Bloodbound to the Beastly King

The council hall was already buzzing with murmurs even before Thorne stepped in. The place was fully packed with Nobles and councilmen. News of the clash at the Crypt Noctra had traveled far and wide already. Of course it wasn't as it happened. Different tales have been added to it.

The nobles shifted uncomfortably in their seats as they mumbled to themselves.

The large doors of the hall opened and they all went silent. It was as silent as a graveyard.

Thorne stepped in and they all rose, all their eyes on him. He looked even more ruthless than usual. A deadly man he was.

His boots echoed and finally he sat down, gaze settling on each of them.

"Sit," Thorne's voice echoed through the chamber. The nobles obeyed immediately, heads bowed in a nervous silence. Not a single one daring to speak out of turn.

"I assume by now you've all heard the rumors," he began, his tone measured and controlled.

One of the nobles cleared his throat as he nervously raised his hand but was ignored. "Let me clarify before you embarrass yourselves any further." Thorne continued.

He paused for a second, letting the tension bite at them. "Lord Carter is hereby declared a traitor to the realm."

The entire hall fell into a deeper silence. The news of what had happened in Crystal moon had spread far and wide but this was confirmation. A few nobles exchanged horrified looks, while others dared not lift their heads.

"His crimes are not limited to betrayal," Thorne continued. "He has conspired with forbidden forces. He has taken innocent lives and forced them to become beasts. He has gone against the rules of a councilman and a member of Obsidan. He has aligned himself with Khaos."

A sharp gasp ran through the hall now. This, none of them had been expecting.

"The very same man who had lead this court. Who was the head councilman for years has just turned out to be a rebel. A worshipper of Khaos and all that he stands for."

The nobles shifted uncomfortably in their seats. They'd expected many things towards Carter but this…they hadn't expected.

Thorne's hand slammed against the table. "By dawn, I want every corner of this realm branded with his face. Posters, boards, gates — everywhere. Let it be known that the name Carter is cursed. His titles, revoked. His lineage, erased. His daughters have been held captive."

"Your majesty." A councilman began, standing up. "Permit me to say but if Carter's name has been erased and now he's been charged as a traitor of the realm. Where does that put his pack and estate?"

Of course Thorne had expected this. These Lots, they cared about no one but themselves. He wasn't surprised to hear this.

"Your concern lies with the kingdom and not the pack or his Estate." Thorne snapped and the man cowered back. He leaned against the chair, gaze heavy on them.

"I'd give you all a challenge. Find Carter. The first one to bring me the said man gets his estates and pack. I don't care what it is you do or how you do it. Bring me Carter alive."

Murmurs ripped through the hall. Their nobles and councilmen all shifting in their seats with greed. Carter held the largest pack and estate in the realm after the king. Everyone has had their eyes on it and now…

"And his title, my king?" Another asked.

Greedy, greedy, greedy.

"I'll decide who gets his former title. Whichever of you brings me Carter alive and pleases me. Will I think to take his title."

They all shared a look, all excited at the prospect of getting this.

Another noble stood up, clearing his throat. "Your Majesty, if I may… What happens to Carters two daughters. Surely they cannot serve in the palace after all that has happened."

Thorne gaze narrowed at this, his brows raised.

"Speak clearly, Bannerman." He ordered.

The man cleared his throat, looking around him for the support of his fellow men. "Permit me to say your majesty, but …they cannot remain free in our midst," bannerman finished, nodding as though his words were reasonable "Some of us would be willing—of course, only if it pleases your majesty—to see them taken into service. They could be rewarded to those loyal to the realm. A concubine here, a mistress there—resources reclaimed."

A ripple of uneasy chuckles and nods met the suggestion.

Thorne's fist tightened. Had he been a fool to have overlooked this for this long? To not have seen the rot in his very own council? To have thought the fault came only from Carter and not those surrounded by him.

Now staring right in the face of the man whose mouth kept moving, staring at those surrounding him and seeing them nod and smile in agreement.

All of them were the same. Right there he had told them of Carters involvment with Khaos and not once did they inquire about it. No how? Why? Impossible? Their shock lasted for a second and there came the questions. Who would get his title? His properties? His pack? His estate.

The rot had started right from under him and he'd been so blind to see it.

"You want to take Carter's daughters as—concubines?" He asked, head tilted slightly.

The man chuckled, as the others around him did too. "Whores, my king. Slave like whores. After-all it's only fair they pay for their father's sin."

The others murmured in agreement. Thorne could only watch. How long had they had their eyes on Carters daughters.

Some seconds passed and finally his smiled. A stiff, sharp one but still a smile.

He stood up, the chair dragging behind him. Everyone stood up in infusion as he did, all silent and waiting his orders.

His gaze swept over them again, pausing on Bannerman. "Whoever brings me Carter, alive, will have his two daughters as whore slaves." He watched as their eyes widened with greed and lust.

"Spread the word. Carter's daughters will be whores."