Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 444

Chapter 444: Leaving for Home
**************

CHAPTER 444

~Kaid’s POV~

The moment Zara left for the bath, I paced the room like a caged animal. Every instinct in me screamed that we shouldn’t be waiting.

Davion was up to something. I knew it.

But Zara… She had been through too much today. I saw it in the way her shoulders slumped, in the way she held herself together with sheer willpower.

Still, I wouldn’t trust that bastard dragon even if the gods themselves told me to.

One hour.

That was all the time Davion had.

If he delayed even a second longer… I’d tear this palace apart to get that damn scale myself.

***************

~Zara’s POV~

It was already close to two hours when Davion finally sent for us. I was beyond frustrated, but I let myself be led to the dining room.

Kaid’s earlier promise rang in my head—that if Davion played any more games, he’d act.

I was both looking forward to him acting out on those words and still scared of the extent to which he’d actually take them.

On our way, Kaid and I said nothing, but our side glances spoke several words we did not say.

The dining room was grand, with golden candlelight dancing along the polished obsidian walls.

Our chairs were pulled out for us, and we sat each on either side of Davion, but a few seats away from him. The food had already been served.

Davion greeted us like we were old friends. “Did you both rest well?”

“It was… fine,” I replied flatly. “It would be better if we could go home.”

He smiled, the corner of his lips twitching with that signature mischief. “I understand. Please do eat.”

“No appetite,” Kaid muttered.

Davion barely blinked. “Suit yourself. Please, Lady Zara, enjoy your meal.”

I gave him a thin smile and picked up my fork.

The moment I took a bite, flavors burst across my tongue—sweet, rich, tangy, spicy—all at once. It was probably magic. I tried to keep my focus, but the food was unbelievably good.

As much as I hated the scenario, I still needed the Gold scale and getting on Davion’s nerves wasn’t on my to-do list.

The earlier we get this show started, the faster we can leave.

Kaid hadn’t touched his plate. I looked over at him, and he met my gaze, then shifted it to Davion, narrowing his eyes.

“Your Highness,” Kaid called out stiffly, drawing attention to himself even though the silent anger he irradiated did that for him already.

Davion casually lifted his hand. “Business later. Time to eat and—”

Kaid slammed his palm against the table. The sound echoed, making even the attendants flinch.

Davion’s eyes narrowed. “Mr. Kaid, it would be in your best interest to—” Kaid ignored Davion’s words and cut him short as he stood up, jaw tight. “Sit,” Davion commanded.

“No,” Kaid said flatly. “I find I need the restroom. Please, enjoy your meal.”

Davion motioned to one of his attendants, who bowed to show the way. But Kaid didn’t follow. Instead, he walked right past Davion calmly.

Then he pivoted. In a flash, he was behind the Dragon Prince, dagger unsheathed, its sharp edge pressed to Davion’s neck.

Instantly, the attendants and guards leapt into motion—until Davion lifted his hand. They froze mid-step.

“Act stupid one more time,” Kaid growled low. “Delay us again, and I swear, you’ll regret it.”

Davion chuckled. “Feisty. I like it. Too bad Zara’s heart only has room for one.”

“Your Highness,” I said through clenched teeth, “with all due respect, have them stand down. Please hand over the scale and we shall be on our way. I need to reach Snow before—”

Davion cut me off, his voice curious. “Meaning if today passes, you won’t be able to save him again?”

I bit down hard on the inside of my cheek to keep from screaming.

“Zara, give the word,” Kaid urged.

“And the scale?” Davion asked, glancing at me. I was conflicted, and I knew killing Davion would be a mistake, no matter how insufferable he was.

Besides, no one would let us walk away from here in one piece or alive.

The decision was clear. I did not know what he had in mind, but he quickly entered my hate list.

“Anyway, as promised,” Davion’s deep voice rose. “I shall deliver the scale into your hands. But, Zara, are you sure you will not choose my offer?”

“How should I trust you, after all your games?” I asked sharply.

“I guess you just have to, Zara.”

Kaid’s hand tightened on the hilt of the dagger. “If you think—” But with a flick of Davion’s finger, the dagger disappeared from Kaid’s hand.

“Let this be the last time I tolerate such behavior,” Davion warned, his voice low and sharp as the energy in the room dropped. His gaze locked onto mine. “The next time… you’ll be facing a dragon’s breath.”

“I—”

He raised his palm again, silencing me.

“Have it. If you must.”

One of his attendants stepped forward, carrying a small ornate golden box. She opened it to reveal something radiant—a shimmering golden scale that pulsed faintly with energy.

Once she got Davion’s approval, she walked up to me, head bowed.

I hesitated. I didn’t want to trust this… but I could feel the power from it. It was real and alive.

I took it, bowing my head slightly. “Thank you.”

Davion’s smile returned, but colder this time. “Not like you mean it.”

“I mean…” I barely got those words out when his fingertips glowed with a dangerous silver and violet light.

“No need. I won’t stop you. I have done my best to do what is best for you. Since you believe you leaving now is best…” He shrugged. “If you have a death wish, I suggest you leave now. The clock is ticking.”

Kaid straightened his coat. “I say we leave this place and be on our way.”

“As you should, Lycan King.” Davion’s eyes landed on me again. “And Zara…”

I didn’t like the way he said my name. But I nodded once, tightly, and stood.

Kaid was already at the door, holding it open. Together, we turned to leave.

But just as we were about to walk out, “Zara,” Davion called out, and we both froze. “You’d die before arriving with the scale to save Snow.”