A thief in the manor
1890 Words
*DAMON*
"Good afternoon Alpha Damon!"
"Greetings Alpha Damon!"
"Welcome to Ivydale Market Alpha Damon!"
The people of Ivydale constantly greeted me as Indila and I strolled in the blooming and busy market.
Ivydale happened to be the largest village in Savanna, Indila and I took strolls occasionally. I check on my people and make sure they are okay.
But most importantly, this walk was to clear my head and help me think straight. Annoying incidents have been happening since the arrival of the little wolf, maybe spending time with Indila would drive her image out of my head.
"Alpha Damon." Indila gently tapped her fingers on my shoulder.
"Hmmm," I replied, giving her the attention she needed.
"The theme decoration, Alpha Damon, we need it, to prepare the wedding hall," Indila said. I glanced at the colorful flowers that we approached and an idea clicked in my head, I replied.
"Her favorite color, that should be the theme decoration." Indila looked surprised by my suggestion. It was expected, I have never cared about anyone's convenience up to date. My reply to her questions most of the time was 'Do what you can'.
"Oh! I wasn't expecting that." Indila smiled satisfactorily. I frowned, passing a questioning look at her.
"Why?"
"Hmm… Why?"
"Don't get funny thoughts in your head indila, I am doing this only for my convenience, I wouldn't want something else happening," I emphasize in the last part. Indila nodded, grabbing the message I was trying to pass.
"Yes of course Alpha Damon, I understand."
We strolled further into the market and came across a jewelry shop. Indila stopped and pointed to the jewelry on display."Alpha Damon, Shall I purchase a fine jewel for Luna Rosa?" She asked her eyes gleaming at a particular jewelry, A blue diamond necklace.
"Fine! But don't take too long I am heading back." I replied and left her to do as she pleased. I returned to the carriage and waited upon her arrival.
Minutes in Indila returned with a pouch, she sat across me and banged on the iron sheath indicating we were ready to leave.
"Alpha Damon, should I call Parth to prepare the wedding rings?" Indila asked.
"Yes. But I will have a piece he would be working on. Alpha Isrion sent a gift for the treaty we signed. Nikolai urged me to make the rings out of them."
"Oh, I had forgotten about the treaty with the Blood Moon pack. I will come by to take the piece."
The ride home was silent as the carriage smoothly moved across the ground. " Alpha Damon…" Indila broke the peaceful silence and I almost let out an annoyed groan.
"Yes?"
"I am sorry for disturbing your peace. I was only being concerned for you…"
"About what?" I cut her off, sparing her a knowing glance.
"Luna Rosaline's fertility…We haven't confirmed if she can bear your heir. I am just trying to avoid any more bloodshed."
"You are concerned about me? Or Rosaline." I sighed and glanced out the window. " After the wedding."
The ride ended in absolute silence, we arrived at the manor, and I ascended the stairs but halted my steps when Indila called.
"What is it?" I replied frowning.
"The piece you spoke about Alpha Damon, when shall I receive it?"
"I will send it down in a bit." With that said I retreated, heading to my room. I arrived at the door and found it locked.
How is that even possible? I pulled and twisted the knob, but there was nothing.
I hope it's not what I am thinking, my brows creased as I recalled giving special orders for Indila to lock up my study. She must have forgotten and chose to lock up my room instead. My anger dissipated as I remembered her weak smiles, she's getting old it's why I won't say a word. She has refused to leave her job even after lots of persuasion.
Mother would be at peace knowing her closest friend stood by her son in all of his difficult moments and is still here even in his glory.
I left my locked room and found my way to the study. I opened the door and the pungent smell of Eviona blossom hit my nostrils. Its scent was quite strong. I almost backed out, but I had to deliver the Jewelry before Indila would come after me.
The full essence of the fragrance put me on alert, this particular fragrance was mostly used by professional thieves when cleaning their traces. I observed the room and found everything in place.
My desk was messy just as I left it, people would think going through my desk would be easy if it was messy, but that was my trick to catch a spy or poke noser.
I lifted the pile of yellow papers amongst the white and the jewel box was nowhere in sight. I didn't look further, my memory as sharp as a blade wouldn't let me go scavenging around my study.
I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me I had been robbed, the fragrance and the missing box can never be a coincidence.
The door opened and Indila stood by the doorpost." Alpha Damon, oh I am glad to find you here, the door to your room was locked, am I by any chance responsible…"
"Oh by the Moon Goddess, why is there so much fragrance?" It finally hit her and her face crumpled.
"There's a thief in the Manor."
Indila's eyes bulged and a loud gasp escaped from her. Shocked by my revelation, she fully walked in and scanned the area.
