LOGINCHAPTER 69: DISHONORABLE DEATH.RAYA'S POV.Just as we were all shocked, the contestants were also shocked. Perhaps, even more than we were. "Oh, dear. It's about to get serious," Talia commented. "You truly outdid yourself, lord Xavier. I'm impressed," Jabin commended."We couldn't fall short of expectations," lord Xavier replied, obviously glad from the sound of his voice. The constants looked troubled by the moderator's announcement. They looked around at each other, none seemed to know what to do."Contestants, the games have begun, and it is time to forge alliances, quickly," the moderator pointed out. They all just kept looking at one another, until one of them walked right straight to the girl who had command of the Shadow Guard.Looking at her, I saw that she nodded her head, agreeing to team up with this stranger. He looked quite capable himself."That was a wise move," Cliflan said."Sponsored by fear," Jabin hissed. "He's a coward, trying to latch on to the advantage sh
CHAPTER 68: SECOND DAY OF THE KING'S GAMES. RAYA'S POV. It was quite an awkward moment at the dining hall. No one dared to speak at this point as they continued eating. I'm sure they were all being cautious not to enrage the King any further. I looked at the King, feeling bad for him. Shortly after, the King set down his cutlery, wiped his mouth, and sighed. "Well then. We all have somewhere to be, don't we?" he said as he got up. Thank goodness I was done eating. Well, not like I emptied my plate anyway. I lost my appetite earlier after the indirect attack on the King, which was partly my fault. So, I quickly got up as well.Everyone at the table stood up and bowed, and then I followed the King out of the dining hall. I thought he was headed for his study, or somewhere else, but rather, I found out that he was headed outside. I thought he'd like to go blow off some steam. But not King Barakar.He was a man with such an iron will and strong resolve. Why was I expecting such a thi
CHAPTER 67: STRENGTH OR WEAKNESS?RAYA'S POV. I arrived at my quarters and quickly changed. Redchild and Ayana were of great help as always. We hurried up so as not to keep the King waiting. The games were scheduled to kick off not long after breakfast with the King and the Lords. Looking at myself in the mirror as I changed, I honestly preferred the new dress to the previous one. Kieran was always so thoughtful of my affairs. Seeing that we were done with the switch-up, we headed back to the dining hall. I was hit with the aroma of the sumptuous delicacy being prepared, and mild chattering at the table. Right before I sat down, I caught Enock staring at me. It seemed like he was angry, then it quickly morphed into a smile, accompanied by a slight nod. I responded with a nod, forcing a smile also. I wondered what the matter was for a brief moment, then I shrugged it off. "Your dress is amazing," King Barakar commended. "Thank you, Your-" I quickly halted, gulping as I chuckled
CHAPTER 66: TASTE OF YOUR OWN MEDICINE.RAYA'S POV.Waking up the next day, I felt energized. I was getting the hang of things around the Iron Den, and the daily routine. I only counted days until the marriage ceremony. It still felt surreal that I was going to be Luna, and Queen of the five kingdoms - a change of status that took everyone by surprise, myself most especially. Ayana and Redchild helped me get ready for breakfast. Having breakfast with the King, along with the other Alphas, felt uncomfortable. But personal comfort wasn't a luxury at my disposal at the time. I had a responsibility to be there. Worst of all, I had to share a table with people I loathed inwardly. But I braced myself, shelving aside my ill disposition toward them and acting demure, with grace, as expected of me. I had the King's reputation to protect, so I couldn't act selfishly.My only consolation was that I could no longer be looked down on by them, nor anyone else. My status had changed, and changed
CHAPTER 65: SCHEMES AND SCHEMES.BARAKAR'S POV."First of all, her name is Yurali, and apparently, she's an orphan," Talia began."Really? What happened to them?" I asked. "They were tragically killed during a home invasion when she was much younger. It has been her mother's elder sister, who is childless and has never been married who took her and raised her." "Hmm," I sighed. "I see." "Her aunt took ill, and it has lingered for long; the white plague. The physicians requested an amount that they don't have, nor have the hope of getting anytime soon," Talia continued. "And it is for that reason she joined the King's Games, to get the money to take care of her ward? She should have come to us for help, and not risk putting her life on the line," I chipped in, feeling a bit furious at her. "Not everyone thinks the monarchy is approachable, and lends alms to the needy. A belief purported by the lords in times past, and the ones we have presently, unfortunately," Talia noted. "Ther
CHAPTER 64: UNSPOKEN EXCHANGE.BARAKAR'S POV. "Uh, if you'll excuse me a moment," I requested. "Of course," Raya nodded. Then I got up and left her in the company of Cliflan. He wasn't one for me to worry about. Jabin was.I was going to sit idly by and watch Jabin sway the warrior to his side with some display of wealth and promises, or whatever means he was going to use. From experience, his motives were hardly ever genuine.My guards wanted to follow me, but I stopped them, walking alone. The nobles greeted me, bowing as I passed by them. With a mild smile and nod, I reciprocated the salutation. I didn't even know he was around all the while until I saw him walking up to her. He hardly kept his presence concealed in any vicinity, especially in a place where he could show off, and gloat. Just as Jabin was about to reach the girl, I saw that Talia reached her first, causing Jabin to halt. His countenance depicted one of great displeasure as he refrained from moving forward. Tal
CHAPTER 38: SPONTANEOUS DESIRE.RAYA'S POV.I woke up the next morning to meet an unusually busy Winterhill. The city was abuzz, with a lot of activity. I could see it from way up the palace as I stood on the balcony of my chamber.Word about the King's Games had spread so quickly, changing the atm
CHAPTER 37: THE KING'S CONSENT.KING BARAKAR'S POV.I was elated and felt relieved that I was considerate enough to seek out Raya and talk with her. I grin from chin to chin within, but maintained and unfazed demeanor outwardly. To others I couldn't be anything else but the feared and cold White W
CHAPTER 36: GETTING THINGS WRONG.RAYA'S POV.I didn't just feel bad that I was somehow shutting off the one person in the world who has stood by me and defended me - The one person who made me matter to others. I also felt troubled. How did I find myself in such a situation? Just from the mere ta
CHAPTER 35: INNER DOUBTS.BARAKAR'S POV.I walked back to my chamber with the book in hand. I was eager to read through the pages of this book once again that fascinated me years ago. But especially the new text I found within it which wasn't there. I still wondered how those new texts suddenly go







