Theo and Princess Kissa are flirting while having their dinner. She keeps on feeding him and Theo is all smiles as he accepts the food. There are also some touches here and there, most especially kisses that Kissa gives to his face. I guess she adores how Theo looks.
I sigh and look away when Princess Kissa places another kiss on the bridge of his nose. We are traveling to Pitchford island where new monsters sprouted. As per Theo's order, we set up chairs and tables on the deck. And so, as the couple flirts, I stand on the side while the other warriors are doing their tasks around.
Still, they can't help but glance at the two. But who would blame them? The couple is both good-looking. And they are f*ucking too sweet that I learned how to empty my mind, or else this dull ache in my chest will grow and I will do something that I would regret later on.
A few meters away from me, I see Ami looking at me with worry again. She doesn't need to feel sorry for me, though. I am already too tired to focus on this pain in my chest. When Princess Kissa giggles, I distract myself by calculating the time. In just a few minutes, my shift will end and I will be out of here. More importantly, we are close to the island. More chances to get away from this painful everyday scenery.
"Kaiya, your shift will end soon, right?"
I turn towards the voice. Theo. This time, Princess Kissa is already sitting on his lap. I stop myself from glaring at him. Instead, I inhale and steel myself. He won't see my pain!
"Yes, my King," I answer, making sure that my voice is as level as I can manage. Thankfully, there is no tremble in it.
"Then you can sit and dine with us."
I flinch at the suggestion. Sit at the table while they kiss and flirt? Is he f*ucking serious?! Does he want to prolong my agony of seeing my mate holding another woman?!
"Apologies, my King, but there are some other tasks I need to do. And besides…" I look around and see Klevon carrying a barrel of whatever. He's half-naked, with his muscles bulging at the effort. And as expected, some women can't help but look at him. "Right, I need something else to do," I say, my eyes never leaving Klevon's form.
Klevon catches my eyes, and he waves at me. A smile on his face and sweat glistens over his huge, muscular body. I snort. How is that even possible? Ain't he just showing off how good he looks right now? I doubt that he is not aware that women are drooling over him right now. I smirk. He is showing off, like a male peacock parading himself. A person who wants to be ogled.
"Kaiya!" Theo calls.
I shift my attention to Theo. He is glaring at me and then at Klevon. Yet, his hands are still around Princess Kissa's slim waist.
"You will be in my room tonight!"
I look at him. He's crazy if he thinks I will enter his room tonight. Wait. Is he jealous because I am checking out Klevon? The corner of my lips turns upward. He's playing his game of making me jealous and yet, he's the one getting riled up. This powerful King really is nothing but a little child inside.
"I can't, my King. I have other things to do, especially since tomorrow morning we will alight on the closed-off island."
"Kai-"
Suddenly, Princess Kissa cups his cheeks and kisses him. I bow my head at them. Just in time, too.
"My shift is done, so I will leave now," I inform him while their lips are locked in each other.
I didn't even wait for his advice. Rather, I run towards Klevon, who turns to me with a bright smile on his face. Half naked and up close, I get why he's quite popular with women.
"Teach me more wind magic," I order.
His brows raise. "My, the little lieutenant is being too forward with her general," he comments.
"Then teach me other types of magic."
"The number of times I teach you, I think I should start asking for compensation."
"It's okay, as long as it's not something sexual."
He flicks my forehead, and my hands automatically go to it. "Is that what my little werewolf has in mind? You want a repeat of that night, huh?"
I scowl at him. "You know I don't."
He laughs while he places his hands on his hips. "I-"
He is about to say something when "General Klevon!" It's General Lorant. He approaches us and looks at me and then at Klevon. "Don't turn your heads, but the King's aura is turning to that of wanting murder."
"Well, I've been sensing a target on me for a while," he responds with a grin.
And I realize that I feel that too on my back. I snort. From hurting me, now Theo wants to murder me?
General Lorant turns his attention to me. "I know that you're no longer a lover, but will you please fix that man? He's going to be difficult if this continues."
"But it's not my responsibility…"
He sighs. "Will you please feel some pity on that guy? He's still smitten with you. And I know you still have the mate bond with him. The two of you are just hurting each other."
I purse my lips. He's right, but I don't care. I will be hurt enough until I hurt no more–until I can escape from this painful love and mate bond.
"Also, you are helping the wind magicians from Owusu, right?" General Lorant asks.
I nod.
"Then go to them and help. They will be busy tonight, so it's better if they have help. The sooner they finish, the sooner they can rest and be ready for tomorrow's mission on that island."
"Okay," I answer.
General Lorant takes another look at me and then at Klevon before finally leaving the two of us.
"What do you think of him?" I ask Klevon, as my eyes follow General Lorant.
"General Lorant? Hmmm…" He massages his chin before looking back at me. Lately, he's been looking at me with amusement. It's annoying. "He's weird, but with an ability like his, I would be more surprised if he's not."
"I don't think you have the right to call someone weird."
"Well, you've been checking me out earlier, so I think I have the right."
I turn to look at him, and he meets my eyes. He is right, but the way he puts it, it's… frustrating.
"I am not doing that," I hiss.
"Well, you sure do. You might not know, but I am always aware of your presence and actions."
Suddenly, he pulls me by my waist and places a kiss on my neck. I push at him, but he only says, "I've told you already. I think I've been magically charmed to be attracted to you." He snickers, "As if that kind of magic really exists."
Then something roars. I look around and see that the surrounding ocean is heaving. I look worried at Klevon.
"Theo's emotions," he supplies. "Good luck calming that up," he adds before walking away from me.
"Hey!" I call after him.
I am about to run after him when I hear Princess Kissa squeal. Then it's followed by a roaring, "Kaiya!"
I slowly turn towards Theo. He is fuming with both rage and jealousy. He strides towards me and the way he looks at me makes me afraid.
A meter away from me, I take a step back. I am about to escape his wrath when he says, "Don't you dare leave without your King's leave!"
Without a choice, I stop and turn my attention to him. "Can I leave now, my King?" I ask.
"No!" he bellows.
He reaches for my wrist and pulls me with him. Seeing that we are going to his room, I pull back. I try to disentangle his fingers around my wrist, but his hold only tightens. I look around and see that the ocean is getting more violent, to the point that the ship is already shaking.
"My King!" I call.
I am nervous now. I look at Klevon. His back is on me. That asshole! He causes this tantrum! Then I look at Princess Kissa. She is hugging herself as she looks at us. Damn her! She should be stopping him! And then to all the people around us who are not doing anything but ignore their King's anger! Some even have the gall to look at me with pity or fear–I'm not sure which is correct.
When Theo pulls me into the hallway, my fear heightens. I look back as he is pulling me into his room. And that room is a NO-NO for me!