The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 257

Maddox was practically buzzing with exciteme

Watching the young couple, Noella and Palmer, walking hand in hand made him giddy with joy. The dense, secluded woods were perfect for nurturing romance

Imagine, if by some stroke of luck, a venomous snake decided to make an appearance, and Noella, with her swift moves, managed to eliminate the threat. Wouldn’t Palmer be absolutely smitten?

Or perhaps if a wild bear loomed out of the shadows, and Noella, with her unparalleled bravery, took it down. The tale of the damsel saving the hero would surely bind Palmer to her side forever.

And what if a wild boar charged through, only for Noella to turn it into a magnificent feast? Palmer would undoubtedly fall head over heels in love!

Maddox was well aware of Noella’s capabilities, inside and out. Even the steep inclines that would deter most were child’s play for Noella, who had been scaling rocks barehanded since the age of five.

To Palmer, with his city–bred eyes, Noella must have seemed like a delicate flower, unaware of the strength and skill she possessed.

Maddox felt anxious for them, noticing that things didn’t appear any different from their last visit.

Finding Stirling with Noella’s help was a given, so he wasn’t worried.

If Noella knew what Maddox was thinking, she might jokingly ask if his tongue was blessed.

As they ventured deeper, a suspicious rustling from the bushes caught Palmer’s attention. Instinctively, he pulled Noella behind him, his eyes scanning the underbrush for signs of danger.

“Be carefull” he wamed.

The woods around Glen Village were notorious for their snakes.

A small, triangular–headed serpent flicked its tongue menacingly close to them, its eyes cold and calculating.

“It’s alright, I’ve got this,” Noella started, reaching for the snake repellent and various powders she’d prepared.

with the local wildlife and had even hunted venomous snakes to support her

positioning himself protectively in front of her and drawing a knife from his pocket.

then just be careful.”

“Wait here.”

moments, the man’s hand swiftly seized the

elegant, his arm muscles bulging. The snake’s tail wrapped around Palmer’s

movement.

keep it? Maddox might appreciate it for his snake

already stocked,” Noella replied, shaking her

thought about the needs of

of the snake and then took Noella’s hand,

Noella pushed open the door, a strong scent of blood hit her.

Yasbel unconscious. Thankfully, a quick check confirmed they were unharmed, just

breathed a sigh of relief.

from the yard, where a grim

ducks lay dead, and amid the carnage, an injured man, Ellsworth,

in this, Noella

Noella moved to enter the yard, Palmer quickly took her hand and gently said, “Let me handle this. Don’t get your hands

sounded matter–of–fact, and without hesitation, he continued into the yard. After bending down to check Ellsworth’s breathing. and pulse, he looked up and confirmed, “He’s

an

Chapter 257

Palmer know she was

unspoken understanding. Palmer could sense her needs without her having to speak. Palmer didn’t rush to leave. His intense gaze lingered on the unconscious Ellsworth, his eyes flashing with emotions that Noella

against the backdrop of an almost lifeless man

asked, “Palmer, what’s wrong?”

was raspy. “Noella, I actually…

Ellsworth? How could someone like Palmer, a prodigy, feel