Chapter 46

The smell of burnt hair wafted over the courtyard.

Ubol wished that she didn't have to be involved with this new king.

Ritthirong had his mouth open as he attempted to catch his breath. Ubol stood in front of him unfazed. She only looked down on him with cold eyes and he scowled. His hand tightened around the staff and he stood from the kneel.

Ubol rolled her shoulder. "I think we did enough training to–"

"Hit me again!" He lifted his staff in front of him.

"Your highness–"

"Do it!"

Ubol sighed before she pointed her staff at the king. "You'll regret this."

"Save it for when we're done."

Ubol circled her arm in front of her. A wind vortex formed in front of the wizard and she aimed it at the king.

If he died from this, she couldn't be to blame for it.

"Your majesty, you are in urgent need."

The wind quickly dissipated and Ubol turned to see it was the king's servant, Charunee.

The king let out an irritated sigh and turned back to Ubol. "Stay here. I'll be back when I'm done. If you need anything, call for a servant."

Ubol gave a solemn nod in confirmation.

The king exited the courtyard and Ubol's shoulders slumped the minute he was out of sight.

If she had the choice, she would've gone full out during the fight and wipe him out of existence. She was the greatest wizard. It wouldn't be that hard. But if she did that, who knows what the world would inflict on her in retribution.

"You seem very bothered."

The sudden voice made Ubol went into a defensive stance with her staff in hand. The snake writhed underneath the staff. Her grip tightened on her staff and she began to chant in Sanskrit.

"Wait! I am not here to harm you."

"Why should I listen to a snake?"

"I may have the answer to your grievances. You see, I've been watching you two for a few days now. I heard your king talking about a fugitive prince and princess."

"What about it?"

"He will not rest until they are dead it seems and I know their exact location."

"Why should I believe you?"

"Because they are the reason why I am a snake now. My true form is actually a naga."

Ubol froze. A naga?

Her eyes analyzed the snake's pattern. It was green like shining emeralds and was very unusual. It definitely wasn't a demon at the very least.

Slowly her staff eased the pressure on the snake and it slithered out from underneath. It gave an audible sigh.

"Thank you, it seems you are willing to talk."

"I haven't agreed to anything yet."

"Yet you still set me free." A chuckle came from the snake. "Yes, I had met the prince and princess and they had disturbed my resting area. Before I knew it, they had notified my greatest enemy and trapped me in this form."

"Hm, yes. But what do you want from me?"

"A hand to execute my revenge. I think you would be very interested in helping. Especially since the king will not let you go unless he has the royal siblings."

"I do not work for snakes."

Chatter could be heard from a distance. It seemed the king was coming back soon and the snake looked in the direction before quickly looking back to Ubol.

"Well, if you ever change your mind, you can always call for me."

"And what would I call you?"

"Niran."

It slithered away with a hiss.

Ubol turned around to see a displeased king with Charunee shouting after him.

"Your highness, please calm down!"

"I will not!" He yelled. "The nobles are doubting me of all people just because I have no queen or concubine?"

"They are just trying to ensure that there is an heir. They do not want to forge relations without insurance."

"Insurance, hm?" Ritthirong's eyes flicked to Ubol.

A chill shot up her spine and she narrowed her eyes towards him. "Yes, my liege?"

He took large strides towards her before grabbing her chin. He examined her face and moved her head from side to side every so often. Ubol clenched her fist but remained quiet.

"Yes, you will do."

"What?"

"Do you wish to get your tower back?"

"Yes."

A sinister smile stretched on his face and Ubol could only feel her heart drop.

"Then you have no reason to reject me and become my concubine."