The Queen and the Lion - Chapter 42

Lysian smiled coldly. The curl of her lips suggested that she would eventually get what she wanted. “On the other hand, if you were to handle this matter as a Heiban, according to Heiban law… I’m not sure how it would be handled, but it would be difficult to do anything harsh to someone who is the key to peace with Florea. In the end, wouldn’t it be best to simply let it go?”

Her tone was mocking. Kaplan bit his lip at the arrogant dominance in her voice. He had momentarily forgotten that he was facing a tyrant who had ruled a great nation for generations.

Lysian would not discard Aslan. Even if she had to weigh the scales between peace with Heiban and Aslan, she would undoubtedly choose Aslan. Kaplan couldn’t understand what it was about Aslan that captivated this young queen. Of course, everyone in Florea was curious about the same thing.

Realizing there were no other options, Kaplan gritted his teeth and said in a suppressed voice, “…Do you really think the people and nobles of Florea will accept Lord Yilmaz as the queen’s consort?”

“And what if they don’t? All they want is for me to produce an heir. For that, they will have no choice but to accept Aslan.”

Lysian’s response was as unwavering as steel, no matter how much Kaplan tried to sway her. She was so accustomed to others conforming to her will that she didn’t even consider the possibility of failure.

Kaplan felt a sense of defeat, comparing himself to Aslan who was loved by such a strong woman. Yet, he refused to accept this unpleasant situation. He wanted to vent his anger somehow.

“A lion, even if tamed, is still a beast. There are limits to how much you can cover its wild nature with civilization. You cannot erase the wild instincts deep within its blood. Your Highness, one day you will greatly regret this.”

“I have never regretted anything in my life, Prince. Regret is an emotion reserved for those who cannot get what they want.”

Lysian dismissed his threat. She was accustomed to ruling over others and had no intention of conforming to anyone else’s expectations. As far as she was concerned, she could do whatever she wanted with Aslan.

Lysian stood up and met Kaplan’s bruised eye.

“In any case, make yourself comfortable until you return to Heiban.”

Her voice was soft, and her eyes seemed to sparkle like a blooming flower. But beneath that gentle exterior was a sharp, cold blade. It was clear that if Kaplan did not comply, she would not hesitate to use that blade against him.

Lysian was the most formidable opponent Kaplan had ever encountered. She ruled with an absolute authority, and she seemed incapable of considering the possibility of failure. Kaplan bowed his head. There was nothing he could do against Lysian. All he could do was hope that Lysian and Aslan’s path would be filled with obstacles.

Having declared her intention to make Aslan her consort to Kaplan, Lysian immediately ordered Aslan’s release from prison. She sent Aslan to her chambers, feeling the urgent need to solidify his position.

Before long, Kaplan was confined to his quarters and ordered to return to his homeland, Heiban. A farewell party was held for him as he was leaving Florea. Of course, Aslan did not attend.

Kaplan, with his handsome appearance and silver tongue, had been well-liked by the people of Florea. A crowd gathered around him as he was about to leave.

“I’m glad you’ve recovered so quickly. When I think back to that incident, I can’t believe how terrifying Lord Yilmaz was… I have no idea why Your Highness would keep such a savage by her side.”

“Even Lord Yilmaz would surely be obedient to Your Highness. That must be why Your Highness has chosen him as consort, right?”

At his most celebrated moment, Kaplan pretended to be surprised and spoke loudly. The noblemen’s eyes widened. It was unbelievable that a Heiban prince knew information that even the Florean nobles were unaware of. A man stepped forward and asked, “Consort? You mean Lord Yilmaz?!”

“Oh, didn’t you know?” Kaplan’s lips curled into a smirk.

Kaplan had no intention of simply wishing Aslan and Lysian happiness. With a feigned look of surprise, he pretended to be taken aback.