Chapter 232

"I heard the new king isn't from Theapan." "Where is he from?" "No one knows." "I heard he was still of wolf blood but he wasn't a werewolf like the previous kings." "What other bloodline could carry the wolf gene?" "I heard he's a companion beast." "A beast?"

Daryl stood beside Zoe inside the banquet hall. Many people had come from the nobles of Theapan in order to catch a glimpse of their new king. Others had come from other kingdoms as well. Rumors were natural in that situation and he listened carefully to everything he heard. If anything went wrong it could compromise everything and they had worked hard together to reach this point.

"Now entering, his majesty King Vorbuk! His Highness Prince Chase, Her Highness Princess Isis, and His Highness Prince of Leo of Cadirade!" A servants voice could be heard calling out as the doors were opened for the royal family to enter. Prince Leo's name was called out lastly out of respect as a prince. Since he was not a royal of Theapan his name came last as he entered behind the others.

"Princess Isis?" "She entered with the new royal family?" "If she's so close to the new king does that mean she betrayed her own father, the previous king?" The rumors continued to be whispered among the crowd silently.

The banquet hall was full of people from all over that had gathered to witness King Vorbuk. All eyes were focused up on the new King of Theapan as he walked over to the railing in front of him. He had entered the banquet with the others from the second floor where a special seating for the royal family was displayed. Onlookers below could glimpse up at the royal family but from this arrangement Theapan's royal family would be able to easily gaze down upon those who came.

It was a special privileged for royalty to display their dominance over other people in even the simplest of ways. Vorbuk wanted to sigh at the familiar yet vast difference between the attention he received now compared to his previous life. Though the familiar greed in those eyes staring up at him was no different.

"Welcome," Vorbuk's voice was loud as it resounded throughout the banquet hall. "Shall it be noble of Theapan, noble of another kingdom, or a Royal, I welcome you all to our first banquet as we head into a new era! Let everyone enjoy their time here tonight! May Theapan prosper in the future!"

Vorbuk raised a glass of wine as Ashley handed it to him. Taking a drink of the fine wine he watched as the banquet quickly resumed. Not many were willing to let their gazes linger on the king at the risk of getting in danger. They did not know how the new king would react to their lingering glances. He could feel a few that did not turn away from him as he drank.

"You should begin greeting those that wish to speak with you, master." Ashley whispered to him from the side.

Looking around Vorbuk considered who to greet first. Descending the stairs step by step as he watched the reactions of those present. A polite smile and a warm "Hello." was the response that Vorbuk gave to those who came forth to greet him as he walked through the crowd of people on the lower floor. He could not count how many hands he had to shake over a short period of time. Some held intent to work with him in the future or at least considered it in the back of their minds while others gave him a greeting as they held less then welcoming motives in their reason to meet with King Vorbuk.

"Vorbuk." Prince Leo whispered to him from the side as he followed him among the crowd. The prince had experience with the other royal families. It gave Vorbuk an advantage as he could inform him of anything important that others might miss. He could recognize the other royals at a glance as he had met most of them several times over the years during gatherings.

"What is it?" Vorbuk asked him as he noticed the prince was not looking at him. The prince seemed to be staring across the banquet room. "What's wrong with you?"

"That man has been staring at you for a while now." Prince Leo whispered to him as he had a strange expression on his face.

Vorbuk glanced over in the direction that Prince Leo had been staring so intently and asked, "Who is it? There are several people staring at us right now so a single person shouldn't have affected you so much."

"I never expected he'd come personally," Prince Leo said while noticing that Vorbuk was still waiting for his answer he continued, "King Micah is here."

"What?" Vorbuk was startled by the sudden news.

Before Vorbuk had time to turn his gaze again a voice called out to him from behind, "The only problem with gatherings like these should be the lack of tea. Nobles always prepare wine for these events rather then a nice relaxing cup of a tea."

"Your majesty, King Micah," Vorbuk said while turning to face him. "you actually came personally."

"I do dread the thought of running into that dragon as my conscious as taken quite the damage recently with dealing with dragons," King Micah sighed at the thought of seeing Bredret. "however, I have come to honestly welcome you among the royals."

Vorbuk felt like something was strange with King Micah's body language. Catching a glimpse of the king's fingers fidgeting against the glass of wine in his hand. There was something more to his visit and the king was hesitating to talk about it in front of others. "Would you care to share a drink with me outside in the garden? There is a beautiful gazebo where you can take a break from the crowd here."

"Aren't you busy greeting others?" King Micah smiled brightly at the offer as if he had been waiting for it, "Shall we share that drink later tonight?"

"Of course, your majesty." Vorbuk smiled back but his smile was not honest. It was a bright smile that people in his previous life could consider a political smile. He have every intent to try and pull King Micah into his future plans. If he could gain his support it would greatly benefit him. This King was very firm about protecting his people and since Chynir had affected his kingdom twice it meant his chances of successfully getting King Micah on his side had risen.

"I thought you might want to know I saw someone from Drethia here earlier. You should be cautious as the vampires tend to be rather difficult to deal with even if they are only here to speak with you." King Micah whispered to Vorbuk before passing by him and heading back into the crowd. King Micah's blue hair could easily stand out among the crowd however he had a way of making himself blend in as if he belonged anywhere he went. It did not take long before Vorbuk lost sight of him while his mind was still recalling the words King Micah had just whispered to him.

Someone from Drethia is here?

Their King? No, A duke maybe? He had opened the door wide open for anyone to join the banquet tonight. It seemed to be true that if you left the door to a coop open the fox would sneak right in. They took the bait and walked right in while he waited. It was not time to face Drethia head on.

"Hah!" Vorbuk held in his laughter as he thought about it. They want to know what they are up against while I wish to know the same thing so isn't this mutually beneficial? Who came from Drethia?