Auctioned Off To The Cursed Alpha

Chapter eight

The chaotic sounds of chariot and carriage wheels kicking against the pebbles and stones formed a perfect backdrop for the strutting sound of the horses' hooves against the dry ground hardened from drought. Ezra and his convoy had now been on the road for two whole days and frankly, they all needed a break.

"Sir, it's almost nightfall. We haven't rested for two days. We need to take a detour" Mario (in his typical whiney voice) said to Ezra, who had the same expressionless face he had since the journey began. Ezra's eyebrows furrowed in surprise.

"Rest? You wimps actually need rest for a three day journey?" He questioned, more in disbelief than in scolding. He didn't even seem to notice how long two days were. He neither attempted to sleep nor felt the need to. So it was no surprise to Mario that he was shocked at the request.

"Apparently sir. The horses too. They haven't eaten in two days and we can't really say they've drunk any water except for that measly sip they had at the puddle yesterday. Please let everyone get some rest tonight" he begged.

Frankly Ezra couldn't care less about anything Mario was saying but then again, his eyes met the princess, who was sleeping in a seated position with her head tilted awkwardly, bouncing with each bump of the wheels.

"Please sir.." Mario continued. Hesitant, he stalled for a while. He didn't really care about the princess but he could at least acknowledge proper etiquette and agree to Mario's request for her sake.

"Urrghh! Fine. Pull over at the nearest town" he rolled his eyes, rather annoyed by his decision. Anyway, in a matter of minutes, they arrived at a little town lit by colorful paper lanterns that were hung around in the market stalls. The town was teeming with life as people moved about as if night here was day.

"Sheesh, it's quite beautiful sir, don't you think?" Mario marveled at the sight as the convoy paced slowly through the streets.

"Just get us an inn, you i***t. You're the one who asked for rest and you don't even seem tired at all" Ezra spited him. Mario giggled awkwardly as he avoided eye contact with Ezra who was glaring at him.

"I'll get us an inn, my King" he bowed, still giggling. Ezra couldn't shake off the feeling that the i***t had some sorta ulterior motive, though he couldn't tell what.

"Yeah whatever. Let's just get this over with" he sulked as he rested his face on his palm and stared at the sleeping princess, wondering why he made such a lame decision because of her.

Just as they were moving, a couple of soldiers ran up to them. They were dressed in metal helmets that kinda had that cockcrest look, with vests that had a red cross on them.

"Stop there!" One of the soldiers ordered. The convoy stopped and the sudden break jerked Dahlia back into consciousness. ‘Are we there yet?’ she wondered as she rubbed her eyes with her closed fists to get the sleepiness out. Looking around, she saw no one in the chariot except Ezra who was staring at her with an analyzing look in his eyes.

"You finally woke up. I was thinking you'd sleep through the entire journey" he said sarcastically, with no sign of humor on his face.

"Oh. I didn't know when...."

"It's alright. You're not the only one. Seems like y'all can't handle a simple journey" he said nonchalantly with his hands folded, not expressing disappointment, neither expressing approval. Meanwhile, Mario was taking a while outside discussing with the soldiers. ‘Where's that i***t?’ Ezra was wondering when Mario came back.

"Good news sir. The town's chief has invited us to spend the night over at his palace" Mario shone his teeth like a kid excited for his birthday present. Ezra still couldn't tell what was up with Mario tonight but something definitely was off about his behavior.

"Alright then. Let's go" Ezra approved, before they went to the palace.

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"Hahaha! Alpha Ezra" the short fat chief chuckled with his belly bouncing around with the rhythm of his chuckle as he stood up and walked towards Ezra who was just arriving, "It's an honor to finally meet you, Haha!" he said as he extended his hand for a handshake. Reluctantly, Ezra reciprocated his gesture and they shook hands. If there was anything that annoyed Ezra the most, it was loud people and this chief was the definition of loud.

"Uhhm, thank you for inviting us over to your palace" Mario appreciated the man with a mischievous smile. Ezra was still lost as to what was happening here.

"No, the pleasure is all mine. Getting to see such a great and feared King in person is an opportunity of a lifetime" he said and then turned to Ezra. "My Lord, how can I entertain you and your guests? Shall a feast be made in your honor?" He asked.

"That would be unnecessary. We'll leave at dawn so you don't have to incur such a loss" Ezra blurted coldly.

"But sir?..."

"No buts!" Ezra glared at Mario, prompting him to bend his head instinctively. He knew better than to piss off Ezra. Turning back to the chief, he said "If you'll give me and my men rooms to sleep in and maybe a little meal, it'll be greatly appreciated"

"A-as you wish, my Lord" the chief bowed slightly and snapped his fingers. Two rows of maids came out and stood behind him, "Let them guide you to your rooms" he said as Ezra nodded and they followed after the maids. Mario was kinda pissed but all was yet to be lost. There was still hope.

Later that night..........

It was a few hours past midnight now and the whole town had gone quiet. Everyone in the palace (except for the guards of course) had fallen asleep....or at least so it seemed. Opening one eye and peeping, Ezra scanned the room to check if Ezra was awake......

‘Negative!’ he thought in excitement as he sat up. There were three people in this room (which by the way was a royal guest room). Himself, Ezra and Dahlia. Ezra and Dahlia were deep asleep and Mario saw his opportunity. He got up and tiptoed his way out of the minka styled room, sliding the doors shut behind him.

After closing the doors as carefully as possible, he was about to tiptoe quietly away when he ran into someone.

"Wh....." He almost exclaimed before he was silenced by a hand over his mouth. He looked at the person and his eyes widened in surprise as she let go of his mouth and signaled to him to be quiet. "How did you know I was coming to find you?" He whispered in excitement.

"How wouldn't I know?" She smiled seductively as she ran her index finger gently from his shoulder, past his chest and down to his belly button, "I haven't forgotten what happened the last time we met. Want to go for another round?" She bit her lips seductively. Mario nodded like his head so vehemently, you would expect it to have fallen off. "Let's go then" she pulled him by his pants away into the dark...

Who is she?

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