That Prince Is A Girl: The Vicious King’s Slave Mate Novel

Chapter 392: Zaiper sucked his teeth, waving Ottai off. "Oh, stop being so prim and proper, Ottai. It's not a good look on you. How does sweet Morina even tolerate this self-righteous attitude? You are just as responsible for what happens in court as I am."

The male reared back. "Never! I-"

"If you'd bothered to show up in court, you could have been part of the decision-making. All of this-no, some of this-could have been said in court. Instead, you waste your time out here, lecturing me like a young lad." His voice dropped an octave. "Maybe if you spent less time caring for two lost causes, you might actually make a difference."

Ottai's face twisted in fury. "You think I don't know what you are doing? You think I don't see through your games? You want the throne, Zaiper. You want to be grand king." Zaiper didn't bother correcting him. He no longer aspired to be Grand King; his ambitions had grown, evolving into something far greater. He now wanted it all. To be the sole ruler. The one to reshape Urai under his reign.

"You think terrorizing our people, executing them over minor crimes like stealing grain or having a beastflare in public gatherings-something beyond anyone's control-you think that is going to get you what you want? These people fear you, Zaiper. They will never support you. They will never vote you in."

"Ah, but that's the beauty of it, Lord Ottai," Zaiper smirked as he draped an arm around Ottai's stiff shoulders, pulling him along.

Ottai's entire body tensed at the contact, but he had little choice but to walk with him. "I do not need their votes. Daemonikai is gone. Don't get me started on Vladya. And you? You care more about them than you do your own people. I'm the only one left."

Ottai looked away, guilty. The male looked more exhausted than Zaiper had ever seen him, beaten down by the weight of the past year.

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"So, tell me, Ottai," Zaiper pulled him a little closer. "Why would I need their vote, when I am all they have left?"

"You disgust me."

Grinning, Zaiper released Ottai. "And you, dear Ottai, amuse me. We both know this isn't where you want to be. You should be off-taking food to Vladya, perhaps? Tending to your fallen friends like the dutiful little servant. Go on, then. Return to your duties and leave the running of the kingdom to me. After all, there is no hand more capable than mine."

As Zaiper strode off, his laughter echoed behind him.

The fourth ruler had already lost the battle. He had no cards to play, no weapons in his arsenal.

The kingdom was already Zaiper's for the taking. Nothing stood in his way. Absolutely nothing.

YAZ

Yaz laid out the feast before the cave mouth, as he usually did.

"How is he? Did you catch a glimpse of him?"

The voice startled Yaz, and he whirled around, his hand instinctively moving to his sword hilt.

Wegai stood on a rock several feet away, watching him. Had his thoughts been so consuming that he'd failed to notice being followed?

"Lower your guard, Yaiz'vlion. I am not the enemy," the grand king's head soldier said, making no move to step closer.

"Do not call me that," Yaz growled, casting one last glance towards the cave. Then, he stalked towards Wegai, every sense alert. "What are you doing here? It was reckless to follow me. If I'd sensed you in the woods, I would have nailed you."

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