Like his mother, Alexander was also dreaming of the same thing. When people notice something unique and beautiful, they try to get their hands on it. To get that thing under their possession, so that they can use it or control it their way. Samantha and Alexander were no different.
"Don't they look good together?" Samantha remarked, as her eyes gawked Selene.
Artemis didn't pay any attention to her words. She was always someplace else. The time was passing rapidly and she was eternally apprehensive about the unseen future and the prophecy. She wanted to protect her daughter from the ill fate but with everyday passing in vain, she couldn't help but get tormented by her troubled thoughts.
"Artemis?" Samantha lightly tapped her hand.
Upon the sudden intrusion, Artemis reacted quickly.
"Yes, indeed you're correct!" She replied absent mindedly.
As the zeal and zest of the ball continued, Themisto and Hendrickson were done with planning most of the war strategy. Though it was not enough to win the battle but it was sufficient to give them a sound sleep.
"Time is of the essence and we don't have much essence left!" Themisto said in a low tone.
"But we will make best use of whatever that is left." Hendrickson affirmed but his words didn't make much difference to Themisto.
This wasn't the time to assert beliefs into someone or provide strong reasons to prove one's idea. It was a critical situation and Themisto could see the lopsided outcomes because of their constant ignorance. He was also aware of the fact that his friend was still acting ignorant to the obvious truth. The wolves were ascending from weaker to stronger sections and they were still unprepared.
He sighed and shut his eyes. In an attempt to distract himself, he questioned, "What was the other thing you wished to discuss about?"
Hendrickson's eyes gleamed and his ears were suddenly attentive. He had been waiting to discuss about it ever since they entered the quiet room.
"Our friendship and alliance has proven beneficial for both of us and the people of our kingdoms. Not only have we brought down the wolves together but we have built a safe and a peaceful world for our families and people. And I was hoping that now is the time we turn this decades old alliance into relationship." Hendrickson mightily declared.
"I beg your pardon Hendrickson, but I couldn't quite grasp the meaning of your words."
"What I meant to convey that I am requesting for your daughter's, Selene's hand for my son Alexander. My son is quite fond of her and I truly believe they make a good pair." He deciphered.
Themisto couldn't keep it inside any longer. All the distress and the rage he had been subduing till now erupted instantaneously. Amidst the war ridden conditions, he was suggesting such an idiotic agreement. Whatever he was implying was disagreeable and completely out of question.
"Are you out of your mind Hendrickson?" Themisto shouted furiously. "War is right at our doors, waiting to knock and shake us any second and you're suggesting that we should get Alexander and Selene married. Have you not realized the essence of time yet, we are already lagging behind too much and if this continues to happen then the day won't be far away when the name of hunters will only exist in folklores and we'll continue to live our lives as slaves to the wolves."
"I was sure that would be your reaction and that's why I want to suggest you to keep calm and listen to me carefully." Hendrickson stated.
Hendrickson began, "I am quite certain about the fact that amidst all the people gathered downstairs, few of them are spies from neighboring kingdoms. And the wolves are preparing to attack us anytime soon which can't be brought to action until and unless they gather enough intel. My main motive to host this grand ball was to catch them off guard and make them believe that we are not paying attention towards the borderline. Announcing about the news of our children tying the knot is going to work in our favor."
"And how is that going to happen?" Themisto demanded, he still couldn't bring himself to calm.
"The werewolves will believe that we have no idea about what they are concocting while when the word reaches the other kingdoms, they would want to engage in our celebrations which will provide us the opportunity to ask for their alliance. And believe it or not they are only going to comply with us as werewolves are a problem for the entire human race." He concluded.
Themisto knew his friend was sly but never did he thought that he would come up with a strategy as dirty as this. He couldn't bear to think that his own daughter would be sacrificed in order to save their kingdoms and that's why he turned livid. After all it was his duty as Selene's father to protect her from anything trying to harm her and so he decided to disagree with Hendrickson.
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