Chapter 102 Child
The Jigalians occupied routes and lands that made up two third of the trade routes hence their management was essential for the economy of the kingdom. Not to mention it would be a big part of Darius's new campaign against enslavement of human kind for if he was to appoint a ruler that shared his view on the new way to live then it would be a great step in the right direction. Darius didn't need the council to agree for it to become law but he needed to discuss it without half of the higher table causing a ruckus. Lord Vandal was supposed to be part of that table but now his replacement would suffice.
Stepping into the room his presence completely altered the atmosphere, rendering everywhere silent. He strolled in, his eyes carefully regarding all of them.
"Elders" he acknowledged, nodding subtly.
"Your Majesty" they returned. Darius took a seat in his throne, his fingers intertwining and his elbows resting on the arms of his throne as he watched them closely. The council of elders took their seats as well, exchanging nervous looks at each other definitely sensing the tense atmosphere and the waves of rage Darius was shedding off.
"I'm listening. Speak" he commanded, an expectant brow raised towards them.
They all took deep breaths before Constantine rose to his feet, taking a curt nod before beginning, "We trust you have made preparations for the next ruler of Jigalia?" He began carefully, his voice coming out a lot quieter than he had intended but it wasn't his fault. When Darius was in one of his moods it was difficult to breath talk less of speak close to him, he was visibly pissed and his eyes dark with impending catastrophe, like a disaster waiting to happen. One mistake and the dam would break and an outpour of bottled up frustration would come upon whoever was unlucky enough.
Darius knew it as well, times like these everyone walked on egg shells around him, he was in a rotten mood and the only solution to it was probably waddling around, carrying his very heart and soul with here wherever she went. His little piece of joy, the reason for his smile.
The kingdom, politics and matters of the crown had kept him away from his beloved for far too long and this very meeting was the only thing now standing in his way from going to meet her. His eyes held a threatening promise that of they weren't quick with this hell of a meeting he would storm out without looking back. He would face whatever on his own, as long as he could see her.
"That is correct Constantine, I have" he kept his deadly glare directed towards the ages wolf that stood. "But I trust that is not what I have been called here for. Correct?" His eyes swept across their faces, watching as they glanced towards each other. Everyone was present except Elder Azalia who was rumored to be sick and was adviced to accommodate no visitors by the doctor.
Constantine cleared his throat, bringing Darius's eyes back to him, "We understand it has been weeks since the Late Lord Vandal attacked. We have been thinking and discussing amongst ourselves and we think it has been enough time and by now we should know" his words caused Darius to frown deeply, his jaws clenching as the aim of this long talk became aware to him.
He hoped for their sake and for the sake of the very miniscule self control he was exercising at the moment that it was not what he thought they were aiming at "Proceed carefully Constantine" Darius warns in a dangerous thick voice, his anger evidence in the tightness of his jaw. It seemed no one could appreciate his struggle to reign in his anger and all they wanted was for him to loose it and snap their necks like twigs but then the image of his beloved flashed behind his eyes, her big, dark and innocent shards staring back at him. He inhaled a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing but the threat far from extinguished.
Bethel got up, interjecting "Pardon him My Lord. What my fellow council man is trying to say is, we are concerned that the princess consort is.." He dragged, his gaze shifting. If they intended to anger Darius further they had succeeded because now his teeth were clenched, his fists balled and his eyes menacing and stormy.
"Spit. It. Out" he gritted out.
"We are concerned and want to know if the princess consort is with child" Hansell so bravely finished causing Darius's eyes to narrow dangerously.
"What!?" He asked calmly, his countenance the exact opposite. He hoped he had heard wrong and that these old wolves would be wise enough to not repeat themselves. As if knowing things were about to escalate Elders Elfred and Irene remained quietly in their seats as they watched the scene unfold, not once making a sound.
"We wish to know if the princess consort is with child. For Vand-" before Labyrinth could be granted the pleasure to continue a loud deafening growl broke through the air, cutting through the silence and shaking the entire foundation of the castle. Darius had gotten to his feet, a mix of rage, utter bewilderment and danger etched on his features. Immediately the elders were on their knees, the four old men's heads bent in surrender and their forms trembling humorously.
"I told you this before and as you know I am not fund of repeating myself. Nothing happened that night and that is all that will be discussed, do I make myself clear!?" He growled, the council of elders quick to shake their heads in understanding.
"My mates honor should never be put into question ever again and if somehow by some chance this type of shit gets to her ears" he paused, making sure they hung off every word. "I don't need to tell you what will come of you"
Darius got off from his seat, turning to walk out of the door but stopped mid step and turned back "And as for the new leader of Jigalia. It will be Lord Mark Anthony" and with that Darius stormed out, heading for one direction. As he got closer and closer to his quarters her sweet scent of vanilla and oats that lingered in the air wafted up his nostrils, effectively calming his muscles and relaxing his shoulders.
He inhaled deeply, trying to get as much of the scent as he possibly could. He continued till he arrived at the partially closed doors of the balcony. He took a glance inside to see his beloved, although her back faced him he could tell her eyes were closed as she relished in the soft cool wind that blew across her skin, taking her hair along with it.