Stolen by the Beastly Lycan King-Chapter 68: Council Meeting

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Chapter 68: Council Meeting

Slave trading has been an important part of Continental history since the beginning of time.

When the kingdoms only began to grow, both humans, beasts, and other creatures were open to having slaves––those born with lesser fortunes or unable to survive against the ever-changing demands of the new, progressing society, had no choice but to surrender their freedom and struggle for life that often reminded death.

As the humans turned to the colonizing tactics and began to assert their dominance over those who were different, things began to change for the worse rapidly.

If in the past, slavery was not something others could truly frown upon, with the slaves having a roof over their heads and food in exchange for labor, once the Continental Colonization wars began to wipe off the existence of other species, slavery became an epitome of living hell.

At first, creatures like vampires or ghouls proved to be valuable slave workers––strong and hardy, they did not need much food or rest while working long hours in the mines and fields. However, as time went by, humans realized that their true nature could not be suppressed that easily, and once the creatures started attacking their masters, starving for their blood and flesh, a decision was made to replace them with the species that could be controlled more easily.

And those species were beasts.

Naturally, abducting beasts with the purpose of turning them into slaves was out of the question. The humans did not want to start wars and shed blood just to get a couple of hundreds of slaves in the end.

But as it had always been, the human mind had no limits when it came to cunning.

Decade after decade, the beasts were plagued with an internal rivalry––those who wanted the beasts' blood to remain pure, untainted with human blood, pitted against the ones who were open to the possibility of having mates of different species.

The half-beasts who could not stand the constant discrimination and abuse from the purists, sought freedom outside the Beast Kingdom, thus becoming the rogues––nomadic creatures who had no home or other bonds that would tie them to a specific nation.

Forming their own private packs, they roamed along the borders, living a life free of judgment and persecution. Until humans began to hunt them, turning both adult beasts and their children into "special" slaves.

***

Lorelai took her seat next to the crown prince, casting a quick glance at all the members of the Royal Council that had already gathered in her absence.

She was late, again. And all because Queen Althea had failed to send a messenger to her on time.

As the princess looked around the meeting hall, she could not help but feel the tension hanging in the air. Today's topic of discussion was Rhaegar.

"There is no way we can let this matter go!" The Minister of Defence rose from his seat and banged his fist on top of the long wooden table. "He attacked innocent people! We were lucky that one of his subordinates attempted to calm him down. Only Heavens know what could have happened if he didn't!"

The rest of the council members nodded in agreement, exchanging brief murmurs and whispers as those words sank in.

"Those barbarians!" Duke Kalder, too, left his seat and threw an annoyed glance at Lorelai. "The king simply wanted to show off his power, just like all animals do! And it almost cost us all our lives!"

Lorelai fisted her hands on top of her knees, her head nearly spinning with irritation.

'What? He was the one who challenged him to a fight because he wanted to show Rhaegar that he had more power! How dare he! Petty little man!'

She wished she could tell him off bitterly, but as the princess turned her head to the side, Kai's stern look made her regain her composure once more.

Count Thrithe, the royal family's advisor, left his seat as well and circled the table. "Even though his actions were irrational, he still did complete the transaction––he won the slaves and he is entitled to get them, Your Grace."

He offered Duke Kalder a somewhat warning look to which the latter replied with a scornful expression. "Not after that tantrum! He killed three of my knights, for Heaven's sake!"

Lorelai could no longer bear such an attitude. Nearly jumping to her feet, she sized the council members silently before she could finally speak.

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"We cannot discuss this without the Beast Kingdom's delegation present. All that you are doing right now is no different from gossiping behind their backs!"

"Lorelai!" The crown prince tugged her by the sleeve of her dress but the princess only jerked her hand away, frowning.

Duke Kalder smirked, taking a few steps closer to her seat, making her recoil in disgust. She had already forgotten how horrible he looked up close, she really did not need a sudden reminder.

"Alas, Your Highness," the duke grinned, "none of the lycan king's aides is available at the moment. Thus, we have no choice but to discuss such an important matter without them."

Lorelai frowned again, taking back her seat behind the long table. She remembered that Alim had followed Rhaegar after he escaped the gladiator arena, but she had not heard from him ever since. Nor did she hear anything about the king himself.

Now, it finally dawned on her––what in the world happened to the two of them?

The princess' features darkened as she lowered her head. Once again, her opinion meant nothing; her words were left unheard.

The crown prince watched his stepsister's changed expression, then let out a long sigh, and rose to his feet as well, measuring the members with a long, intense stare.

"He won," he suddenly said in a cold voice. "The conditions set by Duke Kalder were cleared. He won the slaves and all the slaves promised to him shall be freed in his name. All the rest... well, that was a gladiator fight. Things happen."

Lorelai could not believe her ears but nor did the entire council hall. Duke Kalder opened his mouth, prepared to start an argument but Kai's cold look made him swallow his words.

As the meeting was concluded, Lorelai wanted to thank her brother for intervening but before she could even see him leave, the queen approached her first, a cold smile playing upon her thin red lips.

"Lorelai, honey," her voice was almost singing. "Have you had your herbal tea today?"