"I called you here to discuss some things, Your Majesty," He announced.
Fenrir didn't say anything and let her go on without interrupting.
She went on. "How is your health? Is it still the same?"
"Yes, there are hardly any changes."
She sighed heavily and Fenrir could tell she was just as bothered as he was regarding the curse.
"How about the search for your mate?" She inquired.
"Grandmother, I rarely leave the palace these days. But my men are searching according to the details we were told by the seer."
"The seer?" She questioned, her eyes lighting up a little. "Bernard?"
"Yes. Elder Bernard."
"What did he tell you about your mate?" She asked, now showing a lot of interest in their conversation.
Fenrir shrugged. "He did not know much. But apparently, he says she is of royal birth and has the mark of the tempest."
The Dowager seemed stumped when she heard this. "The Tempest? How would you recognize anyone that has such a mark?"
Fenrir's gaze was a little broody. He seemed to be in thought and after some seconds, he replied absentmindedly, "He said that very odd and great things will happen around such a person."
"So we have to look for someone of royal birth that things odd appear around them?"
"Yes." Fenrir nodded.
He suddenly realized something and sharply looked up at his grandmother. He hadn't thought of it earlier; that she was even more likely to have an idea who it could be than the people he sent to investigate.
"Do you have someone in mind, grandmother?" He asked, his eyes vaguely revealing a hint of anticipation.
She however shook her head softly. "Not yet. But I'll start my search. Don't worry, as long as it's a woman and is of royalty, I'll find whoever it is."
"Okay, grandmother."
"You also have to make your search more intense. Things can't go on like this." She implored. "If you can't even go near a woman, how are you going to make heirs? You need someone to succeed you."
" I know."
"You don't seem to realize how serious things are," She warned. "All those old geezers in the court, do you think they are all loyal and faithful to you?"
Fenrir sighed. " I know most of them are not."
"Regardless of how strict and formal you are, there will always be some rats that can't help but scheme. You are safe now as you are still quite young. But in a few years, they will start to suspect some things and cook up plans to sabotage you with the claim that you are infertile."
She was awfully straightforward with her words and Fenrir had nothing to refute them.
"I know, grandmother." He assured. "I'm trying my best."
She heaved a defeated sigh and leaned back on her cushion once more as she picked up her teacup. But, she seemed to realize that the tea was now cold and placed the cup on the table back.
"Also, you must visit the crown princess often," She suddenly said, looking over at him. "I heard you rarely go to her."
"Where did you hear that from, grandmother?" Fenrir asked, obviously not satisfied with the way the conversation was turning.
She looked at him for a moment and her deep-set eyes told him she knew more than she revealed.
"Walls have ears," She simply said.
Fenrir didn't say anything in reply.
As she suspected, he hadn't even stepped foot in the crown princess's chambers more than thrice since they got married and she was coronated. She often came over to his but he always managed to send her back on her way with an excuse.
She was the Grand Duke's daughter and their marriage had been leverage in his taking over the throne. The grand duke had a lot of power on his side and as a young prince who had rivals for the throne, he knew what his priorities were.
But she couldn't be trusted. Just like he would never put his trust or hope that her father would be loyal to him.
It was simply an exchange of benefits. They all took what they wanted, each benefitting from the other. And when they wouldn't need each other anymore, he had to be prepared for it.
"San," his grandmother suddenly called out, jolting him out of his thoughts.
He looked up at her. San was the name his mother gave him when she was young. It had been a long time since someone called him that.
She seemed serious. "You need to be careful. It may seem as though people don't notice the things you do but you must know that there are a lot of eyes on you, waiting for your downfall."
Fenrir nodded showing that he understood.
"That reminds me," She suddenly said. "I heard some things I want to know your thoughts on."
"What is that?"
"The grand duke dropped by for tea today," she said. "Whether intentionally or not, he dropped a statement that you imprisoned one of the official's daughters."
Fenrir immediately frowned.
The dowager knew he was displeased. She quickly added, "You know I do not interfere in how you do your things. I'm simply concerned."
The man paused for a moment and tried to remember the official's daughter whom he had imprisoned. It was then he remembered the maiden who had caused a ruckus in his banquet sometime before.
The officials had made complaints about it and a lot of people tried to intervene but he hadn't paid attention to them. He had even forgotten about her.
He looked at the dowager. "I'll resolve it."
She immediately smiled at him, seeming relaxed, and said, "You should."
The duo chatted some more and soon, Fenrir got up and left the west palace.
After he left, the eunuch entered the dowager's chambers, standing behind the shield.
"Your Majesty."
The dowager pointed at the cold tea. " Get someone to change the tea."
"Yes, your Majesty." The eunuch bowed.
"And also-" The dowager said, recalling something. "I want you to send someone to the South palace and tell the crown princess to see me."
She seemed thoughtful. " And send a letter to all the kingdoms on friendly terms with. I want to organize a banquet for the King's upcoming birthday and I want all women of royal birth to attend."
"Yes, Your Majesty. All will be done."