Chapter 41: Oh, please. If I wanted to murder you all, do you think I’d be so obvious about it?

Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Oh, please. If I wanted to murder you all, do you think I’d be so obvious about it? Asael had never known true suffering until this moment. "Not only did Asael say you love me," Isabella continued, a wicked glint in her eyes, "but he also said you think about me all the time, dream about me at night, and—oh! This one was my favorite—he thinks I might be your greatest weakness." Asael snapped his head toward her, eyes wide with betrayal. "I SAID NO SUCH THING!" Ophelia and Shelia both burst out laughing, unable to hold it in any longer. Kian, on the other hand, simply let out a slow breath, as if debating whether this conversation was worth his energy. Without a word, he strode forward, his furs brushing against the stone floor, and took his seat on the large stone throne. Asael, looking like a man who had just survived a battlefield, immediately stepped back to stand beside him, clearly hoping to avoid further destruction. But Isabella wasn’t done. She turned toward Kian, tilting her head playfully. "You know, Kian, I feel kind of bad for you." Kian arched an eyebrow, resting an arm lazily on the throne’s armrest. "Do you?" "I do," she said solemnly, clasping her hands in front of her. "Every day, you sit there all regal and stoic, carrying the weight of your people on your broad, strong shoulders." Kian narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing something suspicious about her tone. "Go on." "And yet," Isabella sighed dramatically, "despite all your power, despite all the respect you command, you still struggle with one tiny little problem." Kian stared at her for a long moment before finally asking, "And what problem is that?" Isabella leaned forward just slightly, her lips curving into a slow, knowing smile. "Me," she purred. "You think about me too much, Kian. It must be exhausting." Asael choked. Ophelia gasped softly before turning to Shelia with wide, sparkling eyes. "She’s so shameless and bold," Ophelia whispered, barely containing her giggles. Shelia, watching the exchange with growing interest, smirked. "She is," she agreed. "But she’s smart about it. She never says anything directly enough to get herself in trouble." Ophelia nodded eagerly. "Exactly! She just dances around it, and Kian can’t do anything about it." Shelia’s smirk softened slightly as she studied her brother. Kian, ever the composed and unreadable king, wasn’t shutting Isabella down. He wasn’t irritated or dismissive. He was engaging with her, playing along in his own quiet way. And somehow, Shelia found herself... invested. She never thought she’d see the day someone could shake her brother’s icy composure. And yet, here was Isabella, making Kian actually react. A small, unexpected hope bloomed in Shelia’s chest. Maybe, just maybe, Isabella would be the one to finally get through to her brother. Kian, meanwhile, let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples as if trying to stave off a headache. "Isabella," he finally said, voice steady but laced with exasperation, "what do you actually have for me today?" The moment Kian said her name—her name—Isabella froze. Then, as if he had just confessed his undying love instead of merely addressing her, she turned on her heels to face Ophelia and Shelia, her eyes wide with unfiltered excitement. "Ooo, he said my name!" she squealed, clasping her hands together like a girl who had just been gifted a chest of gold. The best part? She said it loud enough that Kian, who was still seated on his throne, definitely heard every word. Asael immediately pressed his lips together, already regretting his life choices. Shelia, meanwhile, giggled into her palm, and Ophelia gasped, her bright eyes darting between Isabella and Kian like this was the best entertainment she’d had in years. Kian? He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly, deeply, as if mentally preparing himself for whatever nonsense she was about to do next. But Isabella, unbothered as always, spun back around, walking to the middle of the throne room in her usual light, almost bouncy steps—her movements graceful yet playful, like a mischievous little sprite that had no fear of the world. Still grinning, she lifted her chin and clapped her hands together. "Ophelia, be a dear and bring me the small leaf we wrapped yesterday. Oh! And the chewing sticks too." Ophelia perked up immediately. "Yes!" she chirped, hurrying to fetch the bundle from the pouch at her waist. Even Shelia’s eyes lit up. "Oh! Is it the same one from yesterday?" she asked, already leaning forward in interest. Isabella smirked. "Oh, you’ll see." Ophelia handed her the neatly folded leaf, and Isabella carefully unwrapped it, revealing two freshly carved chewing sticks and a small pile of charcoal minty toothpaste. Ophelia handed her the neatly folded leaf, and Isabella carefully unwrapped it, revealing two freshly carved chewing sticks and a small pile of charcoal minty toothpaste. Shelia turned to her brother excitedly. "Kian, it gives a cool feeling afterward! And it makes your mouth feel so clean!" Kian’s posture immediately stiffened. His sharp gaze cut to Shelia. "You tried it?" His tone was firm, edged with disapproval. "Without my permission?" Shelia shrank slightly. "Uh... yes?" Kian’s frown deepened. Isabella’s smile faltered, just for a second. So that was how he saw her? As a potential threat? Someone who might poison his sister in secret? Well, that’s depressing. But instead of showing her disappointment, she simply rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. "Oh, please. If I wanted to murder you all, do you think I’d be so obvious about it?" Ophelia gasped. Shelia clapped a hand over her mouth. Asael went rigid. Kian just let out a slow, long exhale, clearly using every ounce of patience he had left. But Isabella wasn’t done. She lifted a single finger, the universal sign for wait for it, and continued, "This paste doesn’t just clean your teeth and freshen your breath." She paused for effect, then flashed her own perfectly white set of teeth, fluttering her lashes as she added, "It also removes stains and makes your teeth pure white over time." Silence. Ophelia, still holding the pouch, audibly inhaled. Shelia’s lips parted slightly, her curiosity only growing. Kian, on the other hand, eyed her with mild suspicion. Asael, standing at his side, looked like he was already preparing for the worst. Then Isabella’s smirk deepened as she purred, "My dear king, would you like to try it first, or would you like Asael to try it for you?" She tapped her chin, feigning innocence. "You know... just in case." The moment those words left her mouth, Asael visibly tensed. His entire body went stiff as he internally screamed. No. No, no, no— And then, to his absolute horror, Kian turned to him and said, "Try it." Asael closed his eyes. He wanted to cry.