Chapter 46 Night ruined
Chapter 46: Asher
"So the men have already set up camp around the borders in preparation of the coup as you requested," Albert said as we got to the war room.
"Have they also created a safe zone?" I asked and his wise eyes paused.
"You mean for the women and children— you want to create a safe spot for the locals?" He repeated hesitantly and I rolled my eyes.
"Look, Albert, you know me," I sighed, "I am not some dumb killer. I just need to take back what is mine not kill innocent people..."
Albert froze for a second as he watched me. I could see the spark of pride grow in his eyes— a subtle sign of his approval of my words.
But I waved it off and turned to the window. "Having said that, what else have you done that is so important you had to drag me here..."
It wasn't like I wanted to remain in that room with Angel. In fact, I was secretly grateful he had called me when he did— but I continued with my facade.
"...I was busy and for your own good, I hope this is worth it." I growled before turning away from the window and facing him once more. "What is it?"
"Actually, Asher. It isn't much of a progress but I wanted you to be aware that we have gotten someone in Axel's inner circle," He said.
My eyes widened in excitement at the news. "That's amazing! Have they started sending in updates on Axel's movements?"
"Yes," Albert quickly pulled out his phone and scrolled through. "Right now— King Axel has gone to visit his aunt, Emily... They are still on a search for the lost prince."
My brows furrowed as the excitement I felt only increased. It felt too good to be true. A smile danced on my lips but I refused to jump into conclusions.
"Let me have that phone and see it for myself," I said, motioning for him to bring it forward.
Without hesitation, Albert crossed the side of the table I was standing and handed me the phone.
"Right here..." He pointed at his screen.
My eyes eagerly scanned for the information he had just said and I was beyond shocked as I confirmed it. The person had even taken the trouble to send picture evidence.
"How did you manage this Albert?" I mean, I knew the old man was good at his job but— "this is unbelievable! I never thought anyone in Axel's inner circle could really sell him out!"
"Well, technically I didn't tell them our true intentions," Albert said and my smile turned into a grin.
"You sneaky old man..." I chuckled. "What did you tell the poor bastard?"
"Well, to start, they know who I am. They also know that we worked together during the last rogue attack... So they believe this is just another extension of that cooperation."
I nodded at his explanation, utterly impressed. "Amazing... But are you sure they are not going to tell Axel about this? Or that silly old man and his boys that keep hovering around him like bees?"
A small knowing smile formed on Albert's face at my words. "No, I made sure to tell him that this was an operation we needed to keep as a secret as requested by the princess herself."
My insides tightened at the last word he used and a frown abruptly took over my features. "Are you trying to tell me that Scarlett is aware of this— our plan?"
Albert's eyes shifted slightly before he shook his head. "No, Asher. I wouldn't trust her with such information... You know how emotionally attached she is to her brother. Telling her will mean starting the war sooner than we planned."
There was a strange pitch to his voice but I let it slide. Accepting his explanation as the truth— for now.
"Please do not worry Asher, I will get Axel just as you have always wanted... You will get your lands..." He whispered in a softer tone.
My eyes studied his face for what felt like hours— there was still something about the whole thing that felt too good to be true.
I knew Albert to be the best at his job despite his age. I also knew that if anybody could get me eyes and ears inside Axel's inner circle, it was him.
But I also knew how sickly loyal Axel's men were. They were almost like a cursed bunch that looked up to him and the entire Talon family like they were some type of gods!
Yet, somehow, Albert got in...
"Hmm, okay," I sighed, handing him back his phone. "I trust you Albert... I know that you will always do what's best for me— I can just hope that we are on the same page on what's actually best for me."
With that, I started walking out of the room but Albert called me back. "Sorry to bother you, Asher. But there is one more thing—"
"What?" I asked, turning to stare at him.
"I know you are probably tired but. The thing is— It's my birthday today and I wanted to celebrate with you— if you'd let me." He let out in one breath.
My brows raised in a blend of confusion and amusement. "Albert, you have never had a birthday. In fact you made me understand that it was a date long forgotten. How come you remembered today?"
A smile danced at the corners of his mouth as he passed a hand through his hair. "You are right. I still don't remember the date... But I am getting old and with the war coming, this might be the last chance I get to share a drink with you."
At this point, I couldn't hold back. I threw my head back and let out a deep laughter. "Albert you are such an old clown! What is wrong with you?"
His face turned red and he dropped his eyes to the ground. I could tell he was getting extremely uncomfortable but I couldn't help it as I laughed harder.
"Aren't you the same man who said death was nothing? Don't tell me you are scared of the afterlife now?"
"It's not that... I am actually scared of leaving the people here without impacting on them," He whispered and my laughter slowly died down.
I closed the distance between us and nodded. "Okay old man. Gather some of the men. Let's have a bonfire... It's been a while since we did that."
"Thank you so much, Asher." His eyes glowed with an emotion I couldn't place but I still acknowledged him nevertheless.
We walked together to their quarter and I sat on one of the benches, letting him gather the boys and start the fire.
As they worked on the fire, smiling and laughing, I realized that Albert wasn't the only one thinking about the afterlife or generally worried about the incoming war.
We were making preparations to win, but it would be stupid for anyone to think we wouldn't have casualties. We were going to find the strongest pack in the realm.
I had to admit that even with their dwindling soldiers, they were still more experienced and more tactical— My people had the right to be worried.
But the bonfire was going to solve that.
"We are ready my lord!" Albert called, waving me over.
With a ghostly smile on my face, I joined them. And someone instantly took the initiative to start playing drums as the beers passed around.
Soon we were all drunk passing stories over the terrible music. If I could admit it to myself, I was truly starting to enjoy myself.
"My great King!" One of the soldiers suddenly called. "May I make a request to make this perfect?"
With a slur to my movements, I raised my hand. "Yes please!"
"Can we get women?" He let out and the entire circle exploded with cheers of approval.
"Sure! Have fun!" I laughed and the cheers increased.
Most of the men rushed to their feet to find themselves women to bring back to the circle and I laughed even harder as I saw that it was remaining just a handful of people— including Albert.
"Old man, is your cock dead? Why didn't you join the others?" I laughed pointing my beer at him.
"Hmm... I don't need anyone." He mumbled with a ghostly smile on his face. "After this bottle, there is nothing more amazing than a mate's bond! And I have already lost that... I'd rather drink my beer..."
My wolf shifted at his words, instantly flooding my thoughts with Scarlett and ruining my night.
The smile on my face wiped off and I chugged down my beer with rage.
"You know... A mate is so perfect that you don't even have to do anything... Just looking at her gets your juices pumping. You know what I mean?" Albert laughed, oblivious to the irritation brewing inside of me.