Crossing out two names in the list didn’t make Axel’s misery any better. Rousel was just a consolation. To satisfy Axel’s thirst for revenge, he had to to talk to Edward regarding Rebecca. The mastermind of the treachery and attack.
She was the one making the call until the end. Though Axel had already announced Rousel and Flora’s betrayal, Rebecca’s name remained clean. She wasn’t even mentioned. Not even a hint that she was involved with the incident.
But it was on purpose. Axel wanted to go after Rebecca’s accomplice first, to give her a false alarm. She wanted Rebecca to feel contented. To be saved.
Rebecca’s courage was coming from Edward. Rebecca might have thought that if she’d have someone else take the blame, she’ll be safe. She arranged it in a way she won’t even be suspected. That she’ll remain untouhable, and innocent. She played her cards right. But she wasn’t the only one who can play this game.
“I’m begging you, Axel…” Edward drew a deep breath, avoiding Axel’s pair of terrorizing eyes. “Please, wait until she give birth. Our baby has nothing to do with this.”
“And you think mine did have something to do with Rebecca’s insanity?” Axel retorted. “If not because of our friendship, I would’ve assassinated your wife along with your unborn child.”
What Rebecca committed was not only a treachery against the Alpha. She also shamed and disgraced the pack, for killing its next Alpha. The future King of the Western Border. It was a grave sin death wouldn’t even be enough as a punishment.
Axel would’ve desired to see Rebecca cry in blood. He wanted to see her crawl in the pigsy cell he would put her in. He would’ve tortured her, night and day. But he had to consider Edward.
Unlike what Rebecca planned, Edward intentionally moved forward. He did not protect her, and instead, begged to save the baby inside her womb. He did not care about her. Not even a bit of sympathy.
Axel had to take that into account. But he was having second thoughts.
“I’m ready to do anything, Axel. Please, not the baby.”
It was already unfair enough that he placed a sadistic punishment to Rousel, and the other servant, and spared Flora. If he were to give a punishment to Rebecca less than what Rousel had received, that would be objectionable. Axel was thorn. Depending on his decision, he’d either break his friendship with Edward, or his dignity.
“Sophie was harmed, Edward. My baby was killed. I have enough justifiable reason to kill your family.” Axel imposed. “However, I cannot do as I please, because I’m considering our bond.”
“And I truly appreciate that.” Though agitated, Edward tried to be as calmest as he could, to not provoke Axel. “If I was in your shoe, I would’ve killed Rebecca already.”
Axel had rights to punish Rebecca. This was his Kingdom, and Rebecca was his own. It was only natural that Rebecca would receive a befitting punihsment for her wicked plan. What’s more was that, she forced more people in, and saved herself. She was devious. Dangerous. Unworthy.
If they were to switched places, in all honesty, Edward would not think twice to behead Rebecca, no matter what the consequences were. So he appreciated that Axel reached out to him first before carrying an his actual judgement. He could only breathe with ease that Axel was still rational.
Edward was aware of how much Axel was thorn right now. He must be weighing things. He must have been thirsty to shed blood, to avenge his innocent baby who had been killed out of anyone’s greed and evilness. It was sad that Axel had to experienced that, and still had to consider friendship before doing what should have been done, Edward knew it was cruel of him to asked him to spare their baby when Rebecca showed no hesitancy in killing theirs.
But he was only a father.
“How long do I need to wait?”
Edward looked up, stunned. “Axel…”
“I’m not going to let Rebecca go, Edward. Starting today, I’ll cage her in a Palace. However, to make sure her baby will not be affected, I’ll have Hugo as his guard until the day she give birth.”
It was a big decision to make. Axel knew that at some point, he was going to regret it. But right now, had he said the other way, he’ll be bugged by it. It was questionable, but he’ll turned a blind eye.
“Thank you…” Edward felt his heart sank. “I’ll forever be indebted to you.”
“As you should, Edward.”
He’ll spare his child, but not Rebecca. For now, he’ll choose to save their alliance and friendship. But this would make Edward indebted to him. Starting to day, until he die, his child will be at his mercy. And he’ll make sure this decision would sprout big contribution and benefit to the whole Kingdom.
But this decision meant he had to double Rebecca’s punishment. Since the child will be spared, she had to take what should be for their child. A similar punishment to Rousel. As she lived, she will eat nothing but the raw flesh of her own kind.
Axel dismissed the talk, after he came to a decision. Without wasting any time, he met up with his men to immediately get Rebecca. He sent thirty of his men to take her to him, alive. Axel did not care whether his citizens will see and make judgement as starting today, he will no longer tolerate Rebecca, and her innocence. He meant to shame her today, until she die.
“Alpha!”
As Axel walked in between the two pillars, a servant called him.
He stopped walking to pay her attention. Right now, he was just on her way to Sophie to discussed what he had talked about with Edward. He wanted to let her know the punishment that they had decided upon to give Rebecca. To finally end it with the last wolf who was behind all of this.
“What is it?” Axel formally asked. “You’re the one I put in charged to look after Sophie. Where is she?”
“She’s missing, Alpha!”