Chapter 257: Chapter 257 Blood and Throne
Phoebe’s POV
Conflicted emotions churned within me as I approached the platform. Witnessing the slaughter of hundreds—perhaps thousands—wasn’t something I relished, regardless of the necessity.
These were traitors, yes, but that didn’t ease the weight in my chest. They deserved death for their crimes, yet watching it unfold brought me no satisfaction.
The stench hit me as I climbed closer to the elevated platform overlooking the gallows. Perry commanded his throne with regal authority, while spectators remained to witness the grim finale.
Only five condemned souls remained when I reached his side, and two met their end just as I arrived.
His attention snapped to me immediately. Warriors parted like a sea, clearing my path with reverent precision.
"Why are you here?" His brow furrowed with concern. "This isn’t a place for you." He rose swiftly, approaching with protective intent, guiding me toward a seat with the delicate care reserved for precious glass.
His overprotective nature amused me. "I’m perfectly fine—you don’t need to coddle me like I’m breakable." I reached up, smoothing the worry lines creasing his forehead.
He melted into my touch, a soft rumble escaping his chest. My voice was his weakness—he’d told me countless times it was the sweetest melody he’d ever heard.
"You should be resting, not watching executions."
"I rested plenty. Slept like the dead for an entire day," I replied with mock irritation, though I couldn’t hide my wince as I settled onto the seat.
That tiny reaction didn’t escape his notice—his lips curved into a knowing smirk.
"Still tender?" The innuendo dripped from his words as he settled beside me, his hand finding my thigh with possessive familiarity, fingers tracing soothing circles.
"You were relentless," I whispered, mindful of the warriors stationed nearby.
"Relentless? I thought I showed restraint, considering how insatiable you were last night." He spoke at normal volume, completely shameless, earning himself my fiercest glare.
Heat flooded my cheeks as I glanced around nervously, terrified these men had heard his crude remarks.
"Stop," I hissed, mortified, my gaze darting away—only to land on the final traitor’s execution. His body convulsed violently, bladder releasing in his final moments.
Suddenly, darkness enveloped my vision as strong hands pulled me against a solid chest. Perry pressed my face to him, his lips brushing my hair tenderly.
"I warned you to stay in bed. You could have summoned me if you wanted company."
I didn’t respond, simply savored his embrace. His scent wrapped around me like a security blanket—this was perfection, everything I’d ever wanted or needed. No one else would ever compare.
But life rarely offered such simple happiness...
"Let’s return." He stood, intertwining our fingers before securing his arm around my waist, guiding me away from the platform.
——
Below, warriors began the grim cleanup while crowds slowly dispersed. The king’s brutal public punishment dominated conversations for days afterward. Many citizens applauded the harsh justice—a clear warning to anyone harboring treasonous thoughts.
Others expressed dismay, claiming Perry had revealed his true savage nature once again. They remembered his bloodthirsty reputation from before his queen’s arrival, and now those dark tendencies had resurfaced.
However, the dissenting voices remained minimal, hardly worth concern.
Perry’s primary focus centered on appointing a new royal beta. Finding a suitable right-hand man proved more challenging than anticipated.
The elder council had been dissolved completely—no remaining elder dared challenge the king’s authority. Initially, this decision sparked some opposition, but after witnessing the mass executions, few dared voice complaints.
The king now wielded absolute power, unrestricted by anyone bold enough to oppose him.
This enabled Perry to establish new laws with minimal resistance.
——
Phoebe’s POV
"Valerium kingdom?" Surprise colored my voice when Perry announced his travel plans. He intended to claim this territory as his own, renaming it entirely.
"Yes, come with me," he murmured against my lips.
We lay entwined on sweat-dampened sheets, my cheek resting on his chest while our legs tangled together intimately.
"Why? Worried I’ll cause chaos while you’re gone?" I lifted my head, flashing him that coquettish smile he found irresistible.
"You’re definitely trouble—but you’re my trouble to handle." His hands found my backside, squeezing before flipping me effortlessly until I straddled his hips.
"Really? You love me because I’m troublesome?" I grinned wickedly, grinding against him deliberately, watching his eyes darken with desire as a guttural sound escaped him.
"Yes... I want you causing me trouble for eternity."
Laughter bubbled from my lips at his declaration. Joy flooded through me, though that persistent hollow ache in my heart remained unchanged.
