Everyone Is Mine

Leandro felt his blood boil as his wine eyes witnessed the proximity of Lord Lycano with Aisha. Fortunately, he was able to manage his displeasure by conversing with him in a congenial tone.

"That depends on where she wants to stay, Lord Lycano," he subconsciously answered his question for Aisha.

He didn't want him to continue to intimidate Aisha. Leandro stepped forward until they all met face to face.

Aisha looked surprised to see him.

He was also astonished at himself, for being there at that moment, of all places. As the King, he should be in the Castle, tending to his people's needs.

They were both at Lord Lycano's Manor with the host himself. Lord Emilio was behind him together with Lord Lycano's Guards, alert and waiting for their master's orders.

Leandro felt gratified that Aisha seemed to be unharmed. There was no scratch on her body. And she was all in one piece.

He will check her later. But there is a much greater impediment that he has to deal with in front of him.

He could count in one finger the number of times that he visited Lord Lycano's Manor. And all were because of misunderstandings and conflicts.

"This female human must be so special that the King himself honored his humble servant with his presence," he flamboyantly waved his masculine hand before he bowed to the King.

Leandro's jaw clenched at his comment. He must have an idea about her blood.

"Pardon me for my intrusion to your humble abode, Lord Lycano. But I am not here primarily for the lady. I have other, more important matters to discuss with you regarding land estates," He said in his authoritative tone.

He then gave a slight glance at Aisha, making him gulp a lump in his throat. Even if she didn't speak, her sad eyes revealed that she was hurt by what he said.

"It is for your own safety," he wanted to say to her. But he knew that Lord Lycano's senses were as supernatural as his.

He would hear the slightest whisper even outside the Manor.

"That's excellent, Your Majesty. We were just discussing her residence. As I recall, anyone who stepped foot on someone's property is bound by the laws of that land. Isn't it just right for her to stay in the Lycus Territory, your Majesty?" Lord Lycano openly expressed his desire for Aisha to stay within their land.

He even stepped forward to put Aisha behind him.

Leandro's jaw clenched as he observed Lord Lycano's actions.

Lord Lycano was right. But he was also wrong.

A corner of his lips lifted as he stepped forward, responding to him in his kingly voice. "I am conscious of that. I also know that you are aware that I am the King of Gaea. That means everyone who stepped foot in Gaea is mine, including her, you, and all members of the Lycus Clan."

Lord Lycano seemed to be affected by his direct and straightforward words, that a huffed growl could be heard from his chest.

His jaw twitched as if his sharp fangs were attempting to come out. His fingers stretched as if its claws wanted to burst out and rip the people in front of them apart.

Lord Emilio was alarmed, making his hand clutch on his sword in case he tried to hurt the King.

Lord Lycano's men wanted to get ready. But they seemed to be in doubt since they would not be fighting with an ordinary smuggler, but the King of Gaea himself.

Leandro was not oblivious of the tension. But he would not allow him to have her!

He tried to dilute the argument, so this will not get bloody, as much as possible. So he added, "Even then, I am not imposing that law to any Lords in Gaea. I respect every one of you, and I hope we should respect the rights of our subjects as well."

Then he glanced at Aisha. She seemed scared as she was frozen on her feet, without even blinking.

Leandro drew in a deep breath as he continued, "I didn't say that the Lady should not stay here. I am just saying she has the right to choose where she wants to live in whatever location in Gaea that she wished to. Don't you think so, Lord Lycano?"

He knew that he was taking a risk. Aisha might choose to be left behind. But this was the more peaceful option.

But for now, he could only hope that Aisha would choose to go back with him to the Castle, where she would be safer. Or even anywhere, except here.

Lord Lycano seemed to now be in control of himself as he inhaled a lungful of air and exhaled.

His amethyst eyes glistened as he spoke, "You're absolutely right, your Majesty. We are honored to be ruled by a benevolent and righteous King who respected the rights of his citizens. I'm now certain he will also honor my humble opinion regarding land estates and such matters."

Lord Lycano bowed down to him as if he was truly holding him in high regard.

Leandro already knew that with Lord Lycano's cunning tactics, he would involve the land negotiation with this issue. Still, it made his muscles twitch.

He wanted to burn him with fire and sulfur, together with his whole Clan. But The Great Theos wouldn't approve of that.

He clenched his fists as he controlled himself.

As he did so, he heard Lord Lycano turn towards Aisha and spoke to her tenderly, "Now, my lady, it is your turn to speak up. I hope you will choose as wisely as I will."

Everyone's gaze fell on Aisha.

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"Government exists to protect us from each other. Where the government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves."