Raining dead bodies

"I would not want to be responsible if you got poisoned by this water." She went on to explain.

He raised a brow at her. "And why would I get poisoned just from drinking, forest girl?"

Seriously? She sighed in frustration. "Don't you know that everything you take must be checked?"

Theodore laughed. "I'm a vampire, not some human." His eyes flickered from red to black, then settled on red again. "You should head back to your room."

The king turned around, ready to start walking, but Vanessa stopped him.

She carried her container in her hand and joined him where he stood. Just before they started walking again, she said, "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" He glanced at her sideways, catching her furrowed brows and her face, which held a mix of curiosity and concentration.

"Your eyes…" Theodore stopped to turn fully toward her.

"What about them?" he questioned with a cocky smile.

"T-They are always changing. The other vampires' eyes don't change; it's just you." She met his gaze straight on, as if watching closely to see if it would return to its black shade so she could prove her point. "What's the mystery behind them?"

"Do you really want to know why they are like that?" His question was a tease, but Vanessa still thought about it before slowly nodding her head. "Always the curious cat, aren't you?"

He continued with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "As long as you are willing to pay the price," his words were sensual, and his gaze trailed down her body length.

Seeing the king's eyes roam her clothed body, Vanessa's eyes widen in realization at his words, quietly backing away from him.

She let out a fake yawn before rambling out, "I'm beginning to feel sleepy. I would just head to my room." She bowed and said, "Goodnight, your majesty."

She practically run-walked to her room, stealing glances from behind her to make sure the king was not following her.

Theodore's smile stretched further after seeing her reaction.

The hours of the night came by quickly.

King Theodore had just finished the court meeting with the Simpsons when the magistrate walked in, looking tired and exhausted.

Adam, who had been sent to carry out court duty in the south, found it hard not to lavish the payments, which were meant for the peasants there.

To cover up for their son's wrongdoing, the marquee and marchioness tried to buy out every piece of evidence that could cremate them in front of the king.

But their efforts were still a loss, as Theodore still found out. For their punishment, he was going to make them pay every single dime to the peasants till the drought came to an end.

"Your majesty." The magistrate bowed deeply.

"What is the problem in the town that you cannot handle?" Theodore said it smugly.

"Milord, there have been some recent deaths in the town, and a few persons have gone missing overnight." Briggs explained.

King Theodore hummed, taking in the information. "And who do you think is behind this?"

"The reports from Porkshire were that the counts of dark witches have increased, and they are looking for means to redeem themselves." Stated the magistrate.

"So you are saying the dark witches are who you suspect?" He tilted his head while raising a single eyebrow at Briggs.

"Yes, Milord. As a matter of fact, the dead humans had some parts missing from their bodies."

"I will send people to look into it. You can leave." He instructed.

Briggs bowed and sauntered around to leave the courtroom, passing Ralph on his way out.

"Milord."

"Where is she now?"

"Still in Greyforest, Milord."

"They have started acting in the towns." Theodore stood up from the throne, making his way down.

"It's not like your majesty didn't see it coming." Ralph pointed out the obvious.

"Indeed. After the massacre in Mistleville, the dark witches were no doubt going to step out of line."

The town of Mistleville had really done a great job at keeping the dark witches at bay. It was the reason why King Theodore allowed the witches to live freely in Mistleville without being targeted.

But when it came to the dark witches, they were targeted and were not allowed to be seen around.

Ralph commented, "The town's in-group were efficient." He paused for a moment before confirming with the king, "Should we arrest her?"

Theodore pondered over it and said, "No, I will see to it myself. Just handle the ones causing trouble in the other towns."

"Yes, your majesty."

"Mm." With the demise of members of Mistleville's in-group, the agreement with the king's court would have to be annulled. Theodore thought.

They both walked out of the courtroom at the same time.

"What do the dark witches think would help them get their true selves back?" Ralph's voice sounding interested.

"The krispadal would have been the most logical answer, but it is said that the witches believe that a replica of the stone can be created.

"And is this belief reliable?"

"What do you think?" He threw the question back at Ralph, a deranged smile on his lips.

Ralph shifted his gaze to the king even as they continued to walk. "The witches are always insightful and superstitious beings. But I doubt a replica of the stone can be created." He let out his thoughts, not holding back.

King Theodore stopped walking, and Ralph also followed suit.

Theodore crossed his hand behind his back, his eyes focused forward on someone, as he remarked, "Then I would take your words for it. Have Lipton check for anything she can find on the dead bodies."

At his words, Ralph wondered what the king was up to.

"I will take my leave now." Ralph excused himself.

Once Ralph left, King Theodore strolled towards a maid whose back was turned to him while in a squatting position.

"What are you doing there, forest girl?" His tone was not hard, but somehow her body still went stiff at the question.