Chapter 162: Chapter 162 Burn Down The World
Phoebe’s POV
I discovered Perry in his beast form, locked in combat with a brown-furred creature. The outcome was obvious—the other shifter stood no chance against my king.
The moment the brown beast spotted me, he immediately transformed back into human form.
"I surrender! I surrender!" Timothy gasped desperately, gulping air as Perry’s beast finally released him from beneath his massive paws.
"This isn’t fair! I’m half-wasted—how can you expect me to fight properly!?"
His complaints began immediately. Timothy clearly resented the result, though even at full strength, he’d never defeat the king.
"Damn it... Why did you haul me away from the celebration just to beat me up?" Timothy struggled to his feet while Perry shifted back to human form. "What’s going on? Did you two have some kind of argument?"
I shook my head and moved closer to them both, realizing too late that I’d forgotten to bring my writing materials.
Perry grabbed his jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders. "How can you come out dressed so lightly?"
"Lightly dressed?" Timothy raised his eyebrows, studying my pajamas. They seemed decent enough to him. "If that’s underdressed, then I’m wearing a tuxedo." He snatched a water bottle and started backing away.
"Well, now you have each other’s company. I’m out of here. Whatever issue you two are dealing with, fix it before morning meal. Nobody wants to see the king and queen glaring at each other on their first day post-ceremony."
Timothy departed quickly, wanting no part of our drama. After last time’s disaster, he hoped I could help settle Perry down.
"What brings you here?" Perry sat down and splashed water over his face. "You need more sleep."
’Why are you here?’
I hadn’t brought my notepad and pen, but Perry could read my lips easily enough.
"Timothy’s gotten soft. Too much partying, not enough training."
Even he knew that excuse was pathetic.
I settled beside him and took his hand, tilting my head to meet his gaze directly.
’What’s wrong? Are you hiding something from me?’
Perry didn’t respond immediately, just stared at me longer than usual. I wondered if he’d missed my question, so I repeated it.
Still no answer. He simply watched me.
’What?’ I squeezed his hand, demanding some reaction. ’Do you regret binding yourself to me?’ The thought alone sent pain shooting through my chest, even though it was just speculation.
"Not a chance, Phoebe. You’re mine for eternity and beyond. You belong to me."
Perry pressed his lips to my knuckles. "Something’s weighing on my mind, but I can’t discuss it yet. We’ll talk later."
’Is it about me?’
Perry froze. "Yes," he answered bluntly.
’Is it serious?’
This time, Perry considered his response carefully. Was it serious? How devastating would it be if I couldn’t conceive?
Would it matter to him if I couldn’t give him an heir?
The answer was yes, but not in the way most would assume.
Without a child, the elders would pressure him relentlessly to dissolve our union and select another queen.
Once again, they’d demand he marry some other female shifter from a neighboring kingdom for political alliance.
Ultimately, Perry would have to choose, and he’d pick his mate. Every time. Every day. Always.
But making that choice meant destroying those elders. Elder Tricia would never accept it. Hell, even Timothy wouldn’t support him.
Even Timothy wouldn’t back me if I couldn’t continue the royal bloodline.
Perry would have to eliminate him too...
Should he kill Marcela first since she knew about my condition? Just in case she revealed it to someone.
Who else would need to die?
A sharp pull on his hand interrupted his thoughts, and Perry found me staring at him with confusion.
’What’s happening? What are you thinking about?’
I could sense something deeply troubling Perry, though I couldn’t identify what. Worry filled my eyes as I watched him.
"Nothing." Perry leaned forward and captured my lips.
He wanted me. He wanted to hold me closer, freeze time so we could stay like this forever.
Perry slid his hand behind my head to intensify the kiss, then lifted my left leg, guiding me to straddle him.
I felt confused but followed his lead.
Once I was seated on his lap, I began grinding against him. This was crazy—we were completely exposed, anyone could stumble upon us.
But that possibility only heightened my excitement. It felt like being a mischievous child keeping a delicious secret.
"Phoebe... I’d burn down the world for you..." Perry tore away my underwear and unzipped his pants. He lifted me slightly so he could enter me.
My body trembled as he filled me, driving deep inside.
I clung to him desperately, feeling tension coiling within me. Perry chose that moment to lean down and kiss my breast, though I could barely feel his mouth through the fabric.
So I grabbed his hand and slipped it under my top, letting him touch my bare skin.
"So hungry, my queen." Perry laughed softly, pinching my nipple. "So desperate... exactly how I love you."
My eyes grew hazy as I gazed down at him, kissing him fiercely as I shattered completely.
