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.

well–acquainted with the local wildlife and had even hunted venomous snakes

her and drawing a knife from his pocket. “I’ve got this. No need for you to step in, my fiancée.”

then just be

“Wait here.”

snake lunged forward at lightning speed, its forked tongue flickering. Within moments, the man’s hand swiftly seized the snake’s neck,

movements were deft and elegant, his arm muscles bulging. The snake’s tail wrapped around Palmer’s wrist,

movement.

we keep it? Maddox might appreciate it for his snake

need. Maddox’s cellar is already stocked,” Noella replied, shaking her

hesitation. He even thought about the needs of those close to her. Was he simply thoughtful, or… was it just for her?

disposed of the snake and

Noella pushed open the door, a strong scent of blood

quick check

a sigh of

Palmer called from the yard, where a grim

amid the carnage, an injured man, Ellsworth, lay

in this,

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

continued into the yard. After bending down to

an eyebrow slightly.

Chapter 257

know she was interested in Ellsworth’s vital

without her having to speak. Palmer didn’t rush to leave. His intense gaze lingered on the unconscious Ellsworth, his eyes flashing

an almost lifeless man and a yard littered with

but asked,

voice was raspy. “Noella, I actually… kind

a prodigy,