Chapter 45 Distractions

Chapter 45 Distractions
Chapter 45: Scarlett

The next day, I woke up determined to set the plan rolling.

I took a quick shower and slipped into my simple casual wear before making my way to the breakfast table.

As usual, Asher wasn't there but Angel wasn't there either. My heart tightened at this but I refused to think negatively.

I fueled my thoughts on positive things and remained on the path of my plan as I picked through my quiet breakfast. But as soon as I finished, I went to the chief cook.

"My lady, what may I do for you?" The older woman said with a bow.

Offering her a small smile, I went ahead with my question. "Please, do you know where the King is?"

Something shifted in her eyes before she blinked and quickly nodded. "Yes, he— he is having his breakfast in the guest room— with his guest."

The reply hit me hard, but I refused to break down again.

Holding myself together, I flashed another smile. "That's great. Thank you."

I turned away from her, hating as my heart started hurting at the prospect of what Asher could be doing with Angel in that moment. Surely she was the guest the chief cook spoke of!

Now, I couldn't go to the room to avoid another clash with Asher. But I had to see Angel and speak to her. Yet, I had no idea when they planned to leave that room.

I didn't know what to do but one thing was clear, I wasn't going to allow them to spend too much time together. I had to do something and the first person I could think of was Albert.

He was the only one amongst Asher's men who understood what was going on. He was also in support of me and if anyone could help me in this situation, it was him.

Quickly, I dashed out of the kitchen and went to the soldiers quarters. Thankfully, I didn't have to get too far as I saw Albert talking to a group of men.

"Hello, Albert," I said as I got to him.

"I'll catch up with you later— and make sure you send in those reports," he said to the soldiers around him before turning to me with a small bow. "My luna."

My eyes blinked as I fought back my pain. "I am sorry but may I speak with you for a moment?"

"I have also been meaning to come to you. Asher made some changes to the original plan. I wanted to discuss with you concerning them but I was looking for the perfect time."

A frown instantly covered my face. "What changes did he make?"

His wise eyes swept over the area we stood and he pointed to the block of offices just a few yards away from us. "Please, my lady, come with me..."

He led me to the block of offices and unlocked the one that had his name written boldly at the top.

"Before we begin talking about Asher's changes, please, what did you want to discuss with me?" He asked as we settled into chairs in the small office.

My heart sank as his question reminded my wolf of the pain I was going through. But I shook my head.

"No, mine can wait. Tell me about the changes instead..."

His wise eyes studied my face for a couple of minutes before he sighed. "Asher wants your brother to be kidnapped and execute a coup."

My eyes widened as I shifted to the edge of my seat. "But— I thought— what about the council? There is no way the council will hand over the kingdoms to him if he harms my brother!"

Albert's eyes softened as he nodded. "That's why he wants a coup d'etat. The council will have no choice but to accept him... You see, with your brother gone, Asher will be the strongest in the realm. No one would dare counter him."

"Goddess!" I exclaimed, covering my mouth in shock. This was worse than I thought.

Tears started brewing in my eyes as my heart hammered even harder. I couldn't sit still and watch my brother get harmed by the man I loved! I had to do something—

But telling my brother about it now was only going to make things worse. Maybe even start the war none of us wanted— before it even got the chance to begin.

"Albert," I breathed. "Surely there has to be something we can do to stop this from within. Right?"

"Yes, there is." Albert adjusted in his chair and held my gaze. "You need to give him an heir before we launch..." His eyes trailed to the map on the wall in front of us and he sighed. "That will be in three weeks."

"But I—" I sniffled so hard that pain shot through my head. "That's the problem I am having. In fact, that is what I am here for—”

I took a deep breath and continued explaining my plight to him. “Asher brought home some girl and— Bee already gave me an idea on how to win him back but he is with her now. I can't do it—"

"You want me to distract him long enough for you to speak to the whore?" Albert completed for me and I nodded.

"Everybody has a price. I just need to speak to her long enough to know what hers is... Because I need to give Asher that heir. We need to stop this war."

A smile formed on Albert's face as he got off his chair. "Consider it done then. I will keep the king busy all day... Maybe even get him drunk to get his guard down for you to strike."

"Albert, thank you so much!" I exclaimed, taking a hold of his hands in gratitude. "Thank you."

"It's fine, my lady. I am not doing this for you... It's for Asher. He deserves so much better..."

I nodded, feeling more courage pumped into me as Albert led me out of his office. We walked together to the main building, while he took the stairs to the guest rooms, I decided to wait in the garden.

I picked a good spot and watched the main entrance. My heart was racing with a million emotions but I kept my mind focused on the task.

A task that was slowly becoming a mission to protect everyone. It was no longer just about my family's land or saving my mate— it was now concerning the entire realm's peace.

And it rested on me to protect it with everything I had.

I was starting to prepare my mind to wait for a long time but not long after, I saw Asher's cold face step out of the main building with Albert following a few steps behind him.

I didn't know what Albert had managed to tell him but I could only hope that it kept him busy for as long as possible.

I waited until they were long gone out of my line of sight before I hurriedly made my way into the palace.

Rushing through the stairs with my hammering heart, I went to the guest room they had been in. But as I knocked, no one responded.

Confused, I tried again and the door slightly shifted, indicating that it wasn't locked.

My wolf growled, hating the mixture of our mate's scent and another woman's scent, escaped from the room. It turned away and pushed me to do the same, hating the repulsive scent.

But I couldn't. I swallowed back the tingles of disgust that filled me and invited myself into the room.

The bed was surprisingly empty and— clean— well as clean as a bed that had just been slept on could be. The wrinkles on the sheets were fine, nothing too rough or anything.

—I was almost starting to believe that nothing had happened, until I saw the tray of leftover food on the bedside table.

Surely they had a feast to replenish their energies!

My fists tightened and I was struggling to calm my rising nerves when a voice suddenly filled the room.

"Can I help you?"

I turned to find the girl, staring back at me with wet hair.

"Hmm— Yeah," I breathed, forcing my brightest smile. "I am Scarlett and I was hmm— wondering if we could talk."

A scoff escaped her large lips before she rolled her eyes and began to head to the dressing table. "I am naked. Don't you think this is the wrong time?"

"Yes— I mean, you are right— I am sorry." I quickly added. "I can come back in a couple of minutes— if you want..."

Her eyes met mine through the mirror and she squeezed her wet hair into a smaller towel, glaring at me.

An awkward air filtered through the room and for a second I didn't know what to say. I started pointing to the door before hurrying towards it.

But just before I could pull the doorknob, she turned to face me. "I know what you are trying to do..." She whispered.

My breath caught in my throat as I tried to find the right words but she hissed and returned her focus to the mirror.

"My simple advice to you will be— give up. Because it is not going to work, Scarlett."