Chapter 21: A Piece of Freedom (I)

Gale's brows creased as he knew that Jade was subtly trying to remind him that he would have many mates in the future. But he wasn't here to pick up a fight with her, so he simply ignored it and continued, "What did you tell my mate about the curse? Did you tell her everything?"

"I did not."

"Then why did she keep offering herself as a sacrifice to cure the curse?!" Gale was pissed by how lax Jade was. The gnawing feeling inside his heart lingered, and it worsened whenever he thought about Swan and her insistence on sacrificing herself. "You are the only one who knows the true extent of my curse."

Jade smiled and replied, "All I said is that–you're forced to marry many women due to your curse. She just lets her mind run wild with possibilities. Though, it's surprising that she can be so spot on."

Gale gritted his teeth, "I don't believe you."

"It's not my problem whether you believe me or not. But isn't she right? You can treat her right, then open that blindfold of yours. You can use her as a sacrifice, and you will be cured of the curse."

"Nonsense! The curse requires me to fall in love first!"

"And you are not in love with her?"

"No!" Gale denied vehemently. 

Jade raised her brow, and her lips curled up deviously.

"Well, that's good. Since you need to share your love with everyone in your harem in the future," Jade stated. "Though, I doubt that you're here just to accuse me of poisoning her mind, especially after you keep yelling at her to keep silent."

Gale was reminded of his true intention to find Jade. He was reluctant at first because he didn't know if Jade had Swan's best interest in mind. 

But they had been best friends and had been paired as alpha and Luna since they were young by their parents. She was the last remnant of his old pack that had been slaughtered, so they truly only had each other in this world. 

Thus, Gale put aside their disagreement and said, "I need help to appease my mate. Get her mind off that sacrifice nonsense. You've been in and out of Holy Achate many times in the past, so you must've known what kind of stuff they like."

"You're right. I know everything that you don't know about their culture. You are the king and I am the diplomat. It has always been that way, right?" Jade smiled. "Well, first of all, Holy Achate's women are vain. They like shiny things and adorn their bodies with jewels. Princess Swan might look very modest, but it's probably just a way to attract you."

"She is not–"

"People in Holy Achate are devious. You should've known better, since that bastard king you killed sent a few assassins before the official war started," Jade shut him down immediately with the cold, hard truth. "King Tyrion also tried to poison our drinking well and also burn our food supply during the war. What makes you think that his daughter wouldn't do the same? They are all cunning and cruel."

Gale was unable to revoke any of that because he knew it was all true. 

The late King Tyrion of Holy Achate had a lot of unsavory methods that were unheard of in the beastmen's world, which always preferred a fair fight. He already fought many wars against men and beastmen, and Holy Achate was the worst due to all of its monstrous tactics. 

Deep down, he knew that Swan wasn't devious. Her eyes told everything about her, and even Gale–who had been battle-hardened, still sensed her innocence. 

Yet, he could not provide proof that Swan was truly an innocent lady, it was all just what he felt about her. 

Besides, he had to admit that Swan was extremely adept at seducing. Be it due to her beauty or her plea to 'be eaten' by him, it was the first time Gale lost control over a woman's seduction. 

"I wouldn't suggest you try appeasing her. Women from Holy Achate are demanding. Once you give them your heart, they will ask for something else. But if you insist, then why don't you try to shower her with wealth?" Jade suggested. "Try giving her many expensive pieces of jewelry, and also let her roam around the castle, at least."

Gale frowned.

Giving Swan as many pieces of jewelry as she liked was nothing for him. He had a lot after conquering many lands and had no use of them. 

But letting her around the castle was questionable.

"Wouldn't it be dangerous for her? I can't continuously look after her when I'm on my way to fight rebellion and go to war," Gale questioned. "What if she gets attacked?"

"By whom?" Jade sighed. "Everyone in this city fears you, so she will be just fine. If you are that scared, why don't you let your beta watch over her? Though he's not your former beta from our pack, you should've trusted him enough, right?"

Gale was hesitant. 

His old beta–just like the rest of his pack–died when Gale got cursed, so this new beta he appointed was from one of the packs he conquered after that. 

He was nothing but loyal to Gale, but Gale was still wary about another man watching over his mate while he wasn't around. 

"If you worry about whether he will fall in love with your mate or not, then why don't you let the cat maids follow them around as well?" Jade suggested. "You can't seriously think that locking her inside your room forever will make her happy, right? Nobody, human or beastman, will be happy being treated like a caged little bird."

Gale knew that Jade was right. He never had any intention of caging her. He was just worried that her frail, petite body would get hurt.

He was thinking about it for a moment before nodding, "Fine, I will take your advice for now. I trust you have my best interest in mind."

"I always do, Gale. We are the only two left from our pack. I won't betray you," Jade smiled and watched him leap off her balcony and disappear into the night. She sipped her tea and muttered, "Unfortunately, I forgot to tell you one thing. Women in the Holy Achate are known to be promiscuous. Who knows if that mate of yours can resist another man's temptation? I'm sure she will betray you first with infidelity."