Semua Bab CLAIMED BY THE DEMON KING: DARK ROMANCE: Bab 201 - Bab 210

ELARA'S POVThe palace feels heavier than it did yesterday.‎Every corner smells of tension, burned incense and a faint tang of fear, the aftermath of what Anita has done.I walk towards the throne room, two guards by my side. I'm to address the court council alone, without Dravon. Dravon is currently in a closed door meeting with the war council and Pack's security team in the court room, leaving me to face the court council in the throne room. I'm to give them a report of yesterday's visit to the destroyed villages. It'll be my first time addressing them without Dravon by my side so I'm slightly nervous.The grand doors of the throne room swing open, and I stride inside, my Queen’s cloak brushing the polished marble floors. The nobles glance up from their murmured debates, their whispers rising like an uneasy wind. Unlike the court room which has seats for all to settle down, the throne room only has a throne for the King and Queen. The entire council members stand, huddled to a si

ELARA'S POVThe council hall empties slowly, like a storm easing after hours of thunder. The nobles bow and retreat with stiff backs, murmuring under their breath about things they dare not voice too loudly. The scent of tension lingers, sharp in the air.I move my shoulder uncomfortably, already tired of wearing the heavy cloak. I can't already imagine the relief I'll feel when I finally remove it.Suddenly I notice the council members halting at the door, giving way and bowing.Then I see Dravon walking in, his footstep fast yet still graceful. It's like he's hurrying to come meet me. He doesn't pay attention to the people bowing, he just walks past them, heading straight to where I'm seated. He's heading straight to me.His expression is filled with worry and anger at the same time as he approaches me. I sit still on the throne, letting out a sigh because I know I'm going to be responsible for calming his raging temper.As he finally meets me, my lips tug into a small smile. “Drav-

MIA'S POVI take the wood chips and compost, ready to mulch the flowers so they can retain moisture and suppress weeds.I move to the peonies, spreading the wood chips at the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches from the crown. Clara comes to my side, bending with me. “Finally wearing gloves.”“I always wear my gloves.” I argue.She raises her brows.“I try to always wear my gloves.” I correct.“So…” Clara begins, rubbing her hands at her side. She gives me a sheepish look and I immediately know she's trying to ask for a favour. “It's a really nice weather today, huh?”I decide to play along. “Yes it is.”“The sun is shining brightly, the flowers are blooming beautifully.”“I'm quite aware of all these Clara.”“The air is moving… quite enchantingly and you're mulching so well!”I give her a knowing look. “Spill it already, what do you want?”She shuffles closer to me, smiling brightly. “Can you help me mulch my section?” She bats her lashes at me as though it's meant to move me

ELARA'S POVI walk towards Mia's room, a servant by my side, pushing a trolley of covered dishes. As we reach Mia's room, I take the trolley from the servant, muttering a thank you with a smile. I push the trolley into Mia's room and I spot Thorne sitting beside her.I keep the trolley near Mia's bed before looking at Thorne. “You're still here?” “He's acting too clingy.” Mia raises up their intertwined hands for me to see. “He doesn't want to let go.”I flit my eyes to Thorne and he gives me an unbothered expression. “She needs someone by her side and I'm volunteering to be her caregiver.”“I appreciate that, but you don't have to be at my side the whole twenty four hours.” Mia pouts as Thorne uses his free hand to arrange the blanket covering her legs as she sits upright on the bed. She tilts her head to meet his eyes. “Don't you have work?”I put my hand on my hips. “Yeah, Beta Thorne. Don't you have any work to do?”Thorne's eyes flicker to me. “I should also direct the question

ELARA'S POVMy eyes darts between Thorne and Micheal, who's sitting opposite me, Dravon's desk a barrier between us, and Dravon, who's standing beside me. I sit in his office chair, listening to their conversation and trying to chip in when I can.“The soldiers, have they seen anything suspicious? Have their been any attacks?” Dravon asks.Micheal shakes his head. “For the past few weeks everything has been oddly calm. They've been no attacks on the borders or any villages.”I lean forward. “Are you reporting on only Demon's Pack or the entire kingdom?” “The entire kingdom.” Micheal answers. “They've not been any suspicious movements or attacks on any pack.”“And that's really weird considering Anita's agenda.” Thorne chimes. “She attacked us in a brutal way that hinted that she wanted war, why suddenly back out now?”Micheal stares at Thorne briefly before turning to Dravon and I. “Isn't that a good thing though? We have more time to strategize and be prepared.”Dravon hums in disap