Chapter 205: Chapter 205 Mercy Despite Pain
Phoebe’s POV
I wasn’t sure if forgiveness could ever find its way into my heart for my father, but seeing his broken state made my chest ache with pain. I wanted his suffering to end, yet I couldn’t bring myself to forgive him so easily.
This resentment felt like armor I wore - if I released it and erased what Cameron had inflicted on me, I’d be betraying the part of myself that had endured so much.
The wounded piece of me that still bled.
Even now, healing remained elusive. I tried pushing those memories away, but they clawed back into my thoughts relentlessly.
’I don’t think going is wise...’ I whispered, setting the book on my lap.
"I agree completely."
Perry’s voice made me jump.
The king approached with casual confidence, and I immediately recognized trouble brewing in his expression.
Visiting Cameron in the dungeon without consulting him first had been reckless. He must have learned about my visit from the guards.
I had given them permission to inform him, after all. Hiding things from Perry wasn’t something I wanted to do.
[Are you angry with me?] I scribbled quickly. [I’m sorry I didn’t discuss visiting him with you first.]
Perry studied me with stern eyes before gently cradling my face. "Anger isn’t what I feel. I simply can’t bear watching you get hurt. And right now, you’re hurting." He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine.
A deep sigh escaped me. I loved when Perry showed this tender side, though I also craved the rougher edge he revealed when we were truly alone.
’I’m fine,’ I mouthed, shaking my head.
"Don’t lie to me, Phoebe. I despise dishonesty." He kissed me again, his teeth grazing my lip like a gentle punishment. "Tell me what you need."
’What I need?’ I repeated, puzzled.
"He wounded you again. Do you want him executed?" Perry had only kept Cameron breathing because dealing with him wasn’t worth his time.
Even with spare time, he’d rather spend every moment with his mate than waste it on that man.
He wouldn’t shed a tear if Cameron perished in that cell, though the bastard seemed resilient enough to cling to life.
’No!’ My eyes widened in shock. I don’t want his death.
"Then what? Do you want to make him suffer?"
I grabbed my notes, writing frantically. [Stop suggesting such frightening things.] I gave his arm a light pinch when he continued proposing these terrifying options.
"Alright." Perry closed his eyes in defeat. He wanted to do far worse than frightening things, but his gentle mate opposed it, leaving him no choice.
After a pause, I tugged his sleeve for attention.
We sat in the garden beneath the wisteria tree, watching the sun sink behind the palace walls. The sky blazed with brilliant colors as daylight faded - a breathtaking view.
[Can you offer him the same mercy you promised Viola?] I felt conflicted. Despite hating my father, I couldn’t erase the image of his wretched existence.
Death wasn’t what I wanted for him, regardless of his crimes against me.
There were moments when I’d wished him dead, but as my rage cooled and those intense emotions faded, sadness took their place.
"You want to pardon him? You’re too kindhearted, my love," Perry said, his displeasure evident.
How could he possibly grant this request?
But my next words left him stunned.
[You pardoned Tiara, Viola’s mother. Why can’t you do the same for my father?]
Perry found himself without words, then a wicked idea formed, allowing him to regain control.
"I pardoned Viola’s mother because she performed a favor - a significant one. I could do the same if you’re willing to do me a favor."
I tilted my head, studying my mate with suspicion, especially noting that devilish smirk playing at his lips. ’What kind of favor?’ I asked warily.
"I recall owing you something I haven’t delivered yet. I’ll make it up to you now... what do you say?"
Perry pushed me down, grinning at my startled expression. "Let’s see how well you perform. If it pleases me, I’ll grant your wish."
’What?’ Heat flooded my face, spreading down my neck, which only intensified his desire.
"My sweet mate, you’re tempting me again." He whispered against my ear. "You shouldn’t have seduced me."
I wanted to protest that I’d done no such thing, but it was too late - Perry had bitten his mark on my neck, and all thoughts scattered.
---
"I refuse to have my child born from such an unstable woman. Fix her," Allen snarled with disgust, glaring at Fiona.
They’d nearly reached the border, but their contacts who should have secured safe passage had been captured, leaving them to imagine the worst.
This delay had trapped them here for two days already.
"Shut your mouth and leave her be," Reginald snapped back, his glare fierce. "Instead of wasting breath on this, figure out how to get us out of here."
Allen returned the hostile stare. "Don’t you dare order me around."
"Then handle your own responsibilities, because I’m not doing your thinking for you. You can’t even get us across a simple border," Reginald spat.
Fiona currently slept with her head on his lap, completely drained after another mental collapse.
