Would you kill for me?
Ava's POV
“My lady, the king wants to see you,” said Ezra Rizz, the man Raphael sent to check on me the day I got drugged during the second day of the competition.
“Hello, Sir Ezra,” I greeted him, my voice shaking.
“ Gwen, it'll be okay. I promise." I told her, though I hardly understood what was going on.
“One of the worst pains in life is losing someone you love,” Gwen whispered. So, I’d been right about my assumptions between them.
“My lady, I can take care of your friend,” Ezra offered.
“No, I’m okay. Let's go,” Gwen said, her voice falsely cheerful.
We walked to the pavilion where Raphael and his ministers were still seated. I realized right away they were waiting for me. The ministers couldn’t leave until Raphael did, and Raphael wasn’t going anywhere until I came before him.
“Greetings to the sun and moon of the Lystra Empire,” Gwen and I said together, bowing to Raphael.
“You may rise,” Raphael’s deep voice echoed, sending a shiver of excitement and anticipation through me.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Gwen and I echoed as we stood up bowing positions. Raphael stood and reached his hand toward me, motioning for me to come closer.
I took his hand, his warmth soothing my cold, nervous fingers. I felt a little stronger just being near him. The fright of the competition vanished as if it never happened. He always made me feel that way.
“You did wonderfully today, my little one.” Raphael whispered into my ears as he gently bit my earlobe, sending a sensation of anticipation and pleasure through me.
As we walked toward the carriage, I noticed the ministers starting to leave in their own carriages. They tried not to show it, but I could feel their irritation and resentment directed at me.
“Ezra,” Raphael called, stopping to talk to him after helping me into the carriage.
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“Join us at the palace, and don’t disappear this time.” He gave Ezra’s shoulder a gentle pat and climbed into the carriage with me.
Ezra looked less than thrilled about coming to the banquet but gently guided Gwen to his carriage. Its insignia, a red flag with a skull head with a smug of red dripping from the skull mouth. The insignia was unlike any I had seen before.
“Show me your hands, Ava,” Raphael’s voice was soft and comforting.
“I’m fine.”
“I know, but I want to check for myself. My wolf and I need the assurance too.”
At the mention of his wolf, I remembered where it had all started, back at Moonstone Pack. That day, his wolf had taken to me instantly, which is why Raphael had chosen to protect me, because he was curious.
“Ava?” He waited patiently, his hand outstretched. I loved how this powerful immortal man always asked before touching me, even though he didn’t have to.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about what I’d soon ask him for as my prize for winning the competition. Would it change things between us? Yes, maybe it might.
“What are you thinking about?” He lifted my hand to his lips, after I placed my hand in his outstretched one.
“Just… worried about my friend,” I lied, not ready to share my real thoughts.
When did I get so attached to him? I looked into his gray eyes, which always made me feel like I was the only person in the world.
“I won’t rush you. Talk to me whenever you’re ready, little one.”
“Even if I ask for something big?”
He raised an eyebrow, his expression suddenly serious.
“Yes, even then. I’m just grateful you’re safe. I was so scared when you kept fighting despite being hurt.” He paused and tilted my chin so I’d look him in the eyes. “I would’ve stopped the competition, but you told me you wanted to win, and that’s the only reason I didn’t intervene.”
“ I’m sorry I made you worry. But there is something I really want.”
“And you couldn’t just ask me? You risked your life for something I would’ve granted if you’d only asked?” His voice turned icy, sending a chill through me.
“Would you have… would you kill me if I asked you to?”
He pulled his hand back, and with it, his warmth.
“Yes, if that’s what you wanted.”
“Why?” I couldn’t hold back my curiosity. Why would he go that far for me? Was it really just because of his wolf’s connection to me? Or is there more to it?
“ If you had wanted me to burn down this kingdom I would have done it. If you ask me why, all I can say is I want your happiness. If killing someone will make you happy then yes, I would do it. ”
I was stunned by his answer. Would he really do that for me, or was he just saying it to flatter me?
“When the time comes, remember what I said.” He didn’t say another word, and the coachman’s knock signaled that we’d arrived at the palace.
Raphael stepped out first, then held the carriage door open for me with one hand and stretched the other toward me. Murmurs filled the air as people watched him.
“Why would a king be so attentive to a commoner girl?” I heard a knight whisper.
“ I don’t understand it either. What could he see in her?" Another muttered.
Caleb stepped forward, and the knights fell silent as Raphael shot them a piercing look. His eyes held a cold warning, and the knights instantly bowed their heads in shame.
“Ava, congratulations!” Caleb greeted me warmly, his smile kind.
“Thank you, Sir Caleb,” I replied, returning his smile.
“Congratulations,” came a colder voice from behind Caleb.
It was Gemma, her expression as unfriendly as ever. She rarely smiled, and when she did, it was never at me. Her husband, Caleb, was much kinder.
“Well, let’s save the congratulations for later,” Raphael said, gently taking my arm as we moved forward.
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