Chapter 117: Are you in love with her? (Part 1)

Rhea felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her, causing her face to turn red. Despite this, she chose to remain silent and endure the lady’s rude and condescending attitude. The doctor roughly grasped Rhea’s chin to examine her wound, forcibly turning her neck to the right. In that moment, Rhea could hear her neck muscles make a popping sound, a little more strength and her fragile human neck could snap off.

The doctor then stated, "The sword is poisoned with a flame toxin that has penetrated your bones. I will send my assistant to provide you with medication to remove the poison." With that, she released her grip on Rhea’s chin, took her medicine case, and prepared to leave. No one dared to stop her as she made her way towards the exit. Silence filled the room, except for Draven, who frowned and sternly called her back.

"Hold on," he ordered, "Will the wound leave a scar once it has healed?" he inquired.

The doctor’s footsteps halted. Her gaze turned cold as she looked at Draven, sneering, "Don’t use that tone with me. In this clan, you are nothing more than a mere Dragon. And just so you know, I am a doctor whose purpose is to heal illnesses, not to concern myself with human beauty. I couldn’t care less if it leaves a scar or not!"

Draven didn’t have the opportunity to respond as Ethan quickly stepped forward and inquired, "Doctor Gail, how is Brother Zachary’s health?"

"Didn’t I warn you to never speak to me again, Ethan?!" The doctor snapped at him in anger, causing Ethan to flinch backwards. Even Rhea, who typically saw herself as rebellious, raised an eyebrow in wonderment.

Gail added, "I’m tired of looking after your older brother, so don’t ask me about his health again."

Ethan swallowed hard and silently retreated to the side, while another servant hurriedly left the room. It appeared that they were all accustomed to the doctor’s temper. Rhea decided to steer clear of this woman before she also lost her composure.

Doctor Gail was still seething with anger, and she turned to Draven, fixing her gaze on him. For some reason, her expression seemed pained. "Ha, King Draven," she paused, then continued with a strange mocking tone, "You may have a sinister appearance, but your heart is too weak for a king. Twenty years ago, you allowed yourself to fall in love with a fire controller and even brought her into your clan. And in the end, what did you receive?" She chuckled softly, "Betrayal!"

When she uttered those words, everyone in the room was astonished. Rhea, however, was more than just astonished. Since their arrival, she had observed how many dragons showed fear towards Draven and treated him with respect. Yet, this bold doctor named Gail was courageous enough to confront him and ridicule him.

"What did you just say?" Draven’s voice sounded like a low rumble in his throat, his fists clenched right as he fixed his gaze upon her with a cold stare.

"Your heart is too tender, and as a result, your clan had to suffer the consequences," she repeated, her voice trembling oddly as if she was in pain, yet her mocking tone towards Draven was evident. Even her eyes revealed anguish. "By loving one of those thoughtless fire beings, you have become like this. It is entirely your fault that innocent lives were lost!"

Draven suddenly went rigid, staying silent in response. However, Rhea could sense that Gail’s words had deeply affected him. For years, he had held himself responsible for the events that occurred decades ago, blaming everything to his vulnerability. He couldn’t forgive Alina for betraying him, nor could he forgive his past self for being blinded by love. He didn’t argue with the doctor’s words because he secretly believed they were true.

His old wounds were unexpectedly exposed in front of everyone, but he didn’t shy away from it because he was also punishing himself. He was punishing the naive man who had foolishly loved and trusted his weaknesses all those years ago.

"You deserve all the consequences that have come your way. You deserve to suffer and die a terrible death!"

Draven was deeply affected by these words, clenching his fists more tightly in response. She was right; he did deserve it. He deserved to suffer. The guilt of having innocent Dragons’ blood on his hands tore his heart apart, reopening his wounds.

"You will be cursed for the rest of your life! You_"

Rhea couldn’t bear it any longer and slammed her fist on the table. "I swear to the Heavens, if you utter another word, I will silence you!" She warned through gritted teeth and stood up to support Draven. She glared at Gail and said, "So, you think he deserves it?"

Gail grew even angrier, feeling threatened by Rhea, a mere human. "Since when did humans have the right to defy me?" She snapped at Ethan instead, who stood nearby, looking frightened like a kitten.

However, Rhea interrupted and responded, "Now that you have the audacity to claim that Draven deserved it, explain to me how exactly he deserved it?"

"You_"

Rhea interrupted her once more, saying, "If he loved, then he loved. If he got hurt, then he got hurt. Love is not something we can control. Yes, he was betrayed, but how is that his fault? Moreover, he never meddled in your affairs or life for you to ridicule him. The one to be held accountable is that treacherous woman who shattered a trusting heart!"

Tension hung heavy in the air as Rhea stood firmly beside Draven, her voice unwavering as she defended him against Gail’s spiteful words.

But as Rhea wanted to speak again, she noticed something strange. The anger that burned in Gail’s eyes began to fade, replaced by a shimmer of tears. Confusion flickered across Rhea’s face as she tried to comprehend why Gail would show such emotions when she had boldly mocked Draven. However, before she could dwell on it further, Gail abruptly turned and fled the room, leaving everyone present in bewilderment.

Whispers filled the room, confusion etched on the faces of those who witnessed the sudden change in their doctor, who was known for being rude. At that moment, a deep voice rang from outside, "Gail, what the hell did you do again this time?! Come back here I’m talking to you_Gail!"

Everyone’s eyes turned to the entrance as a figure walked in. Ethan hurried towards the man and greeted, "Brother Zachary. Be careful." He quickly supported the elder prince when he staggered forward. "Have you taken your medicine?" Ethan asked in concern.

However, when Rhea turned to look at the Prince. He didn’t look sick at all. Prince Zachary walked in, despite the fact that Ethan was supporting him, his presence had an air of elegance that commanded attention. Rhea’s eyes widened as she took in his mesmerizing presence. He stood tall and confident, with a chiseled jawline and piercing dark green eyes that seemed to hold a depth of mystery. His dark, wavy hair cascaded perfectly around his face, adding to his undeniable charm.

Rhea couldn’t help but notice that everyone in the dragon realm were attractive, including the servants. Despite Ethan referring to the prince as his elder brother, the prince didn’t look any older than Ethan. However, his eyes carried a sense of wisdom and experience that betrayed his youthful appearance.

Nonetheless, when the prince’s gaze met Rhea’s, she saw a mixture of disdain and hatred directed towards her. But when his eyes turned towards Draven, they softened and he smiled warmly, addressing him as "Draven..." Rhea couldn’t help but wonder why he looked at her with such animosity. Then she heard him say, "It’s been twenty years now, how have you been my friend?"

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read