Chapter 723 I Never Had Any Choice
Asher stood in the heart of Naida's illusory rosy garden, an enchanting sanctuary she had crafted herself and considered as her true home.
The air was thick with the fragrance of blooming roses, their hues of deep pink and crimson casting a dreamy glow over the garden, as if the very atmosphere held Naida's warmth.
Naida reached out and plucked a rose with elegance, handing it to him with a gentle smile, "I hate to drag you here while you're busy, but I thought you needed a moment to slow down and breathe," she murmured, her voice as soothing as the rustling leaves around them, "You haven't slept properly for weeks."
Asher took the rose, inhaling its soft, floral scent, "I actually appreciate it, Naida," he replied, meeting her eyes. "You're right. Days have been slipping by too quickly, and the future worries me. More than I ever imagined. Never before did I realize how much the crown could feel like a burden." He paused, his voice softer. "I never thought I'd feel this...anxious."
Naida's expression softened, her hand reaching up to caress his face tenderly. "It's normal to feel that way, Asher. It hasn't been long since you truly understood what it means to be a king—having to look after and protect millions, not just yourself." Her ruby eyes held a warm, steady glow as she continued, "But remember, Rowena feels the same, and I feel the same whenever I think of the dangerous things you have been doing or might do. So what matters is that we stay strong, no matter what lies ahead. And no matter what happens, I won't ever leave your side, even if you tell me to." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Her voice was filled with quiet conviction, her eyes brimming with affection as they met his.
Asher brought her hand to his lips, kissing her soft palm. "Thank you, Naida. I feel...better now." He smiled, a gentleness in his expression, "But I should get back to the Severed Realm. There's still so much to be done."
—
In the underground hall of the Culthold of the Coven of the Damned, Asher gathered with Grace, Emiko, Yui, and Rebecca.
"So, the bomb is ready for deployment?" Asher asked, his gaze sharp as he looked over his allies.
Grace nodded, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction, "Yes. We perfected the bomb you provided, enhancing its power and concealment. Thanks to the blueprint Cecilia handed over, we've figured out how to sneak it into the Nexus Tower undetected. We took our time to make sure this plan was foolproof, and I believe we're ready to go whenever you give the green light. Sooner would be better than later."
Asher nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of the final steps, "I want to give the green light as soon as possible," he said, "but I need to ensure my backup plan is solid." He thought of Lysandra, of her imminent civil war, and the promise of her support once Drakar was out of power. The moment she took control of her kingdom, he'd feel secure enough to launch the attack on Derek while defending his kingdom.
"Hmph. So the backup you're talking about is that draconian bitch, right?" Rebecca rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with disdain. "I can't believe I'm the slave of someone who puts his trust in a draconian slut over someone far more... trustworthy." She crossed her arms, her expression as sour as her tone.
Grace sighed, looking between Rebecca and Asher. "She might have a point," she said carefully, "Are you absolutely sure Lysandra can overthrow Drakar? He's ruled over a ruthless kingdom for so long by being just as ruthless and cunning or more. Lysandra may know him better than anyone, but he's not an easy man to beat."
Emiko and Yui exchanged worried glances and nodded in agreement, the tension in the room thickening.
Asher shook his head, his confidence unshaken. "I trust Lysandra. She wouldn't have made this move unless she was certain of her plan. She knows Drakar's every weakness and how he thinks. She won't make mistakes, and she's chosen her allies carefully. She'll manage since the ones she chose won't betray her. They can't afford to."
Grace, Emiko, and Yui exhaled, visibly reassured by his confidence, though Rebecca still kept her arms crossed, her face skeptical.
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