Chapter 18: Ch 18. Give Me More
"Are you sure they’ll apologize? On what grounds? They’re so arrogant—don’t take that attitude lightly." Selena retorted with a blank expression, causing Vylen to fall silent for a moment. They won’t apologize easily, especially since they’re the King. There’s no need to do that even if they’re wrong. So, I’m not sure they’ll forgive me do it," she added again, looking lazy.
"That makes sense, but ever since you married into our family, they’ve never once joined us at the dinner table. They’re always gone, busy taking care of matters within their own groups." Vylen said, shaking his head slowly.
Selena simply let Vylen explain, eager to learn more about the activities these men typically engaged in. Although she had a few memories from the body’s original owner that could serve as clues, she didn’t know them very well.
So since Vylen was willing to explain, she could perhaps use this as a new source of understanding.
"The Wolf King usually prepares several events or rituals typical of the wolf pack as the full moon approaches. Meanwhile, the Phoenix King is accustomed to secluding himself in his office. He rarely wants to gather with others unless it’s truly important or urgent.
"Ever since we’ve been living in this building—separated from the other palace structures—he’s never eaten with us, gathered with us, or done anything like that. So I was also a bit surprised when their respective guards came here and said their King wanted to have breakfast with us," he explained at length.
Selena gave a small smile. "We’ll just have to see what they do. Right now, dealing with hatred that’s turned into regret—or something like that—is pretty stressful for me. I just hope they don’t go overboard," she said, causing Vylen to shake his head as he looked at her.
"I’ve gotten to know them pretty well these past few months. Aside from me, the Dragon King, and the Lion King, the Wolf King and the Phoenix King are the coldest and have the most impenetrable defenses. They aren’t the type—they’ve been subjected to discipline for far too long as prospective kings. That’s made them too rigid; it seems they won’t be able to act as excessively as we do because they have a higher sense of self-respect," said Vylen, and Selena immediately snorted.
She had already expected this, so she wasn’t too surprised. Selena also didn’t really expect them to apologize by prostrating themselves like her other three husbands had. She intended to make them all fall in love with her, starting with these three husbands first—and even that already felt difficult enough.
Upon arriving at the dining hall, several fox-eared servants bowed as they entered.
Selena walked gracefully and leisurely behind Vylen, who led her to a chair there. Just as she was about to sit down, her gaze fell on the four men who had been standing there since she entered, staring at her as if there was something strange about her face.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Selena asked with a probing look.
Their expressions were unusual; even Selena noticed that Stevan and Dorven seemed to swallow at the same time. Meanwhile, Jhon and Stoner, standing side by side, looked a little nervous when Selena glanced at them.
"Ah, it’s nothing... You look so beautiful in that dress," said Stevan, his voice trembling slightly—and Selena noticed it.
It was a tremor of desire; Selena finally began to understand the meaning behind their gazes—part nervous, part awestruck.
"That’s right, you look absolutely stunning in it, especially paired with that crown. It suits you perfectly; that beautiful dress really complements your crown," said Dorven, looking at Selena, who was already smiling foolishly.
She looked at Vylen, who was smiling so widely his teeth were showing. But Selena also noticed the man’s gaze fixed on her neck—on the necklace he’d given her as a symbol of his acknowledgment that she was his lawful wife.
"What are you trying to say? Are you saying I look really beautiful wearing this necklace?" she asked first, but Vylen shook his head with an awkward smile.
He pulled out a chair, then finally spoke as Selena’s gaze remained fixed on him. "I’ve been admiring your beauty since last night. All this time, I’ve been a fool for taking you for granted," he said, gesturing for Selena to sit down.
Selena snorted softly, then smiled with a more relaxed expression. Sitting in her chair, Selena watched as the men finally did the same.
"It’s true that a person will shine when they feel useful," Selena remarked, then touched the necklace she was wearing. "Before they’re useful, people will just see them as junk."
They all fell silent at her all-too-blunt remark. Selena took a deep breath, still holding the necklace around her neck, before she finally spoke.
"I’m quite fond of jewelry. If you do happen to have a lot of these kinds of things, don’t hesitate to give them to me," Selena said, causing them to glance at her quickly. "At least the valuable items you give me are much better and more to my liking than just some silly gesture as an apology."
"Really? You’ll accept all our gifts?" Dorven asked with a gleam in his eyes.
"If that’s true, I have some rare items that can be turned into jewelry and women’s accessories. I love hunting; I love collecting interesting animal trinkets that are highly prized in the world of Eldoria. If you’d like to accept those items, I’ll turn them into jewelry, clothing, or decorations for your room," Stevan chimed in.
"That’s right, I’ll also give you anything you want as long as it makes you happy. And if there’s anything you want, just tell me. I’ll do my best to make it happen," Vylen chimed in.
Selena smiled slightly again, then looked at Jhon and Stoner, who seemed hesitant.
Ugh, such stubborn men!
Selena shifted her gaze, nodding calmly at her three beast husbands, who were now busy vying for her attention.
"Yes, of course. I’m a woman, and I love beautiful, valuable things. You can bring them to me or make them for me—it won’t be a bother for you as kings," Selena said pointedly, and that made them shake their heads quickly.
"Of course we wouldn’t feel bothered—you’re our Queen, and we’ll certainly treat you as well as possible from now on."
"Yes, we’ll do anything."
"All right, I’m hungry. Can we start breakfast? After this, I want to tour the entire palace—or even the whole world of Eldoria," Selena said, straightening up.
Her words caused Vylen, Stevan, and Dorven to act childish again as they scrambled to ask the servants to serve the food onto the table. Then they each busied themselves introducing the dishes they had brought themselves for Selena to taste.
"This is the most delicious food in the world of Eldoria—try it... You’re sure to love it!"
"This fruit is very sweet and refreshing—have some after you finish your main course. You’ll feel full of energy afterward."
"Don’t forget this—it’s a new dish created by the Lion Palace chef. The broth is delicious and warms your stomach—go ahead and eat..."
Selena smiled, accepting everything. To be honest, even though she didn’t know what it was made of, she really loved all the food they gave her. Every now and then she glanced at Stoner and John, who looked like two outcasts—even though they were the ones who hadn’t made a move to do anything.
Ugh, that stubborn man really was a hassle. Selena couldn’t be bothered with them; she’d rather focus on enjoying the attention and the way her three husbands were vying for her attention right now.
***
Selena fixed her hair as she calmly stepped out of the bathroom, slightly surprised to see John standing right in front of the bathroom door.
"Do you have a moment? I’d like to talk," the man said softly, not even daring to look her in the eye.
Selena looked at him with raised eyebrows. "Talk about what? I just happen to have plans to go out with the Wolf King and the Lion King today. If it’s not important, I don’t want to waste my time. Because I also have to do a few things I need to do to heal you all," she said with a disinterested expression.
Selena had already started walking away, prompting her servant to follow her.
"I don’t mean to waste your time; I just want to give you something in person." John blocked her path, looking at Selena with a serious expression.
"Something? Are you going to give me jewelry, a dress, or something like that, just like they did?" she asked, causing John to nod quickly.
"You can come with me first; I’ll give it to you, but not here," John said again, looking at Selena, who seemed reluctant. "It’s not just me—the Wolf King is there too, and he’s waiting for you."