My Lycan Demigod

50

ALDRIC…

After my discussion with the prince, I was more confused than ever. Right from the day I met Hansel dressed like a woman, I had doubts that she wasn't the prince's mate, but I could do nothing because I wasn't even certain.

Not until the prince brought up that Hansel was the same age as Jeyne, then did the thought slip into my mind again.

I stood before the table in my office, staring at the piled-up files I was supposed to work on as ordered by the prince, but with how restless I felt at that point, there was no use working.

Whether she was Jeyne or not, her life was in danger. If she were the prince's executed mate, then they would take her life this time for escaping death.

I turned to the door, “Send for the chief guard!!” I ordered and slammed my palm on the desk.

In a few minutes, the chief guard showed up before me.

“Who reported to the king about the eunuch?” I asked, straight to the point. There was no way the king would just smell around and find out about Hansel if someone wasn't spying and had relayed to him.

His lips twitched before he responded, “It was the Regent…”

“Regent?!” I turned to him. “How possible?”

He shook his head, “I was as well stunned.”

That was so suspicious. How did the clan Regent find out about Hansel? Was he having the same suspicion that she is the prince's dead mate? If so, then he must know that Hansel was a female, and not a male.

Furthermore, the Regent was the same person who reported the chief gamma's family, which led to the execution of every one of them, including the prince's mate.

So, if he also did the reporting this time, what could it mean? Is he after something? Does he have a secret? Who would leave political issues and focus on this?

For the goddess's sake, he and his family are the second in power after the royal family.

I exhaled heavily and wiped my forehead, “It's okay. I'll look into it myself.”

The chief guard bowed and left my office. I stared at the door for a long time and breathed out.

…

At midnight, I sneaked into the torture room to find Hansel deep asleep, comfortably. The prince had done a great job by making the place comfortable for her, because I was f*****g scared when he ordered that I take her to the torture room.

I squatted beside her and began tapping her. This was the only time for me to inquire what I wanted…

“Who…who is that?” she mumbled amid sleep and slowly opened her eyes. Upon seeing me, she jerked up, her eyes widened. “My Lord, is anything the problem?”

I nodded. Of course, there was a problem that could either take her life or send the prince back to the lava…which I do not want any of them to happen.

“Look, I need you to tell me every truth you know. Do you remember anything about yourself?” I asked her, and after staring at me for some time, she shook her head. “Are you for real?”

She nodded again, “But I do have weird dreams.”

My brows furrowed. “Weird dreams? Could you tell me?”

She adjusted closer and began elaborating how she always saw the prince in her dreams even before they met, and then how she ran deeper into the woods, tattered, covered in blood, and sobbing.

“But recently, I had one that still lingers in my mind till now,” she added and took a gulp. “A man told me to keep running and not stop until he found me, then I got stabbed by someone that I didn't even see the face.”

My heart sank. What sort of dream was that?

“I can't fathom what such a dream means, and I fear to tell the prince.”

I sighed, stood, and folded my arms.

What was happening?

I didn't think much but said to her, “Follow me out of here. I'll find a replica.”

“What?” she stood too, her face twisted. “The prince will know it isn't me. What are you planning?”

I scoffed and leaned closer to her, “Even the prince can't save you at this point, and I can't stand him sacrificing his life for you, so this is the only way for both of you to leave. Why do you think I risked coming here at this hour?”

“But the replica or whatever will die.”

“Worry about yourself first.” I snapped at her and grabbed her hand. “If you refuse to follow me, I will take you to the king myself and spill the truth. I can't lose my prince because of you.”

She breathed out, and I could see how hopeless and powerless she became instantly. “Fine, if that will keep the prince safe.”

Then, we left together out of the palace. I took her to a place no one would ever search for, hidden, and back to dressing as a female.

Heaven knew so well, she looked so much like Jeyne, and the prince wouldn't mind crossing the line again this time if she was hurt, because she's his mate's substitute.

…

Very early the next day, I went to meet Jemima, the prince's cousin sister. She was another person beside me and my Luna Collete, who knew exactly who the prince was, how he loved his mate dearly, and how far they had gone before the incident.

We grew up all together in the palace, and had been in unity…but just like the prince's siblings, Jemima refused to meet her mate until the prince regained his sanity. They were all scared that their mates would be harmed.

My Luna and I were the only ones who weren't royalty by blood, but by grace.

She gazed at me like she'd seen a prey and then yawned.

“What's that about? Want to eat me?” I couldn't even hide how surprised I was.

She scoffed, "You're still silly. What about Collete? She didn't bring the woven footmatch she promised to bring. Don't tell me you got her pregnant?”

Oh goddess! Is she insane or what?

“Ahh, what brought you here this early? Is the prince insane? I'll knock him out this time…”

“This isn't funny.” I scolded her and walked past her into the room. I sat down and crossed my legs, "I'm here to discuss Jeyne.”

Her lashes threw up. “Discuss who? Did you find her?”

I shook my head.

“Isn't she the eunuch you told me about? I told you sometime that I met a human who looked like Jeyne, but a male version…and finally, he landed in the palace. If only he were a female, things would be easier now.” She hissed and crossed her legs. “So, what about her?”

“Nothing much. Just wanted to know if you've even seen her shadow, since you're a traveller who doesn't want a mate.” I mocked her and pulled a strong face.

She glared at me as usual and retorted, “f**k you!!”

Then I stood, “It's alright. We keep searching until we find her.”

“Sure! So all these rampages would stop.” She stood as well and bowed to me. “My regards to your Luna. Better take care of her and quit jumping around with swords.”

She didn't even let me speak, but quickly dashed into her inner room.

I chuckled and kept going.

Along the way, I met one of my men who must have been coming after me…

“The prince sent for you,” he relayed, and I nodded.

I was heading to see him, too, so we could discuss the Regent and how to handle him. But I was scared he had already found out that the replica wasn't the real Hansel he knew.