Chapter 91: The General And His Daughter
THIRD PERSON
The High Council gathered around a table, with omegas serving food and drinks to each of them. The atmosphere was quiet yet heavy, and each member had their own minds filled with intrusive thoughts.
“That was planned,” Elder Charles muttered as he watched the tea dripped down from the kettle to his cup. The hot vapor climbed into the air, fogging a small view in front of him.
Some elders hummed while some were silent. Their minds might be in chaos because of what happened in the Red District, but they knew that they couldn’t just sit and let the time pass without finding out who was responsible. After all, the Alpha King had given them a silent ultimatum. If they couldn’t get their job right, then they could just say goodbye to their treasured position…or life.
Elder Mattheo leaned back on his oak chair, his hand playing with the silver fork. “Consecutive explosions, hidden tunnels, and even targeted buildings,” he whispered under his breath with a familiar glint in his eyes. “They must have planned it for months, if not years.”
“But how?” another elder intervened, his voice laced with doubt and confusion. “How were they able to plant bombs and create tunnels under our nose? It was impossible for them to move without getting caught.”
“Unless someone inside fooled us,” Elder Cauis continued, his eyes staring at his reflection on the glass table.
The whole table went quiet. The omegas lowered their heads, moving like they were told to as if they didn’t hear anything. They moved without noise, making sure that they wouldn't make any mistake, or they might end up with their face kissing the ground for hours.
“Who were these people?” Elder Charles asked as his head turned to the side. “We should conduct an investigation as soon as possible. They already got the district; I’m sure that they will target other establishments as well.”
“There were only a handful of people, and I already asked someone to interrogate them,” Elder Mattheo answered without looking up.
“Is this someone even trustworthy?” Elder Charles asked, his voice laced with accusation. “We should do this ourselves. Delegating the task will just mess up the investigation just like how it messed up the district.”
Elder Mattheo sighed. “A guaranteed result will come after two weeks. For now, we just need to keep an eye on the other establishments,” he explained, standing up with a napkin in his hand. “We already lost the Red District. Don’t let our council lose another business.”
He left the table without any words, leaving the other elders quiet and questioning his decision. As he walked past the Alpha King’s chamber, a familiar figure greeted him with a formal smile.
“Elder Mattheo,” the man, tall and muscular like a viking, spoke. “It’s been a while.”
The Elder stopped on his tracks, giving back the same warmth. “General Crescentbane,” he greeted, his hands hidden behind him. “What brings you to the palace?”
The general’s footsteps were heavy, shaking the ground like a true warrior ready to pounce his victim. Between the two older men, the general was unmistakably the stronger one. His arms were almost as huge as the elder’s torso. His hand must be bigger than the elder’s face, and one of it could break his neck.
“Ah, His Majesty requested for my presence,” the general responded, his eyes moving towards the entrance of the chamber. “I’m not really sure about the agenda, but I figured out it was something urgent.”
Elder Mattheo only hummed as thoughts formed in his head. “How is Lady Nathalia, by the way? Is the future Luna Queen enjoying her privileges?”
A loud but full laughter erupted in the hall. The general’s tough chest moved up and down as he approached. “You’re giving my daughter too much praise, Elder,” he tapped the elder’s back. It was only a small force for the general, yet it almost made the elder stumble from his position. “My little Nathalia is behaving herself well. She is waiting patiently for His Highness’ decision about the marriage.”
“It is already set,” the elder spoke like a final and irrevocable decision. “Anytime soon, you won’t just be a general. You will also be the Luna Queen’s father. How does that sound?”
“A music to my ears,” the general stepped to the side, walking past the elder. “It was nice chatting with you, Elder, but I’m afraid I can’t let His Majesty wait,” he spoke with a small smile. “Let’s see each other soon.”
Elder Mattheo’s view of the chamber was blocked when the stone door closed, leaving him alone outside with two knights. Inside the chamber, the general bowed before the Alpha King, gone past the previous playful expression.
“I know you heard what happened to the district,” the Alpha King started without any greetings.
The general remained bowing, his eyes lowered while maintaining his natural posture. “Yes, Your Majesty,” he answered with respect. “I assumed you called me about that matter.”
“Someone…or some people inside the district betrayed the palace,” the Alpha King continued, leaning on his throne. “Find them, General Crescentbane, and bring their heads to me.”
He immediately nodded. “Give me a week, Your Majesty,” he responded with full confidence. “I will bring all of those traitors to you.”
“Good,” a smile crept up on the King’s face. “Rest assured that after this, I will do the best of my ability to rush the wedding between Draven and Lady Nathalia.”
“You know that I will do this even without rewards, Your Majesty,” the general spoke, bowing lower. “My loyalty was always on you.”
For decades, General Crescentbane was the most trustworthy warrior of the Alpha King. He won countless battles, and was one of the biggest reasons why the realm kept on expanding. Without the general, the Alpha King wouldn’t hold military power. That’s why he was willing to set a marriage—to keep his greatest sword beside him.
But little did he know that the sword he yielded would stab him soon.
“Hmm, he wasn’t dumb,” Nathalia spoke as she twirled her hair after listening to her father’s words. “Showing our cards now will take away all the fun. Let’s wait for a few more days.”
The general only smiled at his daughter’s words as he drank a glass of liquor in one go. “You plan to go all out, huh? Hurry to marry the prince?”
Nathalia’s face contorted. “Dad, you know I didn’t agree to this marriage. Stop messing with me,” she rolled his eyes, stealing the cigarette from Gideon who was just listening to their conversation. “The least I could do is to remove the possible obstacles on those lovebirds’ way before I claim my own King.”
Her eyes dropped to the document in front of her. Maeve Bloodmoon. Rising Sun Village. Declan Valeheart. The massacre of the Aetherveil Pack. Draven Blackvale. The Alpha King.
“Though I think the biggest obstacle they have is themselves,” she muttered, throwing the documents to the firepit, letting it disappear into ashes.