Chapter 96 - Bait Is A Big Word
Chapter 96 – Bait Is A Big Word
"A power struggle in Hendrik Empire?"
Deimos, the emperor, gazed at Hugo across from him solemnly. Currently, Hugo was having a private audience with the emperor, with Daniel standing beside his throne. He had heard about the secret meeting Hugo had with the fourth prince of the said empire. Hence, along with his heir, Daniel, he wanted to hear the news Hugo brought back with him.
"What is your lover got to do with the power struggle in Hendrik?" he inquired, resting his elbow on the golden armrest of the throne. "Why are they so persistent in taking a runaway princess of that small Everfell?"
"Apparently, we were ambushed by the crown prince's men. So our meeting was cut short."
"Are you certain they were men under the order of the crown prince of Hendrik?"
"My intuition told me they were, but I cannot assure you they were not the fourth prince's people." Hugo kept his stoic countenance, staring at his father dead in the eye. "Either way, from my brief conversation with the fourth prince, I concluded that the crown prince of the Hendrik Empire thinks Rinnie knew about a certain family heirloom since she was the beloved daughter of the king and queen."
"If that heirloom is that important, why would they slaughter the members of the royal family instead of interrogating them until they confess?" asked Deimos with a frown.
Hugo shrugged. "We never knew if they all died on the spot. Who would talk about something important to their enemies before their death? I would rather let them exert all their energy to find it than give them a hint. Not to mention, they could also hold on to that information to keep a longer life, but those vampires don't have that long patience."
"Your Majesty, the Grand Duke had a point. We are uncertain if the members of the royal family all died on the spot since we weren't there when it happened. Moreover, we cannot trust the word that came from the mouths of those from Hendrik." Daniel nodded, agreeing with Hugo as he knew his little brother wasn't the type to lie about something like this.
Deimos glanced at the crown prince, who stood humbly on his side, before shifting his attention to Hugo standing before him. "Did you ask my future daughter-in-law regarding this family heirloom?"
"She doesn't know, apparently."
"Hmm." Deimos huffed, rocking his head lightly while caressing his white beard. "Were those Hendriks a bunch of fools? Even if we tell them my daughter-in-law knows nothing, I bet they will not believe a single word of ours. It had always been that way between vampires and werewolves. Daniel, what will you do if you are in my position?"
Hugo glanced at Daniel as the latter pondered for a moment. "If they believed my brother's chosen mate holds important information, I don't think we should be kind enough to give them what they wanted, since they won't even believe us. They can send as many vampires in Ronmin Empire. My men will let none of them leave."
Deimos nodded before raising a brow and spoke. "How about you, boy? Do you agree with the crown prince?"
"As the Grand Duke of Belcoot, I agree with the crown prince. There is no need for the Great Ronmin Empire to give way to those from Hendrik Empire. But Your Majesty, this humble servant had a request." Deimos raised a brow as it was rare for Hugo to talk to him more formally unless it was important.
"Speak."
"I would like to return to Belcoot to settle some matters in the north and…" Hugo trailed off as he glanced at Daniel. "… I would like to deal with the people from Hendrik myself. If they knew we were in Belcoot, I'm certain they would stop coming to the capital and head to Belcoot instead."
"Are you saying you want to use her as bait?" Deimos frowned as there was no other reason for Hugo to do that.
"Bait is a big word, Your Majesty. But I just thought it would be better to split the people. By this, we can also see if the Hendrik Empire was simply using my luna as a way to mess with us, or if their real aim was really Rinnie," Hugo explained solemnly, choosing his words carefully to not give the slightest hint of his real intention. "We cannot disregard that the Hendrik Empire had been vying for our Ronmin Empire. With a runaway princess from the kingdom they seized, this can also be called an opportunity since their rival empire took her in."
"Make sense." Deimos nodded and glanced at Daniel, who was also nodding in understanding. The Hendrik Empire could also be just using Rinnie as a reason to start a problem with the Ronmin Empire.
"Then I will grant your request to return to Belcoot for the meantime. However, you must return here a week before the mating season to help the crown prince ensure that no problem will occur the entire season."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Hugo placed his first across from his chest, tilting his head down to show his appreciation.
"You are dismissed." Deimos waved and watched Hugo obey his orders, walking away towards the door. He watched his son in silence and only spoke when the door closed behind Hugo.
"Those bats from the Hendrik…" his eyes glinted as a low growl slipped past his lips. "It seems the crown prince of that place is similar to you, son."
"Father, that is quite an insult to put me beside a vampire."
Deimos glanced at Daniel's smile and sighed. "It seems that crown prince couldn't also stand the thought of the werewolves' existence; just like how my eldest couldn't stand their existence." He peeled his eyes away from Daniel to the door where Hugo exited.
"But if someone like that will rule the Hendrik Empire, you are the perfect person to take and carry the burden of the crown." He paused to take a deep breath. "Daniel, the only thing that I ask from you is to always choose what is best for our people. If a war can be avoided, do it at all costs. But if our enemy is persistent, make sure their demise."
Daniel's squinted eyes opened a bit to reveal the glint in his eyes. "Yes, Father."
"Let your little brother deal with those vampires who will step foot in Belcoot. I'm sure that rascal will make sure they regret ever stepping foot in that land. Meanwhile, raise the security in the capital. If you sighted a single vampire in here, kill them on the spot and hang their heads on the gates to warn those who were planning to intrude in our land."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Daniel smirked, pleased to receive the orders given to him.