Chapter 47: Let’s have it warm

"Even though it wasn’t my memory, I felt something different with the woman, something dark..." Lady Priscilla continued, her face marred with dread. Being a skilled priestess allowed her to feel the energy of a person, if one was evil in nature or not, and on the rarest occasions she could sense the emotions of a person like how she sensed the woman’s desire for bloodshed even when she only saw her hand.

"She must have put something in the bread and water she gave him. I only saw glimpses of what happened next, but I am quite sure that woman had no heart to help the unfortunate. I only sensed her bloodlust."

"The vials found in Forks village," Lauren remembered, looking at Alec. "If it wasn’t so important no one would dare steal it from the palace laboratory. These mages must have been creating potions that will corrupt a human’s heart and would turn them into savages to create chaos."

"With Evardin’s current situation, a rebellion is inevitable," the priestess said.

"Do you know something, Lady Priscilla?" Lauren asked.

The priestess took a deep breath. "These days nightmares have been haunting me. I don’t have the power to see people’s future but sometimes I see random glimpses of events in my dreams and all of them are rather dire. I was confused at first but when you told me about people turning to savages, I realized my nightmares are connected to it." She shook her head. "A lot of people will die..."

The last words alarmed Lauren. If this would continue, a lot of innocent humans were going to suffer.

"Is recovery possible for these deranged humans?"

"I don’t think so," Alec answered Lauren. "The human brain is the most vulnerable and with a major alteration done with the use of forbidden sorcery, it was damaged beyond repair."

"Yes," the priestess agreed. "This kind of sorcery is something I have never seen before. Whoever is behind this must have discovered a lethal ingredient to create such a dangerous weapon."

With Lady Priscilla’s limited knowledge and skills, she could not provide more information. The couple soon bid their farewell and expressed their gratitude before leaving. Vivian chose to stay behind to spend more time with the priestess, so it was only Lauren and Alec who rode back to the town.

"If only there is a way for us to know what the black mages are making use of to corrupt a human’s brain like this, maybe it is possible to stop it," Lauren muttered under her breath.

"I guess we can do nothing but let the future unfold itself before our eyes," Alec said who was sitting across from Lauren in the carriage. He had studied the art of spells and sorcery himself but he never heard about a spell, a potion, or a spellbound object that would reduce a human to a deranged monster.

"In this case, it is impossible to stop a rebellion." Lauren looked at Alec with a serious face. "With the rebels’ holding a lethal weapon and their mastermind unknown, it will be the King’s burden. Do you still want the throne?"

A mischievous smile tugged on Alec’s lips.

"Bloodshed and rivalry are what make the world interesting, Lauren. You know I accepted your deal because I am quite intrigued with your little game. If you think it will be too much of a headache for me, think twice."

With a big conspiracy behind the rise of deranged humans, the power the throne held became more appealing to Alec. With him being the King, he would see from a closer angle how the court worked, and what those pretentious ministers hiding up their sleeves, which he believed would eventually lead him to the rebels’ mastermind.

Leaning his arm on the window Alec asked, "How is your family doing these days? I heard the second prince of Bodeville wants to marry one of your sisters."

With how Alec’s prying eyes narrowed at her, Lauren knew he was wondering what she would do about it.

"Yes, it is Prince Dominic. Why, do you feel threatened?"

"Why would I? You were so confident when you promised me the throne. I should give you some credit for that and trust your confidence."

When their carriage went past East Valley village, halfway to the town, it started to pour. Dark clouds loomed over the sky as the temperature kept on dropping, which didn’t please Lauren.

Even though she was inside the carriage and wearing a full-sleeved dress, Lauren still felt her hands getting cold. She searched her pockets for her gloves and realized she forgot to bring them.

"Did you leave something at the priestess’ house?" Alec asked.

"No."

Taking a glance outside the carriage where the heavy rain continued to pour, Alec remembered how Lauren refused to bathe in cold water, so when he noticed how her hands were turning paler and a little purplish, he assumed she must be sensitive to the cold.

"If you are cold, you can just ask me to warm you," Alec said mischievously which brought a frown to Lauren’s face.

"It would be too nice of you to hand me your coat since you are not wearing it."

"But unfortunately, my coat is stained with blood, princess. Why don’t you sit beside me so I can give you some warmth?"

This pretentious brute. She guessed he would only end up taking a ’sip’ from her if she would listen to him.

"Thank you but I refuse. The cold won’t kill me," Lauren said and crossed her arms to curl her cold hands on her sides.

"Since the cold won’t kill you, the next time we take a bath together let’s have it cold then. I always have it cold."

Next time they bathe together? The words rang in Lauren’s ears.

She looked at him with piercing eyes. "I don’t see it is necessary for us to bathe together. Since you prefer your bath cold and I prefer mine warm, the more we should bathe separately."

Alec looked at her darkly but she wasn’t fazed.

"Fine. Let’s have it warm if that is what you want."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read