ROME
Rome stirred from his alcohol-induced slumber with a groan. His arm had fallen asleep from being flung over his face the whole night so he turned to his side just as the room brightened with the sunrise. The servants assigned to his chambers were up and already about their tasks; their footfalls and early morning rush stirred him from his lazing sleep. He opened his eyes and frowned at the spot beside him where there was a small indentation as if someone had been there.
Now that he noticed, there was an unfamiliar presence hovering around the room like someone had just left. He placed his hand on the spot frowning at its warmth. He pulled the sheets closer to his nose, detecting a faint rose fragrance that reminded him oddly of Elora.
But why would her scent be in his bed?
Rome pushed it away and thought it was an effect of the wine he’d overindulged in the previous night. Perhaps he was still disgruntled from the after-effects of drinking too much.
He decided to start his day, coming off the bed and heading into the bathing chamber where he met a male servant already laying a basket of soaps and scented oils.
“Good morning, Your Majesty.” He greeted, bowing low.
He grunted an answer, splashing some water on his face as the servant ran him a bath.
Even though he wanted to lounge a while in the bath, he pushed himself out of the bath pulling on the attire his valet had set out. The royal blue robe was a constant part of his daily wardrobe and underneath he had been dressed in a tightly fitted black leather jacket that ran down to his knee, white linen under his shirt, and black linen breeches tucked into his knee-length suede boots. There was also a large studded belt tied around his waist with a notch for his favorite daggers and sword.
He gave the signal to his valet who rapped the door for the guards outside to open up, his other chamber servants forming lines that bowed as he stepped out.
“Good morning, Your Majesty,” Teriel greeted meeting him in the hallway, scroll in hand.
“Good morning, Teriel.” He answered with a firm nod.
Teriel opened the scroll. “Your schedule for today, sir.”
“Let me have it.”
“The first and quite important is the interrogation of the werewolf. This will be done in the throne room.”
“Have you notified the prison guards?” He asked as they turned into the hallway leading out into the courtyard.
“Yes, sir. Skye made sure of this. She should be here… right about…” He pulled out his pocket watch. “Now.”
“Good morning, Your Majesty.” She greeted sidling up to them.
She had changed out of her riding outfit into a long black court robe belted at the waist. A gold emblem in the form of the sun was pinned on the right side of her robe.
“Good morning, Skye. How was your ride this morn?” Rome asked.
“It was a cold morning but alright nonetheless.” She answered.
They continued their stroll to the throne room, discussing strategies for the interrogation to come.
*********
Rome made his way over to sit on his throne, dismissing everyone but Skye and Teriel because he wanted no word of what the werewolf would say to leave their circle.
“He’ll be brought in now,” Skye said coming to stand beside him.
He nodded and crossed his arms watching as the door opened. The captain of the Royal Guards walked in and bowed.
“Your Majesty, we’re here with the prisoner.” He informed them.
Rome gave a firm nod, waving them in as he tried to bury the well of anticipation churning in his belly. Two other guards marched in dragging a ragged-looking man by steel chains binding his hands. His face was marked with numerous fading bruises and his body was riddled with cuts that appeared to be freshly healed.
“Your Majesty, please spare me! I’ll do anything you want me to. I will say everything!” The man cried as he was pushed to his knees, “Please spare me!”
“Silence!” Skye commanded waving the guards out, “You do not speak unless the King commands you to.”
“I’m going to ask you some very important questions and you’re going to answer me honestly. Whatever threat they made to buy your silence, I promise you if I sense you’re lying, you’ll know me as an even worse enemy.” Rome said sending his best intimidating look at the man before him.
The wolf nodded quickly.
“Good.” Rome stated, leaning back in his seat, “First question. What is your name?”
“I’m–I’m Tendo.” The werewolf whimpered.
“Where are you from?”
“I’m from Alkarod. I–I am a slaver.” He explained waving his hands, “But not a slave master. I–”
Sweat beaded on his forehead and Rome smelt the workings of fear on the man.
“Who sent you to capture the wolf pups?” He prodded tired of the subpar questions.
“No one sent me, Your Majesty.” He swallowed, “I was just doing my job. We were to sell the girl and her siblings but they escaped.”
Rome stared hard at the wolf before him. He didn’t seem to be lying either did he seem to be telling the truth? The prisoner squirmed under his gaze.
Rome thought back to the night he had rescued Elora and her siblings and couldn’t quite wrap his head around the situation.
Had there been no major plot behind her slavery?
Was she just one of the lucky few slaves to have escaped that night?
And on the matter of slaves, he had come from a meeting with Alkarod’s leaders who claimed they had abolished slavery and had interrogated house servants who claimed they were well cared for but it was still on their lands that all these happened.
Could a slaving ring be running right under the leaders’ noses or had they deceived him?
His frown deepened at the thought.
He signaled Skye to continue the questioning while he watched.
By listening, he could gain far more insight than by speaking.