Stolen by the Rebel King-Chapter 554: Crimson Discovery I

"Do you seriously intend to spend the rest of your life with Cordelia? You’re not her dog, snap out of it," Atticus hissed irritably at Jonah as his best friend stared hotly at every single candidate that entered the grand ballroom with their families. The room was rife with chatter and the mood celebratory, as everyone rejoiced in making it through to the next round of the contest.

The only person who seemed to radiate unhappiness was Jonah, who looked like someone had kicked his puppy and left it out to drench in a rainstorm.

"Shush, I’m busy working," Jonah muttered instinctively, and Atticus knew Jonah didn’t even register his words. "Go and bother Daphne or something."

Atticus frowned. "I can’t, she’s sticking to our target like glue."

Daphne had all but plastered herself to Nikun from the moment he entered the hall, in a bid to keep an eye out on him. In her opinion, there was no subterfuge better than the obvious, and the excuse she gave even made sense.

Nikun had no family to invite to the banquet ball, so Daphne would accompany him instead and help facilitate an audience with Cordelia and the other nobles. Atticus didn’t want to distract her from her plans.

It would be an overkill for him to show up in support― Daphne’s actions could be excused as the kindness of a woman; Atticus’s actions would be seen as interference, especially with Nikun’s parentage being common knowledge. The last thing Atticus wanted to do was give a reason for Santok’s royal navy to set sail for Vramid.

But Atticus knew deep down that even if Nikun were not the top suspect in their murder case, Daphne would still have offered to stay with him.

All the magical powers in the world could not fight against her soft bleeding heart, and Daphne knew all too well what it felt like to be left alone, milling in the ballroom with not a single friendly face for company.

As if she sensed Atticus talking about her, Daphne tilted her head and a coy smile formed on her face. Atticus blew her a kiss, and she rolled her eyes, yet there was a pleased flush on her face as she continued to converse with Nikun. She made a subtle clenching motion, as though she was catching the kiss from mid-air, and Atticus’s heart fluttered with her rare playful action.

"Here’s hoping Daphne will find something out by tonight," Jonah said, "Then Cordelia wouldn’t have to waste her time with all these men tomorrow. It’s so unsafe for her."

"You’re just trying to get her to spend time with you," Atticus grumbled, his good mood quickly shattering at the mention of Cordelia’s name. "Admit it, my friend. You’re whipped. It’s time to wake up from this daydream and get back to reality. There’s no future for the both of you. Snap out of it."

"I am not―" Jonah raised his hands, using two fingers on each hand to make air quotes, "―whipped. I am working. Cordelia is merely my employer. You should know, you used to be mine."

"Oh sure, ’Cordelia’ sure is," Atticus said with a roll of his eyes. It was delusional for Jonah to speak like he wouldn’t be working for Atticus in the future after Atticus hauled him back to Vramid. "You don’t even call her by her title. Is she even paying you?"

"More than you did," Jonah casually replied without even batting an eyelid. He held up four fingers, and Atticus’s eyes nearly bulged out in shock.

"You’re just her whore! One short of warming her bed!" Atticus said, his voice a little too loud.

It caused some people who were standing nearby to turn back and look at them with curious expressions, but once they were met with Atticus’s fuming expression, they hurriedly turned and walked away.

Jonah rolled his eyes. "Stop being dramatic," he said. That was something that hadn’t changed no matter the time they had been apart. Atticus was still as he remembered to be. "You’re going to catch everyone’s attention with how you’re yelling about prostitutes and whatnot. People are going to misunderstand, especially now that you are speaking of this in Daphne’s absence."

He then smirked, his voice lowered, "You wouldn’t want Daphne to think you’re looking for whores now, would you?"

"She has infected you with her foulness," Atticus lamented in despair. "You never used to sass me like this."

"Get used to it," Jonah said. "I for one am delighted at my new circumstances. I have more money now and a better-looking employer."

Atticus’s eyelids twitched. That was the final straw, a true low blow. How could Jonah ever think this? Wait till Sirona heard about this. Atticus was sure that she would help knock some senses into Jonah’s empty skull―

"Don’t even think about telling Sirona," Jonah suddenly added as though he had just read Atticus’s mind. "She is very happy for me. Just heard from her too."

Maybe Atticus’s plans shouldn’t be about proving Nikun to be Yael’s killer, but rather, to prove that he was innocent. That way, he would still stand a chance as Cordelia’s new husband, and Jonah would be set free from whatever spell she had cast on him. He might not return to Vramid immediately, but he wouldn’t stay for long in Nedour either.

Yes. That was the perfect plan. With that in mind, Atticus rolled his eyes and smiled confidently at Jonah. He would make sure his best friend’s eyes were wiped clean and free from dust.

"Yes, yes," he said. "Do whatever floats your boat, Jonah. I, for one, am going to―"

"Princess!" A knight suddenly burst into the banquet hall, causing everyone to turn their eyes over. The music stopped abruptly and the crowd parted to make way for the knight, who all but dashed straight for Cordelia. frёewebηovel.cѳm

Jonah stood a little straighter, prepared to dash forward when he recognized the man, Arne. He then released the grip on his sword but still made his way over just in case.

"What is it?" Cordelia asked, frowning. She was in the midst of exchanging words with the contestants’ families, but Arne’s appearance would mean there was a development in the investigations.

"We’ve found something that you might want to see," Arne said, his voice lowered. He then looked around the hall and bowed his head.

Cordelia immediately nodded and turned to the crowd.

"Do excuse me for a moment," she announced. "I will be back momentarily."

From across the room, Jonah caught her gaze and nodded. Cordelia then walked out of the hall with Arne, the music slowly beginning once more. At the same time, Jonah turned to follow them.

"Where are you going?" Atticus asked, raising an eyebrow. "She is with her guard."

"And I’ll be there to ensure her safety," Jonah said. "Stay here and keep an eye on our guests. I’ll be back."

Without waiting for Atticus to reply, Jonah dashed out after them.