The Crown's Entrapment

Everyone’s mouth fell open at how Darius crushed the spy’s head in one swift motion. After all was said and done, Ezekiel was the first one to react when he saw how terrified Xenia was of the gruesome scene. Shaking his head, he didn’t waste yet another second as he called for Jayra and instructed, “Please escort my sister back to her tent. And don’t leave her alone.”

He then looked at Tarah and followed, “Stay here along with the rest. Or do you need some time to gather your bearings in your tent?”

Despite his own admittance, he was still somehow worried for Tarah, seeing as the Demon King didn’t just threaten to steal Xenia away but to also take Tarah along with him. Surely, she must’ve been scared.

“No, Your Highness. I’m fine,” Tarah replied with a determined tone and a slight bow. “Also, I know that I have to stay by your side. You will need me.”

Hearing her answer, Ezekiel frowned as he assessed Tarah with a quick glance. She had this calm look, a contrast to everyone else inside the room. It was as if she already expected this sequence of events to happen.

A Seer… He inwardly took in some air. Beirut hadn’t warned him who exactly the woman was. All he got from him was two descriptors about this proverbial woman’s physical appearance. Perhaps it was a simple coincidence? What if it wasn’t Tarah? He could only hope it wasn’t her, especially now that she was confirmed to be the seer prophesied to succeed Beirut.

Letting out a mental sigh, Ezekiel gave Atlas a knowing look, the latter quickly understanding his intentions as he moved to have somebody clean up the body and the mess before them.

Partly turning his gaze, he saw that King Darius was about to leave, probably to follow Xenia out of the tent.

Ezekiel called out to him, “King Darius, you have to stay here. We need to talk.”

At the prince’s voice, Darius stopped in his tracks. With a curious gaze, he turned around to face Ezekiel.

“My sister… I know her well,” Ezekiel directly stated. “The Demon King’s words will affect her. Sooner or later, she’ll likely make an impulsive move, probably to sacrifice herself this time.”

He just knew that Xenia would hatch yet another idea in her stressed mental state. Jayra had reported to him about everything that had happened during Beirut’s burial rites.

He was sure that Xenia would do her best to try and make up for what she thought were her own mistakes. And if she had her way, she might take the risk of offering herself up to the Demon King on the slim chance that the king would keep to his word.

“We know that the Demon King wants to rule over the world, and that fact will remain whether or not Xenia becomes his Queen,” Ezekiel trailed off in thought. “But Xenia… No… I won’t take that risk. If we have to keep her locked up till this war is over, then so be it. We have to make sure that she won’t hurt herself over something stupid.”

The prince then took in another breath. Looking at Darius closely, he added, “Please… Keep her in Cordon for the time being. I know her well, and I’m afraid she’ll do something we both wouldn’t want her to.”

“Why not though?” Ezme suddenly chimed in. “Who knows? Maybe Princess Xenia can actually convince the Demon King to chang-”

“Stop talking.”

A loud growl interrupted Ezme from speaking further as the vampire princess gulped at how intense Darius’s glare was boring into her.

“If you can’t keep your mouth from spurting out nonsense like that about my mate, then I won’t hesitate to ruin the long-time good relationship I share with your kingdom by ripping it off!”

At Darius’s threats, Ezme frowned as she scoffed, “Why are you getting so worked up? Fine! Get your mate and keep her safe as her brother requested! I just wanted to state my opinion because we all know that King Devon is someone who can keep his word.”

She explained herself, “So far I haven’t heard of him ever backing out from a promise. We all at least know that he didn’t kill the royals from the kingdoms who submitted under his rule. He actually kept his word!”

In that instant, Ezme turned around and immediately stomped out of the tent.

Watching the princess leave, Ezekiel knew that Ezme had a point. This was why he was worried about Xenia. There was actually a decent chance that the Demon King would keep his promise, and she might just take those odds if it meant securing some semblance of peace.

However, there was also no way that they would ever submit to his rule. The Demon King was straight up evil, and every kingdom that fell under his rule turned into hideous backwaters… Yes, he kept them alive, but they were all covered under the shroud of darkness; a black magic that led to sin and insanity.

Darius let out a heavy sigh as he looked at Ezekiel. With a serious tone, he replied, “Very well. I won’t waste any more time and bring Xenia to my kingdom myself. However, you do know how stubborn your princess could be. We’ll be leaving at this instant, but I will need her to be unconscious during the trip.”

“I understand,” Ezekiel nodded. “Lurio will do what’s needed. Let me just write a quick letter for her to read once she arrives at Cordon.”

He then looked at Lurio and instructed, “Prepare something that can knock Xenia unconscious for King Darius to escort her back to Cordon.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Lurio answered before he quickly left.

Ezekiel turned his attention back to Darius. “You must bring Jayra with her. I assume you’ll travel in your wolfman form?” the prince postulated. “If so, then please bring enough men with you to guarantee her safety.”

“Her safety is already guaranteed so long as she’s with me,” Darius confidently answered.

Ezekiel knitted his brows at the King’s overconfidence. He was sure that Darius would protect his sister with his life, but he would feel more at ease if the King would bring enough men with him.

The King seemed to read his expressions, so he added, “If it will appease your worries, then I’ll bring Bartos and Gideon with me along with five of my warriors from the Moonlight Cavalry.”

Darius nodded with a sigh, “I’ll take my leave now. Find Zandro and instruct him to follow your every order for this war. If needed, I will send you more of my men as reinforcements once I reach Cordon.”

“That will be good, Your Majesty. That is very much appreciated,” the prince gratefully nodded. “Please, spare no more time and prepare to leave at the earliest with my sister. You must stay with her by all means. Don’t ever leave her side no matter what.”

Although Ezekiel was aware that he didn’t need to request such a thing from the Werewolf King, he just couldn’t help but do so anyway.

At his request, Darius gave him a reassuring smile and said, “Don’t worry. She’ll be in good hands, Brother-in-law.”