Chapter 210 - The Warmth That Enveloped The Frozen Heart Of The Undead
Chapter 210 – The Warmth That Enveloped The Frozen Heart Of The Undead
The journey back to Ronmin Empire was filled with silence. We didn't lose or win, but neither was the goal in the first place. Although we were bringing some bad and good news that the sovereign of the Ronmin Empire might find… annoying.
"You… are the fourth prince of the Hendrik Empire, huh?" Deimos, my father-in-law, and also the emperor of the Ronmin Empire, frowned. Sitting on his throne, eyes glossing over us, who was standing before him in the throne hall.
With me were my in-laws, my husband, and Azazel. Yes. Azazel had no choice but to come with us, not because he wanted to.
Actually, the vampire wanted to go on separate ways and just keep in touch with Hugo. But the latter dragged him with us. So here we were now. In front of the sovereign and requesting permission for Azazel to stay in the empire.
Deimos tapped his fingers against the armrest of his throne. The faint sound of it in this stifling silence added anxiety to my heart. All vampires that infiltrated the empire were beheaded or got flayed to be sent back to Hendrik Empire.
What would he do to Azazel?
"You children… do you truly think our Ronmin is a shelter for stray children?" his voice thundered, pounding the bottom of his fist against the armrest. "How dare you bring a vampire here, and a son of that hateful bat at that, hah?!"
I glanced at Azazel and his expression was cold, unsurprised, as he expected that much. His jaw tightened, eyes were down, ready to get thrown out of the empire. I peeled my eyes away from him with furrowed brows when Hugo spoke.
"Isn't Ronmin a shelter?" asked Hugo with genuine wonder in his voice. "I thought it is."
SLAM!
Deimos frowned as he slammed the armrest. "Is Ronmin a shelter…? Hugo Tempest…" he let out a low snarl, expression growing dark.
"… it is. Haha!"
Huh?
I tilted my head, glancing at Azazel, who raised his head in surprise. His eyes dilated as the emperor burst out in laughter, clapping his hand. Aside from him and me, everyone was not surprised at the sudden change of mood in this throne hall. I scanned my in-laws, and they were either chuckling or smiling.
"What is your name, boy?" asked Deimos after clearing his throat, recovering from laughing.
"Azazel, Your Majesty."
"Azazel, I see." The emperor stroked his blanched beard while rocking his head. "You don't seem like you're as hateful as your father. I've seen the man and I hate him instantly. I pity you to have a father just like him."
Azazel held his breath briefly, staring at the emperor with blank eyes. Who wouldn't be surprised? One second, my father-in-law was pulling an aura at him as if he would behead him. The next second, he was laughing and clapping.
I wanted to tell Azazel I was the same as him when I first came to this place. I was just as confused and lost, but he would get used to it soon. A subtle smile resurfaced on my face as a shallow breath slipped past my lips.
'I guess we don't need to worry about Azazel for now,' I thought, glancing at Hugo and seeing him wink at me.
"Werewolves used to have no place in this world before the establishment of our Ronmin Empire. That is why we understand what it feels like to have no place to call home," Deimos continued as he fixed his eyes on the banished vampire prince. "We welcome humans or vampires… or lambs with open arms, for we were once in that situation. However, even if that is the case, I would like you to know that I do not tolerate betrayals."
The emperor paused as his eyes grew solemn. "I trust my children. For them to bring you to me and request for you to stay within the empire means they trusted you. However, if you hurt them, I, Deimos Tempest, will come for your head. I assure you, Azazel, you'd prefer me being your ally than your foe. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." Azazel hung his head low, hiding the emotions resurfacing in his eyes.
"Father, what do you mean if he hurts us?" Hugo chimed in arrogantly, resting his palm on his hips. "Even before he can think of hurting us, we would've killed him already."
"That's right. Father still thinks we're children." Silas commented in dismay, sounding ungrateful for their father's affection. "That's not what you call trust."
"Oh, my god… this is why Garrett, my husband, and my love, think I'm a damsel in distress." Cora shook her head and sighed. "He's spending too much time with Father."
"Come on, you guys. Father simply loves us." Alice chuckled, covering her lips with the back of her hand. "Although this love… is quite insulting, too."
"Father! Don't listen to them! Hurt anyone who tries to bully me! Start with Tom!" Sally urged as she glared daggers at her older brother, who kept bullying her… or Tomas, whom she kept bullying ever since he mentioned her height.
"Hey! What did I do now? I'm so far away from you!" Tomas gasped as he was standing near Hugo while Sally was at the last.
One after another, they voiced out their dismay and bantered like usual. My poor father-in-law simply wanted to protect his children, but it seemed his children didn't appreciate it. I couldn't blame them, though.
The Tempest siblings obviously appreciated their father's love. However, they were also aware that if Azazel, the vampire they invited in themselves, betrayed them. It was their responsibility and not for the emperor to clean their mess.
As their banter grew intense, Azazel could not help but dart his eyes at people who were speaking at the same time.
SLAM!
"Enough!" Deimos harrumphed, frowning at the hot mess unfurling in front of him. "What do you children know, huh?! How dare you…"
The emperor pounded the bottom of his fist against his shoulder. "Good riddance… my blood pressure…"
"Heh. Father, don't worry about us." The side of Hugo's lips stretched until his teeth were showing. "We dragged Azazel with us, so we're aware of the consequences of our actions."
Hugo cast Azazel a quick look while the latter raised his head once again. Azazel kept quiet, glancing at the other Tempest siblings, only to see them smiling and smirking. It was just for a split second, but I caught how Azazel's eyes softened.
"Whatever." Deimos waved, and he clicked his tongue at Hugo. "Prince Azazel, living with werewolves, might be new to you. Fret not. You will be granted the same rights just like everyone else. I'm saying you might not live as lavish as back in Hendrik Empire, but you will have food to fill your stomach and shelter to protect you. You had a long journey. I'll summon you once you settled in."
The emperor paused, the side of his lips stretched. "For now, join the dinner banquet I prepared for my children."
I smiled as I cast Azazel a knowing look, shifting my attention to the rest of my in-laws, only to see their welcoming smile.. Be it then or now, this place… was very warm, and I knew this sort of warmth was something Azazel's cold heart would seek.