Shelbrooke removed his hat and wiped his face that has been wet with sweat. Not from the scorching sun but the heat of rage welling inside of him. He should have known coming to see the Alpha would be a waste of time and energy. He should have changed strategies and formats instead of stopping so low to come and plead with him.
Wearing back his hat, he removed a stick of cigarette and ignited the fire to light it. He looked back at the building he had just emerged from and shook his head.
What the hell has he done? He thought.
Puffing out his fury along with the heavy smoke that came out of his nostrils, he thought about what to do. Yes, he has plenty of his men around Vampire city now but what's the assurance that the Wolf army won't help in overpowering the Werecats. He groaned at the thought.
"It would do you better if you found someone reasonable to talk to." A voice boomed behind him and he saw a young boy probably in his mid-twenties with green eyes and golden hair. With his royal suit and boots, there was no doubt he is the Crown prince of the pack.
Removing the stick of cigarette from between his lips, he walked up to him.
"And may I know who it is you're talking about?"
"You and I know talking here is going to lead us both into trouble. Why not save me that trouble and arrange a meeting?"
He walked up to Shelbrooke and placed a folded sheet of paper in his palms.
"Time and location stated there. Don't miss out." He stepped back into the palace with Shelbrooke looking at him stunned. For a while, he stared into space before proceeding to go back to his place.
"Well, all is not lost."
Arthur rose to stretch his hand for a shake although he was trembling within.
"What brings you here, your Highness?" He referred to Zeidan but attracted Luana's clearing of the throat which showed she disagreed with the title.
"I don't understand, miss Luana, but I do believe you know the rules of the Kingdom."
"Scratch the rules, I am your Queen."
She replied, a hint of anger crossing her eyes.
"Calm down, Luana, and follow the rules." Zeidan chipped in, his face holding words that seem to hold her in her place.
"Oh, right. The rules." She mocked and sat down ignoring Arthur's hand that was stretched for her to shake.
"We are here to talk about the security state of our city. I'd like to know where we stand and how protected are we?" Zeidan started, his gaze fixed on the man before him.
"I've been checking on the formats and number of soldiers that we have but it seems to me like we stand a chance now that the wolves have joined forces with us. You can check out what we planned." He handed over one of the papers that were spread on the table to him.
"Whether we have the wolves or not, you're supposed to have a backup plan, Chief." Luana chipped in.
"It's not as easy as you make it sound, miss Luana..."
"For the love of Zeus, can you stop calling me miss? It's cringey!"
Zeidan turned to look at her and he wondered why she seemed temperamental and more in control. Yes, he said he needed a tough queen but not one with a loud yelling voice and short temper. His eyes slid to her injured side and he concluded that she was only reacting due to the trauma she got from fighting a ruthless opponent. He stretched his hands and rubbed her arm as if to soothe her.
"It's fine, Luana. Calm down."
He then turned to Arthur who only watched the both of them, confused.
"Still, there is the need to draft another plan from here." Zeidan pointed to a part of a rough sketch of the city gate.
"We were just wondering—" Arthur glanced at Luana from the corner of his eyes and seemed to choose his words with care. "—we wanted to plan a setup for them and—"
"What an incompetent fool." Luana laughed sarcastically. "My love, this is preposterous having this man sit behind a desk with an empty skull."
The other man's brow arched in surprise. "You have no right to talk to me in that manner."
"Oh, he's even talking back now. Let's start with your vague explanation about whatever plan you've got here, up to your rude manners and all."
"My plans are not vague. By the way, I wonder why his highness brought you together with him."
"That is none of your business. All we ask for is a definite construction of a logical plan on how to fight this war."
"And I was about telling you—"
"Scrap that lame plan. We need something more promising." Luana flung her hair backward.
"You're not in the right position to..."
A hand slapped the table and they were both startled as Zeidan dropped the paper and pulled Luana out of the office.
When they were in the hallway, away from the office they had just exited, he dropped her arm and made her face him.
"What the hell was that stunt you just pulled?"
He inquired, his face portraying the seriousness of one who has something at risk. He had always heard of her manipulative personality but he didn't think she could be this controlling.
"What stunt? Zeidan, we have no time. If you keep treating these people with levity, we will be met with something more shocking than you can ever think of."
"You still had no right to insult the chief of Army. He's trying his best."
"Oh, right!" She nodded her head as if realizing something. "I shouldn't have talked to him in that manner because I'm not worth it. A queen is meant to keep mute for a mere officer."
"That isn't what I'm saying."
"Then prove it!" She yelled, forgetting where they were.
"What do you mean? You're not made a Queen yet."
"You know what to do. Don't fight it." She patted his shoulder and left him there standing. He was now at a crossroads and unsure as to what she meant. He has always had in mind to make her the queen but they have plenty of other important issues that require attention. With what he knows, any slight mistake will result in massive destruction.
Running his palms over his face, he let out an exasperated sigh. Before feeling a hand on his shoulder.
"Before I forget. Even if I'm not treated as a Queen, I'll always go about my duty as one." Luana dug her hand into her pocket and brought out a bottle of pills. He frowned and wondered if they were hers.
"Found this in the Onyx room. Do you know of anybody who could be using this?"
He shook his head.
"Not that I know of. But I'll make sure I find out." Jaws clenched, he took the bottle from her hand and squeezed it while holding it to his face.
"Wow. Whoever it is, I hope they know what their last prayers are."