MasukCHAPTER 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 63: HAND IN HAND.BARAKAR'S POV. The first round of the King's Games was over. And to be honest, it wasn't what I quite expected. Yes, I still had my reservations about it, but I couldn't deny the fact that it was a thrilling experience, to say the least.As expected, there was a lot of brutality and blood. I mean, when has the King's Games never been this way? But this year's games came with a new level of suspense. It was quite the experience. And Raya, who also witnessed it for the first time could attest to that. I suppose it is safe to say that it was a good way to commemorate the marriage ceremony between Raya and me. The people were happy, and satisfied. However, the events that unfolded in the arena begged for answers. I lay in bed in the quiet of my chamber, resting, while my thoughts wandered far. I conceived embarking on a journey away from the kingdom when the King's Games, and the marriage ceremony were over. Disappearing once in a while was a habit I learn
CHAPTER 58: TRUTH SPELL.Soaring over the city, a crow flew to the coliseum. It perched at the top of the building, adjusting itself as it cawed. It blinked its eyes, revealing a purple coloration. It turned its head from one side to another, as though taking a view of the whole arena, and all that
CHAPTER 57: GAME TWIST. RAYA'S POV. The coliseum boomed with chatter after the King's very brief address. I looked around at the spectators, smiling. "Is it what you imagined it would be?" King Barakar asked, his voice deep and calm as always. "It is," I nodded with a smile. "No games have comm
CHAPTER 56: LET THE GAMES BEGIN!RAYA'S POV. Finally, the day arrived. It was the day the King's Games commences. I was excited. I woke up that morning full of energy, enthusiasm, and anticipation. Yes, I looked forward to being at the games to witness it for myself, having wondered for the longe
CHAPTER 54: FEARS ABATED.RAYA'S POV."I was told of your beauty, but just the half of it was told me," Lord Jabin said. "Thank you, Lord Jabin," I replied. "Ugh! Away with the formality. Just call me Jabin. We're practically family now, aren't we?" he replied, smiling. "What are you doing here?







