NTR: King gets Cucked-Chapter 8: Deal with the Devil

The Next Day

Zyran sat across from the Merchant's Guildmaster in the cold stone chamber of the guild hall. The Guildmaster, an aging man with white hair and deep wrinkles, folded his hands across the table.

"Merchants are pulling out," Zyran said bluntly. "What can be done?"

The Guildmaster sighed. "The imperial tax is too high, Your Majesty. We cannot sustain business under these conditions."

"I can't lower the tax."

"Then trade will fail."

Zyran's hands curled into fists. "What if I offer state resources — iron, coal, precious metals — at reduced prices?"

The Guildmaster's face darkened. "It wouldn't matter."

Zyran's brow furrowed. "Why not?"

"Because Grimgaard is already undercutting the market," the Guildmaster said grimly. "They control half of Draconia's natural resources — iron, coal — and they're selling them at minimal prices to flood the market."

Zyran's blood ran cold.

Grimgaard could afford to take a loss because they controlled enough resources to recover from it. Draconia couldn't compete with that.

"And Nectaris?" Zyran asked quietly.

"They rely on your resources for trade," the Guildmaster said. "But if Grimgaard undercuts you, Nectaris will have no choice but to buy from them instead."

Zyran's jaw tightened. He couldn't lower the tax without bankrupting the kingdom — but if he didn't act, trade would collapse entirely.

"I need to think," Zyran said through clenched teeth.

⸻

On his way back to the castle, Zyran noticed the growing tension in the capital — thin, hungry faces, merchants arguing in the streets, guards standing tensely at their posts.

The kingdom was unraveling.

When Zyran returned to the castle, Althea was waiting for him. She smiled softly, but her eyes were dark with worry.

"What happened?" Althea asked.

Zyran took her hands in his. "I'll fix this," he promised. "You don't need to worry."

Althea forced a smile and nodded, but her heart clenched painfully.

⸻

That night, once Zyran was asleep, Althea slipped from their bed and made her way through the darkened halls.

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Karlos's chambers were lit by the soft glow of candlelight. When she stepped inside, the scent of something sweet and musky filled the air.

Karlos smiled lazily from his chair. "I knew you'd come."

Althea's throat tightened. "You said you'd help."

Karlos stood, brushing his fingers over her hand. A shiver ran down her spine.

"I will," he said. "But I expect repayment, Your Highness."

Althea's heart hammered. She felt a strange warmth coil in her stomach. She stepped back.

"I'll find a way," she said.

Karlos's smile widened. "Oh... I'm sure you will."

Althea turned and hurried from the room — but his gaze followed her long after she left.