Chapter 203: Chapter 203 Into the Dungeon
Perry’s POV
If only I wasn’t such an arrogant bastard, Phoebe would be carrying my child like Viola carried hers.
This mess was entirely my doing.
I alone bore the blame for this disaster, and I was the one who’d dragged my mate through hell.
It might not seem like a crisis now, but I knew damn well it would explode later. This was a bomb with a lit fuse, just waiting to detonate.
I studied Phoebe’s sleeping face. She looked peaceful and stunning, but I had no idea how much longer I could preserve that tranquility. If only I could fix this... if only I knew how to repair what I’d shattered.
"I’m sorry, love." I bent down and claimed her lips. "I’ll do anything for you, even if it makes you despise me. I’ll do whatever’s needed to protect your peace." I deepened the kiss. Even if it meant torching my entire kingdom, I’d do it without hesitation. I’d burn it all down for her.
Phoebe remained blissfully unaware of my thoughts, sleeping deeply. She felt my kiss but was too drowsy to respond.
——
Phoebe’s POV
In my dream, the white wolf appeared again.
The magnificent creature stood on the far side of the river, watching me. It was breathtaking and regal—I longed to run my fingers through its silky fur once more.
But when I tried to approach, the white wolf retreated, and I couldn’t cross the river.
When I woke the next morning, the dream had already faded as I learned about Perry’s scheme to draw Reginald out.
"Are you sure that’s our best move?" I asked cautiously, studying Perry with wariness. I despised Viola, and when she’d come begging for help with her mother, I’d rejected her outstretched hand.
What happened in the past was done. I refused to dwell on it. I didn’t want Viola harmed either, and despite Tiara’s past cruelty toward me, I didn’t wish her dead.
But I wanted no part of their drama.
Besides, Viola was pregnant now. I couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to her or her baby.
"Are you angry because I spared your stepmother’s life?" Perry moved closer, settling beside me and placing a reassuring hand on my back. "Do you want her executed? I can arrange it."
My eyes went wide, and I quickly scribbled: But you promised Viola you’d spare her mother’s life.
"I did, but that doesn’t mean others will honor the same promise." In other words, Perry could keep his word while orchestrating Tiara’s death through one of his men. Child’s play for him.
Or Tiara could be ’accidentally’ killed during the upcoming battles. No one would suspect him, and Viola would be powerless to stop it or learn the truth.
I shook my head immediately. I knew how ruthless Perry could be when he wanted something, and I wouldn’t put it past him to do exactly that.
"So what do you want? Tell me what you want me to do with them, and consider it done."
What did I want? Nothing. Only him.
Can you call off the war against the Valerium? I knew it was a long shot, but I had to try.
"Anything except that. I won’t stop the war." Perry’s voice was steel, though his touch on my cheek remained tender. "You don’t understand what the Valerium have done to their people, love. They call me the Mad King, but you haven’t witnessed true madness yet."
I blinked, wanting him to elaborate, but he simply leaned over and kissed my lips. A subtle signal to drop the subject.
"Can you taste anything?" Perry had been trying to heal my taste buds, but so far nothing had worked, and Marcela was currently the most skilled healer in the kingdom.
I shook my head, feeling guilty for worrying him. Perry could see my remorse.
"Don’t look like that. You’re perfect as you are, but illness needs treatment." Perry kissed my forehead and stood. "I’ll be back for dinner." He reconsidered. "I’ll try to make it for dinner, but if I get tied up, don’t wait. Go to sleep, okay?"
I narrowed my eyes, irritated by his patronizing tone.
"Do you want me to treat you like a woman?"
Perry smirked as he tugged at my dress collar and peeked at my breasts.
I immediately slapped his hand away and glared while he laughed.
"You’re adorable when you’re pissed. I should annoy you more often." Perry leaned over and nipped my lip before leaving the room, leaving me speechless.
For several minutes, I sat on the bed’s edge. There was something I’d been wanting to do, but I wasn’t sure it was wise.
The visit was long overdue, though, and I needed to face this head-on.
It would be an awkward conversation, but I needed it for my own peace of mind. So I headed for the dungeon...
