The Queen and the Lion - Chapter 34
A sense of triumph mixed with a desire to defeat Aslan once and for all twisted Kaplan’s lips into a smirk. His words, as he rattled them off, were far from the elegant speech expected of a second prince.
“She may look delicate and pure, but she’s no virgin. Truly the queen of a land of flowers, she’s skilled at luring bees with honey.”
“…”
Aslan trembled.
He could tolerate being mocked, but he could not tolerate insults to Lysian. And Kaplan, who had seduced countless women based solely on his appearance, was in no position to say such things about Lysian.
Seeing Aslan’s agitation, Kaplan’s lips curled into a smug grin. He suppressed his excitement and feigned compassion.
Kaplan patted Aslan on the shoulder, the gesture condescending.
“I’m not happy with the idea of having a woman like you, but even a wilted flower is attractive if it’s beautiful enough.”
In that moment, something inside Aslan snapped. It was as if a volcano had erupted within him.
Aslan clenched his fist with all his might.
And yet, he managed to restrain himself. This was Florea, and they were in a banquet hall. Given the circumstances—a meeting between a Heiban and a man who might become the Queen’s consort—many eyes were already on them. It would certainly not be in Lysian’s best interest if he were to loudly discuss their s****l relationship.
Suppressing his anger, Aslan growled in a low voice.
“What are you saying? The prince has come for peace, but he is not the consort yet.”
Kaplan’s reply was smooth and slimy. Aslan found it incredibly offensive that Kaplan had included himself in such a personal manner. The malice hidden beneath Kaplan’s overly familiar attitude was clear to Aslan.
Taking a step closer, Kaplan sneered.
“Tell me, Lord Yilmaz, what kind of sounds does the Queen make in bed?”
In that moment, Aslan’s patience, which had been stretched thin, snapped. Before Kaplan could finish his sentence, Aslan’s fist flew out and struck Kaplan’s cheek.
The sound of the blow echoed through the hall as Kaplan was sent flying backwards, knocking over a table and sending dishes crashing to the floor.
“Ah!”
Someone screamed. The sudden commotion created a cacophony of noise in the banquet hall.
Kaplan spat out blood from his split lip. His fine clothes were now covered in food and debris. Despite being on the floor, he glared at Aslan without fear, a sneer still playing on his lips.
“Was I wrong? Must have hit a nerve, didn’t I?”
Ignoring Kaplan’s provocation, Aslan punched him again. Even if Lysian chose Kaplan, he couldn’t bear the thought of her with a man like this.
Aslan grabbed Kaplan by the collar and mounted him. With Kaplan pinned beneath his weight, Aslan rained down blows. He struck without hesitation, his expression cold and emotionless, as if beating a rug. Kaplan could only groan.
Aslan was intent on killing him. It didn’t matter that his opponent was a prince of Heiban. In that moment, Kaplan held no value in Aslan’s mind.
Aslan wanted to protect Lysian, whether she stayed with him or left. Even if it meant betraying his homeland.
“What is the meaning of this!”
The guards rushed in, startled by the commotion. They surrounded the two men with their spears, but Aslan continued to strike. In that moment, he was a savage beast. No one wanted to cross a beast with a spear. However, Kaplan’s face was bloodied, and he was barely breathing. It was clear that if the prince of Heiban, who had come to negotiate peace, were killed, Florea would be held responsible.
“Stop!”
“Pull Lord Yilmaz off him!”
“A healer! Get a healer!”
Only when the spears were pointed at his neck did Aslan finally stop. His hands were covered in blood, a mixture of his own and Kaplan’s.
He had fought like a wild animal, forgetting all his martial arts training. Aslan stared down at the bloodied Kaplan beneath him.
“You’ll have to come with us,” the captain of the guard said gravely. Normally, they would have dragged him away, but everyone in the palace knew of the Queen’s affection for Aslan.
Aslan nodded and allowed the guard to place the shackles on his wrists. He was used to them now. He smiled bitterly. It seemed he was destined to be bound by these chains once again.
And then,
“Aslan!”
**A voice boomed through the hall.
Everyone turned to look.
It was Lysian.
