Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 81

81 Chapter 81 There Is Another

Way

Phoebe’s POV

My breathing steadied as Perry promised that what Kevin did to me would stay between us. He planned to execute him regardless.

When I voiced my worry about how killing an alpha without solid evidence might damage his reputation, Perry just chuckled.

“There’s a reason they branded me the Mad King. Might as well embrace it now,” he said with a shrug. Public opinion meant nothing to him-I should’ve realized that by now.

He would announce Kevin’s punishment for the torture I endured, but without specifics. Going into detail would be improper, an abuse of his authority.

The death sentence would come from Kevin’s attempt to fool the crown with lies about the future queen. Deceiving royalty was treason-punishable by death.

“Got any ideas for his torture? Want to handle it personally?” His offer was surprisingly generous.

My eyes went wide with shock, but I couldn’t answer right away. Part of me craved making Kevin suffer like I had, while another part never wanted to see him again.

“Think it over. Also, I’ve got your father in custody. Want him dead too?”

He discussed their deaths like they were livestock waiting for slaughter.

“I… I need to speak with my father. Please don’t kill him…”

I rushed the words out, terrified he’d execute my father as casually as he would Kevin.

“Fine.” He didn’t seem bothered by my request. His hand stroked my cheek, relief clear in his eyes that I was stable again, no longer trapped in panic. “I’ll send him over when he arrives. Two hours.”

Standing up, he kissed my cheek. Something about my scent seemed different to him, but it was so faint he

figured I’d switched soaps or shampoo.

“I’ll return later. Got some business to handle. Want that omega here with you?”

His attention and genuine concern surprised me. He was actually trying to meet my needs.

“Yes, please…” I still had so much to discuss with Mason. Earlier, my emotions had been too raw for real conversation, but now I felt more composed.

“Alright.” He brushed his lips against mine before leaving.

any

Watching him go, I realized the king could change. He wasn’t the beast everyone claimed—he had a heart,

and I could feel it.

This convinced me I could influence him, soften his

violent tendencies.

The poison wasn’t necessary anymore. Neither was the plot to overthrow him.

But when I shared this revelation with Mason, she

looked horrified.

“You’re backing out?” Her stare was incredulous. “Please don’t. We’re so close. So close…”

“Mason, listen to me…” I watched her spiral into panic as she begged me not to abandon our mission to kill the king.

I had to pull her into my bedroom, away from the main room where guards might overhear our conversation.

“My lady, please don’t do this. We’re so close…”

Her pleas were desperate.

“Mason, calm down. Let me explain.” I gripped her hands until she settled enough to listen. “I’m sorry, but I think there’s another way.”

I gave her a quick example of how I could sway the king. Without going into Perry’s traumatic past, I simply mentioned that his brutal childhood had molded him.

“I can help him. Just give me the chance and time.”

Mason shook her head firmly. “You don’t get it. Conquering other kingdoms is his obsession. You think sparing one warrior means he’ll end all wars for you?

It’s not even comparable.”

I disagreed completely. “That warrior is just the start. Given time, I know I can achieve this.”

“No, my lady, you’re too naive to think that’ll work. The king was born a monster who thirsts for blood. Nothing will stop him.”

“He’s not like that.”

Mason recoiled as if I’d slapped her. “You think so because you’ve never lost family to war.”

Her manners vanished. Politeness meant nothing when she was this furious. In her mind, I was too innocent to believe I could reform the king just because we were mates.

“Have you forgotten what he did to you?” Her reminder was cruel. “He wanted to break you. Just because he’s treating you kindly now, you’ve forgotten everything!”

I pressed my lips together. Her words were

unnecessarily brutal. “I remember. I haven’t forgiven

him for that.”

Perry had never apologized—that was my burden to carry, not hers to know.

“But if we can find a solution without killing him, why not try? Dethroning the king means civil war. People die in wars. Why choose violence when we have

alternatives?”

“You’re blind, my lady. You don’t understand the agony of losing family.”

Her constant refrain infuriated me.

I dropped her hands, my gaze turning icy. “You keep telling me I don’t know what it’s like to lose family to war-you’re right, I don’t. But have you ever had living family who tortured you so badly you wished they were dead instead?”

Mason staggered back at my words. She had no clue what I’d endured, and I had no intention of enlightening her.

“I was tortured in that pack, and my father did nothing to save me. Can you imagine how that feels?” My eyes narrowed. “I don’t know your pain, and you don’t know mine, but that doesn’t mean I’m ignorant of suffering.”