Chapter 32: A Small Inconvenience
“Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you?”
Kieran's eyes narrowed as he scanned me. I nervously chuckled before playing with my hair. “No, I'm good… It won't take too long, anyway.”
The silence lingered a little longer until he sighed and went back on repairing the manor. “Fine. But call me if you ever need help, okay? Stay safe, my Queen…”
We had just returned from the borderlands yesterday, along with hundreds of wounded Lycan soldiers. Castiel asked me to rest for a bit for the second trial, giving me a three-day break that I intend to use.
As soon as I put on my boots, I took out my phone and looked at the social media ad of a small blacksmith shop in Estern Creek, outside the Lycan Capital. It was a small, beautiful merchant town that had been neutral, allowing all forms of trade to happen in it.
After Kieran's twin axes were melted by the Stranger and Alfonso, he had been trying to learn how to use new weapons; however, I thought those axes suited him better.
The hustle and bustle of the Divine Mates Festival had already begun in the streets as soon as I stepped out of the manor. The mating season has always been looked forward to by Lycans, as it would be one of the few chances for them to meet their fated mates.
Sweet scent filled the air as shops and restaurants began to sell different kinds of aphrodisiacs, tonics, and love potions. I passed by a small shop selling a box of chocolates, prompting me to spend a bit on a box.
The noise slowly died down as I moved farther from the Capital, to the northern wall. An hour drive from there was Estern, and I had arranged for a cab to take me to and fro.
My forehead immediately creased as soon as I saw a few Black Wolves stationed at the gate.
Strange.
Everyone had been allowed to freely go out of the Capital as they pleased, unless they were an Omega, a White, or a slave.
Which was why their presence told me that there’s something going on.
I approached a friendly-looking Black Wolf, who was drinking his coffee by the side of the gate. He tipped his hat at me. “Good morning, Your Highness. What brings you here?”
I pointed at the gate. “Oh, I’m headed to the Estern Creek. Personal business.”
He sipped his coffee first before answering me. “I’m ‘fraid you’ll need a special permit from the Alpha. New orders.”
My brow furrowed. “What? I thought everyone was allowed to go in and out of the Capital under normal circumstances. Besides, it’s the Festival. Surely—”
“We’ve been guardin’ ‘gainst spies and defectors. Alpha Augustus said he’s seen a couple of Lycans among the Red’s line. Can’t have that shit happenin’.”
I shut my eyes and counted in my mind. When I calmed down, I shot him a mechanical smile. “Fine. How long does a special permit take to be given?”
“Three days.”
“Three days?!” I softly cussed. “Ain’t that a bit pushing too far?”
“Sorry, Your Highness, but with the Festival’s opening, Alpha’s been swamped with requests. Some needed to be expedited. I hope you do understand.”
I took a deep breath, not knowing what to do. With the second trial approaching, I wanted Kieran to have his new axes before, so he could start training with me using the Divine Link.
However, if it takes three days for Augustus to sign papers, we won’t be able to—
“What’s happening here?”
I whipped my head as soon as I heard Augustus’s voice approaching us. He wore his uniform in the military, and a rifle hung on his shoulder.
His green eyes glistened under the sun as soon as he saw me with frustration etched on my face.
“What brings you here, Hestia?”
“Her Highness's off to Estern. She said it's for personal business.”
His eyebrow raised. “Is that so? You'll still need a permit.”
“Can't you just let me go, just this once?” I asked. “It's urgent.”
“What's this personal business that you're talking about, that can't wait for three more days?” Augustus crossed his arms. “Besides, as a Queen candidate and as a Vassal, shouldn't we set a good example to our people?”
I wanted to laugh at his words at that moment for lecturing me about setting a good example, when he was the one mingling with the most rotten people I knew. “It's an urgent matter of high priority.”
“Being vague won't help. Besides, I might really help you if you're only honest with me, Hestia.”
I pressed my lips tightly together. “I'm going to visit a blacksmith in Estern to buy twin axes from blessed metal. It's a gift for someone, but I want him to have them within three days. I know we're not on good terms, but at least, for old times’ sake, can't you help me on this one?”
Hope filled my chest as Augustus remained quiet for a long while, as if contemplating whether he should help me or not. I nervously fiddled with my bag strap, waiting for his decision…
“Oh, I see… You'll still need a permit for me, though. And since you kept on delaying,” he said, glancing at his wristwatch, “You'll get them in four days. See you at my office, Hestia.”
I stopped my fist from flying as Augustus turned and walked away. When it sank in my mind that the Black Wolf wouldn't cave in either, I walked away, turning a few alleys until I reached a hidden spot leading to a lower part of the wall.
Castiel and I used to sneak out through that spot when we were young. Back then, he would place me on top of his shoulders, but now…
I gathered my skirt as I leapt on top of the wall. My hands clamped on the side as I pulled myself up, trying to get over the wall, when suddenly….
“Freeze! Nobody move, or I'll shoot!”