Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 259

Chapter 259: Chapter 259 Dark Kingdom Awaits

Phoebe’s POV

The drive to the harbor stretched across three brutal days. Then came the real test—over a week at sea to reach Valerium Kingdom.

Our ship would dock at Ashford Pack first. The territory closest to the capital. The last civilized stop before we entered hell itself.

Water travel was completely foreign to me. My stomach twisted with nerves just thinking about it.

By the second day, the ocean turned vicious.

Waves crashed over the deck like angry fists. The ship pitched and rolled beneath us. Seasickness hit me like a sledgehammer.

I spent the next several days confined to our cabin. Flat on my back. Miserable. Helpless.

Perry hovered over me constantly. His worry was a living thing, radiating through the mate bond until I could barely tell where his anxiety ended and mine began.

"Feeling better?" His voice pulled me from a drowsy haze as we approached our final day at sea.

I managed a nod. Forced myself upright. Drew in a shaky breath that tasted like salt and impending storms.

"Yes. I’m fine."

"I should have brought Marcela." His jaw clenched with frustration. Self-blame carved harsh lines around his eyes.

A weak smile crossed my lips. "She’s drowning in palace duties. Besides, I’m okay now. This is all new territory for me—I just need time to adapt."

Perry looked ready to punch something. I could see him making mental notes. The lack of a healer on board clearly ate at him more than he’d admit.

"I want some fresh air." I announced after forcing down my meager meal. "I haven’t stepped outside once since we boarded this floating prison."

"The deck’s rougher," he warned, that protective edge sharpening his voice. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"I can handle it now." I met his gaze with determination. "I’m feeling much stronger."

After studying me for a long moment, he gave in. But his hand stayed glued to my elbow as he guided me outside.

"There’s nothing to see anyway," he said, managing my expectations.

Night had fallen like a black curtain. But distant lights sparkled on the horizon—the glow of Ashford Pack’s city cutting through the darkness like scattered diamonds.

"Look! I can see the lights!" I pointed toward the twinkling display, excitement bubbling up despite my exhaustion. "They’re absolutely gorgeous."

Perry pulled me against his chest. His warmth cut through the sharp night wind like a shield.

"Careful." His breath was hot against my ear. He helped me settle onto a wooden crate, then shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders like armor.

"Thank you." I tugged the jacket tighter. It smelled like him—cedar and power and something uniquely mine. I pulled him down beside me, craving his solid presence. "Tell me about Valerium Kingdom."

I knew Perry planned to unite all six kingdoms under his rule. But his approach with Valerium was purely military. The others got diplomacy and negotiation.

This one got war.

"It’s a shithole," he said bluntly. No sugar-coating. No gentle preparation. "Nothing worth saving there."

I frowned at his harsh assessment. "Surely it can’t be that awful?"

"See for yourself." His fingers traced my cheek with devastating gentleness. "Then you’ll understand what I mean."

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