The surviving princess {Liskook}

Chapter 14

When the carriage reached the palace, it was early afternoon.

The central palace, covered entirely in marble, dazzled with the strong sunlight streaming through the hallway windows, the white light piercing the eyes. Meant to inspire awe, the effect was rather one of creeping unease, especially considering the king's various deeds

Following the attendant, Jungkook supported his wife in silence as they walked down the corridor. His outward demeanor was one of perfect decorum, but his eyes roved over the palace's every detail.

Twenty years ago, the young king had secured his throne with little difficulty, thanks to the formidable Salachez family on his mother's side. But twelve years ago, after the war began, something changed in the capital. The king's behavior flipped overnight, or so it seemed. The central palace itself had seen so much bloodshed that before one stain could be cleaned, another's head would roll.

How many had died on the very marble he now walked upon? And what of the stones he would soon tread? Whose body had lain there?

So many had perished that, by now, only sycophants remained, and there had been no troubling news for some time. The gaps between the framed pictures, the corners where console tables met the walls, and the carpets-all were impeccably clean, without a trace of blood.

Led to the king's office, Jungkook sat upright on the sofa. Lisa, prevented from climbing onto the table, lay sprawled on the floor.

King Kai appeared after a long wait, glancing briefly at the princess before making a show of polite interest.

"Lalisa looks much better," he commented.

It wasn't untrue. In less than two months, Lisa's complexion had improved, and her once skeletal limbs had begun to fill out.

"Good news will come soon, right?" the king asked, his smile wide.

Before Jungkook could respond, the king added, his tone turning cold, "The maids have been saying some interesting things."

Jungkook's face stiffened as the king, with a smirk, continued, "Despite the blood-soaked sheets from the wedding night, the princess's lower parts were untouched when they went to wash her."

"And even now. They say that every morning the sheets and the princess's body are spotless when they check your marital bed. Why, are you not pleased to have an heir with royal blood?"

Jungkook felt a shiver like ice spikes driving into his back. He had made the mistake of assuming the maids wouldn't report such intimate details.

"Yes, speak up. Why have you not touched my sister? Are you thinking of annulling the royal marriage with the priest?"

"It's not that. Of course not," Jungkook replied calmly, despite the trap laid out before him.

The king, unsatisfied with the response, pressed on, "So, the Jeon family mocks the royal family by leaving this lovely Lalisa untouched? Is that treason against the royal family?"

Jungkook clenched his fists silently. The king's accusations of treason left no room for escape. He could accept his own fate, but what about his parents and the loyal vassals of the Jeon family? With only seventy knights permitted to reside in the capital, they would be easily crushed by the royal guards and the city watch.

As countless thoughts raced through his mind, the king gestured towards his wife.

"Lalisa, Come here."

Lisa stumbled towards the king. Feigning a concerned brother, the king asked softly, "Does your husband undress you at night?"

But Lisa only showed interest in his shoes. Growing impatient, the king grabbed her hair roughly, lifting her up.