Dragon King's Harem Chapter 406. She Deserves That Much

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 406. She Deserves That Much

The chancellor stopped walking, bowing deeply before stepping aside. “It will be done, Your Majesty.”

“Good,” I replied, watching him stride purposefully down the corridor.

I turned to head toward the next task. Before I could get too far, Al stepped up beside me, his usual smug grin plastered across his face.

“Well, I guess I’ve got to get back to my job,” he said casually, cracking his knuckles. “There’s a lot I’ve gotta handle since I’ve been away too long.”

I smirked, the corners of my mouth twitching upward despite the lingering tension. “You sound like a responsible noble now. Who would’ve thought?”

Al shot me an exaggeratedly offended look, hand pressed dramatically to his chest. “Oh, I am responsible, Your Majesty. You just don’t see it because you’re too busy being the king.” He grinned, giving me a cheeky salute before strolling off. “Try not to miss me too much.”

I huffed, shaking my head as he disappeared down the hall. Typical Al. Still, his humor had a way of lightening the mood, even when the day was as heavy as this one. My boots echoed against the stone floor as I resumed walking, my thoughts pulling me into a mental checklist of everything that needed to be done.

Ensuring the Healing Towers had everything they needed. Tightening the borders. Oh, and the Snow Queen’s wedding invitation—I needed to check if that had arrived yet. I barely noticed where I was going until Evelina’s hand closed around my wrist, tugging me to an abrupt stop.

“Your Majesty,” she said, her voice sharp but laced with concern.

I turned to find both Evelina and Jyne standing behind me, their brows furrowed in identical expressions of disapproval. “What is it?” I asked, feigning ignorance even though I had a pretty good idea where this was headed.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Evelina asked, crossing her arms.

Jyne chimed in, her tone soft but no less insistent. “Didn’t you promise you’d rest?”

“I am resting,” I said defensively, though even I didn’t sound convincing.

Jyne raised an eyebrow, pointing down the corridor. “Then why are you heading toward your office?”

I blinked, suddenly aware of the familiar surroundings. She was right—I was standing in the hallway that led directly to my office. How had I ended up here without even realizing it? I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I guess it’s become a habit.”

Evelina gave me a look that was equal parts exasperation and amusement. “A habit of not resting, you mean.”

“Well,” I said, trying to salvage some dignity, “I was planning to check if any important documents have arrived.”

Evelina huffed, clearly unimpressed by my excuse. “I guessed it. You’re always looking for something to do, even when you should be taking a break.”

Before I could respond, a familiar voice rang out from down the hall. “Argod! Busy again, huh? No time for Sela?”

I turned to see Sela striding toward me, her face splitting into a wide grin.

“Sela,” I greeted her, feeling a bit of warmth at her familiar presence. “You caught me.”

“Caught you trying to run off again,” she said with a laugh, poking a finger at my chest. “You need a break. Sela says you look like a rock ready to crack. And rocks shouldn’t crack.”

“Thanks for the concern,” I said dryly, though I couldn’t help but smile. “I’ve got things to handle, though.”

Before Sela could press further, Marissa appeared beside her. “Your Majesty,” she said, her violet eyes narrowing slightly. “You just arrived. Shouldn’t you be resting? Or has your stubbornness gotten the better of you again?”

I sighed, feeling their combined gazes. “You’re all ganging up on me now?”

“Of course we are,” Jyne said with a small smile. “Someone has to keep you in line.”

Sela nodded, crossing her arms. “Sela agrees. The King needs rest, not running around like a headless wyvern.”

Marissa tilted her head, her expression unreadable. “If you don’t rest, who will lead us when you collapse from exhaustion?”

“Fine,” I said, raising my hands in mock surrender. “You win. I’ll rest. Happy?”

Evelina smirked, clearly enjoying her victory. “Very.”

I looked around. “Oh, right… where is Glasha?” I asked, trying to shift the focus away from myself.

The air grew noticeably heavier. The teasing glint in Sela’s eyes dimmed, and Marissa’s serene expression gave way to something more serious.

They exchanged a quick glance before Marissa broke the silence.

“You know this won’t be easy for either of you,” she said evenly, folding her arms. “You brought her here as a political prisoner, didn’t you?”

“I married her,” I replied firmly, though the words felt heavier than I intended. “She has status.”

Sela chimed in, her voice quieter but no less firm. “She has status. But for her… it’s not that simple.” Her small hands wrung together, and for once, there was no teasing in her tone. “Sela knows pride, and Glasha’s… well, her pride’s been hit hard.”

I huffed. “Her status makes her more noble in the eyes of the other tribes,” I said, my tone sharper than I intended. “She should see that.”

“But does she?” Marissa countered, her voice still calm but now laced with an edge. “Glasha may hold a title, but only she knows how she feels about her position here.”

I didn’t respond immediately. Their words stung because they were true. Glasha’s elevated status in the eyes of others didn’t erase the complicated reality between us. My mind wandered back to our first consummation—her flushed face, the mix of emotions she tried so hard to hide. ‘Based on her reaction, she must have some feelings for me…’ I thought.

But I couldn’t deny what I’d done had hurt her pride and dignity. She was strong, proud, and unyielding. And I had broken through that, not gently, but with the brute force of necessity. I wouldn’t sugarcoat it. She deserved better than that, and I knew it.

“I’ll see her before I take a rest,” I said finally, my voice quieter now.

Evelina grabbed my hand once again, her eyes narrowing as she stopped me in my tracks. “Are you going to punish her?”

“No,” I said immediately, shaking my head. “I just want to talk. No arguments, either. I’m not interested in fighting. If…” I hesitated, exhaling slowly. “If she rejects me or lashes out, I’ll leave.”

Evelina studied me for a moment, her gaze softening slightly. “You’re serious about this?”

I nodded. “I am. She deserves that much, at least.”