I Refuse to be a Named Character

Part 7

Just as I was pondering how to respond, however, a shrill voice called out, and the owner of which strode towards us with a grim expression.

"How dare you show yourself at this party, you whore?"

I smiled at the newcomer. "Lady Lindel, I was just wanting to work off some excess stress. How about I kick you in the face again?"

Her eyes widened. "Have you no shame?"

"Not towards you." I reached out and grabbed Luke's arm, recognizing the dark look on his face, squeezing my hand tightly until he looked towards me again. "I'll take care of this."

His forehead wrinkled as he stared at me with concern, despite my whispered assurance. "But..."

"Mother!" Graham ran forwards, placing himself between Lady Lindel and myself, his arms spread out as if to separate us. "How dare you speak to my future wife like that?"

"Future wife?"

"Future wife?"

"Your future what-now?!"

Luke, Lady Lindel and I all spoke out almost in unison at his shocking declaration.

"How dare you seduce my son?!"

I shook my head. "Honestly, I'm more curious at how you raised him, given his ability to make up such fantasies."

At my words, Graham frowned. "Don't be shy dear. Once I become king, you'll be by my side always. No matter what." His gaze turned cold as he looked towards the woman who had given birth to him. "If you try to separate the two of us, I will kill you."

Lady Lindel stepped back, shocked. "I am your mother!"

"You aren't useful to me anymore." Graham's voice was laced with the threat of violence. "Feel free to enjoy the fame of being the mother of the future king, but if you stand in the way of me and my chosen person... I'll make you beg for a merciful death before I'm done. She is mine. No one can take her from me. Not even you."

I inched away, positioning myself partly behind Luke as the obsession in his voice overwhelmed me.

Graham noticed my actions, his eyes dimming. "Why are you standing so close to my brother, dearest? I'm the only one you need to look at now. The only one you should watch." His voice slowly raised in volume, as he stepped closer, a hand reaching out as if to push Luke aside. "Why aren't you at my side? Why aren't you looking at me?!"

"What is this commotion?" A cold voice stopped Graham in his tracks, his outstretched arm falling to his side even as his eyes continued to be fixated on my face. I glanced over at the source, surprised to see the King who had stepped down from his throne and now stood only a short distance away. "Who was the cause of all this?"

Lady Lindel opened her mouth, her finger already pointing in my direction, but Graham spoke up first. "My mother, Your Majesty. She was targeting my chosen consort and threatening the peace of your third test."

The hero's mother turned pale as her husband's eyes looked her up and down, his face expressionless. "I see."

"No, Your Majesty, I didn't..."

The king waved a hand. "Kill her."

Without hesitation a guard at his side drew his sword, and swung it at the defenseless woman. Her chest caved in at the blow, blood and bone fragments flying through the air as she fell to the ground, blood pooling beneath her and soaking her dress and hair. A few drops hit my skirt, and I took a few steps back in shock. She died quickly, clawing at her wound, her mouth open in a silent scream she couldn't release.