22. The new rumor in Werewolf Kingdom

The next morning, Natalia woke up; the effect of silver was long gone. She wasn't feeling dizzy or painful; she also felt much more energetic and refreshed.

After washing up, she went to Agnes's Office to talk to her about the decision she had made.

She entered her office.

"How are you feeling?", Agnes asked as Natalia opened the door.

"Good. I wanted to talk about yesterday."

"Is there something remaining? Huh! Don't tell me you changed your mind. I already contacted that man and told him that you are ready to go with him,", Agnes said with a shocked expression.

"What have you already told him? It's early morning."

"Yes, I already did. You can't get back on your words now,", Agnes said, jumping from her seat.

"Huh", Natalia said, taking a deep sigh.

"I am not saying that I won't go. I just thought that you would talk to him in front of me; that's it,", Natalia said as she went towards the sofa in the office, sitting in the corner.

"Oh! Don't worry, he said he will first come here and confirm that from you; only then will he inform the duchess,", Agnes said, sitting back on her seat.

"Hmm"

"You don't have to worry much,", Agnes said in a calming voice.

Her voice was undoubtedly calming for her; maybe she had used some magic on Natalia.

"I don't know whether it's a wise decision or not,", Natalia said, throwing her head on the hoverboard of the sofa and massaging her head with one hand.

"I don't know it either; what the future beholds for you is yet to be seen.", Agnes stood up from her seat and sat beside Natalia on the sofa.

"What I think is that your grandma wants something from you. Maybe the more difficult question is still in the future. So, don't be afraid of the one you just made."

"Your words are surely calming. When did you learn such magic, Agnes?", Natalia asked, smirking.

"I am not using any magic, kiddo,", Agnes said, keeping her hand on Natalia's shoulder.

"Hmm"

"If you feel unwell, you should rest in your room."

"I am going outside again; contact me when that man comes.", After saying this, Natalia left the office and went somewhere.

"That spiteful old vamp, I know for what she is calling her. But what to do? Natalia eventually ends up there; if not for this, then something else,", Agnes said to herself.

The Orleans (The Werewolf Kingdom)

The Whelpstrother Castle

In the early morning, Freki entered Alaric's room in a rush.

Alaric was dressing up in his room, and his attendant maid came toward him, bringing his brooch and pinning it on his coat. He noticed Freki coming into his room with a strain on his face.

"Your Highness!", Freki greeted him as he stood behind Alaric.

"Weren't you supposed to ask for my permission before entering?", Alaric said with his usual cold expression, looking at Freki's reflection through the mirror in front of him.

"I will keep that in mind,", Freki said.

"You may leave now.", The maid shivered as Alaric held her wrist and asked her to leave.

Alaric freed her hand, and the maid left instantly and closed the door before leaving.

"You should be careful with your behavior when you are around other people,", Alaric said as the maid closed the door.

"What is it that you rush to me in this early morning?", Alaric said, fixing his brooch.

"There's a rumor in the capital regarding the Crimson Night event and you."

"What is it that makes you so disheveled?", Alaric went towards his sofa and sat there while listening to Freki.

"It is said that the king is planning to send you there to represent the Royal Family,", Freki said.

"Is it? Then will it not be great for me if I go there to represent the royal family of wolves with other aristocrats?", Alaric said with a smirk on his face.

"How can you say so? I am afraid that he is planning something to harm you again,", Freki said in his aggressive voice.

"Don't be afraid; I am quite sure that he has something over his sleeves,", Alaric said, tilting his face and resting it on one palm.

"What! How can you be so calm about this?", Freki said in a frustrated voice with a sigh.

"Because I don't know the exact future, I am just thinking of all the probabilities,", Alaric said in a calming voice.

"But send you to the enemy's kingdom; isn't it a bit risky for him too?"

"That's what you think. We are not exactly in a situation of war; it's just that the two species hate each other too much. I think he is planning something big; he may be trying to use me as his pawn to start a war between the two clans,", Alaric said, thinking hard.

"Or he simply kills me there,", Alaric said with a chuckle.

Freki just glared at him.

"Ask your father to look at the king's movement, especially what sort of people he and his underdogs meet secretly,", Alaric said,, stretching out his body and standing up.

"I will relay the message to Father,", Freki said, standing up and following him from behind.

"And make sure the rumor spreads throughout the kingdom. We may use this for us,", Alaric said with a grin on his face.

The two left from there and went toward the dining area of the castle.

Alaric usually has his meals alone, either in his room or at the dining table, and in the meantime, Freki stood by his side, telling him all about the schedule for the day.

"Is there nothing you need to report or tell today?", Alaric said while having his breakfast.

"Ahh! Sorry,", Freki said, coming out of his trance.

Alaric turned his gaze toward him to check on him.

"It's been found that some local aristocrats are hiding vampires and are using them as slaves. Count Rodriguez seems to be one of them; should we take this opportunity to deal with him?", Freki said with a devilish smirk on his face.