Alpha King Xavier - Chapter 84: Chapter 84

Autumn
“This is a disaster!” Mercury announced as she walked inside.
Elixir was helping me to pack my hair.
I looked up at her. “Is everything alright?”
“The list for the hunt festival has arrived, and it's saying you are joining the hunt as well.”
What!
My heart skipped a beat.
“I thought pregnant women didn't join the hunt?”
“Yes, that's the rule, but suddenly, it was changed. Though you've been assigned to a secluded place with the rest of the pregnant women,” Mercury further explained.
“But the queen is pregnant. She should be in the house,” Elixir remarked.
I ignored her as I thought about it. What if Philip had a plan for us because we also have a plan for him? I mean, this can't be Xavier's plan. He would have told me earlier if it was.
I looked at Mercury. “Where is the Alpha?”
“No one can see the Alpha now. He must be on his way to the huntground now,” Elixir responded.
Seriously?
“Well, it says here that the pregnant women can make use of any weapon of their choice. They are the only set of people that can hunt with weapons since they can't shift,” Mercury read from the list she was holding.
I released a sigh. “Elixir, get some weapons for us.”
There was no way to pass it. Since I'm joining the hunt, I can as well get prepared.
“But you don't have to go,” Elixir whined sadly.
I looked at her and almost believed her. It was why I trusted her the first time I met her. She was always so convincing.
“We have no choice now," I started to say, but Elixir cut in quickly.
“We?” She said it with shock and looked at Mercury.
I stared, shocked as well. Did something just happen?
Mercury scoffed. “The hunt ground for the pregnant women; only pregnant women are allowed. This means we won't be able to follow you inside,” she explained.
What!
“But there's no way I'm leaving you alone,” Mercury assured.
“But that's a sin punishable with death,” Elixir panicked.
I looked at Elixir for another moment. She sure knows what she's saying. Since she's their spy, she would definitely let them know if Mercury enters with me. That could get Mercury killed. But can it get any worse than this?
As usual, I needed to make the decision.
“Are you done with my hair?” I asked out of the blue.
Elixir nodded several times. “Yes, my queen.”
“Then get me some weapons. The festival will start soon. As the queen, I need to be there in time.”
Elixir had a sad expression on her face as she bowed and stepped out of the room.
Mercury took a step forward. “You are not seriously thinking of entering the hunt camp alone,” she asked, worriedly.
“I have to do this alone.”
Mercury shook her head briefly. “It's dangerous!”
I smiled softly. “Have you forgotten I can handle myself?”
Mercury sighed. “I'm still worried. Who knows what these people are planning? I mean, it's all bullshit to let the pregnant women hunt.”
“I will be fine,” I assured. “Besides, I'm not pregnant.”
Mercury huffed. “What is the difference?”
I laughed but sobbed immediately. “Well, this is not the best time to complain. If I do anything to go against this list, the people will talk. They will say I'm not doing as well as the queen. For Gwen’s sake and maybe Xavier as well, it has to be,” I finished and stepped out.
Mercury followed me reluctantly.
Everyone seemed to be moving towards the huntground irrespective of their status. We couldn't see Gwen anywhere now. So, we just kept walking towards the hunting ground as well.
There were four soldiers at the entrance, however, that stopped Mercury from entering.
So, we decided to wait for Elixir.
A loud howl came from the east suddenly.
Mercury looked at me. “That's the start of the festival,” she said worriedly. “Why do I feel like Elixir intentionally left? I don't think she plans to come with any weapons for you.”
I nodded once, in agreement. “It's over thirty minutes now.”
Perhaps I am right. What if Philip planned to kill me? My death will stop Xavier's plan.
But then Philip is supposed to think Xavier isn't going to search him. Why then would he set another trap for us?
“I have very bad feelings about this. You should call in sick.”
I smiled at Mercury. “I will be fine, Mercury. Trust me.”
Mercury nodded reluctantly. “I will be waiting for you at the other end.”
I laughed. “No! You should join in the festival too. I will be fine.”
Mercury shook her head stubbornly. “I'm not doing that.”
I reached for her hands. Mercury is such a sweet girl.
“I will be fine,” I assured her.
She released a sigh. “I hope so.”
I walked over to the guard, and they handed me a souvenir. It was a small paper that holds the important things about the Hunt festival.
The Hunt Festival isn't something so difficult. It's a werewolf tradition where several packs gather in neutral territory and hunt wild animals. The one who hunts a bigger prey emerges as the winner.
And at the end of the day, these animals are grilled or whatever, and people get to eat and drink while boasting of their strength.
Hunt Festival is about strength and power.
As I was reading through the small card, three ladies walked past me.
I regarded them for a moment and wondered how the soldiers were able to confirm their status because they didn't have baby bumps like me. I mean, everyone already knows Luna is pregnant. Would they have known if Mercury had pretended to be pregnant?
Anyway, it feels good to know that I'm not the only one here.
“Luna!” Someone called behind me, just as I took a step forward.
I stopped and turned to look at the speaker. The voice doesn't even sound familiar.
It was a woman, probably in her mid-twenties. She bowed slightly, then started towards me again.
“It's I, Beatrice,” she announced with a wide smile.
I don't know how I'm supposed to react in this situation because I don't even know who Beatrice is.
I smiled nonetheless. I wasn't supposed to let my guard down anyway.
“How are you, Beatrice?”
She laughed. “I'm always fine. I'm so happy at this year's Hunt Festival. I thought the baby I was expecting would stop me from being able to join the hunt this year.”
I stared but didn't say anything.
“You don't remember me?”
I smiled. “Of course I do. Should we just start the hunt? We don't really have much time on our hands, especially since we can't shift.”
Beatrice smiled. “I'm excited. Let's stick together, my queen.”
I reciprocated her smile. “That's ok.”
She took out a knife and stretched it to me. “You don't seem to be holding anything.”
With a grateful heart, I took it from her. It looks like I can trust this girl.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely.
She smiled, then turned away. “Let's go this side. I have been around this place before. So, I know my way around!”
I nodded once. “Let's hunt, Beatrice, and show them we are strong!”
Beatrice whooped in delight.
It looks like this is going to be the best Hunt Festival ever!