesty. Uncertain whether she should disclose her true identity as the enslaved servant of the King's own son, she contemplated the potential reactions. Would the King derive satisfaction from his son's growing strength, or would he be disillusioned by his offspring's actions?Nonetheless, Yifa realized that such concerns were inconsequential, for Killian had transcended his father's legacy and become a superior ruler. In realms where his predecessor had faltered, he initiated transformations and advancements. Possessing unwavering determination and courage, Killian never abandoned endeavors that he knew would enhance the kingdom and benefit its inhabitants.Killian 's vision extended beyond self-interest; he perpetually considered the impact of his dec
"Didn't I explicitly warn you to stay away from me?!" Benedict bellowed furiously, his face reddening with rage this time.Paying little attention to the discomfort in her rear, Yifa slowly rose to her feet. She would address her pain later; at the moment, she had to confront the irate elder standing before her."I understand, Your Majesty, but it was evident that you required aid. I cannot simply stand by and witness your suffering," Yifa responded with a touch of irritation in her tone.This despicable man! Yifa was certain that he was well aware of his need for help, yet he deliberately refrained from expressing gratitude. His pride and prejudice against her rogue status prevented him from seeking assistance.Benedict's mind froze at the rogue's defiant answer. It was unprecedented for anyone to dare to disobey his orders, regardless of his current difficulties. Most individuals would simply revel in the sight of a former king's suffering, finding twisted satisfaction in it.Since
Killian's unwavering focus on his mission prevented him from noticing the swift, crimson blur that rounded the corner and collided with him. Reacting quickly, he extended his hands to steady the unexpected intruder against his chest. As he took a closer look at the person, he discovered it was none other than Amaya Bark, his cherished childhood companion, accompanied by Black .In their earlier years, Amaya had been characterized by her glasses and braces, but Killian took great pride in witnessing her remarkable transformation. Her once unruly red locks now cascaded elegantly, radiating a silky luster. The removal of her glasses unveiled a pair of captivating emerald eyes, leaving everyone spellbound. And to top it off, her teeth, now flawlessly aligned, granted her the gift of a dazzling smile."Killian ! I've missed you!" Amaya exclaimed, enveloping him in a tight embrace that conveyed her genuine affection.Returning the embrace with equal fervor, Killian reveled in the comforting
Yifa noticed the peculiar glances she received as she strolled down the hallway, but it didn't come as a surprise. She was well aware that her behavior was far from ordinary. With each skip and jump, accompanied by a joyful hum, Yifa made her way towards the chambers of Killian 's father, King Benedict.Deep down, Yifa understood that her exuberance was out of place. After all, she was already an adult, and this meeting was not with a particularly significant or special person in her life. She acknowledged this truth, sincerely she did. Yet, despite her knowledge, she couldn't shake off the lightness in her heart, knowing that she had the power to bring happiness to others, especially those burdened by suppressed emotions.Yifa often pondered why she felt compelled to assist people, even when they never asked for her help. Since her days as a rogue, acquiring various skills and knowledge, she had always been eager to aid those in need, often sacrificing her own happiness in the proces
In the midst of King Benedict's relentless shouting, a woman with vibrant, fiery red hair abruptly entered the room. Yifa caught a fleeting glimpse of the red blur, but her attention remained consumed by the King's fury. While Yifa understood the King's anger, she couldn't help but feel unjustly treated. True, she was a rogue, but she was striving to change. The King should not generalize and assume that all rogues are identical, for they are not.Within the realm of rogues, there were those who willingly embraced the path of rebellion, but there were also those who had no choice but to become rogues. Some had lost their packs, while others were wrongly accused by their own kin. Yifa belonged to the latter group. Her pack and family were tragically torn apart by a war they had no involvement in, yet they were falsely accused, and their annihilation went unnoticed, as if it were inconsequential, in the dead of night."Father! Are you okay?" The sudden voice snapped Yifa out of her own
"What on earth is going on here?!" A thunderous voice erupted, instantly capturing the attention of both women present. Despite the furious expression etched on Killian 's face, the mere sight of him caused their hearts to flutter. Although their reasons for admiring him differed, their infatuation with Killian remained unchanged."Gray!" Amaya exclaimed, beating Yifa to the chance of speaking up.With a perplexed gaze, Killian turned his attention to his childhood best friend, silently questioning her. He had just concluded a meeting with the healer responsible for his father's care and was en route to verify the information with his ailing father when the commotion reached his ears.Upon entering the room, the mounting tension between the two women instantly gripped Killian , his father frailly perched on the bed. Gasping for breath, his father's rapid respiration confirmed Killian 's earlier assumption—his father had been the one shouting.Killian 's curiosity and concern surged as
Killian was taken aback by his father's unexpected agreement, realizing it had been a considerable length of time since they had last found common ground. Although the matter at hand was trivial, the fact that they could finally see eye to eye surprised him.Amaya was utterly bewildered by what she had just heard. Could it be possible that the King was actually siding with the rogue as well? It was a perplexing turn of events, considering that, to her recollection, King Benedict had always shown a clear bias in her favor over others.Yifa experienced a mixture of surprise and elation. The news that the king was genuinely enjoying her company filled her with immense joy. She had been anxiously worried that the recent events would result in her being barred from his presence. However, a profound sense of relief washed over her as she contemplated the King's understanding and willingness to acknowledge his own mistakes.If Benedict had still possessed his former strength, he would have f