Winter Festival in Theapan (Part 5)

"You brought a gift?" Vorbuk asked Duke Heket as if he could not believe what he had just heard. Why is this man acting so friendly?

"Yes. I thought it best to show sincerity when coming to meet you personally." Duke Heket smirked as he reached into his suit. Pulling out a small bottle with his hand's slow and cautious movement. Inside the bottle was a blue fluid that seemed almost clear.

Vorbuk hesitated before asking, "What is this?"

"Blue Phoenix Tears." Duke Heket smiled brightly while answering the question.

SHATTER!

Vorbuk's eyes glanced down below at the people enjoying the banquet. Quickly his vision locked on the image of King Micah turning his own gaze away from Grand Duke Heket. The king had clearly seen what the object was that Duke Heket was holding up. King Micah was being rushed up to by servants in order to check his hand that had just shattered a wine glass from his grip after looking at the object.

What was that reaction over the item for? Vorbuk thought briefly.

Turning back to Duke Heket he said, "I heard the blue phoenix was no different from other mortals. Why would you have this?

Duke Heket smirked and placed the bottle in Vorbuk's hands, "You can find many things in the black market. The blue phoenix has tears that can heal wounds. Though they are a rare race their tears are highly sought after for miracle cures."

In other words he bought it illegally and was openly offering it. Vorbuk sighed as he handed the bottle to Ashley for him to put it away. "Thank you for the gift."

"I was surprised to see the crown prince of Cadirade alongside you," Duke Heket spoke while glancing over at Prince Leo with a strange glint in his eyes, "Do you not worry about the rumors circulating about Prince Curtis? I would have imagined you'd be restless to sit back and wait."

Prince Leo grit his teeth before speaking up, "My brother's actions will not affect my reputation."

"Pardon me," Duke Heket cleared his throat before continuing, "I was not talking about your reputation being affected by your brothers. I'm just surprised you can so calmly sit here."

"You-" Prince Leo wanted to scold the man.

"Enough!" Vorbuk stopped the arguing between them.

A servant brought over a tray of fresh drinks for them. This time Vorbuk was more observant of those handing him things. Seeming to be alright this time he lifted the drink to his lips. Drinking the refreshing sweet wine he began to feel more relaxed for his conversation with the duke however the duke's next question made him want to shudder again.

Duke Heket held his own glass in front of his eye while looking at Vorbuk sitting on the throne through the clear glass, "Have you ever considered becoming the companion to someone, your majesty?"

"No," Vorbuk responded instantly before asking, "Why would you bring that up suddenly? If I wanted my soul bound to someone else because I am simply a beast would I have come thus far?"

The duke was silent for a moment before lowering his glass in order to look at Vorbuk directly as he spoke, "I meant no disrespect. I simply find that not everyone may share your thoughts. You are a beast, after all, there are methods they could use to obtain you as their companion beast regardless of your opinion."

"Is that a threat?" Vorbuk's throat echoed a deep growl as his eyes flickered with a red light. He knew he should maintain himself. It was best to remain calm with Duke Heket since he could not handle confronting him at present. However he felt so upset that he could not stop his body from growling even if he was currently using a human's form because his beast instincts weren't easy to control when he got upset.

Duke Heket found Vorbuk's rage to his own liking, "I have no interest in threatening you with such things. You could take it as a personal warning."

"Who would dare-?!" "I will take care of them, master-!" Prince Leo and Ashley muttered under their breaths at the duke's words. It was like Duke Heket had intentionally watched the reaction of everyone.

"What is it that you want from me?" Vorbuk asked Duke Heket directly as he was tired of being toyed with.

Duke Heket smirked slyly as he took a step forward, "I want to make a deal with you, your majesty, Vorbuk."

"A deal?" Vorbuk asked if he had heard correctly. Why would someone who served Chynir want to make a deal with him?

"Yes." Duke Heket responded simply.

"Why would you want to make a deal with me?" Vorbuk asked him, "Do you not serve under the god Chynir?"

"Yes," Duke Heket honestly answered as well, "However I have lived long enough that I have something I too desire that my god can not give me."

"... What?" Vorbuk felt confused at the duke's words. There was something that the duke wants that Chynir can not offer him? What could Duke Heket desire that Chynir can not offer him?

Duke Heket slowly stepped towards Vorbuk. Leaning in further he whispered into Vorbuk's ear with a voice that was deep yet ghostly as if it was a whisper sent in the wind, "I want to take over Drethia and kill his majesty the King of Drethia."

Duke Heket wanted the throne for himself. He had lived for thousands of years under the same king. That same king that was the god Chynir's most loyal servant and a demi god himself. It had been a long time of servitude that the duke had grown tired of.

Vorbuk hesitated before asking him directly, "What would I get out of this?"

"What would you get?" Duke Heket chuckled as he stood back up straight and sighed, "What better informant for you then someone who serves under the god you hate so badly~?"

"You're going to give me inside information on what they are doing?" Vorbuk asked but he felt like something was wrong. I do not trust this man's words. Duke Heket gave off the aura of a greedy demon. He was willing to go as far as to kill his lords most loyal servant to take what he wanted. However he could not deny that pretending to work with him could still benefit him in the future. If he used the situation carefully he could make use of Duke Heket.

"Yes," Duke Heket replied before asking, "Have I not asked you already once? I warned you to be cautious in the future that someone may consider taking you as a companion beast by force."

"You mean.." Vorbuk paused.

"General Vulen went to the king of Drethia with intention to get help in dealing with you. If they force you to become a companion to someone wouldn't that just make you the perfect pawn for Chynir in the future?" Duke Heket muttered as he took a sip of his wine. Everyone had gone silent at his words and his offer. No matter what Vorbuk chose he would have to kill the duke in the future since he was loyal to Chynir.

Should at least make use of him for now until I'm able to take care of him in the future. If we become enemies now I won't be able to deal with him properly. Vorbuk thought before saying, "Alright, I will consider it."