Chapter 52
The kingdom was covered with a dark mist as silenced filled the air. News about the witches attacking Sargon and his guards swept through the kingdom like wildfire. People had begun to question his ability to rule after all these years. No one felt safe anymore.
The poisonous rogues attacked another guard but was unsuccessful. The guards were able to capture and kill it without becoming contaminated. The guards were no longer instructed to keep them alive for questioning since Sargon knew that Sybil had to be behind the attacks. They were becoming more skillful with their attempts, but Sargon's guards were also becoming more familiar with how to handle the beasts.
"Sargon, why don't you just leave your little witch with her people. They don't want you fraternizing with their kind. What if she was to end up pregnant somehow? You would taint your bloodline. What would your father, or worse, your kingdom, say about all of this? You would start a war." Dezerae warned him.
Sargon knew she was right, but he didn't care. He was the king. He decided who he would let into his life. He leaned back into his chair and raised his glass of whisky to his lips, gulping it down.
"Slow down, Alpha Sargon. This is not like you. Your people are looking for guidance and security. You cannot provide them with that if you are drunk all the time." She continued, reaching for his glass. Sargon glared at her before she could grab it.
"I am alright. Thank you for your concern but it is not necessary. I can control myself just fine. You should know that."
"Right. Well, you can't sit here moping around because you lost your little witch. You are showing weaknesses and the witches are not the only ones you need to be leery of. Everyone is looking for an opportunity to take over your kingdom. Do not give them that chance."
"This is more than me wanting her back. Those witches killed one of my guards and would have killed more of us if Marie did not agree to leave with them. Our kingdoms are in danger, and we need to figure out a way to stop them. Sybil is very strong and must be stopped. Any other threat is easy to defeat, but witches are a stronger power to fight."
"Well, if she agreed to go with them then there is nothing further to worry about. It is her they want Sargon, not us. Besides, didn't you mention the mate bond was fading? Soon the connection may be broken and you will not have to worry about the life and death connection." She said as she walked over to Sargon's desk and sat on top of it, right next to him.
"You really need to learn to sit in chairs, Dezerae." He mumbled whilst he poured himself another drink.
"You need to learn to stop fumbling around with witches." She shot back with a smirk as Sargon growled lowly.
"Oh, control your temper Alpha. You are the king, not some common folk who has to settle for anything. You can choose from anyone in your kingdom and beyond. You are quite the catch. May of us have had our eye on you for quite some time. Now that you see it is possible for you to feel something for someone, you can test the waters. If nothing else, at least enjoy getting your kicks." She said, placing her hand on Sargon's arm.
Sargon glanced at her hand then into here eyes that glowed briefly. Dezerae hopped off of his desk and walked behind of him, snaking her arms around his neck, down to his chest and abdomen, then back up to his shoulders as she began massaging him.
"No one can do for you what I can. I am your best choice for a partner, and you know that. Look who you have called when you need help. Look who is here for you in your most difficult moments. My offer still stands when you are ready for it. I promise, you won't regret it." She said as she lowered her lips to his neck and kissed him softly.
Sargon didn't budge or stop her. He had no fight left in him at the moment and this woman was offering him what any man would wish for, but as beautiful as Dezerae was, Sargon was still in love with Marie. There was no room in his heart for Dezerae.
If he wanted her, he would have had her already. He had become so used to her advances that he was completely unfazed by them. He just didn't feel for her the way he felt about Marie. Being with Marie would be a challenge for them both, but he was willing to risk it for her. Before she came into his life, he felt empty inside. Experiencing a taste of her beauty and love left him yearning for more. He was not ready to give that up.
"Alpha Sargon, Dr. Brinks is here to speak with you." Sargon's guard announced. Sargon was in such deep thought he did not even realize his guard had entered his office. Dezerae stood up, removing her hands from Sargon.
"Of course. I have been expecting him. Let him in. Dezerae, I have a few matters to discuss. We will continue this discussion at a later time. In the interim, I will need you to rally some of your best guards."
"As you wish, Alpha. I am available for you whenever you need. I will speak to my father about preparation." Dezerae said as she bowed her head slightly and walked out of his office.
Dr. Brinks watched her gracefully walk out of the office with her hips swaying from side to side.
"That woman will stop at nothing to have you, huh?" Dr. Brinks teased.
"That is what scares me, Doctor." Sargon said with a furrowed brow.
"I know what you mean. She scares me as well." Dr. Brinks said, scratching the back of his head as they both watched her leave.
"Have you found out any useful information? Does anyone know where Marie could be?"
"Well, her location is still a mystery, but I have something that may be of help."
"What do you mean?"
"It is easier to show you than to tell you. Come with me." He instructed as Sargon stood up from his chair, took one last swig of his drink, and followed the Doctor out of his office.
They arrived at the healing room, which was being secured by two guards. Dr. Brinks motioned for them to open the doors. Inside of the room was an unconscious Beth, covered in cuts and bruises with an intravenous supply hooked up to her.
"What happened to her?" Sargon asked as he walked over to her still body.
"She was found near the lake. Alaric spotted her and got the guards. Someone tried to drown her and they made sure someone in the kingdom would find her. Her arms and legs were bound. We won't know exactly what happened until she wakes up. Perhaps she can also tell us how to find Marie. This one was close to her, not like the other one."
"How bad are her injuries?"
"Her lungs are struggling, and her heart is weak, but I think with enough rest and treatment, she will be alright. Witches heal quickly."
"I guess it is just a waiting game, but we are running out of time, Doctor."
"Yes, but there is nothing else we can do to rush the healing process. We must wait."
"Keep an eye on her. There must always be a guard here. If Sybil is behind this, she knows she is alive and will be looking for her. My parents are returning to the castle today. They got word and ended their travels early. Father and I will meet with the counsel. We need a plan."