Chapter 90: beg him ii

Hazel’s mouth fell open. "Are you saying he’s ugly inside?"

"No," Rita replied, raising an eyebrow. "She’s saying you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover."

She snorted and pointed toward the door as if Caius were standing outside listening to their conversation.

"The most annoying thing is that Alexander and Ethan always support him. In the past, we didn’t care because we were used to his behavior, and nobody was foolish enough to tell him what to do. But things are different now. He has a mate, and one day, he might have children. How is he supposed to be a good father if he continues behaving like that?"

Hazel swallowed in surprise.

So that was what they were worried about. They weren’t only afraid of Caius returning to his old ways; they were also concerned about what kind of husband and father he would become.

For a moment, she imagined a little child running around the palace while Caius stood nearby with his usual cold expression, frightening the poor child with nothing more than a look. The thought was so funny that she nearly laughed, but she quickly stopped herself when she remembered that the women were speaking seriously.

Still, she couldn’t help wondering what Caius had been like before he fell into his long sleep. If he had always been so frightening, then perhaps the calm man she had seen that morning was a side of him that very few people had ever witnessed.

Hazel sighed and glanced at Rita. "Actually, Caius didn’t have to kill those demons."

Janet nodded immediately. "That’s true. Rita needs two demons and two dark witches for her plans concerning her kingdom, but now we have to find replacements."

Hazel blinked, remembering how quickly Caius had moved in the throne hall. She had been shocked when she heard that he had beheaded both demons at once, but she hadn’t known they were needed for something important.

She pushed the thought aside and looked at Rita with curiosity.

"What exactly do you want to do with the witches and demons?"

Rita folded her arms and gave her a flat look. "It’s my kingdom. Why would I tell you?"

Hazel stared at her in disbelief. "Seriously?"

Rita raised a brow. " of course, our lady "

Hazel let out a tired sigh and leaned back on the bed. It seemed that everyone in the palace had secrets, and she was beginning to wonder whether she was the only person who didn’t know what was going on.

Caius had his mysterious chamber, Rita had her plans for the witch kingdom, and even Ethan and Alexander seemed to know things that nobody wanted to explain to her. She was getting tired of being left out of everything, especially when she was expected to act like a queen.

After a few moments of silence, Hazel looked around the room and suddenly sat up straight. "I don’t know about all these secrets, but I’m bored. I’m very, very bored." Hazel smiled brightly, already feeling excited about the idea that had just entered her mind.

"How about we go around the palace? I’ve heard there are so many beautiful places in Basileia, and I’ve always wanted to explore them. We can walk around, look at the gardens, visit some interesting places, and have fun for once."

She had been stuck inside the palace for too long, and now that her body was feeling better, she wanted to see more of the place she had only heard about. Surely, there was nothing wrong with taking a little walk with her friends.

However, the moment she finished speaking, the expressions on their faces changed.

Janet stared at her as if Hazel had just announced that she wanted to jump into a volcano. Akeelah looked away, while Rita’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Hazel’s smile slowly faded. "What?"

Janet suddenly stood up, looking genuinely offended. "You want to kill me so badly?"

Hazel’s eyes widened. "What are you talking about? I only said we should go for a walk!"

Janet pointed at the door as if danger were waiting on the other side.

"Do you know what happens when you walk around Basileia without knowing where you’re going? Do you know how many dangerous people live here? And now you want me to take you sightseeing?"

Hazel stared at her in confusion before turning toward Akeelah and Rita, hoping one of them would explain why a simple walk had suddenly become a matter of life and death.

Hazel raised an eyebrow as she looked at Janet, who was still standing as if someone had just announced her death sentence.

"Why would I?" she asked innocently.

Janet stared at her in disbelief, while Akeelah covered her mouth to hide her laughter. Rita, on the other hand, looked as if she had already lost patience with the conversation.

"Why would you?" Janet repeated. "Girl, are you seriously asking me that question? You’re Caius’s mate! Do you think we can simply take you out of the palace whenever we want without telling him?"

Hazel frowned. "What’s wrong with that? I’m only asking you to show me around Basileia. I’m not asking you to take me to another kingdom!"

"That doesn’t make any difference," Rita replied, folding her arms. "You’re now Caius’s possession, and anyone who tries to take you somewhere without his permission could end up paying for it with their life. Do you think the old Caius will smile and wave at us when he discovers we’ve taken his mate somewhere without telling him?"

Hazel’s mouth fell open."His possession? I’m a person, not something he bought from the market!" she scoffed. it as if they are speaking for him.

"Tell that to your terrifying mate," Akeelah said with a shrug. "I don’t mind helping you explore Basileia, but I’m not ready to lose my head because you want to admire some flowers."

Hazel opened her mouth to argue, but Rita raised a hand to stop her.

"Listen, it’s not possible for us to take you out without Caius knowing. Even if we somehow manage to sneak you past the guards, do you honestly think he won’t notice your absence? He might be busy now, but that doesn’t mean we can fool him. Besides, your scent is strong enough to announce your presence before you even enter a room."