My Warrior

Secrets and Deception

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After the king's tragic death, news arrived at the palace regarding his demise. One of the guards, who had accompanied the king on his fateful journey, returned bearing the king's lifeless body devoid of its heart, a perplexing and chilling sight that left everyone in shock and disbelief.

A day following the king's passing, the council convened to address the situation. They deemed it imperative to swiftly install a new ruler in order to commence an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the king's death.

In an unexpected turn of events, Astaroth was appointed as the new king, an appointment that stirred a mix of reactions and speculation within the kingdom.

**Jackson POV**

Following the attack on our village, the king had promised a special visitation. We eagerly anticipated his arrival, waiting for three days. The news circulated that he was due to arrive the day before yesterday, but to our shock, news of the king's sudden demise reached us just yesterday.

An urgent order from the council mandated that the lieutenant in charge of the attacked village must report to the palace today. It was speculated that our assailants had a hand in the king's untimely death.

I readied myself, adorned the appropriate attire, and prepared to depart for the palace, a place I had not set foot in before.

Upon my arrival at the palace, I found myself amidst the installation ceremony of King Astaroth. The event was grand and stretched out throughout the day, marked by pomp and celebration. However, despite the festivity, my purpose for being summoned to the palace remained unresolved.

I was allotted a residence outside the palace grounds to reside in. Despite my eagerness to address certain matters and seek an audience with the king, my requests were denied repeatedly.

The lack of opportunity to explain my concerns left me restless and filled with worry, questioning why I was summoned to the palace in the first place, and what role I was meant to play in these unfolding events.

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Days had passed since the tragic death of Rebecca, However, life had become increasingly difficult for Caroline since the installation of King Astaroth.

Each time she entered King Astaroth chamber, she faced a barrage of insults, humiliation, and unwarranted embarrassment from the new king.

The atmosphere became increasingly unbearable, leaving her distressed and deeply troubled by the treatment she received from King Astaroth

It was another day, and Caroline was tasked with bringing wine to the king's chamber. However, upon entering, the room was vacant. She stood there waiting patiently for several minutes, unsure of the reason for the delay or the king's absence.

It was an extensive wait, and just as she was about to depart, King Astaroth entered the room unexpectedly. He questioned her presence there, to which she responded that she had brought the wine as instructed.

However, his tone shifted, and he made an unfounded accusation, implying that Caroline might have stolen, much like her mother. His words ignited a fury within her, rendering her speechless.

The unjust accusation and the demeaning reference to her family left Caroline seething with anger, yet she remained silent, unable to articulate a response.

"I see silence runs in the family of thieves,"

He sneered, his words cutting deeper. Fueled by indignation, she lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes with a fiery intensity, though words failed to escape her lips.

"How dare you look me in the eyes?"

The king bellowed, his face red with fury.

He raised his hand and slapped her across the face.

He dragged her outside and ordered his guards to beat her. The other servants gathered around to watch. Caroline felt humiliated and afraid.

**Jackson POV**

I've been residing here for several days now, yet there's an unsettling silence surrounding the former king's demise. King Astaroth has imposed a strict prohibition against discussing the previous king's death, making it seem as though it occurred ages ago. It's as though the truth of the recent tragedy has been buried.

However, I feel an urgent need to communicate with King Astaroth discreetly. He must know that those responsible for the assassination of the former king were werewolves. Finding a way to speak to him privately has become my priority amidst this oppressive silence and secrecy.

As I dressed and made my way towards the palace, I noticed a gathering forming in front of the grand entrance. The crowd predominantly comprised maids, all gathered for some purpose or event.

When I got closer to the crowd, I saw a girl being beaten by some male guards. She was crying in affliction and looked terrified. The sight was bad, and I felt my heart breaking for her. I couldn't stand to watch, but I couldn't look away either. I was frozen in place, witnessing a terrible injustice.

I yelled out,

"Why are you beating the girl like that? Stop, please!"

But they didn't even look at me, let alone stop. I was filled with rage and fury, but I also felt powerless to help. So I walked toward them, determined to do something. I wasn't sure what, but I knew I couldn't just stand by and watch.

I rushed towards the guards, determined to do something to stop them from beating the girl. The guards tried to attack me, but I was faster and stronger than they expected. I dodged their blows and struck back with all my power. The guards were shocked by my strength and speed, and one of them ran into the palace, calling for backup. I was left alone with the girl, who looked at me with a mix of fear and gratitude.

I helped her to her feet, and as I did, I saw her face clearly for the first time. She was stunningly beautiful, even in her bruised and bloodied state.

I couldn't believe that such a pretty woman had been subjected to such cruelty by someone. I was lost in the thought, until the sound of approaching footsteps snapped me back to reality. I looked around and saw the guards surrounding us, weapons drawn.

As I was trying to fight the guards, the door of the palace opened, and the king himself stepped out. The guards immediately stopped, and I stood there with full boldness. I knew that I was in serious trouble but I still put on so much courage. The king looked at me with a mixture of rage and curiosity. He was clearly so mad to see me, but there was something else in his expression that I couldn't quite place.

The king's voice thundered through the courtyard, and the guards snapped to attention.

"How dare you defy my orders, how dare you stop my guards!"

He shouted, his face contorted with rage.

"Arrest him!"

My heart sank as I felt the guards moving closer to me. I knew I had to do something to save myself, but my mind was racing and my body was frozen.