A Job to Carry Her

Holly groaned in pain. Her hair was grabbed until she fell backward. Holly looked up, and her eyes met with a woman who was looking at her cynically. Elsa Harlock.

Holly knew who this woman was. She used to be one of the women who chased after her brother. Elsa was always kind to her; it must be because she wanted to approach Arthur, but now she was showing her true side.

"You shouldn't be here! Did you run away? You purposely want revenge for having the beast attack us?" Elsa shouted angrily.

Elsa's hand grabbed Holly harder, causing Holly to be dragged backward. Holly could only endure the pain. Elsa's strength exceeded hers. The pain was so intense that she started to feel dizzy, and her vision was blurry.

"You should just be put to death!" Elsa kicked Holly's right side in the stomach until she coughed.

"I'm not running away!" Holly tried to defend herself.

Elsa threw Holly's head on the floor, hitting her hard on the ground. Elsa had let go of her hair, but now Holly had trouble seeing because her vision was getting blurry. Her head was spinning, and she felt very dizzy.

Elsa approached her with a flower vase. "I will drag you before the prince, and he will surely praise my prowess," she said with an evil smirk.

***

Felix was surrounded by many human nobles. They were curious about him, who never appeared. Felix acted like the nice prince that they wanted, and they seemed satisfied. Luckily his suppressant worked well, so they weren't afraid of his presence.

Those humans were amazed by Felix's cleverness in discussing political matters. They no longer doubted if Felix was fit to be king.

Gilbert and Cass were busy keeping their eyes open. They watched everyone's movements in case the enemy arrived, or a werewolf made a fuss. They were in a crucial phase as long as Felix had not ascended the throne.

Many elders still want war and hate Felix's idea of ​​living with humans. They could make a fuss at any moment.

"Are you sure I don't need to return to Holly?" Gilbert approached Felix and whispered to him.

"We have to keep an eye on Astragus. He's the most dangerous here." Of all creatures, Felix knew only Astragus, who had never scared for him.

"Hello, Your Highness. I am pleased to be invited to this event." A woman approached Felix with a flirtatious smile. Her hands fiddled with her hair, and her eyes gleamed mischievously.

Felix forced a smile. If it wasn't for maintaining his image, he would have kicked this woman out of his sight.

"Sure, my…." Felix couldn't continue his speech.

Felix's chest suddenly felt painful, his heart was beating very fast, and he was holding his breath. His thoughts immediately turned to Holly; something had happened to her.

Felix's face stiffened. He clenched his fists, ready to step up to find Holly.

Gilbert noticed the change in Felix's face. Without being told, he could guess what was going on. It was usual for an alpha to sense danger around his mate. Gilbert immediately restrained Felix before his brother lost control.

"Hold yourself. Let me check on her."

"No! I need to...."

"You don't want to make a fuss here, do you? Trust me."

Felix clenched his jaw. He wanted to get out of this room and immediately find Holly, something terrible must have happened to her. He knew it very well. But at the same time, Gilbert was right. If he sees Holly and loses control, his plans will fall apart here.

With a heavy heart, Felix let Gilbert go. After all, it was his duty to look after Holly. Felix felt guilty that he had left Holly unguarded.

***

Holly winced in pain as she clenched her teeth and tried to stand. She didn't want to lose here, not this time.

Elsa looked at her very arrogantly. She felt victorious seeing Holly's battered state because of her. She thought the second prince would surely praise her and give her a gift. Or even marry her.

Holly laughed bitterly at Elsa's false hope. She knew Felix would kill Elsa if he knew this.

"Don't do that if you want to live," said Holly.

Elsa was surprised by Holly's courage. The flower vase in her hand fell because Elsa was too shocked. Holly was not the weak girl she used to bully. Holly's eyes grew sharper at her, and Elsa backed away with a frown.

"What would you do? You're going to kill me? Did the beast drive you crazy like this?" Elsa panicked as Holly got closer to her.

Elsa's eyes widened when she saw the bruises on Holly's face slowly disappearing. His mouth was gaping, he wanted to say something, but no sound came out.

"What? Are you going to call me a monster?" asked Holly.

Holly pinned her to the wall and made her tremble in fear. Elsa almost wet herself in her dress.

Holly sighed. She had to control her emotions and tried not to make a commotion. She didn't want Felix's identity to be revealed now.

Elsa's hand slowly touched another flower vase near her. She waited for the right moment, then raised the vase in the air, ready to hit Holly.

"You really want to die?"

Elsa's hand was severed with a very strong grip. The blue eyes froze her as the grip grew stronger until her bones nearly broke.

"Gilbert," Holly called quietly.

Elsa groaned because her hand was still gripped very tightly. A tinge of red and blue could be seen in her hand. She cried for mercy, but Gilbert didn't let go.

"It hurts, please!"

Holly grabbed Gilbert's shoulder. The touch signalled him to let go of her, and Gilbert obediently did that.

"That's enough."

"If you dare to talk about this matter to other people. You've lost not only your arm but your head as well," Gilbert threatened with a sneer.

Elsa nodded while trembling in fear. Still sobbing, she ran away from them.

"Sorry I'm late, Your Majesty." Gilbert lowered his head apologetically. Holly felt bad for the apology. After all, it wasn't Gilbert's fault.

"It's not your fault."

"Then excuse me."

Gilbert suddenly grabbed Holly's shoulder. In one swift motion, he lifted Holly up bridal style.

"What are you doing?" Holly panicked and was shocked by Gilbert's sudden action.

Gilbert gave his sweetest smile to Holly. "No problem. It's part of my job to carry you."