Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 178

There were a few reasons that Argrave had chosen to come into Orion’s hand and collaborate with him. The first was that the Prince did genuinely intend to combat the waxpox and nothing more. He had no ulterior motives, no sinister plots—nothing of the kind. He was dangerous, to be sure, but Argrave was sure he could avoid drawing any of Orion’s ire. The man was quite tolerant as long as one avoided the sore points. What’s more, Argrave wasn’t sure he could succeed without Orion’s help.

The last thing Argrave had been expecting was to deal with another Vasquer in the northwest.

Magnus’ sharp gray eyes scrutinized Argrave and those that had come with him as he drew closer.

“Magnus,” Argrave greeted. “Had no idea you were here.”

The prince looked at him. Argrave had grown used to people being taken aback or even flinching when gazing at his miscolored eyes, but he showed no such aversion. Argrave willed himself to see the magic around, and Magnus’ figure swirled with black gaseous magic. Argrave judged him at well into C-rank—it matched with his knowledge of Magnus within ‘Heroes of Berendar,’ fortunately.

The prince entirely ignored Argrave’s greeting, turning to Orion. “I think we family should take some time to speak in private,” he suggested. His voice was apathetic yet firm as ever, and he spoke quietly to avoid drawing the attention of the crowd behind him.

Argrave tensed at the suggestion. He did not wish to be isolated from his companions. Orion alone was no trouble—if he wanted Argrave dead, they probably wouldn’t stand much of a chance—but Magnus was the wildcard.

Orion took his hand from Argrave’s shoulder. “Indeed, perhaps it should be so.”

“My companions are like my family,” Argrave interrupted at once. “I trust it’s no trouble if they come?”

“But they don’t share your blood,” Orion noted coldly. “Indeed, only one shares your species... it is good you are open-minded, as many of our ninety-six gods extoll that as a virtue, but blood is blood. Blood is sacred.”

Argrave looked back at his party. A plan quickly formed in his mind, but he hesitated to go through with it. He locked gazes with Anneliese.

It’s prudent. And she’d be upset if I keep trying to shelter her.

Argrave turned his head back, taking a deep breath. “You’ll at least allow my fiancée to accompany me.”

Magnus turned his head away, expression unchangingly cold, while Orion’s whole face seemed to light up. He stepped up to Argrave and grabbed his shoulders, pulling him in. His whole party was uneased by Orion’s actions.

“Is that her? Wearing the mask?” Orion whispered into his ear, staring at Anneliese. He hunched down and stared over Argrave’s shoulder.

“Yes. Her name is Anneliese,” Argrave confirmed just as quietly.

“I am embarrassed to admit I do not know her,” he continued.

“It would be more surprising if you knew her,” Argrave pushed Orion away a little. “We met recently. I made this choice on my own, as is my right as a baseborn.”

heart, bowing deeply. “Greetings, lady Anneliese. I am Argrave’s brother, a

to meet you,” she said after

to maintain that pleasantness,” he continued, straightening from his bow. “You are my

at Argrave. “Yes, Argrave and I

Even if you may never bear

back to Argrave. “Come,” he commanded, voice cold, as though whatever warmth

and Anneliese strode

“Fiancée?” she questioned.

and exhaled. “Does this bother

but…” she crossed her

me ask you seriously. Want to get engaged?” Argrave shifted, then added, “I’ll understand if you say no—even if we get along extremely well, it has been a brief

gathered herself. “Of course I want to. But now is not the time to be lost in these matters.

for him altogether,” Argrave nodded, refocusing himself away from

him a little wink. “Good luck.

might provoke the large crowd still around them. Argrave gave them

left. “Magnus is the wildcard of the family. He doesn’t care for power, wealth, or his family. He just wants to do what he wants, whenever

try and discern why he is here,” Anneliese followed his line

it never comes

flux…” she shook her head. “And

a strange surge in his chest, an overpowering positivity that did away with all

her cheeks move and knew she did. They entered into the room of the keep that Orion and Magnus had disappeared into. It was a bedroom, where most of the

be,” Orion directed before Argrave had even fully entered. They obeyed quickly and unquestioningly,

walked to block his line of sight. He locked gazes with Argrave, and then pointed. “She wears

Argrave explained, then gestured for Anneliese to remove it. She did for a moment,

without much inflection. “Queer

sledgehammer—Argrave hadn’t even seen him close the distance. Magnus staggered, coughing, but Orion held the back of his

in our pantheon, two of whom are patrons to elves. I will not tolerate intolerance, least of all from a member of the royal family. Be a better example to our youngest,” he finished, leaning in. His grip released, and Magnus fell

camaraderie, Argrave realized, gaining some

ignored him the first time he asked this question, Argrave phrased it differently, directing it

been

two days ago,” Orion said as he pulled the fallen prince back up. He bent down and personally brushed the dirt off Magnus’ knee once he’d risen

nodded, then continued,

for me to know,” Magnus

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