Chapter 223 - The Feeling That Is Familiar
Chapter 223 – The Feeling That Is Familiar
"There's a traitor."
I turned my head to my right as I informed Hugo about the information I received from Azazel. After my brief conversation with Azazel, I went to one of the guarding towers in the palace to breathe some fresh air from the roof. I didn't know how long I had been here before Hugo found me and joined me on the roof.
Hugo cocked his head back with an indifferent air around him. "Azazel told you?"
"Did he tell you? Or did you already know?" I asked, not a bit surprised by his calm reaction.
"He didn't." He shook his head and shrugged, peeling his eyes away from me to the horizon. "It's obvious. Niall made sure I get the hint."
"What are your thoughts about it?"
This time, he remained silent as he pressed his lips into a thin line. I only stared at his rear, waiting for his answer patiently.
"Death," he answered after a moment of silence. "If the traitor is one of my siblings or my people, I will kill him or her."
"You speak as if that is so easy for you."
"It's not, but he betrayed us… if not that person, I will lose the rest of my siblings. Father is the reason there is peace in this land, but if he and Daniel die… I don't think there is someone in this place who can stop me from doing what the hell I can do." Hugo cast me a quick look. His eyes revealed clarity and decisiveness. "Maybe you can, but I don't think you will. You and I… think the same, don't we?"
"We do." — I wouldn't tell him about the mole if I was having second thoughts. "Niall is someone who will not hesitate to use the people dear in his enemies' heart. Just like what he had done to Azazel, he would do it to the Tempest clan. Right now, although Niall isn't doing anything just yet, his plans were moving slowly but surely."
Hugo rocked his head as he bent his knee, resting his arm over it. "Mhm. He's that kind of person. I'm worried His Majesty and the crown prince will fall for this trap."
"Are you alright with it, though?" I asked, watching him give me a puzzled look.
"Killing one of your siblings. Will you be alright?"
The side of his lips curled up as he chuckled dryly. "Will I be alright? I should be alright, Bambi. Father will never kill his children. Daniel is capable, but I'm certain he will hesitate. I'm saying the second the two of them hesitate, they will die, Bambi." His eyes darkened, expression solemn.
"I had always known something like this would certainly happen. We have a huge family, Bambi. We were happy and content children raised by the warmest person in this world. Although Father was stubborn and strong, his heart was just as soft as Tito's," he continued and his smirk grew bitter. "Until now, I can't understand why anyone would betray him. I get it if someone betrays me, but not Daniel or Father. They were far too good for that."
"Hugo, sometimes, our best and all is never enough for someone." I let out a faint breath, looking at the horizon with soft eyes. "So, do you know who it is?"
"Not yet… how about you? Do you know who it is?"
There was a long silence between us until Hugo set his eyes on my side. I ignored him and stared at the mesmerizing sunset.
"No, I don't." Slowly, I turned my head in his direction and held his sharp gaze. "But I can find out who it was. Shall I do that and save you the trouble?"
"No, it's fine." Hugo shook his head and waved weakly. "I warned Father and Daniel about it and they know I will definitely soil my hands once again. They will find out who it was before I do. I gave them an ultimatum before I move."
"I see…" I nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. If they found that person before you, they can simply lock her or him up."
"Mhm."
Silence descended upon us once again, watching the sun dip deeper into the horizon while the sky slowly dimmed. It was amazing how time flew so quickly.
"By the way, how is Edge?" I asked, breaking the prolonged silence between us. "I heard he was being disciplined and Ida had been visiting him frequently. Bowie told me."
Hugo tilted his head back, eyes on me. "Jealous?"
"Worried, Hugh. Edge had been one of my people when I left Belcoot," I corrected, noticing Hugo's attitude whenever Edge's name would turn up. "I should be the one asking you, what is there to be jealous about Edge? He is your loyal knight. Had been, and would always will."
"He likes you. Fantasizing his Alpha's Luna is something I do not appreciate." Hugo shrugged as he spoke bluntly, like usual. "It's a silly thing that the person Ida had been talking about all day is Edge. Knowing her, she wouldn't leave him alone until she tied him to marriage."
"She's scary."
"Well, I don't really care much about her. Actually, she can die and live for all I care as long as they leave us alone."
"You're scarier, Hugh."
This time, he cast me a bored look. "Between us, aren't you even scarier? Don't forget, I never won against all our duels."
"That is because you never tried to win, Hugh." I shrugged, blinking my eyes innocently. "You were simply studying how I move. Even I am scared for the reason."
Hugo titled his head to the side, blinking twice. "If you know that, why are you letting me study you?"
"Because…" I pressed my lips and smiled, shrugging as I relished the fresh air blowing past my face. "… it's fun. Not knowing what's inside your head; will he kill me? What would he do? Do you still trust me? Things like that make me anticipate what you will do, Hugh."
"You can always ask me if you want some answers."
I shook my head and smiled, casting him a look. "I like it when I don't have an answer to everything. Hugo, being the lamb, is also knowing the knowledge of the world. It's not normal, but with conflicting emotions and bafflement, I felt I was just as normal as everybody else."
"I see…" He chuckled. "Then I think I will have to keep you wondering."
Hugo and I stayed on the roof of the guarding tower until night fell. We just stayed like that, enjoying the night breeze and having each other's company. It may not be like the usual interaction between us, but I felt content.. A familiar feeling I would never forget.