Trapped in the Beastworld Breeder System (BL)-Chapter 64: You think it’s poisoned...

After that, the king dispersed the court, and despite all the murmuring and the like, the officials left one after the other. Left behind in the room was the king, who refused to leave just yet, Aries, the war lord, and Lucien.

Lucien stood where he was, berating himself for what he had done and mentally preparing himself to face Areis when he suddenly saw Thales turn to face Areis.

As Thales turned to stare at Areis, Areis’ heart began to thump heavily in his chest. He didn’t know what to do, and then, suddenly, his hand was seized. The war lord was holding him. Areis looked up, his eyes filled with shock and unspoken questions.

When Lucien saw all of this happen, he immediately walked toward them, ready to step in and question Thales harshly, but then—

"Prince Lucien."

The king’s voice echoed through the hall, entering Lucien’s head and halting his steps.

"You should come here and let them discuss. We also have something to discuss."

"Discuss?"

The word rang through Lucien’s head as he tried to calm himself and accept that this was truly what was going to happen between Thales and Areis. Thales led Areis out of the room, and left behind in the hall were the Wolf King and Lucien.

Lucien stood before the king, his heart beating fast as he feared whatever might follow. Then the king spoke.

"I need you to clear certain rumors. I chose not to believe them until I hear from you."

"What rumors?" Lucien asked, honestly confused as he stared at his father, who was speaking in riddles.

"I mean, haven’t you heard what has been circulating through the kingdom? They say you are no longer the mateless prince of the kingdom. While that may sound like good news, it truly isn’t, because it means you aim to claim what I own. What do you reason about that?"

"Own what you own?" Lucien said slowly. "I beg your pardon, Your Majesty, but I don’t own my mate, and neither does anyone else."

"So it’s true."

The king’s voice sounded measured as his brows rose slightly in recognition. "So you truly claim the human as yours?"

"Father—" Lucien began, but the king cut him off.

"Do not call me your father. And if you insist on doing so, then you must cut ties with the kingdom’s property and stop calling him yours. Find a way to detach whatever feelings you have for him. I also do not want to keep seeing you near his quarters. Since he has awakened now, you will stay away from him."

"Your Majesty!" Lucien’s voice vibrated through the room as his teeth gritted together in frustration.

But he couldn’t say anything more. He could only simmer in silence, because he knew well enough that if he showed too much displeasure, the king would sharpen his words even further. It would only take a few sentences to have him removed entirely from Areis’ sight.

So Lucien stayed calm, breathing slowly and softly, forcing himself to cool his racing thoughts.

After a moment, he opened his eyes, met his father’s gaze with a settled mind, and said quietly, "I know what to do."

"That’s good."

And with that, Lucien turned and left.

Meanwhile, Thales continued dragging Areis along. By this time, Areis’ wrist had begun to ache badly. Suddenly, Areis halted and yanked his hand free from Thales’ grasp.

Thales stopped in his tracks and turned to look at him.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

The tone wasn’t one of concern; rather, it carried clear annoyance.

Areis’ expression mirrored the same irritation he saw on the war lord’s face as he said, "Where are you going? Where are you taking me?"

Thales’ forehead scrunched together as he raised his free hand to massage his temple. Then he said, "You are manageable when you’re quiet."

Then, more quietly, almost under his breath, "But you can’t really be quiet unless you’re dead, and I don’t think that’s happening for now."

Areis’ eyes widened slightly at his words. He knew it. The war lord’s only aim toward him was death. He was ready to kill him, and perhaps the king’s instructions were the only thing holding him back for now.

Feigning ignorance, Areis asked, "What did you say?"

Thales scoffed and continued walking, paying Areis no heed. That was how Areis followed him, an almost unknown man, down the palace halls until they reached a very secluded section.

The place resembled a lounge. It had a covered roof, open sides, and chairs and a table set in the middle. It was the kind of place consorts used for drinks and conversation, though perhaps Thales intended for them to share that experience now.

Areis raked his eyes over the majestic structure, taking in every small detail of its beauty, until Thales’ voice pulled him back to his senses.

"Maids. Come here and serve us wine."

They crossed the open space, and Thales took a seat on one of the chairs. After surveying the area once more, Areis also sat down. The moment he did, he sank into the cushion. It was so soft that Areis felt like he never wanted to stand up again. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Soon, the maids arrived with the wine and served them one after the other, pouring it into their glasses until they were half full. After that, Thales dismissed them.

He picked up his glass and gestured for Areis to do the same. Areis lifted his, though his eyes stayed fixed on it warily. Thales drank from his own glass, but Areis’ cup never reached his lips. He simply watched Thales.

Thales lowered his cup and looked at him, surprised. He let out a small snicker.

"Wait... don’t tell me you think it’s poisoned?"

Areis said nothing to him. He only stared back at him.

Thales continued, "If I wanted to kill you, do you think I’d be so obvious about it? I mean, I couldn’t do that here."