Predatory Marriage

Predatory Marriage — Chapter 226. Little Wolf (2)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

As she told the story, Ishakan was silent.

“I don’t like that I left the little wolf alone,” she said as she finished the tale. “I’m so worried…”

Thinking of how she had abandoned the baby wolf made her want to cry. She didn’t understand why she was crying so much lately. Her emotions had been so intense, and so hard to control. Wrinkling the bridge of her nose, she blinked the tears back.

“I don’t think you should worry,” Ishakan said.

“But it was so small, and it had so many injuries!”

“It won’t die easily.” He said with complete confidence, and laid his hand on her belly. “Especially if it is protecting you.”

There wasn’t the slightest doubt in his voice, and Leah looked at him questioningly.

“It has my blood in it, obviously it will protect you.”

“……?”

The more he explained things, the more confused she became. Leah tried to puzzle out this riddle in her mind.

“Can you…become a wolf?”

“You asked me that before.” He smiled and stroked her cheek tenderly. “But I can’t do it.”

She was about to say that she had never wondered such a ridiculous thing, but held her tongue. It was obvious that there was something wrong with her memory, and she decided to trust his words. It had only been a dream, and a dream that made no sense, but it had shaken her so much it was hard to focus on anything else.

Sharing it with Ishakan did make her feel better, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. And he had listened so seriously, and even assured her that the baby wolf would be fine. It was as if he would listen to even the least of the thoughts that troubled her. He made her feel that even if her mind was troubled, and her thoughts cast upon the open sea, he would safely bring her back home.

“Thank you for coming to help me,” she said belatedly. She couldn’t imagine what would have happened, if it hadn’t been for him. But he shook his head.

“I’m the one who should thank you,” he whispered, rubbing his face in her neck. “You’ve endured all this alone. It must have been very hard…”

His voice was filled with regret, but she couldn’t imagine what he was sorry for. Gently, she patted his back, and her hands were so very small, compared to that broad back. It was some time before he spoke again.

“Thank you for enduring so far,” he said softly.

It was so strange, how with those simple words, all the darkness in her mind disappeared. Leah blinked, recalling something that had been troubling her, before.

“Has…the doctor come?”

“Yes. He already examined you.”

“What did he say?” She had asked for help in the first place because of that excruciating pain in her belly. “I have been having pain lately, in my stomach…”

“…Lately?”

“Yes, ever since I had to drink the tea she gave me…”

Ishakan’s eyes turned cold.

“The Queen must have given it to you,” he said, with such murderous intent, he couldn’t hide it, even in front of Leah. It frightened her so badly, it was a moment before she could speak.

“Yes…yes, it was…the Queen Mother…”

“I hope she’s prepared for the consequences,” he said icily, and then glanced at her, as if he had only just realized that he was scaring her. Instantly, he calmed. “It’s all right, Leah. You don’t have to drink it anymore.”

For a moment, he caressed her reassuringly.

“What about the intruders?” He asked. “Is there anyone you suspect?”

Leah thought about it. There were several nobles she had clashed with, but none of them would dare do something like that. As she mentally widened her search, there was only one person who could be responsible.

Lady Mirael.

The last time they had spoken, Leah had saved her from Blain’s fury. But Lady Mirael wasn’t even grateful for it.

Leah would not be merciful again. She had no intention of offering compassion to an ungrateful person. And considering the cruelty of the thing Lady Mirael had planned to do to her…

“I think it was Lady Mirael,” she said bluntly, deciding to retaliate. Briefly, she explained that Lady Mirael was Blain’s consort, and hated Leah. Ishakan listened silently.

“Ahh. Lady Mirael,” he said, repeating the name, and smiled.