Azul’s voice carried through the air as he spoke. "The North doesn’t forget their bonds. Even if you Easterners care little about them. The bond between man and wife is even more sacred, General."

"I don’t care about your sacred bonds. That woman—"

Azul didn’t let him finish.

His fist came down. Hard. Striking Leon square across the face. The sound boomed through the air like a mini explosion. Leon’s head knocked to the side, blood spraying out of his mouth.

"Azul!" Anna screamed, panic lacing her voice.

"That was for the first time," Azul said, his voice calm and measured, as he lifted his bloody fist and hit Leon again. "And that was for the second time. There better not be a third, General." He tossed Leon aside.

Leon slumped against the wall, coughing up blood. His eyes blazed golden as he glared at Azul. He didn’t fight back. He didn’t defend himself.

The power difference was clearer than crystal.

Anna’s chest heaved. She didn’t know if she was scared or impressed.

He punched Leon...for me.

No one has ever stood up for me before. Not even in my previous life.

And he...he hit Leon. Before Leon tried to kill me.

Tears stung the back of her eyes. She felt touched, and warm. She wasn’t a fan of violence but this felt different.

[awww~ you made your husbands fight! 20,000 villain points! You’re killing it!~]

Anna ignored the System.

"Both of you are perfect for each other," Leon suddenly chuckled. Anna looked at him. Her heart skipped in fear. Leon looked feral, with blood on his face and his teeth, fangs shown as he grinned. "Two monsters. Two perfect monsters."

Azul ignored him and walked over to Anna. His body blocked her view of Leon, forcing her to look up at him.

"Are you alright, your highness?" He asked quietly.

Anna nodded. "I...you didn’t have to do that,"

Azul went quiet for a few seconds. Then he said "he tried to kill you. Twice. You’re my wife, and I must protect you."

"Even if...I mean...I’m not exactly good?"

"It doesn’t matter, your highness. My bond is to you till the day I die."

Anna’s throat tightened.

Azul said those words like he had rehearsed them for days. Like they were muscle memory by now. There was no softness behind them, just a sense of duty.

I need to read up on the empires, especially the North.

"We should leave," he said after she remained silent.

"Oh right. Thank you," Anna said.

She walked out, him behind her. She had the urge to turn around and get a look at Leon. And when she did, all she saw was Azul’s chest.

***

It was late at night by the time General Leon returned to his private chambers.

He stepped in only to find Kai lounging on his bed. His jaw worked as his teeth ground together.

"Get out." He spat.

Kai pouted, holding a pillow to his chest and watching Leon with chilly eyes. "I heard you got punched today~ how was it? Azul is a lot stronger now, isn’t he~"

Anger flared inside Leon. Along with it the Corruption. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply, forcing himself to calm down.

"Kai, get out of my bed. Now." He hissed through clenched teeth.

The shark beastman leapt out of bed, holding a pillow to his chest. "You really crossed the line. Just because you don’t have a collar doesn’t mean you can kill her."

"Like hell you wouldn’t do the same." He walked up to Kai. "Swear that if that collar came off you wouldn’t rip her throat out."

Kai tilted his head to the side, wet hair draping over his neck. "Hmm...that’s a curious question. I haven’t thought about it though~"

Leon scoffed. "Liar."

"I’m serious~ what’s the point? Cutie is cruel. That’s who she is, and who she always has been. But she is still the Princess. You almost killed the Princess."

She deserved it. Leon thought bitterly. If it weren’t for her and her evil, Liora would still be here. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"I’ve had enough of that. Get out."

Leon walked to his desk which was covered with scrolls and scrolls of reports. He sat down, picked one up and glared at it.

Kai watched him and sighed. "Word is she’s gonna soothe your corruption now~ lucky you."

Leon bristled. What was lucky about that? That evil woman kept her healing spores to herself for years. And now she’s generous enough to help? Leon saw right through her trick. Everything she does is a trick. Especially when she’s being kind.

But today, today was different and he didn’t know why.

Leon touched his jaw. The swelling had gone down and the pain was minimal. But Azul had dislocated his jaw.

Damn him.

And because of her? Talking about a stupid bond. This was why Leon hated the Northerners. They believed themselves high and mighty above every other empire with their foolish ideals and customs. And Azul was prime example of that.

One thing Leon more than the North was having his pride bruised.

And Azul had done more than that today.

Leon touched his split lip. It hurt. But it didn’t hurt as much as watching Azul protect that woman.

Why did that hurt more?