Tamed By The Lycan Prince

RESEARCH

CHAPTER FOUR- 9

-ANTONIO-

The library was dimly lit, casting long shadows between the grand mahogany shelves that were densely packed with ancient tomes. Antonio moved through the rows with a sense of purpose, his usually bright eyes now hard and focused. He knew he had to learn more about werewolves, Wolf's Bane, fated mates.

He spent hours engrossed in his studies, barely stopping for food and water. The tomes were full of folklore and firsthand accounts of interactions with werewolves, their pack structure, their mating rituals. Antonio’s gaze lingered over the section on ancient treaties between the Lycan kingdom and wolf packs, outlining a fragile peace that was constantly being tested.

His heart hammered as he read about Wolf's Bane. It was rare and hard to find, known for having profound effects on werewolves. It could be used to poison them.

The librarian, an elderly man known as Thaddeus, happened upon Antonio with a stack of well-worn books beside him. Thaddeus had served the royal family for years and recognized the earnest determination in Antonio’s eyes, having seen it many times in the king and queen themselves.

"Prince Antonio," Thaddeus greeted, inclining his head slightly. "You seem engrossed. If you don't mind me asking, what are you reading about?"

"Thaddeus," Antonio acknowledged, his gaze never leaving the ancient manuscript in front of him. "I am reading about werewolves, their history, culture and...Wolf's Bane."

The librarian's eyes widened faintly at his words. Thaddeus had witnessed many princes and princesses grow, guiding them through their studies. But never had he seen a royal so intensely engrossed in a subject that was usually kept at arm's length.

"I see," he uttered softly, taking a moment to assess the young prince. "A curious topic. One not often studied by those destined for the throne. What have you chosen Wolf's Bane?"

Antonio hesitated for a moment, then looked at Thaddeus with a determined gaze. "I believe it's important," he said quietly. "It's a substance that can harm werewolves greatly, and yet, our kingdom rarely speaks about it."

Thaddeus nodded, his wise eyes reflecting his understanding. "It's indeed a subject not often dwelled upon," he admitted. "Wolf's Bane is dangerous, but its knowledge is crucial lest we use it blindly."

"Can you tell me more about it, Thaddeus?" Antonio asked, his gaze earnest and pleading. He set aside the manuscript he was reading and focused fully on the old librarian.

Thaddeus drew in a deep breath, contemplating for a moment before he began, "Wolf's Bane, as you've rightly said, is a substance capable of causing great harm to werewolves. It's essentially a poison that affects their nervous system terribly. Contact with the skin can cause pain, while ingestion can lead to more severe reactions."

Antonio was fully focused, taking in every word. "Will it hinder a werewolf's ability to use their heightened senses?"

"Indeed," Thaddeus nodded, "While under its effect, their enhanced senses, strength, and speed dwindle drastically. They become weakened, more akin to a human in their capabilities. But the severity varies with the dosage and how it is administered."

Antonio absorbed the information, his face tightening with each word. The knowledge was heavy, laden with implications he couldn't ignore.

"And what about fated mates? Can it prevent two mates from sensing each other?" Antonio ventured hesitantly.

Thaddeus paused, his gaze softening as he considered the young prince. "A complex subject indeed," he said at last. "But yes, it can interfere. It's toxin has been said to block the the bond, making it impossible for mates to sense each other's presence, emotions, even their pain."

The information hit Antonio like a punch in the gut. He swallowed hard, pain welling up inside him. "Is there an antidote or any known cure?"

"Well, Antonio," Thaddeus began hesitantly, stroking his thin beard thoughtfully. "The antidote to Wolf's Bane is extremely rare and difficult to produce. It requires the extraction of nectar from a plant known as the Moon's Lily, a flower that blossoms only under the fullest moon and is almost as elusive as the Wolf's Bane itself. It's an arduous task to procure it, let alone prepare the antidote."

A profound silence fell upon them. The words hung heavily in the air, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Antonio's heart pounded unrelentingly in his chest as he took in the enormity of what Thaddeus had disclosed.

