章節 5: Before The Wolf Council
The walk to the throne room gave her so much anxiety, especially since none of them could tell the reason for her summon.
Savage looking warrior wolves lined each sides of the long wide passageway giving it a regal but yet gloomy appearance. They were like a taint on the beautiful surrounding with their armored vests and long claws, like beasts of doom.
Many stories abound of what these former rogues could do, of the dangers they pose to the realm and how suspicious it seemed that only the King could control them.
They were wolfs cursed to be stuck in the half-man half-wolf form after they committed a grave sin against the realm. Meaning they would forever be in their beast forms, never to take control of their human side.
This would be her first time entering the throne room and the very thought had her heart palpitating violently.
"I have sent word to Illicix and the gang. They would intercept the guards and take the body into the wild so don't fret and remain calm and bold. Meanwhile...try not to speak out of turn when in the presence of the council. It is the most dangerous gathering anyone could be in." Farah used the Varleh link to speak to her. It was same as mind connection for wolves."
"Remember to check for the small guard. Since this is official, the King may have it around his neck." Gal added in a clipped tone.
The two of them were still yet to speak after the fight they had few hours ago.They got in front of the widened golden door and met an Alpha wolf there. He shook his head at her companions indicating she will enter alone.
"Verona. You only spoke to the woman once in greeting and that was it. You don't know her and has never met her before…got it?" The redhead whose mind was clouded with so many confusing thoughts still found time to nod at the instruction from the oldest amongst them.
Farah was dependable and if she said it would be alright then it surely would.
Her slippers was removed by an attending maid and she walked into the room barefooted. She first gasped at the formation before her and for a moment she thought she had been transported into another realm.
Four old wolves sat on thick rectangular slabs of rock with their legs tucked underneath them; one in front, one behind and two by each side almost. Their chests were bare and the lower body wrapped in a thick black velvet material.
She noticed the distinct markings at their backs. It was tribal and looked to symbolize their various regions; East west, north and south.Wolves were generally inclined to parade nude but seeing their old wrinkled bellies had her moving her gaze away. Not to also mention the stern looks on their faces.
The king sat on a high throne with strange carvings that seemed to be made of wood. He also was dressed the same but wore a black twine like necklace and a bold gold bangle on his left ankle. Razhal looked like a legendary character come to life but she knew he was no legend, just a man whose end was near.
Her eyes sought for the gourd but found nothing, rather what she found was the Lycan she had seen down at that Cellar. The giant now stood behind the throne like an unbeatable force ready to tear down whosoever would dare to get close without permission.
The she-wolf servant made her sit down at the side with her body facing the King.
"Now repeat what you saw and heard" one of the men urged a lanky looking guard that she hadn't noticed upon her entry. But looking at him now she remembered he was manning the entrance when Dakota left.
"Your highness. i have only said what I saw. The head merchant's wife spoke briefly with the new Luna after which she left immediately in hurried steps."
"Did you hear what was discussed?""Not at all. How could i…it is sin to eavesdrop on royalty and---"
"Spare us those theatrics you lowly vermin. Surely you must have heard something since you very well know enough to serve as witness." Another man rebuked in a voice that aroused chills all over her body.The guard fell to his knees and had his neck out in submission.
"Forgive me. Please take pity on me your highness I just said what I saw. There was nothing else to it."
One of the men elicited what sounded like a growl and the other behind him did the same. The atmosphere in the room was tensed and Verona felt great fear.
"Now Luna. What do you have to say about this?" this first man turned to her and everybody did the same besides the King who was picking berries off a plate with his fingers. He seemed disinterested to say the least.
"I only returned her greetings and we decided to fix another meeting to get better acquainted. Such a pity she had to die in such manner. The woman was such a gem."
She was trying her best to act in line without giving anything away but the looks they were giving her did not waver.
"What manner did she die and how is it that you already know of an information that we just heard of this morning?"
"Rumors travel faster than any official statements sir. As you may know, women indulge in...gossip" her teeth was cracking from how much she was biting down on it.
"So you took the words from gossip and had the effrontery to mention it in front of the council!!" Murmurs erupted in the room causing her great agitation. She knew that somehow she had misspoken.
"I am sorry. I am still yet to know of all the rules and this is my first time joining such revered meeting. Please pardon me"
"Hmmm. When last did you speak to your father?"
This was the question that posed a great conflict of mind. She knew not of the relationship between the northern alpha and his daughter besides the bits and pieces of rumors she had picked up from when they visited the pack. Did Melima speak to her father before the wedding, she wasn't sure.
"uhmm I do not know why you are asking but---"
"Hahahaha she's refusing to answer" the second one blurted out in between fit of evil laughter.
"She's unruly and lack basic home training" the fourth reprimanded in a snarl before casting an unknown gaze towards her.
"I suggest she should be punished."
"Yes I agree. A few strokes should help her realize the reality of the situation.The northern dog must have cultivated enough hate to now darken the pup's skin"
"Like father like daughter. I doubt he taught her any good."
She knew their words weren't made for her, in fact it shouldn't bother her, but somehow it did. And what's worse is that they were subjecting her to such verbal assaults while her husband the King sits on the throne. It irked her deeply, more than enough for her fists to tighten and her jaws clench.
"Could you not talk about my father in such manner? Surely age should have taught you better…"
The words were out before she could even notice and it took the silence that ensued after for her to know that she may have just aggravated four enemies.The King for the first time looked at her and she couldn't tell what lurked behind those shiny black orbs.
"How dare you speak like a street girl with no honor?" Someone bellowed from a floor above. A white curtain demarcated the occupant making it uneasy to see her but Verona knew who it was. Queen Ygrette, the King's mother.
"Enough all of you!" At the voice of the king everyone turned mute. No words were spoken but that didn't stop their anger towards the insolent Luna.
"Your highness. If the serpents have risen again then we'll need to act fast before they crawl their way into the palace. What if---"
"What if I tear off your tongue from your throat Basalom…then shall you obey me...hmm?"Upon hearing this, the Old man submitted his neck while Razhal rose from his seat.
"This is pointless and serves no purpose. If the serpents have made their appearance known again then, they'll know better than to come near the palace. In the meantime the body will have to be taken to the mountain healers for investigations. No one needs to be…accused on false grounds…" at his last statement he had his eyes cast on Verona who still hadn't moved an inch.
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