Chapter 147

Chapter 147: Chapter 147

The royal castle of Ibaeron was sprawling splendor, a stark contrast to the destitute state of the city’s outskirts. At the castle gates, there was a decorated official there to receive them with an even bigger carriage. This time, it was drawn by horses, the powerful steeds a shimmering red.

Caedos stepped out of the Fiend-drawn carriage and got into the new one provided without even so much as a glance at the soldiers worn ragged.

"His Grace is awaiting your presence," The official said with a strained smile, mopping up the sweat on his brow.

The journey through the castle grounds to the castle proper was winding, designed so that guests could see Morkoth’s lavish possessions, which included the stables where Hellhounds were kept.

Ayred wore a blank expression as they drove past the large structure, to think that they hadn’t needed to spy to gather information, the layout of the castle generously presented to them.

Yet another official was at the doors to the castle to receive them, armed guards stationed at the tall double doors.

This official didn’t even deign to speak to them, walking ahead to guide them to the throne room. Morkoth’s taste was gaudy, gold adorning everything, even the wood was plated in gold.

The throne room had a faint cover of smoke, incense burning at the corners of the room. The official stepped into the double doors before them, bowing deeply.

"Your Grace," He said simply, gesturing the Hellhounds to come in.

"King Caedos," Morkoth rose to his feet, an affable smile on his handsome face. "It is an honor to have you grace us with your presence..."

Caedos glanced around the room, noting that his sense of smell was hindered by the cloying scent of incense. "Prince Caedos," He corrected, standing right at the door.

Morkoth’s open expression twisted slightly before he recovered, smiling seamlessly to cover up his pause. "Of course, Prince Caedos, please come in-"

"I would rather we have this conversation in an open space," He went on, his tone flat, unreadable. "Hounds don’t do well in enclosed spaces."

Morkoth trailed off, having been interrupted twice, he was losing his patience. It was the first time he was seeing the royal Hound, he was unsettling, he would be difficult to coerce.

"Very well," He agreed, the charming quality to his voice dissipating.

Without waiting for him, Caedos warped outside the castle, his captains following wordlessly. An ambush was always a possibility but even more than that, there were benefits to walking around the castle grounds.

Morkoth took his time walking from his throne room outside, in an attempt to regain some control over the meeting. The succubus was still on his arm, exhaustion sunken deep in her pink eyes.

When he finally arrived, without the intrusive scent of incense, Caedos could catch the Succubus’ scent, it was familiar, it drew his attention.

Morkoth easily caught his lingering gaze on her, his red eyes gleaming. "I didn’t know his Highness cared for such frivolities." He commented lightly, testing the waters.

Ardan shot him a look, his eyes burning with cold fire, but he held his tongue, standing rigidly behind the Prince, ready to defend him with his life.

Caedos didn’t look away when his stares were pointed out. The Demon smelled like Ruoxi, if he could help her, he would, but he wouldn’t go out of his way. "Perhaps." He replied vaguely.

Morkoth latched onto that, "I have more than I know what to do with," He said smugly, pushing the succubus toward him so hard that she lost her footing. "I’ll have an assortment sent to you, as a showing of my goodwill."

Ayred wanted to mention that sending the Hellhounds he kept captive would be a better showing of goodwill, at ease behind Prince Caedos. His Highness had yet to make an unfavorable decision, he wholly trusted him.

Caedos caught the Succubus who fell against him, his expression impassive. "You invited me for peace talks." He went right to the topic of discussion.

"Indeed," Morkoth smoothly took the reins, guiding them to a gazebo.

Caedos handed the succubus to his captains, bidding them to wait behind while he sat at the gazebo with Morkoth.

The Fiend Grand Duke had a hint of approval in his eyes as he invited his guest to sit down. "I must admit, I largely underestimated the strength of your army."

Caedos knew the Fiend was fishing for information, none of the five hundred thousand soldiers had escaped the Deep Woods, so although he was aware of his defeat, he had no knowledge of exactly how his men had been defeated.

"What are your terms for a truce?" Caedos asked directly, uninterested in making small talk.

"Naturally, a comprehensive list will be drawn out, complete with your terms and mine. An alliance between our cities won’t even be far-fetched."

Caedos had never been proficient in showing his expressions, and now it came in incredibly useful, disgust rolling through him like a wave. "I want every single Hellhound in Ibaeron set free." He somehow managed to say calmly.

Morkoth expected this demand yet he couldn’t keep himself from showing dissatisfaction. "And that is why this discussion is necessary," He still said suavely, "A satisfactory trade can be set up..."

"And I want you to fall on your sword," Caedos went on without mincing words. If the Fiend wouldn’t state his terms for the truce, then he would take the lead.

Morkoth’s ingratiating smile fell off his face, "Step carefully, hound." He said coldly.

Caedos simply rose to his feet, he hadn’t been expecting much from the meeting. Being able to get a proper view of the castle from within was more than satisfactory.

"I always do." He said politely, "The Deep Woods need more fertilizer, Morkoth. Send the rest of your army."

The Fiend Grand Duke watched him walk off with muted rage, anger clouding his vision as a red haze settled over his eyes. He knew that the Hound army was a pathetic number, yet this royal dog strutted around so confidently.

"We’re leaving." Caedos said as he approached his captains, and once again, they warped without exchanging a word.