Chapter 188 - Dynasties And Dystopia
Chapter 188 – Dynasties And Dystopia
In this time, when one could conquer a foreign land for personal interest, threats of wars were no news. It was foolish for the detrimental king of Althea to close the borders that were being used by Ronmin for their trades with the kingdom of Pailao.
But what was the real reason behind it?
One of them was the greedy first prince who wanted to gain more than what they were already gaining. But another reason was that the crown prince of Hendrik Empire, Niall, was in contact with the said prince.
They purposely closed the borders to anger the Ronmin Empire. In that case, Ronmin Empire would be the first to blame for whatever would happen in Althea. But since Hugo and Azazel kept in touch with each other, they foiled Niall's plans.
Azazel's only purpose was to sabotage Niall and recover something that was said to be hidden in the royal palace. Hugo, on the other hand, was trying to make this 'wise prince' have the upper hand in the battle to the throne and gain the public's support.
If Hugo was successful, the trades would continue, the Hendrik Empire would have to step back, and they could sit the person of their choosing on the throne. It was akin to hitting three birds with one stone.
These things were scary. Politics and schemes, one must be thorough and cunning. If they weren't, an enormous price to pay would await them. I couldn't almost believe that these words were coming out of Hugo's mouth as if every word, every movement, and even the outcome, was calculated.
It almost made me feel I had never truly known him. He was more than just brute force and his brutality. Hugo was also smart if he wanted to use his head.
"Did you plan all of it?" I asked, out of plain curiosity after his explanation about Azazel's connection to this matter. "Or was it the fourth prince from the Hendrik Empire?"
Deep down, I hoped it wasn't Hugo's entire plan. I truly wished it were all Azazel's plans. Why? Because… it scared me. Hugo was speaking as if he was having fun in all these mind games. It wouldn't be bad if it was just as simple as cracking riddles. But lives were being taken in a flash.
This was no game.
He was not that wolf; Daniel should be coming up with these things. Not Hugo.
Hugo arched a brow as he tilted his head to the side. "Does it matter, Bambi? Your expression tells me to lie. Should I?" he inquired, with misplaced innocence in his eyes.
"It's your choice."
"Then… yes. It's all my plan." He rocked his head. There wasn't the usual arrogance in his tone. If anything, there was just indifference. "Is there something wrong with it?"
I remained silent, letting the morning breeze blow past us, along with the pungent scent of death from afar. I wasn't imagining it. Even when we reconciled, he had changed. But so did I.
Hugo had been active in wars for the past three years. Wars had been his playground. Last night… was just another night where he stood victorious. While I… stood on the side. Like always, the lamb simply let things unfold while the wolf enjoyed his game time.
But he wasn't that wolf. And yet, this uncanny feeling and seeing such similarities made my heart restless.
'We are falling deeper and deeper into the wasteland of darkness…' I thought while staring at him in silence. 'Just what is the price we will have to pay this time?'
"Did you have fun last night?" I asked in a low tone.
"Well, obviously. We reconciled and made love all night. Why wouldn't I enjoy it?"
"I mean, what happened in Clayburn? Were you happy about it?"
Hugo hummed as he pondered about it. "Should I be happy? I'm relieved since it will not be a problem for us in the future anymore." He blinked twice while keeping his nonchalant demeanor.
"Are you, perhaps, judging me right now?" he inquired this time, noticing my series of questions.
"No." I shook my head. "It's just that… I'm not used to it."
"That is because you left."
"Hugh."
"Ah, my bad." He raised both his hands as a gesture of surrender. "Let's not talk about that since we're already back together. Come here, let me hug you."
Hugo spread his arms to welcome me into his embrace. I sighed and dragged my feet towards him, wrapping my arms around his waist. The corner of his lips stretched from ear to ear, gazing down at me.
"This… makes me happy and joyful," he said, bending down to plant a kiss on my forehead. "I'm glad that you're with me again, Rinnie."
I pouted as I looked up at him when he drew his head back. "You sound scary."
"Because I am." He smiled brightly. "You have no idea what I will do to you if you try to leave again."
How could he threaten me with a bright smile? Despite the light tone he used, I felt a sudden sense of dread creep up my spine.
I gulped. "Will you kill me?"
"No, of course not!" He chuckled while brushing his nose against mine. "I'll simply cripple you, that's all."
I froze at his confession, gazing at him with wide eyes. Hugo laughed as soon as he saw my frightened countenance. Not that I couldn't fight him, but I knew what I heard, and he meant it.
His smile remained, chuckling, closed-lipped. "Don't look at me like that. You only need to be scared if you're lying last night and still plan to leave me." He pressed his thumb on my chin and lifted it up.
"Hmm? Do you still want to leave me, Rinrin?" he asked innocently, but something within me told me if I told him 'yes' as a joke, he would snap.
Just… how deep he had fallen by going against his fate? No, no. That wasn't the question. The real question was, how much did my actions and the wars change Hugo?
I sported a smile, standing on my toes, and kissed him on the lips. "Why would I?" he smiled against my lips.
"Good girl," he whispered into my mouth, tightening his grip around me. "Let's head in.. I'll introduce you to Azazel later but before that… you have to reek with my semen."