CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Draven
I smile as the scent in the air is filled with booze. We are close to a safe place to rest.
I shift Ophelia, realizing the toll the endless night of being on guard has caused myself to feel. I eyes are heavy and my protective arms around Ophelia are growing sore. I have been on edge since she has been in my care.
Constantly prepared to put down anyone who dare questions my authority. My mind tries to recall all the moments I ever had of doubt for being an Alpha but my body’s exhaustion pushes the lessons life hands aside.
Mateo neighs in delight as I lead him to the stables. He eagerly eats as I hop off, carefully pulling Ophelia off with me.
I lead her over to the trough and dip my fingertips into the water’s surface. Flicking some water on her beautiful, tired, face-Ophelia squints at me and rubs the sleep from her eyes.
“You with me on this?” I whisper, unsure of who is listening in but confident no one here would recognize either of us.
She nodded silently–her golden gaze proving the small bit of sleep was well worth it.
“Just agree with everything I say, I do best with improv than an actual plan,” I winked, finding humor in her twisted expression as I grab her hand and lead her into the Inn.
Despite the location being so isolated, the Inn had a charming and somewhat whimsical fashion to it’s architecture. The building had a thatched roof and a cobblestone exterior with logs for doors and window frames.
I pushed the front door open and despite the amount of people there clearly getting drunk and making a mess of the place, the massive interior sent out a homely and welcoming atmosphere with a huge fireplace emitting warmth and welcoming vibes. There is mismatched furniture, making this place feel as lived in as lively.
I put my arm around Ophelia’s waist and lead her towards the bar in the center of the massive room. The warm orange glow from the chandeliers of candle sticks and a fireplace making everything and everyone looking romantic.
I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment-noticing Ophelia was not nearly as impressed with the size and appearance of this breathtaking Inn as I was. The reality of her high position setting in.
“Good evening! Might I inquire about a room for the night? It’s our honeymoon!” I pulled Ophelia in front of me and put my huge arms around her shoulders. The dress she wore was not flattering in the least, I scorn myself for forgetting a corset as is customary for women.
“I am ever so tired from so much travel,” Ophelia leaned over the bar, dramatically putting her head on her outstretched arms. Her perky ass against my groin. I nervously chuckle trying to just focus on the barkeep.
“Stella will be back soon. She will know. I just keep everyone drunk. Seems you two started already,” the barkeep was an older man with a plump body and with plump features. His hair tied back and his thick black beard barely dipping into people’s drinks as he filled their cups with booze.
“Actually I will take two. The Mrs. here is much too exhausted, but that won’t stop me!” I laugh with my whole belly and lead us to a table to take a seat.
Ophelia
Drevan leads us towards a seat near what looks like a grand staircase close to the huge fire place. It’s warmth is welcoming and I feel as though I can start to breath again.
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“Can we afford to get something to eat?” I whisper as Draven takes the drinks from a gray man and sits down next to me-chugging one immediately.
“Of course my love! When we hear of the room situation, I will be more than happy to feed you. What are you in the mood for?”
I shake my head, taking in our surroundings. Instinctively running my fingers through my crazy hair and trying to push the frizz down.
It isn’t long before a woman of huge height and womanly features approaches us and sits down across from us.
“Harrold tells me yall need a room? We got one for two piece,” her voice is calm and all knowing.
“Oh that would be perfect! Do you happen to have any suggestions on food?” Draven immediately starts to pull out the coinage for the drinks and room.
“I can find something in the kitchen. What you hungry for?”
Draven smiles down at me. I can feel myself blushing and look away from him towards the beautiful woman in front of us.
“Ah young love. I’ll get you two something special. Best keep your coin close to you. Been a lot of activity out here lately. Movement from the capital and all that.”
My ears perked up. “I’m sorry-we are from an estate nearby. Been on an adventure before returning home. What kind of movement have you noticed?”
Draven grabbed my thigh under the table and gave it a light squeeze.
I can hear a scoff from the woman and I leaned in as she did, “apparently, something was stolen from the Capital Palace-right after Count Celik was murdered by a vicious rampage from beasts while on his way. Rumor is spread that the Celik name is being carried on by his two children.”
I swallow the information and continue to press forward with the rumors, “any word on what was stolen? I can’t imagine the Duke being pleased with this!”
“You’re tellin me! Guards have been entering the borderlands daily! Everyone round here is staying out of their way as they look for the whatever it was that was stolen. I keep telling them though–no beasts here. And ain’t nothing round here worthy of the Duke’s possession.” She stood up and I couldn’t help but admire her grand height.
I smile sweetly, “I so appreciate it! Hubby here is never interested in the latest gossip.”
She laughed as she gathered the empty mug, “neither is my Harold. How else are we supposed to know what is going on?”
As she saunters to check in on the next table, Draven leans into me.
“What was that about? Who cares?” His whispers send tickles down my spine and I scoot closer in impulse.
“All knowledge is good knowledge. Plus, didn’t you catch what she said?” My voice shaking as both exhaustion and fear creep up.
Draven just stairs at me, taking another swig from his drink.
“There are soldiers here.”
Trevor
My arms are exhausted and a few times I watched as my men’s fingers began to slip from the ropes they hung from. I wasn’t sure how long we had been there in hiding but when the trees stopped moving and life returned back to the forest around us, I gave the order for us to return back to the lands.
My legs were unstable at first and my body cold and frozen. But I was excited none the less.
“What are you smiling about? Was all that even necessary?” Floki’s accusatory tone is making me want to turn my excitement into blood lust.
“That howl was one of an Alpha’s. It means we are close to our target. They had to of split into different directions. Where is the closest village? Somewhere traders and lowly criminals often hide at?”
James pointed the direction we were headed and a little to the West. “If we keep going that way, we are about 2 days walk from Druunhold–a really nice Inn in the middle of nowhere. They get most of their maintenance and funding from passersby who cannot afford their bills. The locals around there use it as a safe haven.”
I grab James into a head lock and quickly release him-unable to contain my excitement.
“Do you boys know what this means?”
They all shiver in their wet clothing-removing their bags and starting to lay out the belongings to dry out.
“It means that we might be able to not only find Ophelia–but we may discover the Beasts’ Den!”
My laugh is contagious as newfound energy warms my frozen body. I bring Ophelia’s ribbon to my lips and fall down onto the soft grass. Welcoming sleep and allowing my sore muscles time to recoup.