**Dagen's POV**
I had this feeling in the pit of my stomach that Edvin was holding something back from me. It was ridiculous of course to even think it because Edvin's loyalty had been tried and trusted several times. However, I could not help but think that there was something he was hiding from me; some information he was withholding from me.
“And is that truly all, Edvin?” I asked him, watching his face closely so I could read his emotions but Edvin was not like any other person. He had mastered the art of clouding his emotions and thoughts so that you only read from his face what he wanted you to.
“That is all, my Alpha. What are your intentions now?” he inquired.
“I have no choice but to go after Regina. If Napoleon has kept her in his palace I must do everything to bring her back,” came my response. I was ready to go to any length to bring Regina back as I had to end the curse before it caught up with me. Alpha George had been right when he had said I did not have much time.
“Are you certain King Napoleon will receive you well? He is not known to be very friendly with werewolves,” said Edvin.
“Yet, he proposed a betrothal between Alpha Raphael's son and some child that was born in his palace. I am of the opinion that the rumours about him are exaggerated. Regardless, I will do everything in my power to convince him to let me have Regina back,” was my response and I meant every word.
“You have not considered the possibility that Regina will refuse to return with you,” said Edvin. He had a point. If I were Regina, I would want nothing to do with me.
“I have to try, Edvin. I cannot sit in my palace and hope for the best. Tomorrow, I begin my journey to the Dark Moon clan.”
“Will you be taking company along?” Edvin asked. It would be unwise for me to travel alone. At the same time, if I travelled with my usual entourage it would call attention to me which I did not want.
“I will take one of my guards,” I answered.
“It may not be safe for just one person to follow you. I do not have to remind you that your life is very delicate, especially now that you have no heir. I can imagine that some lunatics are making plans for what to do when your throne becomes empty,” explained Lord Edvin. I was grateful for his concern but I was also aware that his position as Beta was at stake should anything happen to me.
“I will take Philemon with me and ride on Thunder. I believe I shall be fine,” I returned with a tight smile to which he nodded his approval.
****
Once I and Edvin had finished our discussion, I made provisions for my long journey including getting Thunder prepped for the journey ahead which I had to do myself because she was a fierce one. The only stable hand I had who could take care of Thunder had died a few years back when Thunder had decided she could no longer tolerate him. Sometimes, Thunder scares me a little. I wondered if one day she would decide I was no longer worthy of being her master and kick me.
As I brushed Thunder's body, I remembered Regina. Thunder had not killed Regina when she had been in the stables. I had been so blind then too. I should have sensed it then, that Nydia had been trying to kill Regina because no well-meaning person would send someone to Thunder's stable.
I patted Thunder fondly, she was a better judge of character than I was.
When I was done with Thunder, I met with Philemon in my private study. I had summoned him earlier so he was waiting for me when I got there.
“Your Majesty,” he bowed his head in obeisance to me which I acknowledged with a wave of my hand and motioned for him to sit down.
“I am travelling North tomorrow and I need you by my side,” I said when I had settled into a chair myself.
“I am always at your service, Your Majesty,” he said. I studied him for a minute. Philemon could always be counted upon. He had shown himself severally to be trustworthy and reliable. I also knew that he was the best warrior I had. He was very fast and agile and he could sense danger from a mile away. This made him the best for this role.
“Go to my stable and choose a fine horse for the journey. We will also spend several days camping on the road so do make the necessary preparations,” I told him and he nodded affirmatively.
I spent the next few hours giving instructions to my butler and headmaid on how to keep the palace in my absence. I believed Edvin would come around to ensure that things ran smoothly when I was not around so I had no qualms leaving my kingdom for a few weeks.
I had a restless sleep that night and before dawn approached, I had risen from my bed. By the time I was ready to leave, Philemon was ready also.
Thus began our journey to the Dark Moon clan.
By midday, we were deep into the forest. It was a very dangerous place but it was also the fastest and most secretive route to the Dark Moon clan. I was well aware that sometimes those seeking to escape my pack without my knowledge sometimes passed this route. However, many of them ended up dead.
The journey through the forest was mostly quiet. I had chosen Philemon for another reason too, he was a man of very few words and that allowed me to concentrate on my thoughts.
However, the silence between us was broken when Philemon suddenly pushed me down from my horse to the ground. It was unexpected and rather roughy but before I could form an opinion as to the reason for the shove, I heard arrows whizz past us. I passed a grateful glance to Philemon and reached for the short spear wrapped around my girdle.
It was time to teach some people that you do not mess with an Alpha.