Dagen's POV
My palace’s large drawing room was filled with the closest things I had to a friend. They spoke to each other, switching from one meaningless topic to another as we all sipped wine together; streams of sunlight came slanting through the high, elaborately decorated windows and stencilled patterns on the marble floor. There was the smell of new and clean wood and something less pleasant, but more familiar, like the smell of an old library. I was sitting at an elongated, shiny, polished table with my elbows placed on the table as I listened to my friends talk. I had almost nothing to say but for some reason, I enjoyed their company.
Beta Phillips was staring at Captain Thoma, who was one of the youngest amongst us and the son of Alpha Timothy. He had been talking about his travels to several places and I was amused by them. His tone was a little apathetic but one could easily tell there was enthusiasm beneath the words of Captain Thoma.
“I’m going out to sea and will take a tour,” he declared triumphantly, obviously fully aware of the possible dangers involved. Spending a long time at sea was not exactly advisable but from the faint smile the man wore on his lips gave way to an inviting look.
In response to his comment, I said, "Are you sure? The sea is a dangerous place or do you want to go into the underworld?’ I asked with a raise of my eyebrows. "There's no guarantee you'll return in one piece or even any piece at all. I am quite worried for your safety," I admitted.
Thoma paused for a moment with a thoughtful look painted across his face. “I am still not sure,” he said. "But the underworld sounds like a fun place. I think that is where I might be headed," he winked.
Finally, Beta Phillips, who had been quiet, looked up. His brow furrowed. "What if someone wants to accompany you on your sea trip without visiting the underworld, would you still go there?"
"Of course, I would. I intend to do a bit of research when I'm there. Learn about their lifestyle and culture."
I smiled wryly. The underworld was one more fascinating and dreadful place, turned into hell, the place no one could dream of getting to. That Thoma was ready to undertake such a journey could have been interpreted as bravery – or perhaps foolishness.
Captain Thoma took a break at the table and put a glass of wine in his hands. “It is a chance too big to miss,” he admitted.
Beta Phillips merely nodded his head. “You always were a little adventurous one, Thoma,”
"I agree," I chuckled. "I do hope you come back in one piece."
Turning to Phillip, I said. "And what news from Hareville, Phillips? How is it going? You seem to enjoy spending more time here than at your pack," I teased. "Trying to escape responsibilities?"
Beta Phillips' eyes darkened and he grinned. "Do not feel special, Dagen; how are you getting on with your responsibilities of getting an heir?”
The room became quiet immediately as everyone turned to look at me. Phillips did know how to push buttons and I could not even get angry at him for the brutal comeback he just had. "Nice one Phillips," I chuckled quietly. "To be honest though, It has yielded no result." I sighed dejectedly. "I have tried but..." I trailed off.
It was a topic which had given me nightmares for many years since Gina had left. So many people had been gossiping about me for years but I chose to ignore them no matter how hard it was. Whenever I made public announcements, people would think maybe I wanted to announce my heir and were often left disappointed when I did not. There were also the rumours that I was impotent and could not perform sexual duties which were hard to ignore.
The people were talking and the only reason they respected me to my face was because they were scared of me. I knew so many of the people had lost their respect for me but I couldn't care less.
The council of elders also never cease to remind me of the deal we had a few years back. I had two more years to have an heir.
Beta Phillips looked right into my eyes as if trying to determine if I was angry before he continued to talk to me again. "I did not mean to be offensive," he said with a sigh. "But it is getting shameful for you," he said softly. "Too many people are talking so you need to find a solution," he sighed.
I just looked down and simply nodded. It was a shame I could not procreate as they expected and the pressure was getting worse each and every day.
Phillips sighed, "I wish I could offer you help or miraculously produce an heir," he sighed. "By the way, have you thought of going to a cleansing temple in Hareville pack?” he asked.
I gave a quizzical look, interested. "The cleansing temple?"
Phillips nodded. "It is a place that our people believe in. If you go there to perform some rites, you get the miracle you need. It is a place where many people who suffer from curses or diseases are healed in my pack."
"Do you really think it would benefit me?” I asked, a little hopeful.
"I haven't had cause to visit the temple but for those I know, I have heard stories of victory from them," Phillips said. “It should be attempted.”
He paused for a while and when I didn't say anything for a while, he continued. "Would you care to come with me to the temple, Alpha Dagen? I'm leaving tomorrow so you can join me. It may happen that your curse is lifted there.”
I took my gaze around the room and from their expression, I knew they wanted me to go. Finally, I nodded. "Very well, Phillips. I will go with you to the place that cleanses.”
Phillips eventually smiled, clearly relieved.
"We shall leave at first light, then. Prepare yourself, Dagen.”