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10.42% SMITTEN / Chapter 17: Everyone Is Mine

Capítulo 17: Everyone Is Mine

Leandro felt his blood boil as his wine eyes witnessed the proximity of Lord Lycano with Aisha. Fortunately, he was able to manage his displeasure by conversing with him in a congenial tone.

"That depends on where she wants to stay, Lord Lycano," he subconsciously answered his question for Aisha.

He didn't want him to continue to intimidate Aisha. Leandro stepped forward until they all met face to face.

Aisha looked surprised to see him.

He was also astonished at himself, for being there at that moment, of all places. As the King, he should be in the Castle, tending to his people's needs.

They were both at Lord Lycano's Manor with the host himself. Lord Emilio was behind him together with Lord Lycano's Guards, alert and waiting for their master's orders.

Leandro felt gratified that Aisha seemed to be unharmed. There was no scratch on her body. And she was all in one piece.

He will check her later. But there is a much greater impediment that he has to deal with in front of him.

He could count in one finger the number of times that he visited Lord Lycano's Manor. And all were because of misunderstandings and conflicts.

"This female human must be so special that the King himself honored his humble servant with his presence," he flamboyantly waved his masculine hand before he bowed to the King.

Leandro's jaw clenched at his comment. He must have an idea about her blood.

"Pardon me for my intrusion to your humble abode, Lord Lycano. But I am not here primarily for the lady. I have other, more important matters to discuss with you regarding land estates," He said in his authoritative tone.

He then gave a slight glance at Aisha, making him gulp a lump in his throat. Even if she didn't speak, her sad eyes revealed that she was hurt by what he said.

"It is for your own safety," he wanted to say to her. But he knew that Lord Lycano's senses were as supernatural as his.

He would hear the slightest whisper even outside the Manor.

"That's excellent, Your Majesty. We were just discussing her residence. As I recall, anyone who stepped foot on someone's property is bound by the laws of that land. Isn't it just right for her to stay in the Lycus Territory, your Majesty?" Lord Lycano openly expressed his desire for Aisha to stay within their land.

He even stepped forward to put Aisha behind him.

Leandro's jaw clenched as he observed Lord Lycano's actions.

Lord Lycano was right. But he was also wrong.

A corner of his lips lifted as he stepped forward, responding to him in his kingly voice. "I am conscious of that. I also know that you are aware that I am the King of Gaea. That means everyone who stepped foot in Gaea is mine, including her, you, and all members of the Lycus Clan."

Lord Lycano seemed to be affected by his direct and straightforward words, that a huffed growl could be heard from his chest.

His jaw twitched as if his sharp fangs were attempting to come out. His fingers stretched as if its claws wanted to burst out and rip the people in front of them apart.

Lord Emilio was alarmed, making his hand clutch on his sword in case he tried to hurt the King.

Lord Lycano's men wanted to get ready. But they seemed to be in doubt since they would not be fighting with an ordinary smuggler, but the King of Gaea himself.

Leandro was not oblivious of the tension. But he would not allow him to have her!

He tried to dilute the argument, so this will not get bloody, as much as possible. So he added, "Even then, I am not imposing that law to any Lords in Gaea. I respect every one of you, and I hope we should respect the rights of our subjects as well."

Then he glanced at Aisha. She seemed scared as she was frozen on her feet, without even blinking.

Leandro drew in a deep breath as he continued, "I didn't say that the Lady should not stay here. I am just saying she has the right to choose where she wants to live in whatever location in Gaea that she wished to. Don't you think so, Lord Lycano?"

He knew that he was taking a risk. Aisha might choose to be left behind. But this was the more peaceful option.

But for now, he could only hope that Aisha would choose to go back with him to the Castle, where she would be safer. Or even anywhere, except here.

Lord Lycano seemed to now be in control of himself as he inhaled a lungful of air and exhaled.

His amethyst eyes glistened as he spoke, "You're absolutely right, your Majesty. We are honored to be ruled by a benevolent and righteous King who respected the rights of his citizens. I'm now certain he will also honor my humble opinion regarding land estates and such matters."

Lord Lycano bowed down to him as if he was truly holding him in high regard.

Leandro already knew that with Lord Lycano's cunning tactics, he would involve the land negotiation with this issue. Still, it made his muscles twitch.

He wanted to burn him with fire and sulfur, together with his whole Clan. But The Great Theos wouldn't approve of that.

He clenched his fists as he controlled himself.

As he did so, he heard Lord Lycano turn towards Aisha and spoke to her tenderly, "Now, my lady, it is your turn to speak up. I hope you will choose as wisely as I will."

Everyone's gaze fell on Aisha.

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"Government exists to protect us from each other. Where the government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves."


Capítulo 18: The King's Choice

Aisha wanted the ground to open up and eat her whole right now.

