The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

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The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft glow over the night.

Inside the house, the curtains danced in the night breeze, stirring restless hearts and strumming on heartstrings.

A shiver ran down her spine, and Noella, catching her breath, said, "I didn't mean to keep it from you..."

It was all about Polaris Star, a mess that Palmer had no part in. There was no reason to drag her fiancé into this perilous situation just because of their engagement!

"You don't trust me. Do you see me as an outsider? When your grandfather contacted me, your little troops also came to me for help."

His words implied that her people would think of him first whenever she was in danger!

He believed she could always find a way out, no matter the situation.

But because he loved her, he worried!

Palmer chuckled and bent down to scoop Noella into his arms, "According to your 'little troops,' serving as your shield wouldn't be so bad."

That sounded like something one of Polaris Star's people would say...

The room was bathed in warm light, a cozy and slightly romantic atmosphere spreading throughout.

"Can I stay?" he asked.

"... You've stayed before."

Palmer's pajamas were already a fixture in Noella's wardrobe!

Sienna had personally picked them out, a matching set adorned with huge hearts...

Palmer's gaze deepened.

"I mean, I don't want to sleep on the couch or the floor this time."

Previously, he'd often slept on the couch, and since Noella's room was carpeted, sleeping on the floor wasn't too bad. But now, he was no longer satisfied with just that!

Noella, feeling her ears grow hot, got up and grabbed a spare pillow from the wardrobe, placing it next to hers.

After getting ready, she quickly dove into bed.

"Good night!"

Watching Noella's actions, Palmer couldn't help but smile.

How adorable!

Lying beside Noella, in a room decorated by Sienna in shades too pink for Palmer's taste, he was utterly enchanted.

---

The next day, at Lockhart Prison.

The desert and the strait composed a symphony of sand and sea, a romance that masked the island's deep-seated bloodshed and sin!

Staring at the black tower prison rising from the rolling sands, the sunlight reflecting off it seemed tainted with blood.

Greeting Noella and Palmer as they descended, Xavier laughed heartily.

"Ha! There's my granddaughter and her man!"

Since Sexton's passing. Xavier had warmed up considerably to Palmer.

With the Abyssal Organization openly and covertly aiding Lockhart Prison, delivering gifts big and small, and Noella's homemade remedies for Xavier, he felt a warmth he hadn't known since his sister's departure. Noella glanced at the spry Xavier, "Where's Millie and the others?"

"They're next door, pulling a scam! Even bet me they could!"

Noella raised an eyebrow, "A bet?"

"Millie insists they can outsmart the Baker Group. I don't believe it; I said it'd be a miracle if they make it back alive!"

Xavier, older even than Marcel, was in the twilight years of most.

Most people his age were enjoying their retirement surrounded by family.

But Xavier, still fighting in the desert, was a rarity.

Noella offered her hand, "Let me see."

"Ah, I'm in perfect health!"

But at Noella's stern look, Xavier complied, letting her check his pulse.

Though Xavier was in decent shape, years of combat had left him with ailments that would trouble him over time. "Why stay here?"

"It started because I had nowhere

else to My master took me in n this life, isn't it all about loyalty? He bullet for me, told me to

leave, but it's never that easy."

Xavier patted Noella's shoulder with a laugh full of bravado.

Spending your whole life in one place, even after your mentors are gone, turning around to see a brotherhood behind you makes leaving hard.

"Some things are passed down like a torch! This prison isn't something just anyone can manage!"

Lockhart Prison housed too many inmates with secrets that could shake the world.

Xavier pointed to a corner.

"That's a deposed leader over there. He's imprisoned here for his

protection as much as anything else. He's a threat to many as long as he's a

alive. Apart from Lockhart Prison, no

one dares shelter him."

"Similarly, his freedom and his secrets are shared with Lockhart Prison! The day he dies is the day we gain those secrets."

While it's called a prison, Lockhart has often served as a sanctuary of sorts.

"His country's gone, so what use are those secrets? To him, none! But to others, they're valuable."

Noella was silent for a moment.

"You're staying to protect them."

Xavier laughed.

"Protect them? They're nothing! I'm loyal to my own beliefs! Protecting them comes with the territory!"

A soldier at heart, his loyalty was always to his country.

"This place, if taken by foreign forces, would spell disaster for many small nations. The balance of power makes its existence necessary!"

Noella looked into Xavier's rugged

face, "You won't leave because you haven't found a suitable successor. If Millie can take down the neighboring scam group, you'll come back with me."

"What are you talking about?"

"Take down who?"

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"Kid, the Baker Group has been here for years, maintaining a neutral stance with Lockhart Prison. Even I wouldn't dare claim to take them down directly!"

Noella's gaze remained steady.

"With me here, it's possible."

"Girl, you're crazier than I was in my prime!"

Xavier was astounded.

"Pollack, you're just gonna let her run wild?"

"Uncle George, don't worry, I'll stick with her."

Was he suggesting Palmer should tag along?

What he really wanted was for Palmer to try and talk some sense into her!

Why was this kid just as foolhardy as his granddaughter?

"No, wait! What do you need the Baker Group for? They're nothing but con artists!"

Over the years, battling wits with the Baker Group, Xavier had come to know their operations all too well.

Their main game was fraud, with a side of heart-wrenching manipulation, expertly squeezing every last drop of value from their victims.

Noella's gaze drifted toward the distant, dusty horizon.

"You don't want to leave, is it because even if Millie has the skills to lead, she can't handle the Baker Group's harassment?"

"Your birthday's coming up, right? The Baker Group sent you a birthday present. Interested?"

This was the first time Xavier had received such a bold birthday gift!

"For me? What's in it for you?"

Noella's voice was calm, but it stirred

storm in Xavier's heart!

"Trying to get you to come back with me, to offer you a comfortable retirement!"