Bought by the ruthless lycan king (Ruby and Killian) novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161

Chapter 161

Ruby’s POV

“The earth beneath your feet, Ruby. Hello!”

1looked up to find Karina watching me from across the table, concern etched on her face. She didn’t often call me Rosaline anymore since she learned my real name from before the reincarnation. I didn’t mind. Most people in the palace seemed to prefer that name anyway. Especially after it came to light that the woman in the portrait hanging in the palace hall, the queen was none other than me.

“It’s nothing, Karina,” I replied with a casual wave. “Anyway, you’re coming to the party, right? if your Alpha’s still away, Leonidas can pick you up.

Karina gave a sharp exhale, clearly unimpressed by the abrupt change of topic.

“Obviously,” she grunted. “But don’t think I’m letting you off the hook. You were lost in thought, Ruby. You know if anything’s wrong and you need help, you can come to me. I’ll do whatever I can.”

Her words caught me off guard. Karina was the kindest woman I had ever met in this life. It wasn’t surprising she was held in such high esteem by so many packs, her reputation even reached beyond these lands. Her Alpha was proud to have her. Just as I was.

“You’re right. But I’m not ready to talk about it yet. Can we put a pin in it for now?”

I’d never been a good liar. Anyone who knew me well could spot it from a mile away. Karina’s stern expression softened.

“Fine. But don’t think I’ll forget. You owe me.”

I let out a small laugh. “Oh, I know how persistent you are, dear Luna.”

“Yeah, yeah. Now come on, let’s figure out this party theme you keep going on about,” she said, getting up to gather a stack of catalogs before sliding into

the seat beside me.

To be honest, I wasn’t in the right state of mind to handle any of this.

I had even considered handing everything over to Killian. But seeing Karina’s enthusiastic face and her unwavering loyalty to me made it hard to say no. After all, I was the one who had asked for her help a month ago to organize this event.

This celebration was meant to be grand regardless of race or social status. That’s why the theme this time was a masquerade ball, so people would be judged by their character, not their rank or appearance. With their faces hidden behind masks, it would be difficult for the guests to identify one another. Killian had agreed to the idea. In fact, he had thrown a similar party before, though it had been a long time ago.

The twins, Alice and Alicia, would be returning from their boarding school. Both were full–blown extroverts like their biological father. They adored parties but had little patience for nonsense or arrogant nobles.

I was relieved that I was pregnant now, at a time when the twins and Elias no longer required constant care.

Setting aside everything that had happened today, I focused on planning. Karina stayed for nearly four hours to help finalize all the details. Before she left, she gently touched my belly.

“I wish I could meet our two little troublemakers. However, the pack can’t be left unattended for long. Give them my love, will you?” she told.

“Sure.”

The rest of the day went by uneventfully. Except this time, we had dinner together as a complete family. Killian had a talent for charming his adopted daughters with his stories and playful banter. That alone was enough to make both Alice and Alicia warm up to him quickly, unfazed by the fact that their stepfather had once held a dark history in this land.

Elias did the same in his own way, though he wasn’t nearly as expressive when it came to emotions. God, he was practically a miniature version of Killian, Most likely because, ever since he was a toddler, he had spent more time with Killian than anyone else. As the old saying goes, a child tends to follow the

1/3

Chapter 161

habits and mannerisms of the one who raises them, even if they aren’t related by blood,

Mom, are we getting new dresses?” Alicia asked, her face filled with excitement.

I smiled. “You already know the answer, sweetheart.”

“Yay! I’ve gathered some references already. But I’ll still take the designer’s suggestions if they match my vibe. What about you, Alice?”

Alice nodded as she cut into her meat. “Aren’t you the one designing my dress? I’ll leave it all to you. I can’t be bothered to think about it.

“Ugh! Show some spirit, will you? It’s our first masquerade balll Just imagine how fun it’s going to be,” Alicia said, nudging her twin sister with an elbow.

“Alicia,” I said firmly.

I already knew what she was thinking. Please, whatever deity is out there, protect anyone who ends up as her target that night.

And as if to make things worse, Killian kept spoiling Alicia without restraint. I had to shoot him a sharp glare, one laced with multiple silent threats just to get him to stop.

“Mom, nothing bad happened. You know those pranks only happen if they’re being annoying. Right, Dad?”

Killian gave her a thumbs–up, making Alicia beam with delight. I rolled my eyes and shifted my attention to Alice, who was having a quiet conversation with her youngest sibling. The sight made my heart melt for a moment until a glimpse of Alice’s gloomy expression made my brow furrow.

“I’m full. I’m heading back to my room. Goodnight, Dad. Goodnight, Mom.”

Killian and I exchanged glances.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify