Read with BonusRead with Bonus

Chapter 8

Alexander’s point of view: The discussion between friends and a plan set in motion.

During brunch time, we discussed the plans of the upcoming ball and festivities. After brunch, we discussed the contract signing proceedings of the peace treaty, while enjoying some tea in the sitting room.

The meeting with my old friends, the king and queen went very smoothly this morning. The fairy king’s name is Renaldo and the fairy queen, his wife’s name, is Serafina. After millions of years of being close friends, they still won’t call me by my birth name! In the beginning it was troublesome, but after so many years has gone by, I have learned to accept and appreciate their loyal nature and respect towards my status as their emperor.

After the meeting, Renaldo asked to see me in his study for a more private audience.

When we were alone in his study, the king informed me about a group of unknown werewolves that has been tracking me through every kingdom, I have been traveling in. They were even bold enough to leave the safety of the ferry boat and follow me into the fairy realm.

Renaldo: “Your Majesty, these wolfs has been following you from the very start of your journey. They tracked you and your guards with some form of disguise, without raising any suspicion or being discovered by anyone.”

The king can always sense, who uses it to cross over the rivers between the three realms, because of the magical connection between the royal fae family and the ferry boats they built long ago.

Alexander: “The only way they could have gotten past me and my guards without raising any suspicion, is if the assassins disguised themselves as tradesmen, when we travelled on the ferries…”

Renaldo: “It surely were a very clever plan in deed, but the question is who and why now all of a sudden?!”

Alexander: “For now, do not concern yourself to much about this matter my friend, no matter how long it takes, I will find the answers we seek.”

Alexander: “My investigation into this case will start as soon as we have concluded our meeting here today.”

Renaldo: “If I may ask your Majesty, do you already have something in mind?”

As a plan slowly started to take place, I turned towards my friend with a mischievous smile forming on my lips.

Alexander: “Yes, I indeed do have a plan…”

Renaldo: “If I can be of any help your Majesty, I’m at your service!”

Alexander: “I appreciate your willingness to help me with this quest my friend, but for now we will act ignorant and proceed as if nothing is a miss.”

Before I left, I thanked the king for sharing his new findings with me and to keep the information to himself for the time being.

Alexander: “We don't want the queen to get alarmed and upset, before we know for certain what the werewolves are planning and who the instigator is behind it all.”

Renaldo: “Understood your Majesty. Until that time, I will keep you informed of the activities taking place on the ferries. If the werewolf’s makes any unusual movements, we will know and be prepared for it.”

An amused grin appeared on my face, when I ones again, thought about the many centuries we have already been friends and allies and the fact that he still insists on calling me “your majesty!”

Alexander: “Thank you my friend. We will see each other again on the day before the ball, when the royal families assemble in my castle for the singing of the peace treaty.”

Alexander: “For now I must take my leave, as always I appreciate the warm welcome I always receive from you and the queen.”

Renaldo: “It’s always a great pleasure for us to host your Majesty at our castle.”

With the conclusion of our meeting, we both bowed our heads as a sign of respect, before I took my leave.

After I left the castle, I told my royal guard to return to the river without me, because I have decided to take the scenic path through the forest, back to the ferry boat.

With a plan in mind and without a horse or any guards present, I started to make my way through the forest on an old and narrow path.

I had to create an opportune moment, for them to make their move, when I’m alone and at my most vulnerable. In order to discover the identities of the werewolves and the reason for why they are following me.

I knew they were on my trail, when the trees started rustling behind me. I pretended not to hear anything and continued walking forward on the narrow road…

After a while, they finally made their move and attacked me from the sides and from behind. The werewolves from the sides distracted me while the one from behind elongated his fangs and sank it deep into my shoulder blade.

I let out a painful cry, before wrestling myself free from the wolves attacking me from the sides.

Then I grabbed hold of the one on my back, with both of my hands and threw him to the ground in front of me. With my good arm I reached down to the side of my hip were the scabbard was attached to my belt and started to unsheathe my sword.

With the sword in my hand I stood my ground, ready for the next wave of attacks, but instead of launching themselves at me again, they stood frozen in their tracks. The expressions on their faces filled with confusion, as if they weren’t expecting me to still be able to defend myself in an upright position…

With a sudden change in plans; thanks to my unexpected response to the fatal attack, the wolves just helped stabilize each other, but didn’t make any attempt to attack me again! After one last glance in my direction, they suddenly retreated and disappeared back into the treeline.

The werewolves attacked me in their two-legged forms. It would have been easy for me to remember their faces from years before, but I didn't recognize any of these wolves. Which means that they are relatively young wolves, who can easily be manipulated by an older wolf and was recently recruited and trained.

They all wore the same black, unfamiliar uniforms. At least, I could confirm that they are not familiar to me, neither are they members from the royal family.

Whoever send these attackers were careful enough to cover up their tracks and to make sure the wolves couldn't be traced back to them… Thanks to my friend the fae king, I had time to prepare myself for the attack that was bound to happen.

Previous Chapter
Next Chapter