Bought By The Ruthless Alpha King (Ruby) novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98: Manipulation

Ruby’s POV

As Killian stepped into the hall, an eerie silence took over. Those crimson eyes darkened, growing cold as ice. When he looked at me, it was like a predator preparing to strike. My breath caught in my throat, and an uneasy sensation coiled in my stomach. It wasn’t just anger in his eyes. There was something far worse. Betrayal.

Leonidas, standing beside me, tensed. His sharp golden eyes flicked between the King and me, wary of the storm brewing

in the air.

“What happened?” he finally asked, crossing his arms. “And what’s with that look, Your Majesty?”

I also opened my mouth to speak, but before I could form any words, Killian’s voice cut through the thick air like the blade of a guillotine.

“That’s what I should be asking,” he said darkly, his deep voice laced with ice. “Explain yourself to me, Ruby.”

Explain myself? I blinked, confusion flooding my mind:

“Killian,” I began cautiously, “What do you mean? If this is about my meeting with Leonidas, we were just-”

Suddenly, Irwin stepped forward, satisfaction radiating from his face. Leonidas and I were both stunned by his presence. Whatever Irwin was doing here, it couldn’t mean anything good. And I desperately hoped Killian wouldn’t be swayed by his relative’s words. I glanced at Leonidas. He looked furious, ready to tear Irwin apart.

“Why is this bastard in my chambers, Your Majesty?” Leonidas gritted his teeth.

“You’ll find out soon enough once you shut up, Leonidas,” Killian replied in a deadly tone.

“Shall I offer my tribute, my King?” Irwin said smoothly, holding up a set of parchments in his gloved hands. “I have strong reason to believe that our dear Luna has been engaging in activities that threaten our kingdom.”

My blood ran cold, my knees felt weak, as if I might collapse. What was that man planning this time?

Killian’s expression remained unreadable as he tilted his head slightly, allowing Irwin to continue.

“I come bearing testimony alongside my group,” Irwin announced. “We have eyewitness accounts, as well as documented evidence, that Ruby Lucienne has been sneaking out of the palace without the Supreme King of Sundrench’s permission and,”

He paused for dramatic effect, his lips curling into something that was almost a sneer.

“Engaging in communication with enemy factions.”

“WHAT? I never did such a thing!” I practically shouted, the words spilling out on instinct.

Leonidas let out a scoff of disbelief. “Do you actually think anyone is going to buy this nonsense, Irwin?”

“No,” Irwin replied smoothly, handing the parchment to Killian. “But all the evidence is right here, Beta Leonidas.”

Killian took the parchment and, with a flick of his wrist, began to read. The silence that followed was deafening. The tension in the air was suffocating, a noose tightening around my throat with every passing second.

I stepped forward, my heart pounding as I clutched his arm with both hands.

“Killian, you know me. I would never betray you or this kingdom. This is absurd! I only left to-”

“To do what?” Killian’s voice was as sharp as a freshly honed blade. “You always evade me whenever I ask, and you think I’ll show you mercy for it?”

Tears welled in my eyes. “I had a good reason, and I just needed time to talk to you about it!”

“Oh? You mean your betrayal, Ruby?” he growled, his voice seething with fury.

Leonidas, who had been watching our argument, finally decided to step in. He moved closer to Killian, standing

s side.

“These accusations are ridiculous, Your Majesty. She is not a traitor, and you know that better than anyone,” he asserted firmly.

Killian’s fingers tightened around the parchment, his knuckles turning white. His gaze returned to me, searching for truth, for lies, for anything. I could see the battle in his eyes, the war between logic and rage. He wanted to believe me. But Irwin’s presence and the so–called “evidence” had poisoned his mind.

“I trusted you,” Killian said, his voice calmer no bat no less dangerous

Successfully unlocked!

now I find out you’ve been lying to me?” Surface. “Whatever Irwin gave you, it’s nothing but

“I did not lie to you!” I snapped, frustration and heartbreak ris manipulation. You’re smarter than this, Killian. Look at me!”

Killian’s jaw clenched. He turned to Irwin. “Is the witness present?”

Irwin’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “Of course.”

Chapter 98: Manipulation

A man, cloaked and hooded, stepped forward. I had never seen him in my life.