Chapter 73: Dangerous Game

Azalea frowned upon hearing the words of the king. Here she was, being worried over someone who didn't even need her worry. But he's right, whatever it was, it was indeed none of her business. Who was she to him anyway? They couldn't even consider themselves friends.

"Yes, this is really none of my business," Azalea answered the king as she looked straight in his eyes. "But … you're in pain right now and I can't just ignore that. If there's something, or anything I could do to help -"

The king sat up and leaned on the tree, still breathing heavily and twitching in pain. 

"Are you trying to curry favor from me?" he mocked her.

Azalea shook her head, "No! I -," she sighed again, "Ugh, at a time like this? Why would I even -"

" - Truly naive," the king interrupted her. "Hah … hah … arghhh".

Azalea noticed the king digging his fingers on the ground. So she took his hands, wiped the dirt away and held them gently.