Sold to the Dark Lord

12| So Much Trouble

Alexander, the king of Morthesc. His cruel aura filled the throne room with him sitting on it. His probing gaze couldn't escape a rouge who escaped from the Pack and ran through the dense forest to reach the city center to see the king. But he caused damage in the market? Unbelievably shameless.

"What's your name again?" Asked Alex, looking down from the throne.

"Julian." He replied curtly. His hands were chained together, leaving him unable to lash out, just growling in place and swallowing his own anger whole.

Alex smiled wryly, "Well Julian, what made you leave your Pack?"

"I hated the Alpha and all the nonsense that came out of his mouth. But, you! You don't even care about us! You may be the strongest, but you're so much more cruel!" Julian spat angrily on the floor.

The soldiers immediately drew their swords, but Alex gave a sign to stay away by raising his right fist. Then, he stepped down from the throne and approached Julian, who was injured because he felt he didn't get justice.

Alex ducked down and then he knelt down, "Explain everything, so I can take the next action. Say it while continuing to look at me, so that I can confirm whether you are telling the truth or not."

Julian did so without hesitation, "Silver Paw, my pack name. Jeff was the Alpha, we were treated as slaves. He didn't care if we starved or thirsted or died. He only cares about his own death, mate and family and other statuses like Omega and Beta. They don't care about us ordinary werewolves."

Worse. From all the complaints, Alex did not detect a single lie in what Julian said.

"Let me read through your mind,"

"Am I allowed to refuse your orders?" Julian smiled wryly, "Do it if that's what you want."

Ramond looked furious at the impoliteness Julian had shown towards Alex, "You really want to die, huh?"

"Build a kingdom for us commoners, but we're not allowed to speak? What is this kingdom for?"

Ramond's eyes were glaring at him. If only Alex hadn't forbidden it, he would have made this rogue fall with just a few blows.

Alex began to stare into Julian's eyes and within seconds he read through his head. And again, he found no ill intent other than the harsh words that signaled disappointment.

"Okay, first, you can actually enter the palace with honor. You have the right to complain to me about your pack. But, why did you have to make a mess around?"

"Why not? Ah, you care so much for those directly under your rule, poor me. They live a prosperous life, but me and all those under Alpha Jeff suffer. I'm jealous and angry. So yeah, I can't help but mess up." Julian said. He sounded resigned, not caring about any punishment.

Alex stood up, "Look, I actually care about you. If only the soldiers hadn't dragged you here, you would have been wiped out by other werewolves in the market. You were alone, remember that. That's why we walk hand in hand with our kind in a pack. We are known for our good cooperation, even humans envy us for that."

Julian was already disappointed and disbelieving. He just rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"Where are you going after this?" Asked Alex, "Wandering around in the woods? Annoying anyone who passes by? Is that what you want?"

"Then what are your plans after knowing all this?" Julian asked back.

Alex turned to Ramond, "Send a summons to Alpha Jeff of the Silver paw pack. If that's what he says-"

"Wouldn't it be better if you came to our territory unannounced and see for yourself?" Julian chimed in with a suggestion.

Alex paused and considered Julian's opinion. There was also a point: if he called Alpha Jeff to the palace, then he would definitely set things up as best as he could.

It was exhausting. Alex closed his eyes and growled in frustration. The Arabelle thing wasn't done yet, now there had to be a problem with royal politics. Alex felt that the moon goddess hated him so much that he was given so much trouble.

"Ramond, let him go. Give him a place to stay outside the palace and coins to survive on until our scheduled visit to the silver paw pack's territory is officially released." Alex ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Ramond nodded obediently.

"I don't want to live in this city." Julian refused.

Alex looked at Julian once more, "I'm not asking you to get into any pack. Just a few days, when we're ready, I want you to come with me to see Alpha Jeff and prove it myself." He said. "But, if you want to roam the forest, no problem. Do as you wish."

Alex stretched the nerves in his neck that had been tense lately, "Ramond, when you're done, meet me at the training field."

After that, Alex left the throne room with the weight of his shoulders growing heavier.

***

Arabelle was pensive as she stared out the window. She recalled her time with Luke. Growing up in the same neighborhood made the two of them so close and they made a good friendship until adulthood. If anyone disturbed Arabelle, Luke would dare to put his body to protect her. Arabelle would do the same for her best friend.

"What are you doing there, Luke? Are you okay?" She asked as she fingered the windowpane, "I'm fine here, just a little headache." She smiled with a sad look.

Arabelle looked down and started to cry, "Y-you don't need to worry... Someone is taking care of me here. I was even given my own bed. I no longer sleep on the floor mattress. His Majesty also gave me a lot of nice clothes. He takes good care of me, gives me a good personal maid." She was sobbing.

She didn't realise there was someone leaning against the door frame, looking at her silently.

"I don't need to cook or clean up. I also still don't understand why His Majesty is treating me like this. What did he buy me for?" Arabelle wiped away her remaining tears. "But, I will try to be kind and helpful as much as possible. Even though they are much stronger than me physically." She muttered self-consciously.

Alex's heart sank, "I'm sorry for not telling you the truth."

Knock! Knock!

"Excuse me!" Alex interrupted.

Arabelle was startled and got off the window sill she had been sitting on. "Your Majesty..."

"Sorry to interrupt, but I need to change." Alex said, then stepped inside.

Arabelle looked nervous, "N-no it's fine, this is your room."

"Ow yeah, you're right. But still, sorry for coming in the middle- wait, don't get me wrong, I didn't hear anything, okay?"

Arabelle nodded, "O- okay... Did something happen? From the window I saw soldiers patrolling. I hope there's nothing wrong..."

"Nothing happened, are you feeling better?"

"Yes, I feel better after going back to sleep."

Alex approached Arabelle, "Your maid, isn't she here?"

"She came, just for a moment. I apologized but, I asked her to leave." Arabelle replied.

"Oh, if that's what makes you comfortable, that's fine. Calm down, once you're fully recovered, I'll take you somewhere." Alex said.

"Where?"

"Just heal first. Then I'm going to change my clothes."

Arabelle held Alex's hand, "Where are you going?"

"The training ground, I'm going to practice my sword there."

"Practice?"

Alex nodded, "Why?"

"Nothing just... Keep up." Arabelle gave a thumbs up.

Alex chuckled, "Well, thank you. And to you, get well soon."

She left Arabelle's presence and went to the door where all his clothes were kept. Everyone knew that Alex wasn't an ordinary king, he didn't need servants by his side 24/7.

Arabelle walked to bed and decided to lie down.