Looking for a Husband to Confine Me - Chapter 28.2
Chapter 28.2
“Next time, I will not forgive…”
“Your Highness!”
Bashar’s voice faded into the background. I was focused on the chilling gaze of the beasts. The moment their eyes glinted, I grabbed Bashar’s arm and pulled him towards me.
But the beasts were already lunging, teeth and claws bared. It made little difference whether they attacked him or me; at such close range, it was nearly impossible to avoid them.
Bashar stumbled, falling on top of me. We were now locked in an embrace.
“Ugh, what is the meaning of this?”
Bashar tried to pull away, but I held him tighter, my eyes fixed on the approaching beasts. Time seemed to slow.
If things went wrong, I would be torn apart by their savage claws. I could vividly picture it.
Maybe if I shoved my arm into its gaping maw, I could survive. I would sacrifice the arm, but… Bashar Kishar would owe me his life, and he would surely provide me with the best healers. They could even reattach a severed limb.
My grip on Bashar tightened unconsciously.
“Your Highness, it’s dangerous!”
I was trying to figure out the least painful way to escape this situation when I heard Ricardo’s voice. At the same time, the sharp sound of metal slicing through something reached my ears.
Thud.
The heavy sound of something hitting the ground drew my gaze downwards. The predator, moments ago a hunter, now lay lifeless on the ground.
“…We’re alive.”
“Ugh.”
Relieved, I unconsciously tightened my hold on Bashar, eliciting a low groan. Startled, I quickly released him.
He straightened up, his expression hardening, and moved away.
“I apologize, Your Highness.”
“No, I should be the one apologizing.”
He seemed flustered by having fallen on top of me, avoiding my gaze.
“What in the world…”
He turned his head, then froze, his dark eyebrows furrowing as he looked at the lifeless beast.
Ricardo stepped forward to explain.
“The animals suddenly attacked His Highness. It all happened so fast, I couldn’t save this one. I’m deeply sorry, Your Highness.”
“They attacked me?” Bashar asked.
Looking around, I saw that the other animals in the drawing-room, not just the one that lunged at Bashar, had become similarly aggressive. The knights had managed to subdue them with muzzles, leashes, and shackles, but they were still snarling and snapping.
A low growl rumbled through the room. That unsettling sound from moments ago—it was the sound of these creatures attacking people.
“So, you pulled me away to protect me?” Bashar asked, his golden eyes fixed on me. I nodded.
“It was instinctual, Your Highness. Though I wasn’t much help in the end. I apologize for startling you.” I offered a sheepish smile. My body had moved before I could think, but the beast was faster and its teeth sharper than I’d anticipated. If Ricardo had been even a moment later, my left arm would have been in its jaws.
‘The beast’s fangs would have wounded me, but not severed my arm completely. The beast would have succumbed to my poisoned blood before it could do that much damage. And the wound itself…well, that could be healed later.’
‘And perhaps, in exchange for a wound, I’ve earned Bashar’s trust.’
Of course, it was best that no one was hurt at all.
“Lady Hazel’s quick thinking in pulling His Highness aside gave me the opportunity to intervene,” Ricardo said.
“I see,” Bashar replied.
Ricardo continued, “Your Highness, the Kishani animals throughout the manor, not just in the drawing-room, have begun attacking everyone. We’re containing them as best we can, but some losses among the animals seem inevitable.”
“Is my brother safe?”
“We haven’t been able to reach His Highness Haroon yet. There are a particularly large number of animals where he is. However, the Commander of the Guard is with him, so he should be alright.”
“Yes, my brother would be able to calm them. But why would they suddenly…?” Bashar trailed off, his gaze drifting towards the restrained beasts. He began to walk slowly towards them.
“Your Highness,” Ricardo cautioned.
“It’s alright. I’m fine,” Bashar reassured him, dismissing Ricardo’s concern with a wave of his hand. The beast on the floor, muzzled and drooling viscous saliva, glared at Bashar. Had it not been sedated, it would have lunged for his throat.
Bashar knelt on one knee before the beast and extended a hand, as if trying to understand something from it.
Ricardo, after issuing orders to the knights in the drawing-room, returned to Bashar’s side. I glanced at him and spoke.
“Thank you for your assistance, Sir Div.”
“Not at all, my lady. I should thank you for protecting His Highness.”
Our eyes met, and we exchanged small smiles.
“How many animals are there in the manor?” I asked, turning serious again.
“Several dozen, to my knowledge. The problem is, it takes several knights to subdue a single animal. So there are likely many still roaming freely within the manor.”
“Which means…”
“Which means we’re confined here for the time being.”
