Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 195

**His Mercy Tastes Like Hunger**
**Chapter 195: A Taste Of Blood**

**Phoebe’s POV**

The mere thought of Perry stepping onto the battlefield sent a wave of unease crashing through me, twisting my stomach into tight knots. Every instinct screamed that something dreadful could befall him out there, amidst the chaos of war.

Yes, he was the king—surrounded by elite guards, trained warriors who would lay down their lives for him. And yes, Perry was no ordinary man; he possessed a strength and skill that surpassed many. Yet, the unpredictability of war loomed large in my mind. No one could guarantee safety when swords clashed and blood stained the earth.

“You don’t need to fret, my queen. I assure you, the king will return safe and sound,” Rosa said, her voice a soothing balm against my rising anxiety. Her gentle demeanor was meant to comfort me, but it did little to quell the storm brewing in my heart.

I had just shared the news of his decision with them, believing it harmless since it wasn’t a secret that could be kept for long—the entire kingdom would be abuzz with the news soon enough. However, the reassurances of Marcela and Rosa fell flat against the gnawing fear that Perry might not return to me. I needed him near, where I could see him, touch him, and truly know he was safe.

With a sense of urgency, I glanced around the throne room, only to find it empty, echoing with silence. I made my way to the war room, where Perry was deep in strategy discussions with his senior warriors, plotting their final assault on the Valerium Kingdom.

This battle was pivotal; it would determine the fate of everything we held dear. Once Valerium was brought to its knees, victory would be swift, and Perry would return to me—back to the safety of our home, back to my arms.

“My queen.” The guard straightened, bowing his head respectfully as I approached, a polite smile gracing his lips. “I will inform the king of your presence.”

I shook my head vigorously, pulling out my writing pad. *No need. I’ll wait.*

He hesitated, trying to persuade me, explaining how long the meeting might extend if Perry remained unaware of my wait. But I stood firm in my resolve. I wouldn’t dare interrupt something so vital.

“Then allow me to fetch you a chair,” he insisted, already moving before I could voice my objections.

He returned swiftly with a sturdy, comfortable chair, and I settled into it, grateful for the moment of stillness. I relished the silence, cherishing these fleeting moments where I could simply observe and absorb the atmosphere around me.

The war room offered a view of the front garden, where warriors trained under the warm afternoon sun. Some engaged in combat in their human forms, while others shifted seamlessly into their beast shapes mid-fight. The fluidity of their transformations captivated me—the raw power displayed, the effortless transition from one form to another was mesmerizing.

Samuel and Justin had managed to avoid punishment, much to my relief. Initially, Perry had considered reassignment for them after the incident that nearly cost me my life, but I had worked my persuasive magic—along with a few very convincing moments of intimacy—to sway his decision.

I had grown fond of them; the thought of starting over with new guards felt insurmountable. Eventually, Perry relented. Timothy had been right about one thing: Perry often yielded to my wishes, and I was beginning to believe it myself.

An hour dragged on, each minute stretching into eternity before the meeting finally concluded. Elder Tricia emerged first, followed closely by several council members.

I caught sight of Elder Augustus, who shot me a cold and disdainful glance before turning away to whisper with his companions. Whatever decisions had been made within those walls clearly unsettled him, and his resentment toward me seemed to deepen with each passing day.

Yet, I had developed a thick skin. His disapproval barely stung anymore; I was learning to rise above it.

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