"Why do I have to get caught up in this mess? I only want to come back home," She grumbled as her eyes darted from one party to another.

She admitted that she was glad to see the King again. It was as if he was her knight in shining armor.

Or not. Because he has a higher position than a knight.

Or another not, because he has a different agenda why he was here. He must have been finding her an inconvenience, a sabotage to his plans.

Still, she was thankful, as she really didn't want to stay at this Manor.

No matter how beautiful it is. It just appeared like a glamorous coffin, with dead bones inside.

But then, why did it feel like she was being torn apart?

If she chose to leave the Manor, does that mean that the King would not get what he was after?

She stared at him with his towering height. His smoldering eyes were penetrating into hers.

Her heart thumped an irregular heartbeat. And she knew it was not out of fear.

She did not want to trouble him. But she didn't want to stay in this land either.

Just then, a bright idea came to her mind.

"With all due respect, my lord, Your Majesty," she bowed down to everyone. "Your servant is a loyal subject of Gaea. Whatever the decision of the King is, I would gladly oblige."

Her head remained in a bowed position as a sign of her humility before the royalties in front of her.

Lord Emilio seconded the motion as he also made a formal bow and declared in a loud voice, "We are at your disposal, your Majesty."

Lord Lycano's men looked at each other and decided to do the same.

It seemed that Lord Lycano was left with no choice. With a growl, his shoulder-length black wavy hair went down as he bowed down to him.

Aisha clamped her lips to compress a smile from showing. It seems that it's working!

Now, everyone's back to honor their King.

However, the ball was now in the King's Court. If he chose for her to stay, he would get what he was after. If not, he would lose it. But still, it wouldn't be her fault.

Of course, she wanted to leave. But not to the point that something important for the King would be compromised. She's not that stupid and selfish.

She readied herself for whatever his decision would be.

She looked around her. It's not so bad to live here. Maybe she could adjust. For a month or so. And then she would try to escape again if she could.

She was lost in planning her survival when the King cleared his throat. It was as if he was already ready to state his decision.

"Thank you for your devotion to the King, my lady, and everyone present," Leandro bowed down to them. "It is my decision then for Lady Aisha to live in the Northern Gaea."

"But, your Majesty," Lord Emilio stepped nearer to him as if he was about to say something.

But the King has already made up his mind. He lifted his royal rod as a signal for Aisha to step forward and obey his command.

Aisha was stunned. Did he really say it right? Does that mean he chose her freedom over his kingdom?

Aisha's usually talkative mouth couldn't utter a single word. She felt relieved that she wouldn't have to stay on this side of Gaea.

But she felt guilty that there is a price that the King has paid.

She clearly recalled that the merchants came to the Southern Lands with their lives on the line. If they mentioned their death, their task must be too great. That means it is important for the King, too.

Lord Emilio, Lord Lycano, and his men knelt before the King as he raised his rod.

"Who am I to contend?" Aisha muttered to herself.

"Thank you for your grace, your Majesty," Aisha bowed down to him.

Then she slowly walked to his side of the Manor, the one nearer the door.

The King's aesthetically handsome face hypnotized her, making her see nothing but him. Her own heartbeat with her every step.

As she drew near him, she could smell his scent again, that rich, earthy, and manly scent. Slowly, her fears started to melt away.

She could see the King's plum lips curved in a tight smile as she walked to his side.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she wondered why he wanted her to leave this place. Was it because he wanted to protect her from Lord Lycano? Or because he wanted her for himself?

The King turned his back on Lord Lycano and was about to leave when Lord Lycano spoke up.

"Your Majesty, you said you were going to discuss something about land estates?" He followed up, with a sarcastic smile on his face.

Perhaps he wanted to emphasize the opportunity that the King lost because of her.

The King turned back to him and answered quickly, "I believe you already have your answer, Lord Lycano. Let us not waste each other's breath. Gaea is a prosperous and bountiful land, living independently of other realms for centuries. I believe it will continue to do so, with or without anyone's help."

Aisha could see the black veins in Lord Lycano's neck starting to creep up.

Fortunately, the King finished the conversation early.

"Anyway, thank you for your warm hospitality. I truly hope we would meet again at a more opportune time," he tilted his head in a half-bow to him, then he abruptly turned around and walked away, leaving a seething Lord behind.

She could hear him gruff, "Surely we will meet again, Your Majesty. I will get back what is mine."

She quickly ran forward to the King.

Lord Emilio followed after her, with him being the last in the queue.

"Your Majesty," Lord Lycano's servants that they passed through bowed down to him.

To Aisha's delight, she saw a Dracus and its huge wings. She recalled how it brought her to the Castle.

She was scared and itching to leave, then.

But this time, she felt peace and joy, as if she was even desiring to see it again.

**********************************************************************

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it. Abraham Lincoln


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