The King's Queen

Chapter 62

Kiyoshi's entire demeanor changed as he stared the person dead in the eyes. His nails were pressed against their throat. His next question carried the undertone of an unspoken threat.

"Who sent you?" 

***

I barely had time to react as everything happened so quickly. The person Kiyoshi was holding struggled against his vice-like grip.

I rushed over to him, my eyes straining to identify the silhouette in the darkness. My eyes went wide as the person stopped struggling, their gaze locking onto me with panic.

“Kiyoshi, wait! He’s on our side!” I yelled, my words tumbling over each other in a rush.

Kiyoshi, however, remained on high alert, scanning the surrounding forest, sensing another presence, another potential threat.

A sudden movement caught my attention as another person materialized from the shadows, their silhouette blending seamlessly with the night.

Raúl emerged, his eyes widening at the scene before him. He mistook Kiyoshi for Jun and demanded an explanation for his aggressive actions, his voice laced with concern..

“What do you think you’re doing, Jun?!”

“He’s not Jun, Raúl,” Micah choked out, his own voice laden with confusion.

“Let him go, Kiyoshi,” I insisted again, the warning in my tone evident. “Do not make me take off my sealing ring.”

Kiyoshi scoffed and his grip loosened ever so slightly, allowing Micah to take in a precious gulp of air.

“Who are you people?”

“That’s what we should ask you,” Raúl muttered, giving his head a slow, disbelieving shake. “I knew Jun was too smart for his own good. Now he’s gone and cloned himself.”

“He’s not a clone.” I clarified for Raúl.

Although I couldn’t say this wasn’t something Jun would do if he got the chance.

My focus stayed trained on Kiyoshi, whose eyes narrowed at Raúl in suspicion before releasing Micah with a flick of his wrist.

“This is Kiyoshi, Jun’s brother. They’re twins.”

“Twins?!” Raúl’s brows shot up in shock and Micah’s expression clouded over with confusion. They both transferred their stares to me. “How is that even possible?”

“Who are you?” Kiyoshi growled, demanding an answer to their identity.

“We’re Jun’s friends,” Raúl mentioned, placing his attention back on Kiyoshi in amazement, but that admission only seemed to worsen Kiyoshi’s mood.

A muscle clenched in his jaw, his jealousy simmering just beneath the surface. The realization that Jun had formed bonds, created friendships that excluded him, was a bitter pill to swallow.

“It’s late, and we’re all on edge. Let’s go inside,” I suggested, breaking the tense silence.

Kiyoshi didn’t bother acknowledging my words, his resolve to hate us unyielding. His gaze flickered between Micah and Raúl before he turned and stalked away into the night.

Sighing, I watched him blend into the darkness. I figured I couldn’t stop him. He needed to be alone right now. He would come in when he was ready—if he ever felt ready.

I accompanied Raúl and Micah back inside the safety of the manor. A wave of relief washed over me as I pulled Micah into a tight embrace, holding him close.