"How? There's never been a thief in the manor before, not even the pack itself, the people are living fine. I don't see why anyone would steal, especially from you."
She was right, no one would ever dare steal from me. The last thief went to his grave without a head.
"Who do you suspect, Alpha Damon and what are your plans?" I remained silent, slowly losing my temper as the stupid sweet smell of Eviona filled my nose.
"Summon everyone to the courtroom. NOW!" Indila trembled and nodded scurrying off.
I arrived at the courtroom and waited for it to fill. Within minutes everyone arrived, including Rosaline and Amelia. For some unknown reason, they both had smiles as if they weren't bothered by the sudden announcement but I care less.
"THERE'S A THIEF IN THE MANOR!" I announced and a round of collective gasp echoed.
"A thief!" Amelia gasped even louder. "That's a first, who would dare steal from you Alpha Damon, that person must have some guts and craziness," Amelia remarked. Her words were filled with the truth but it wasn't helping.
"Who Stole the Jewel box?" I asked, rising from my seat. "I want straight answers for a lesser punishment, or you know what will happen if this should escalate."
"We have no clue, Alpha Damon, we would never try to steal from you."
"Yes! None of us are that foolish to test your patience. It must be an outsider."
"Yes, Alpha Damon."
"We are innocent."
The worried crowd chanted, giving their opinions and trying to prove their innocence. Situations like this often triggered wrong judgments so I had to be careful with my choice of action.
As a wise leader, I refused to search, it was a popularly known method of finding a thief, sadly people get framed for such incidents. I could boldly vouch for the uncertainty behind it because its wrong pattern had ruined my life.
Crossing my hands behind my back, I approached the gathering and peeked at everyone's faces. Fear was evident in their eyes but mixed with calmness. Except for a young blonde lady, who bowed her head, facing the floor and refusing to look up.
From her body language, I could see how nervous and scared she looked. "You!" I gestured at the blondie and curious eyes landed on her slender frame.
"Come out." With a little hesitation, she lifted her wobbly legs stepped out, and bowed, purposely avoiding eye contact with me.
"Look at me." She froze, turning pale as she slowly looked at me.
"Tell me what you know."
"Alpha Damon…. Perhaps you should be referring that question to our dear Luna Rosaline. I heard she scampered a lot this morning, she's also an outsider. I propose that the guards check her things." Amelia's voice boomed from the crowd interrupting my interrogation. I gritted my teeth,side-eying her.
"And why would they do that? Are you indirectly calling me a thief, Mistress Amelia?" Rosaline fired back causing me to glare at her.
"Trust me, Alpha Damon, I would never lie to you, ask the maids they can testify to my words." I stared at the maids waiting for someone to confirm Amelia's words. If it were true and Rosaline was the thief, I would not be surprised, she hails from a family of thieves in the first place.
"Yes, I saw Luna Rosaline heading out of her room this morning, she asked after ma'am Indila and I informed her you had left with her." A maid answered and my eyes found the disbelieving ones of Rosaline.
"Yes I went to a place or two but I didn't steal anything, I am not the thief…" I held my hand high, shutting her up. Thoughts were circulating in my head, if Rosaline had been in my study, I am sure she would have gone after information that could help her get out of there, but still, I couldn't take a chance on guessing.
"Search Luna Rosaline's room immediately and bring back all the jewelry you can find," I ordered and three guards raced out.
I secretly observed the maid who was shivering in fear, I am guessing there's more to the picture Amelia painted.
The guards returned with a large jewelry box. I opened it and searched for the jewelry box. It was the same as any luxurious box but this contained a red diamond ring, a unique piece that can only be found in the Blood Moon pack.
"It's not here. Take them back." The guards scurried off and I turned to Amelia who had a shocked look on her face.
"How's that possible Alpha Damon, Luna Rosaline can be capable of something like this. I bet she must have hidden it in a safe space, I don't trust this lady one bit and I advise you to do the same Alpha Damon… Don't forget she's an outsider."
"AMELIA!!!" I growled, raising my voice to the top. That wasn't me, my wolf had me yelling all because Amelia accused his mate.
"Not another word from you." Annoyed I grabbed the maid by her wrist and used my authority on her, forcing her to speak the truth.
"Tell me the TRUTH!" The lady stiffened getting pulled in by immense power that she could never beat.
"It was Mistress Amelia, she took the jewelry box and told me to place it in Luna Rosaline's room, framing her for thievery…"
"Enough!" The maid palmed her mouth, tears had already broken free from her eyes, wetting her face.
"She's lying Alpha Damon, they…they are trying to frame me. I am the victim."
"Search her room and bring back every jewelry box you find…"
- Writer
