Chapter 81: Ch 81. Stoner Jealous?

Hearing his blunt question, Selena sat up straight and looked at Stoner, who was already standing in front of her.

"You’re asking that as if you’re upset," Selena replied, then picked up her glass of water. "Did you just hear from Vee about my orders, and then rush straight over here?"

Stoner realized the implication of that question; he knew he’d probably overreacted. After all, it was clear that he and the others shared Selena as their wife, and the agreement they’d made explicitly forbade jealousy or any attempt to monopolize Selena for one party alone.

Stoner had agreed to it, but he still felt a bit uneasy now that he’d heard Selena was going to stay the night and might make love with the Lion King.

"Did something major happen to her, which is why you went there intending to heal her?" Stoner asked, changing the subject so it wouldn’t be obvious that he was jealous.

Yes, he felt jealous even though it wasn’t part of their agreement.

"Why are you suddenly asking about that?"

"I’ve been watching you since we made love that night. You’ve been in a hurry these past few days, but you didn’t tell us right away—and you even seemed like you didn’t care or didn’t want to do it anymore."

"That’s why I’m asking—because after you asked to be taken to your own room, it seemed like you never intended to stay at our palaces," Stoner said, making Selena smile slightly.

"Let’s just say that’s true—the lion king needs me, or more precisely, he needs to recover because his kingdom’s problems are quite serious. I don’t want to make a mistake by withholding his rights; I’ll do the same thing in two days. I’ll visit the three of you who were assigned number 3 and heal you with my primary healing power—my own body."

"That way, you’ll recover faster, and I won’t have to bother worrying about you. Oh, one more thing—this will also make it easier for you to make a decision. I’ll still wait, and I’ll gladly accept it if you no longer wish to go through with the marriage. I really have no intention of staying at the palace forever—it’s boring," Selena said at length, calmly.

Stoner let out a heavy sigh. "They might divorce you, but I won’t," he replied seriously, making Selena smile in disbelief. "Is this how you want to repay us after we nearly killed you back then?"

"Let’s just say that’s the case—it depends on your own beliefs." Selena shrugged casually, then looked out the window at the approaching evening. "I’m too much of a realist—what’s the point of staying in a marriage if we don’t love each other? I won’t be of any use to you once you’re healed, so I don’t want to stay here any longer."

Stoner looked deeply into her eyes, noticing how Selena was now looking back at him and smiling casually.

"Wolf King, don’t worry about me. I’ve already given you a chance—healing you and setting you free to do whatever you want, since your memories are no longer at risk. Now think: are you going to keep dragging this out with me, or start figuring out where your mother is? You have the most important priority to tackle right now—don’t get caught up in my words and let them derail your plans," she said, causing Stoner to sigh again.

"I’m already in the process of searching more thoroughly for my mother’s whereabouts. I’m trying to pinpoint her exact location as best I can. But tonight is my last chance—if I still don’t get satisfactory results, I’ll threaten my father with his younger brother, who’s currently in our prison."

"I’m sure his younger brother’s life will be far more important to him than my mother’s. He’ll definitely release my mother so he can be reunited with his younger brother—whether to forge a new political alliance or even go to war because they can’t accept that I’ve released the hostage. Just wait and see; I’m sure the outcome will be satisfactory," Stoner said, making Selena smile.

"You have great abilities as a king; use them without hesitation. Don’t be afraid of traitors, and don’t hesitate to confront him—even if he’s your own father. Once you’ve found your mother, gather evidence that your father is guilty so he can be brought to trial. That is, if you have the heart to do it; otherwise, your father will just go back to his old ways," Selena said casually, making Stoner smile.

"Honestly, I prefer the way you are now because talking to you feels so easy and we’re always on the same page. The Selena from before wasn’t like you," he said, causing Selena to raise an eyebrow.

Stoner took Selena’s hand, holding it gently, then said,

"I’ll stay by your side, making you my only friend and partner. If the others refuse to stay with you after they’ve recovered, their friends will see that I’m not one of those who turned their backs on you and left."

