Chapter 146: Chapter 146 A Necessary Betrayal
Perry’s POV
I still remembered why Phoebe had stopped poisoning me. Those bottles she’d kept—every single one remained untouched.
That was the only evidence backing up her claim, and I believed it completely.
Now that everything had settled, I recalled my words in the throne room. I needed to be certain of my intentions.
"Is it true?" I asked again, my fingers tracing the curve of her cheek. "I know you can’t accept me yet, but I’m willing to spend my entire life earning back your trust."
I spoke those words like a sacred vow.
After all, we’d be spending forever together, and I’d make damn sure of that.
"I’ll trust you even with a blade pressed to my throat."
Her frown deepened. What kind of man made promises like that? She probably thought I was insane, though coming from me, insanity might sound like praise.
"Can you believe me on this? I won’t demand your trust immediately, but give me one more chance to prove myself. I’ll spend every remaining day of my life ensuring I never disappoint you again. Can you give me that?"
She didn’t know how to respond. Her head dropped, eyes fixed on her fidgeting fingers.
"I hurt you terribly, didn’t I?" I pressed my lips to her forehead. "I’m sorry."
She bit her lip and gave the faintest nod—barely visible, but it told me everything. Yes, I had wounded her deeply.
"I’m truly sorry."
I pulled her closer, my arms tightening around her so she’d understand exactly how much she meant to me.
"I’m sorry."
Silent tears began falling as her body trembled against mine.
She’d been suppressing these emotions for so long, she hadn’t even realized their weight.
Now all her pain came rushing out, but this time was different—she felt safe enough to release it, to experience it fully, and cleanse herself of the poison.
These feelings had been toxic in her system, and she’d kept consuming them every time she buried her emotions deeper.
"It’s okay, cry."
There was a time when I’d wondered how to treat someone with tenderness, because such delicate concepts had never existed in my world.
No one had ever shown me gentleness—my father would have punished such weakness severely.
Cordelia.
Yes, Cordelia had been the only one who’d shown me that kind of softness, but it felt like lifetimes ago. Every memory of her came paired with crushing regret.
My recollections of her were blurred, overlapping with images of her death, but I remembered her smile. She’d been like a mother to me.
However, with Phoebe, I’d gradually learned what gentleness meant as time passed. I could offer it naturally now.
But at what price?
She lifted her head, tears streaming down her face, and pointed toward my half-packed belongings before shaking her head.
The message was crystal clear. She didn’t want me to leave.
But with deep regret, I had to refuse her request.
"No. I can’t stay. I have to leave. This is crucial.
They’ll become a threat to you eventually.
Reginald’s still breathing. I’m going to settle the score with him."
She pressed her face against my chest and struck me with her fists, clearly upset.
Liar.
I’d promised to do anything she asked, but less than a minute later, I’d already broken my word. How could she possibly trust me?
"This battle matters because it involves you too—it’s about your safety." I gripped her chin, tilting her face up. "I can’t let the person who put you in danger walk free, but I’ll return as quickly as possible."
I could see my words hadn’t convinced her.
"Come with me," I said, moving to my wardrobe to grab a jacket that I draped over her shoulders. "It’ll be cold outside."
I took her hand and led her from the room.
The sky looked magnificent with moonlight scattered across it like jewels, and I’d been right—the night air carried a sharp chill as I guided her toward the forest.
Thankfully, I’d had the foresight to bring the jacket, so she wouldn’t freeze.
We walked for about thirty minutes, leaving her breathless. She clearly needed more exercise.
"Tired?" I asked, wiping sweat from her forehead despite the cool night breeze. I dropped to my knees and gestured for her to climb on. "Come on. This’ll be faster."
Normally, I’d shift into my beast form when visiting this part of the forest, and it would take less than five minutes to reach my destination.
But in human form, matching Phoebe’s slower pace, the journey stretched much longer.
Since she had no other choice, she climbed onto my back. She must have noticed how differently a king’s body was built.
I felt like nothing but solid muscle, and my broad back provided exceptional comfort.
Soon she found a perfect position with her chin resting on my shoulder.
For me, walking with her felt effortless, as if I carried nothing at all. I wasn’t even winded when we finally reached the place I wanted to show her.
But she recognized this location immediately, especially when wild wolves emerged from the darkness.
Their eyes gleamed behind the trees.
What did this mean?! Would I feed her to the beasts? Would I actually do that?!
Her first instinct was to flee, but I gripped her hand firmly.
"Where are you going?"
