Wolves of War

The Council

“Traveling by tunnels is something that I can get used to,” Asai said, smiling.

“We can get anywhere in the empire in less than 3 days! Very convenient. It makes our response time to emergencies almost instantaneous,” Ramune said.

“Better thank the vampires' efforts, they are the ones who rediscovered them. The usefulness of the tunnels and made them into what they are now.” I said

“They are even making trading villages along the rest points. The business is growing.” I smiled.

I know that living underneath the Wolf Empire is not something the vampires would like to do. But at least when they do return to Blackstone, the Vampires won't have to restart their economy. The mining of the red diamond was their main source of income. With the rebuilding of the tunnels and establishment of underground trading, the vampires will have another stream of income to depend on.

I’m glad that the vampires were able to get the tunnels cleared and operational. The journey to the Dukedom from the Golden Forest would have taken a caravan 2 weeks. The wraiths completed the trek in 3 days. It would have taken us less than two days if the wraiths traveled non-stop. But we decided to take our time heading back by only traveling during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

“Welcome back My Lord and ladies”, Keylyn greeted us at the front of the Dukedom Manor.

Keylyn travelled back to the dukedom ahead of us to make preparations for our arrival. We have been gone for quite sometime. I’m eager to see what has happened to my fruit garden.

Keylyn's expression was welcoming but there was a hint of worry behind his eyes. Sweat beaded on his brow as he clenched an envelope in his fingers.

“What’s that?” I asked Keylyn, pointing to the envelope.

Keylyn sighed and presented the envelope to Asai. Sealing the envelope closed is a red wax seal that I’ve never seen before.

“The council is summoning me?” Asai asked, taking the envelope and breaking the seal.

He unfurled it and read the lines that were on the paper. His face fell as his eyes read every word. He crushed the paper in his hands, a low growl emanating from his chest.

“What is it Brother?” Ramune asked.

“The council is summoning Talia, you, and myself” Asai answered.

“What for?” I asked.

Asai looked down at me. “The Queen is calling a trial to speak about the events of the a*******n of a royal consort, and breaking taboo.”

“Breaking Taboo?” I asked

“It doesn’t explain any further. Go on and get dressed. We are to report to the castle as soon as we arrive.”

“I’ll get her ready!” Galga said, taking my arm and rushing me to my room.

Galga pulls out this stunning midnight blue halter curve hugging dress. The dress had what looked like silver cords made to look like delicate flowers, vines, leaves, and stars. Galga helped me into it carefully so that none of the metallic embroidery got caught on my hair. The bodice of the dress is completely see through with more of the same decorations but denser and closer together. What saved my modesty is the black push up bra that I am wearing. The bra is decorated with silver and gold jewels with a spattering of red diamonds made to look like flowers. The next to come is the accessories. More silver cords made to look like a garden of dreams were fashioned into a belt and matching choker necklace. The third piece to this outfit is the black train that is attached to the hips. You would think from the look of the complete outfit that it would be heavy but it was surprisingly not.

“This is beautiful”. I complimented Galga on her work.

“I did struggle to find the perfect mix of all your colors. But then I realized that they all naturally went together. Black and Gold to represent that you are a royal consort to prince Asai. Midnight blue and silver to represent your chiefdom and clan.

My hair was made up into a waterfall of curls accessorized with diamonds of varying degrees of sparkling clear, gold, and red. Shortly thereafter, I was declared presentable.

Asai, Ramune, and I took the tunnels to the capitol. The ride by wraith was less than 15 minutes. Galga made sure that the vampire driving the wraith-drawn carriage went as slowly as possible to prevent damage to my hair. Because apparently my hair is more important than my life.

Asai helped me out of the carriage and carried me up the stairs.

“I could have walked, you know”, I told him.

“I know but you're so beautiful, I couldn’t help but carry you like the princess you are.” Asai whispered in my ear. His lips slightly touched the appendage, causing a heat to blaze across my face.

We walked steadily into the hall towards the King and council. I could feel a lot of eyes on me but I dared not look down.

There are three stools arranged in a row at the center of the room. At the front of the chamber the King and Queen sit. To the left and right of them sits the first and second prince and the council.

Asai helps me sit on the stool to the far left, directly in front of the Queen b***h herself. Asai took the middle seat and Ramune took the last stool.

“Thank You for your efforts in the battle that saved South Akkadia and the battle for the golden forest.” The King said.

Asai, Ramune, and I inclined our heads to the king in respect and acknowledgment of his gratitude.

“We have called this council together to discuss the events of the a*******n of a royal consort and illegal spell casting, Breaking Taboo. We are also going to discuss the stability of 3rd Prince Asai’s home and whether it would be beneficial to remove Talia Noor, the gift from Serberus. Petitions have been made to re-home the gift to 7th Prince Aerbel Zeeve.

How many sons does this King have? There is Crown Prince Arsenio Zeeve, 2nd Prince Amell Zeeve, 3rd Prince Asai Zeeve, 4th Prince Ramune Zeeve, and now there is a 7th Prince Aerbel Zeeve? Where are princes 5, and 6? Did the Queen already kill them?

“Aerbel? He is not even of age to take a consort?” Asai stated

Not of age does that mean he is… the Queen’s Son?

“He will be of age next fall. The princess will be safeguarded in my custody until then.” The Queen said.

I'll probably be dead by then.

I raised my hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand why I am being treated like an object to be tossed around.”

The King smiled at me. “Royal consorts, like Royal Princes, are assets of the crown. And it concerns the Crown if my son, Prince Asai, is proved to be unfit to have you. Royal Consorts become official wives of the crown when a child is born. Having a consort is a privilege granted by the King. It's not a right.”

“Okay, why just me? Why not Sanna as well?” I asked curiously.

“Sanna is Asai’s Official Consort. They have signed a bonded contract. We cannot remove her unless she requests to be removed.” The king explained.

I see. I am an asset to the crown and female assets are good for one thing: making babies. The urge to roll my eyes is hard but I managed not to do it. If Asai is not doing that, then I need to be given to a prince that will. Sanna is contracted to Asai, so she can’t be moved, but since I haven’t signed anything, the king can take me away.

“Well, let's get this small council over with.” The Crown Prince yawned.