"Don’t get too poetic—it’s a little cringy to hear," Selena said, pulling her hand out of Stoner’s grip. "Go take care of your business, Wolf King. I’ll get ready to head to the Lion’s Palace—another patient of mine is waiting for me there."

Stoner took a deep breath, staring at Selena’s hand as it moved out of his reach.

Selena said she didn’t want to continue their relationship because there was no love in it. But Selena didn’t even want them to touch her—or for her to touch them—so Stoner was a little confused about what Selena actually wanted.

But one thing was certain: this woman didn’t need their love. That was why she’d suggested they part ways—because she herself didn’t want to stay in this relationship any longer.

"Wolf King, hey... Why are you daydreaming?"

Stoner smiled softly and shook his head. "I’m not daydreaming, just thinking," he replied, causing Selena to raise an eyebrow.

"Thinking about what, you space cadet?"

Stoner shook his head gently, took Selena’s hand again, and kissed the back of her soft hand.

"In that case, I won’t bother you anymore; I’ll take care of some important matters," he said, causing Selena to raise her eyebrows in surprise. "I hope you’re strong enough to face him—he’s the Lion King, nearly as powerful as I am."

Selena remained silent, her expression blank. She was actually afraid and reluctant, but healing them soon would make things easier for both Selena and the creatures themselves. She wanted to treat them, so she went ahead and did it—that way, they’d recover as quickly as possible.

"I hope that mysterious voice changes its mind. Just healing them is enough—there’s no need to go so far as to give birth to beast children."

Selena knew babies were adorable little creatures, but she had absolutely no desire to have a baby anytime soon. It wasn’t something she looked forward to, especially since her husband had no intention of leaving her.

There was no way she could carry all five of her husbands’ children, was there? Selena hadn’t even figured out how to deal with this huge problem yet.

Never mind—we’ll discuss that later.

After Stoner left, Selena took a peaceful bath while Vee scrubbed her back. She stared absently at the bathroom ceiling, then said,

"Do you think we’ll go on an adventure?"

Vee, who was scrubbing Selena’s back, glanced up. "Your Majesty, I will remain by your side no matter what happens. Don’t be discouraged—everything will be fine."

Selena sighed; for some reason, she actually felt even more hesitant about making love with Draven. His aura was too cold and calm, yet it still made Selena feel uneasy.

"Come on, it’s just sex—why make such a big deal out of it?" Selena muttered, then asked Vee to rinse her off. "I’ve seen how crazy Stoner gets when he does it. Hopefully Draven won’t be as rough or take as long as Stoner."

Vee watched Selena’s face as it shifted with a hint of irritation, but she didn’t dare ask—Selena must have her own personal issues. Not everything needed to be discussed with Vee, who was merely a servant.

"All right, Your Majesty. You’re ready to head to the Lion King’s palace," Vee said politely after helping Selena put on a warm cloak.

The woman nodded, then looked at Vee. "Just rest tonight—find something fun to do with Kav and Kev. Pick me up early tomorrow morning at the Lion King’s palace; I’ll be back here after I finish my business," she said.

"Very well, Your Majesty. Let me escort you to the Lion King’s palace; after that, I’ll head home."

Selena nodded and walked leisurely out of her room. There was no conversation between them; Vee also felt, deep down, that this was the most intense challenge and the most serious matter Selena would face.

Vee didn’t even feel ready to ask any questions, so she remained silent until she had escorted Selena to the area where her room was located in the Lion King’s palace.

"This is as far as I’ll go. Go rest in your room," Selena said as she stepped into the area where her room was.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Please, if anything happens, you must stay safe—don’t worry about anyone else first; think of yourself."

Selena smiled and nodded, then walked toward her room, which a servant had already opened for her as soon as she arrived. Selena’s steps suddenly halted in front of her door; she was quite surprised by what she saw inside.