128. ROYAL SLUT

Evelise’s POV Two years. Two years since I was bound in a political marriage to King Oran Masuda of Nilberry, to seal peace between our conquered kingdoms with my unwilling body and name. Two years of learning to smile through courtly venom, of sleeping beside a man whose touch felt like a treaty rather than affection. And today, the prodigal warrior finally returns. Soren Masuda, Oran’s only son and the kingdom’s most feared weapon, had come home drenched in the blood of my people. I stood at Oran’s right hand on the raised dais of the throne room, my spine straight, my fingers clenched so tightly around the folds of my emerald silk gown. The entire court buzzed with anticipation. Everyone knew the rumors, Prince Soren carried death. One look from him could make seasoned generals falter. His killing aura was said to cling to him. I stole a glance at my husband. I knew him well. He hated his son but more than that, he feared him. That was why, even after the war with my homel