"So," he began slowly, steadying his voice. "If a werewolf was poisoned with Wolf's Bane and...couldn't sense their mate..." He paused, swallowing hard before he could continue. "They'd have to wait for the next full moon to even have a chance at procuring the antidote?"

Thaddeus nodded solemnly. "Yes, Prince Antonio, unfortunately that is the case."

Antonio felt a cold dread coil in his stomach, his mind whirling with the implications. This was worse than he had initially thought, and yet it also gave him a sense of what had to be done.

"However," Thaddeus cleared his throat. "There are other temporary antidotes that werewolves can use. It won't work as well as the Moon's Lily, but it will at least give them some of their abilities back."

Antonio's head snapped up, eyes lively with a new spark of hope. "What are they? What are these temporary antidotes?"

"Well," Thaddeus began, his face creased in thought. "There's the Hemlock root. When properly concocted, it can partially neutralize the effects of Wolf's Bane. The relief is temporary and it doesn't restore all faculties, but it does give a werewolf a fighting chance."

"Where does one find this Hemlock root?" Antonio asked urgently.

"It grows deep within the Dark Woods," Thaddeus replied, his voice containing a hint of worry. "It grows in the same climate as Wolf's Bane. But the palace medics should also have some in stock if you want to see what it looks like in person."

Antonio rose abruptly, his chair scraping on the stone floor. Silence hung in the air for a moment before he spoke, "I need to see it, Thaddeus. I need to know how to recognize it."

"If I may..." The older librarian began, a hesitant note in his voice. "Why this sudden interest in Wolf's Bane and its antidotes, Prince Antonio?"

Antonio paused at the door, his hand on the handle. He turned back, meeting Thaddeus' concerned gaze with fierce determination in his own. "I need to be prepared," he said, his voice steady but quiet. "If this knowledge can protect my people - can protect someone dear to me - then I must learn it."

Thaddeus arched his brow, "But Prince Antonio, our people aren't affected by Wolf's Bane. Only Lycan's Bane is toxic to us."

Antonio fixed him with a hard stare, his eyes a blaze of emotion. "Nonetheless, Thaddeus," he said, his voice edged with determination. "It is a prince's duty to protect his kingdom... and other kingdoms allied to us as well."

Thaddeus studied the young prince for a moment before nodding gravely. "Very well, Prince Antonio," he agreed solemnly, rising slowly from his chair. He collected an old leather-bound book from the shelf beside him and handed it over to Antonio. "This should have the information you seek about Wolf's Bane, Hemlock root, and even Moon's Lily."

Antonio took the book, his fingers brushing over the worn leather, before looking up to meet Thaddeus's gaze. "Thank you, Thaddeus." he said, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with gratitude and determination.

"No need for thanks, Prince," Thaddeus replied, a twinkle in his eye. "Just promise me you'll be careful."

Antonio's expression grew solemn as he held the book close to his chest. "Before I leave, may I ask you one more question?" he asked.

Thaddeus nodded. "Of course, Prince Antonio, ask away."

Antonio took a deep breath before voicing the question that had been slowly creeping into his mind. "Is it possible," he began, his voice quavering slightly now, betraying his nervousness. "Is it possible for a Lycan to be fated to a werewolf?"

The room plunged into silence as Thaddeus processed the young prince's question. His eyes widened perceptibly before they narrowed again, a thoughtful look crossing his features.

"A Lycan and a werewolf, eh?" He murmured under his breath. "In all my years studying the history and lore of our kind, I've never come across such a thing. But," he sighed deeply, running a hand through his silver hair, "that doesn't mean it's impossible. The Moon Goddess works in mysterious ways."

Antonio nodded, holding his gaze steadily. "I understand."

"Take care, Prince Antonio," Thaddeus warned softly, his gaze filled with worry.

Gripping the book tighter in his hand, Antonio turned towards the door and left the library, heading towards the infirmary to find Hemlock root. Unfortunately, none of the infirmary was open as it was lunchtime. Antonio went to his bedchamber instead to hopefully catch up on some much needed sleep. The dinner with Count Gaius and his family would begin in just a few hours.