"Commander Aylin, you have been a source of inspiration for a lot of women in my kingdom. I am forever indebted to you for showing me and proving to me that women are indeed capable and worthy of handling any positions they chose to grace." Azimir expressed, not hiding his admiration for her.
A delightful smile made its way on Aylin's face and she forgot all the grievances she had suffered during her initial days while training. She could not help but be touched by the young Alpha's sincerity. His eyes conveyed his genuinity and honesty and Aylin had no reason to doubt him.
Even though she was pleased by his praises, Aylin could not stop herself from blushing again and she lowered her head immediately. Her sudden meek action stunned all the men around her and they could not help but gawk at her, enthralled by her womanly charms. She looked alluring, just like a blooming flower and they were all beguiled by her immediately.
Azimir noticed the gazes on the oblivious lady and his eyes darkened as rage surged through him. Though he did not mind people's gazes on for she was worthy of their attention, he did not miss the look of infatuation on the men. Their eyes did not conceal the attraction they had for Aylin and he realized why it was so.
This was the first time the men around her, especially the human warriors were seeing their Commander this enticing. Previously, when Aylin had flushed red due to her embarrassment, she was still in Azimir's arms with her back facing the other men. So they had failed to notice this charming face.
Azimir clenched his fists and his sterling grey glared at the other men. But they were too enchanted by Aylin to notice him. Only Zavid noticed his Alpha's fury and he averted his gaze before he faced his wrath.
Azimir wanted to behead all the men who were still staring after sending them a warning. But they were not committing a crime nor was she his woman to unleash his wrath on them. All he could do was swallow his rage and step forward to divert everyone's attention.
"Since you said that he is the Gamma of Renada, do you think the Alpha of Renada is behind this ploy, Commander?"
Azimir was successful in garnering everyone's attention on him and he smiled in relief, while Zavid glanced at his Alpha with amused eyes. Though he was trying to be as discreet as possible, Zavid did not miss the obvious attraction his Alpha had for the lady and he stifled a smile, wondering if she would their Queen in the future.
Aylin too snapped out of her stupor and she gazed at the unconscious man thoughtfully. "I have no reason to believe otherwise. Either this man's sole intention was to harm us or he was acting on behalf of someone to fulfill a task, which I presume is the truth. Gamma Dariel would get nothing by hurting us. So there has to be a vicious plot behind this attack."
"Do you want to interrogate him or do you want to me find out what the actual plan is, Commander Aylin?" Azimir left Aylin to decide on this matter and just as he had expected, she wished to interrogate him herself.
Aylin glanced at the group of humans who were cowering in fear before her eyes fell on the unconscious Gamma of Renada. Annoyance gushed through her. Even though the humans had been silent all along other than whimpering at times, they did not hide their fear. It was not a pretense and Aylin realized who their leader was among them.
So even if she interrogated them, she would find out nothing. Dariel was the only answer to her questions and she had to wait until he woke up.
Aylin was quite desperate to find out why they had attacked her and her warriors. But this was not a suitable place and she noticed the exhaustion on Azimir's face. Though he was trying to hide his wariness from her, she could see his eyes turning bloodshot slowly and she pursed her lips in worry.
"Alpha, I would like to interrogate him, in your presence of course. However, that will have to wait."
"Why Commander Aylin? Is something the matter?" Azimir frowned and looked at the warriors who fortunately for him as well as for them had stopped leering at Aylin.
"Yes, Alpha. You are tired and I do not wish to impose on you more than I already have. I suggest you take some rest before we interrogate the man here."
A gleam of surprise and joy flashed through Azimir's eyes. But it was too swift for Aylin to notice and she stood still waiting for Azimir to speak.
"Moreover, this is not the right place to question them about it." Aylin had no doubt about the intruders. They were the ones who had attacked her the previous night. Even though she had only seen their eyes, she vividly remembered them and could recognize them in an instant.
Now that they were done serving their purpose of venturing into the jungle, Azimir considered her suggestion and nodded at her. Although he was far from being exhausted, he was touched by her considerate actions.
"Zavid, take them to the dungeon. We will interrogate them in the evening." He ordered and turned to Aylin. "Will that suffice, Commander Aylin?"
"Definitely, Alpha. Thank you very much for your help. If not for your assistance, I am certain that we would not have been able to catch them." Aylin expressed her gratitude with a bow and the other warriors followed suit.
"After you," Azimir held out his hand and Aylin smiled at him, walking ahead of him. She was used to following the royal family every time and it was only when she was leading her army that she stood at the front. This was the first time someone had been courteous towards her and Aylin could not help but be flattered.
Though she was a strong and capable commander, she was a maiden after all. Every gesture, every considerate action from Azimir affected her greatly and Aylin was more than thrilled to be treated this way, like a Queen for once.