Stolen by the Rebel King-Chapter 497: Home Sweet Home

Atticus had informed Jonah firsthand of the new developments, lest the latter heard it first from somewhere else and come question him about it. Additionally, he needed to send word to the knights in Vramid to prepare some gifts for Nedour as a form of his well wishes and intentions, seeing as to how they were about to be allies via a royal marriage.

While Jonah had been shocked by Atticus’s decision to play out this act just for the pearl, he also understood that it was a necessary step to win back Daphne’s trust. It would come to no loss for them other than a bit of time gone, something Atticus would be more than happy to give up for his wife to pay him some attention again.

In fact, Daphne and Cordelia might be the ones who had to make the biggest sacrifices due to their tarnished namesake, but since both ladies were more than willing, as a bystander, there was nothing Jonah could say.

Of course, Atticus left out the details of Cordelia wishing to possibly court Jonah. He didn’t need to put such vile ideas in his right-hand man’s head. In fact, on the journey back, he would have to start brainstorming how he could keep Jonah away from that scandalous woman while she was in Vramid.

Perhaps he could send Jonah far away for a month on a paid vacation. Jonah had always wanted one. He wouldn’t suspect a thing.

Only a few people knew of the true plans behind Atticus and Cordelia’s marriage. Of which, King Calarian and Queen Lavinia were left in the dark. Cordelia hadn’t wished to break the news to them, choosing to leave that job to her father for maximum impact.

That meant that both parties left for their respective kingdoms relatively peacefully after bidding goodbye to King Calarian and his family.

When the carriage first rolled into the territory of Vramid, Daphne was at the edge of her seat. She was still in a separate carriage from Atticus, choosing instead to ride with Zephyr. Her hands were clasped together as she looked out the open window, watching as the scenery whirled by slowly from the golden sands of Xahan to lush forests, then to the eerily dark woods that surrounded Vramid’s borders.

She could still recall the first time she entered this kingdom as though it had just happened yesterday― she had been so afraid for her life back then that she had no chance to stop and examine the scenery.

But this time, the moment they broke through the dark forests and the view of Vramid’s capital was right before them, a small smile appeared on Daphne’s face. She could see the towering turrets of the royal palace, a place she had called her home for months before she was whisked away from one kingdom to another.

At long last, after so much time apart, she was finally back.

The carriage rolled to a stop before Daphne finally stepped out, assisted by Zephyr. He wiggled his wings, some of the feathers falling to the ground after the long journey cramped up in the carriage. It might be a luxurious ride for humans but for Zephyr, he was basically a bird kept in a moving cage. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"What about Nereus?" Zephyr asked, looking back and forth. The kelpie hadn’t followed them to Xahan, and now that they came back directly, Zephyr wondered if Nereus was going to remain in Reaweth.

"We’ve already sent word," came Atticus’s reply. Daphne and Zephyr turned, watching as he and Jonah stepped out of their own carriage and made their way over. "If he wishes, he can join us here in Vramid. If not, we will bring the pearl to him in Reaweth, if he so wishes."

"That sounds wonderful," Daphne said, beaming at the thought of having Nereus visit.

The last time he was here, there was the chaos that happened with the parade and none of them had the time to truly enjoy everything Vramid had to offer. Perhaps this time, she could take some time off to bring Nereus around town.

"Jonah, could you please bring Zephyr to his new room?" Atticus called out, raising a hand to get Jonah’s attention.

"Of course."

Before Zephyr or Daphne could ask any further questions, Jonah quickly carted the griffin away, basically pulling him up the steps of the palace as though he were nothing more than fresh groceries. It was a miracle a mere human could rival a griffin in terms of strength, and despite how Zephyr struggled, he was unable to break free from Jonah’s grip.

Daphne watched, half in amusement and half in worry, as the two disappeared past the bend.

"He’s too grown up to sleep in the same room," Atticus reminded. "And we are still husband and wife."

"My husband is said to be receiving a new bride soon," Daphne reminded.

She folded her arms across her chest as she began to walk forward. Atticus had to jog a little to keep up before he eventually matched her pace. They strolled through the palace halls together in the direction of the master bedroom.

"Shouldn’t I have my own room, in that case? I am sure he would like to spend his wedding night with his new wife."

"Wedding night?" Atticus echoed. He stopped short and gently tugged at Daphne’s elbow, pulling her into his embrace before locking her in with her arms. His fingers rested right above her hips, preventing her from wriggling away even if she harbored any thoughts about it. "Who said anything about a wedding night? If anything, I plan to only spend that with my one true queen."

Daphne’s cheeks burned as she lightly slapped Atticus on the chest. They might’ve been jesting around, but bless her, she felt just a tinge of jealousy quivering up her chest at the thought of her own husband choosing to lay with another woman― no matter who that woman was. It was an immature thought that she stamped down quickly, especially since this was her idea after all. Yet, it was difficult to fight back when jealousy reared its ugly head.

"Could you be jealous, my dear wife?" Atticus teased, smirking as he placed a finger under Daphne’s chin so that he could properly see her face without her attempting to hide away.

"Of course not," she denied. "This is just a ploy, after all. Were we not fooling around?"

"Not quite," Atticus said. "I do mean my words when I said that I would only spend my nights with my true queen." He then sleazily — and somehow still charming enough that it succeeded in making Daphne swoon a little on the inside, despite everything — laughed. "Would you be so kind as to give me that honor?"