The Alpha's Temptation

Eltanin snapped open his eyes. He turned to look at his wife. Her deduction made sense. "This could be a possibility, Tania."

"Yes, I think it is a high possibility," she said.

"Oh, by the way, mother and father also reported that Kypho's appearance changed," Eltanin said.

"So what Ileus said was true," Tania replied. "Even he had that potion before coming back."

"Yes, he had that potion and Gordon also found an extra bottle in his belongings, which we have seized. Mother will be taking it with her to Storin."

Tania became excited. "It means that even Menkar must be suffering from withdrawal bouts. There is a chance that he must be seeking for this potion as we talk. In Kypho's case, it took about ten days for him to get back to his original appearance. So don't you think that it would be the same with Menkar?"

Eltanin's gaze moved to the ceiling and he pondered over what Tania just said. A while later he said, "But there is a possibility that he has those potions elsewhere in the monastery. Why would he have them only in his library?"

Tania pursed her lips. "Yes," she sighed. "That could be there..." She lay beside him on the pillow. "I have an idea though."

"What idea?"

"To see what Menkar is up to. How about you let me test my theory?" she said, placing her hand over her belly. All of a sudden, something felt strange. She got up and retched.

"Tania!" Eltanin rose and stroked her back. "I think you are hungry. You haven't had a morsel ever since the last time that bastard tried to mess with you."

She ended up coughing. "I think so too..."

"Wait, let me order food for my queen," he said and jumped out of the bed. Poor girl had only had water. He ordered the guards to bring food for her. It was midnight but then she was the queen. They better cater to her at every time of the day.

He walked back to her and covered her in a warm blanket. "So what were you saying?" he asked, giving her more water. Then he walked to the hearth to stroke the fire. The logs were an ember red and the fire was low.

"Can you send your spies to know the whereabouts of Menkar? There is a small probability that he is not in Cetus and that he has gone to procure more of the herbs from the Jade Sea or he could have sent someone to get it for him," she said, clasping the blanket around her. Even though the bedchamber was warm, she could hear winds rustling against the window panes.

The fire lit up brightly when he stroked it. He was sitting on one knee with the iron stroker. He frowned as he mused over it. King Izo had stopped all the trade from the Jade Sea, so he was sure that there was no way that the herb was going out, but what if it was smuggled out.

He rose to his feet and walked to the window. He drew the curtains out and gazed at the oaks that lined the periphery of this side of the palace. Moon hung low over them. It had been a long time since the lands of Araniea experienced this kind of chill.

"What are you pondering over, Elty?" she asked, watching him.

Turning to her, he crossed his arms across his chest. "Sending spies is not a problem, Tania, but I don't think it would be of any value."

"Why? I do feel that Menkar must be visiting the harbors to search for this herb. In fact, you must get the harbors checks as to where this herb is sold. If this is such a rare herb and under so much control, there is no way that Menkar is procuring it through illegal means."

Eltanin took a deep breath. "Tania, do you think that Menkar would be foolish enough to go to find it?"

She let out a quick exhale. "Elty, please let's just rule out my doubts. I want to test whether I am right or wrong about it."

He tilted his head as his lips curled up. "Anything for you, my queen," he said. He decided to send his spies the next day in the morning. If Tania's theory was right, then things would become easier.

A knock on the door disturbed them. "Your food is here," he said. That was quick. When he opened the door, he saw Flora with the meal tray.

"Next time, please tell me about m'lady's requirements," she said, sounding gruff. She walked past him and went to Tania. Placing the tray in front of her, she said, "How are you feeling, m'lady?"

Tania smiled. "I am fine, Flora. You will spoil me like this."

Flora shook her head. "It is my pleasure to serve you m'lady." She bowed and then left them.

"She is such a mother hen!" Eltanin growled.

"Don't you say anything to her," Tania giggled. "She is the only dowry that I got from my parents!"

"Dowry?"

---

Menkar swam for two hours deeper in the sea until he located the familiar swirling current. As soon as he saw it, he flung himself into it and let the current take him. It was a dangerous one and if he didn't focus on where he was going, there was a possibility that his limbs would get ripped. The current was too strong and dangerous, but this was the only way to reach the secret tunnel through which he would swim all the way to Murel.

The current was going to take him to his destination in four days. During that time, if he even tried to get out of it, he would be injured heavily. And his motion could be detected by the royal guards that were spread all over the sea. He would be lucky if he found a fish to eat in the swirl. He just wished that his motion didn't get detected.