Chapter 56
Luna, dressed in an Inut gown, had her eyes covered with glossy satin fabric. The maids, holding her arms carefully, were guiding her somewhere.
“Where are we going?”
Even though Luna knew the Inut maids couldn’t answer, she asked anyway. Her steps felt heavy. Perhaps due to the trauma from her past, she was becoming anxious, fearing she might be separated from Kadan.
Thankfully, her worries were unnecessary. As they entered the room, Luna heard Kadan’s voice welcoming her.
“Welcome.”
Kadan smiled as he looked at Luna, who had been made up. The dress, specially crafted for Luna—who was smaller than the Inut people—fit her perfectly. Well, Luna’s beauty had always shone, even when she only wore a simple chemise in the cabin.
“You’re beautiful.”
The compliment, spoken in a blunt tone, made Luna’s ears tingle. She smiled shyly, but a strange scent brushed her nose—an acrid, metallic smell. Luna’s lips tightened.
“Kadan?”
“Come this way, Luna.”
Kadan clapped his hands like they were playing tag, signaling her direction. Luna hesitantly reached out with her arms and walked carefully toward the sound.
The way Luna desperately searched for him was lovely, but Kadan couldn’t help noticing her unsteady gait.
Oh no. Kadan quickly moved toward her. As he supported her back with one hand, he could feel her stiff, rigid body. Easy—it’s okay. He reassured her as he escorted her to a chair.
“How about sitting here for a moment?”
“What’s going on, Kadan?”
Luna was curious about why she needed to keep her eyes covered. The bloodstained smell that had been lingering nearby grew stronger. Sweat gathered on her small palms.
“I just need to check something. Just hold on a little longer. Don’t be scared.”
Kadan slid his fingers under the neckline of her dress and pulled it gently. The ribbon that had been tied tightly loosened, revealing Luna’s rounded shoulders.
“Kadan?”
Luna wondered why he was suddenly undressing her. Could he really be doing this in front of everyone? Was his taste changed after doing it in the audience chamber? Did he now prefer public spaces? Though she couldn’t see, she counted at least ten voices nearby.
No matter how much she wanted to follow Kadan’s wishes, she needed to prepare herself. The smell of blood in the air made her uncomfortable.
“I… I don’t want to do this here, Kadan.”
“Hmm?”
Kadan blinked a few times before realizing Luna’s misunderstanding and burst into laughter.
“My woman’s mind is unexpectedly naughty.”
“Ugh, naughty? Don’t say that! People will hear!”
“They’ll hear, but they won’t understand, so it’s fine. Can I fulfill your expectations soon?”
Kadan’s lips lightly brushed the edge of Luna’s rounded shoulder before pulling away. It was the same spot where the King of Brillan had once bitten her, leaving a scar.
Soon, something hard pressed against the spot where his lips had been. The stench of blood flooded her nostrils. Luna’s shoulder stiffened.
“Kadan?”
“It’s over now. Just wait a moment.”
Kadan’s voice was as gentle as the spring sunshine. But his actions were anything but.
Kadan was holding the decapitated head of the king like a melon. He opened the mouth and compared the king’s teeth to the scar on Luna’s shoulder. The alignment of the king’s teeth and Luna’s scar was an exact match.
After wiping Luna’s shoulder clean with a towel, Kadan threw the head to Commander Dwabo.
『This is the one. Let’s hang it by the city walls as an example.』
In truth, Kadan had no intention of killing the captured king right away—there was much information to be extracted from him.
But the king denied his identity and started rambling like a fool. When the king grinned and exposed his teeth as if pretending to be insane, Kadan noticed the unique golden crowns on the king’s teeth. They matched Luna’s scar almost perfectly.
It was then that Kadan acted impulsively. He couldn’t leave the bastard who had scarred Luna’s shoulder alive, so he tore his mouth open. The king screamed in agony, and Kadan slowly beheaded him, ensuring he would suffer more.
Comparing Luna’s scar with the king’s teeth marks was Kadan’s final confirmation of the king’s identity.
『What should we do with the body?』
『Hang it upside down next to the head.』
『Understood, Your Highness.』
『Oh, wait. I almost forgot.』
Kadan drew a dagger from his waist and approached Dwabo. Dwabo, unknowingly tensing, gripped the king’s head tightly and swallowed nervously.
As soon as Kadan swung the dagger, Dwabo squeezed his eyes shut. The great warrior of the Inut had no fear except in front of the monstrous prince.
With a soft thunk, the king’s head grew heavier. Dwabo squinted and looked down. Kadan’s dagger was embedded right in the center of the king’s forehead.
『What is this, Your Highness?』
『It’s a unicorn.』
『Pardon?』
『Apparently, the King of Brillan used to call himself a unicorn. So, I had it made for him.』
Kadan left those incomprehensible words hanging in the air and carried Luna, still sitting in her chair, out of the room.
Dwabo stood still, holding the king’s head, which was dripping blood and blinked in confusion.
It seems the prince has drunk something wrong. His ways are truly creative.
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