Chapter 190

[Evelyn’s POV]

The King was not pleased.

He hadn’t exactly made any retorting remarks or final statements that would essentially prove the idea; however, his actions said it all. The moment the judge had given his final statement and slammed the gavel down on the bench, Gregory had gotten up from his seat and left the room.

He hadn’t stopped to give his customary opinions or comments. He hadn’t even bothered to pay any acknowledgment to Alexander and me.

The man simply made himself scarce. It was questionable, although I couldn’t blame his decision to escape and avoid the sea of reporters that were currently waiting beyond the front doors.

That was the second thing that kept my nerves on edge. Dealing with the press.

Ever since I was caught weaning Alexander’s old mask while coming out of the palace, every news outlet in the region had been dying for an official story. They’d been persistently patient with me and I knew well enough that their patience had run its course.

I kind of wish that a few reports had been let into the courtroom while I was explaining the entire story from the beginning just so I wouldn’t have to relive it all over again. Nonetheless, Oliver had already assured me that he would help me prepare for any type of interview I was willing to give when the time came.

Alexander curled his around my shoulders and led us toward the main doors. I could already hear the growing buzz of the reporters and journalists. My heart leaped into my throat.

“You ready for this?” he asked.

“Not really,” I said lightly. “But it’s not like we can avoid them forever.”

He offered a supportive smile. “Remember. Only tell them what you’re comfortable with.”

The doors opened and the two of us were swept up in a sea of people and flashing cameras.

“Mrs. Kingston!”

“Mrs. Kingston, over here!”

“We just heard the final verdicts, how do you feel?”

My eyes were already burning from the ongoing camera flashes and there were at least half a dozen microphones shoved in my face.

“Honestly? I feel relieved,” I said. “Both Fiona and Isabella have been a threat to my family and the public for a very long time. It’s just taken us so long to get the evidence we needed in order to prove it.”

“Do you believe that they should have received a harsher penalty given the severity of their crimes?” one of them asked.

“It is not up to me to decide what sort of punishment Fiona or Isabella deserve. My only concern was that they wouldn’t be able to do any further harm.”

Thank God Alexander kept his hand on the small of my back, otherwise, I was certain to be swept up in the crowd. Either that or I was going to likely faint.

Now that the court case was over, all the trembling emotions I’d been storing for the last couple of weeks were finally dissipating, leaving me tired and awfully drained.

The crowd turned their attention toward Alexander who was more than ready to answer a question or two.

“Mr. Kingston! What are your thoughts about today’s proceedings?” one of the reporters asked.

Alexander stood tall as he addressed the large group.

“Much like my wife, I feel relieved. This has not been an easy time for anyone, especially her. To think that it was her own family who not only attempted to end her own life but the life of her brother is truly despicable. It just goes to show you that evil comes in many forms. Fiona, a registered and trained doctor, is capable of butchering an innocent person. Isabella, a mother, was out to kill her own Stepson to enhance her own status. Anyone is capable of evil, even the ones that stand in high power.”

I fought back the natural urge to widen my eyes at Alexander’s daring statement. If any of those journalists took his words as a direct quote in their newest issues, it would head straight back to the King. The thought of having to deal with someone like him after having gone through this hell-raising event made my blood run cold.

And it was obvious that I wasn’t the only one. A slew of reporters wore similar looks of bewilderment.

“Mr. Kingston, is there someone more specifically you’re referring to?” they asked.

“Names aren’t necessary,” he stated. “They know exactly who they are.”

The hoard of people was beginning to grow antsy once more with a newly sparked interest. They tried to throw out more questions but were immediately shut down by a single shake of Alexander’s head.

“We will not be taking any further questions at this time. Thank you.”

...

The car ride back to the house was kept in a peaceful silence. Alexander kept his hand over the top of my thigh while I rested my head on his shoulder. I wanted to feel the lightness of all the stress finally lifting from my mind.

However, there was a new pressing matter that now needed to be addressed. I understood the need for Alexander to make a stand against the King. After all, things weren’t looking too bright for the monarch at the moment.

Alexander had been the one to ensure that three highly dangerous people were sent to prison while the King merely sat back and did nothing. There was no doubt that this wasn’t going to bode well with the man’s image.

“Are you sure that was a wise thing to do?” I asked softly.

I had no idea that Alexander was planning on making such an indirect comment to the King. Was now the time to really be stirring the waters?

Well, if not now, then when?

“People need to start questioning why the King hasn’t done anything to ensure the safety of the general public,” he explained. “In the last month, we have put away three criminals while he has done nothing. Right now, Gregory is likely panicking over what this recent court case is going to do to his image as King. And he should be.”

If the Alpha King has learned anything during these cases, it should be that Alexander would stop at nothing to find and reveal the truth. If Gregory had a secret, Alexander would surely figure out what it was and, undoubtedly, expose it.

“Do you think he’s going to do anything once the articles start coming out?”

“I’m not entirely sure. I wouldn’t put it past him for trying. Knowing Gregory, he would most likely have someone do the dirty work for him.”

My heart rate started to pick up. “Are you saying that he would try for another assassination attempt?”

“That I couldn’t say for sure. But I wouldn’t put it past him.”

He sensed my growing anxiety and swiftly turned me to face him.

“Whatever is between Gregory and I—I will not let it touch you.”

Deep down, I wanted to believe him. As powerful and strategic as Alexander was, there was no chance that he could promise something like that and expect to follow through on it.

“In any case, you don’t need to worry about it. Have you decided which news outlet you’re going to interview with?”

I let myself sink back into the seat and sighed. “I think so. Although the idea of having to recap the whole experience yet again is not very appealing to me.”

Alexander softly chuckled. “I know, sweetheart. Just think, after it’s over, you don’t ever have to revisit it again.”

It’s true. There was no point in lingering on it when we were about to enter even more treacherous waters.