Beast King'S Crippled Mate

Chapter 209: Chapter 209: The Gray Mammoth Tusk (II)

Swan's eyes widened as her heart jumped when Long Xiurong mentioned that

name.

"H-how do you know that name?" Swan asked. "I-I never mentioned him, and I'm sure Gale has banned anyone from ever talking about him in public."

"I heard about him from the rumors, as the servants in this castle are prone to gossiping. I met him personally on the first night of the celebration banquet. He climbed to my window, and later introduced himself," Long Xiurong explained, conveniently leaving out a few details about their first meeting, such as Rock, who had a hard-on when Long Xiurong kept struggling to break free. "He told me that his name is Rock Silverfang, His Majesty's former beta, and your supposed knight. Then, he said that he needed to find a way into your room, Princess. He wanted to talk with you to make sure that you were safe and sound after the coldest night. He wanted me to help him, but I knew better not to let him because he would be killed by His Majesty instantly."

Swan let out a relieved sigh because Long Xiurong was absolutely correct. Gale had such a keen sense of smell, and he seemed to have a special mark of territory around their room. He would be able to tell from far away if there was an intruder or unknown person entering their marital bedroom.

"How is he? Is he alright?" Swan asked. "It's been so long since I saw him the last time. I'm worried about him."

Long Xiurong could see the concern, and also grief on Princess Swan's expression. Her lips curled, as she now understood why the Beast King got so angry and became hostile against Rock.

Just like Gale, Long Xiurong also had a hard time trying to discern whether Princess Swan was just genuinely worried for Rock's safety, or if she had romantic feelings for Rock.

Princess Swan's sincerity was so pure that it always gave off amorous feelings whenever she showed concern, and her beauty didn't help her case either.

Long Xiurong felt her heart tightened, and it started to ache. She knew it was a feeling of jealousy. Her heart also ached the same way when she realized she had no chance with the Beast King at all.

'Maybe I should lie about Rock a little, so Princess Swan would be less concerned about him,' Long Xiurong felt conflicted. Bad ideas swirled in her head as she didn't want to lose Rock. She knew if Rock had to choose between her and Princess Swan, Rock would pick the latter without hesitation.

'Maybe I shouldn't give Rock's letter to her,' Long Xiurong hesitated as her inner turmoil escalated. She was jealous, and she didn't want to lose Rock since Princess Swan was irresistible to all men.

"Lady Long? Are you alright?" Swan asked out of concern. "H-how about Rock? Is he in good health? He was on the run for so long. I'm so worried about him."

"Princess... Do you... like Rock?"

"Hm? Of course, I do," Swan answered without hesitation, and Long Xiurong's heart shattered in pieces to the point she was about to cry.

"But you already have His Majesty. Why do you have to love two men at the same time, Princess?" Long Xiurong asked with eyes glazed with tears.

"Ah, no, no, I don't love him. I like him as my dear knight, and also as a friend," Swan clarified. "It might sound stupid, but he is my very first friend. He treats me as a friend, despite being my knight. He is very casual when talking with me. He is also His Majesty's right-hand man, so he is probably Gale's only friend as well."

"I haven't known him for long. I've only talked to him for a day before everything went horribly, but I always know that he has my

husband's best interest in minal netnoveldrama

Swan said as she revealed a slight smile when recalling Rock, I know ག very well how painful loneliness can be, and I don't want my husband to lose the only friend he has. That's why I am constantly worrying about Rock."

"S-so, you don't... love him?"

"Why would 12" Swan frowned as she was genuinely confused. "I'm married to Gale, and I've been in love with him ever since. My heart has no more place for another man. Even if Gale and I got separated in the future, I will never find another man, because my heart has been filled with his presence."

"I see..." Long Xiurong felt guilty for accusing Princess Swan. She was so overridden by jealousy that she couldn't think that a man and woman's platonic relationship was possible. 'I don't think Rock only sees Princess Swan as a friend. But that's for him to figure out in the end.'

After getting the answer she wanted, Long Xiurong decided to tell Princess Swan everything, "He is doing well. I don't see any scar on him, and he is in good health since he's strong and tall and handsome, and—oh, uhm... we're getting out of topic."

Swan raised her brow as she began to notice the change in Long Xiurong's expression whenever she tried to remember about Rock; her eyes were filled with yearning and her lips would curl as if she was trying to hold back her giggles.

'Hm, she acts like a maiden in love. Is she...' But Swan decided not to ask about it because it was a private matter. 'No, I don't think it's wise to talk about it right now. She is probably trying to process her feelings as well.'

"That's good. I'm glad to hear he is safe and sound. I'm still wondering about the gray mammoth tusk pendant given by Rock in your hand, though," Swan pointed out. "Is there a reason why he gave it to you?"

"Ah! Yes, he gave me this to protect me from any attempt of poisoning," Long Xiurong replied. "The ginger tea served to me on that fateful night was filled with poison. If it wasn't for him I would've been dead by now."