Chapter 253 - The Emperor's Heart
Chapter 253 – The Emperor’s Heart
"My prey won't notice if the predator didn't."
Deimos closed his eyes as he took a deep breath, recalling that time Hugo made a bold request to lead everything. That was the time they returned from Althea. He wouldn't deny it shocked him, but knowing Hugo, his son wouldn't make such a request if he didn't deem it necessary.
That was also the reason he used every excuse he could give to explain why Daniel wouldn't take over, even when the crown prince's health had recovered. Daniel didn't raise a question, even though Deimos was aware his eldest was simply waiting for the emperor to explain his plans.
The emperor didn't know everything.
He simply gave the authority to Hugo and watched from the sidelines, observing everything unfold before his eyes. Amidst this, his heart shattered for Alice, but they couldn't help but get swept by the current. No one, even the emperor, couldn't stop the silent escalation of the situation.
Alice's death, Rinnie's departure, and now…
"Bernard," came out a low snarl as he opened his eyes, sat in the dark throne hall. "What is currently happening in the imperial palace?" Deimos gazed at the floor to length window, staring at the faint moonlight filtering through it.
"I sent the royal warriors to see the situation. Apparently, His Highness, the seventh prince, attacked the fourth prince of the Hendrik Empire and also the guest of our land." Bernard, the emperor's advisor, reported from the left side of the throne, keeping a good distance. "The crown prince and the black mane already rushed to see the situation…"
Deimos arched a brow as he glanced at Bernard. "Speak. What is it you're hesitant to report?"
"That…" Bernard lowered his head, sneaking a glance at the emperor while he mustered his courage to continue his report. "Princess Sally… is injured."
Bernard flinched as soon as those words flew out of his mouth because of the sudden, intimidating aura emanating from the emperor. His knees wobbled until he was on his knees, head hanging low.
Deimos was angry, but he was containing it. If containing it could already make another wolf go down on their knees, what more if he unleashed it?
"Bernard." Bernard flinched when the voice of the emperor prickled his ears once. He couldn't even raise his head as his body kept shrinking at the emperor's increasing aura.
"When my beloved wife, my people's empress, and my children's mother died, I had vowed to protect my family. It doesn't matter if people deem me as a coward. I would kneel if I must just to keep them safe. My Anastasia… taught me that forgiving was better than revenge. She made me promise to forgive whoever was responsible for her death." His eyes glinted as bitterness and anger collided in it. "If not for her, I had marched to the Hendrik Empire long ago."
"She is very kind. Even after her death, she visited me in my dreams for the last time. She nagged me like how she would use to, telling me to understand those people who took her life. Anastasia… my wife… even in her last moments with me, still thinks of others and believed that her murderers simply had no choice but to resort to the extreme," he continued bitterly, unable to stop himself from revisiting his last moments of his selfish wife. "She didn't give me a chance to express the anger, the deep hatred, and the agony."
Deimos swallowed a mouthful of saliva before gripping the armrest and pushing himself up ever so slowly. "And yet, I upheld my promise to her even when I didn't understand their reasons until now. I didn't seek vengeance and kept our children and our people safe, just as I promised. The wolves… had lived our lives with good conscience. We're not saints and our hands were sullied, but we, at least, tried to be good people and I don't regret it." He paused as he removed the pins of his cape before unbuttoning his sequin uniform.
"However… I will not let them take another piece of me anymore." His eyes gradually turned bloodshot red, furs from his jaw grew. "They took the life of my wife, manipulated my daughter to completely turn her backs on us, and yet… they still want more."
"Your Majesty…"
"Bernard." Deimos glanced at the man on his knees solemnly. "Listen to everything I say and I want you to deliver them just the way I said them."
Bernard's eyes slowly dilated as he used every little strength to raise his head and meet the emperor's gaze. His eyes shook as his heart raced, having this bad feeling creeping into his heart.
"The vampires had attacked us many times in the past and we let it slide just as many times. We tried to understand their kind, for they were creatures who survived by drinking and taking another life. But this is where I draw the lines." The emperor carefully peeled his eyes from his aide and gazed up at the high ceiling. "This is not vengeance anymore, Anastasia. I had listened to you for many years, but it is my time to make my own judgment…"
"… that is to protect them in my own way," came out a whisper as the side of his lips curled up subtly. "Bernard, whatever happens, support Daniel in my stead. He will protect his siblings and our people with his life. I raised him, so he shared the same belief as what I and his mother had."
"Your Majesty, what are you…"
"I cannot let my son, Hugo, walk down the path of destruction just because he wants to use himself as our shield. He has a better future to protect. Therefore, I mustn't let him cut it short." Deimos smiled in relief as he cast Bernard another look. "You were a good friend, Bernard, and my reliable ally. Tell my children that each and every one of them was special, taking a piece of my heart, and together, they complete me."
Bernard nearly choked as his heart sank. The emperor's words sounded like his last will; it was as if Deimos already knew there would be no next time.
"It turns out that my son was correct all this time and it's good that he entrapped him in our territory. However, the child of evil will always be the child of evil." Deimos took a deep breath as his upper body slowly morphed into a half-wolf.
"He doesn't leave empty-handed. So… I will drag him down with me.."
HOWL….