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.”

once more. He strode over to Anneliese and placed one fist over his heart, bowing deeply. “Greetings, lady Anneliese. I am Argrave’s brother, a faithful devoted of the gods… and Prince Orion

is pleasant to meet you,” she said after some

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

Argrave. “Yes, Argrave

you are soon to join the family. Even if you may never bear the name of Vasquer… you will still be my sister-in-law. Such

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

Magnus walked away, and Anneliese strode up

“Fiancée?” she questioned.

a deep breath and exhaled. “Does

but…” she crossed her

told you, I won’t compromise on you. I know this isn’t a particularly romantic way of going about this, but this is what I want. Let me ask you seriously. Want to get engaged?” Argrave shifted, then added, “I’ll understand if you say no—even if

course I want to. But now is not the time to be lost

a fitting description for him altogether,” Argrave nodded, refocusing himself away from the sweetness and light.

little wink.

of his finger before he could say something that might provoke the large crowd still around them. Argrave gave them both a nod, then departed with Anneliese just

rundown,” Argrave said quietly, following where his two brothers had 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 he wants. That’s

you want me to try and discern why he is here,” Anneliese followed his line of

comes

of his emotions are so powerful, constantly in flux…” she shook her head. “And he wears them on his sleeve. As

was going to suggest. Read me like a book, as usual. You…” he felt a strange surge in his chest, an overpowering positivity that did away with all of his negative thoughts and spurred him to speak. “So easy

smile behind the solemn white mask she wore, but Argrave saw 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 furniture had rotted away. A new table

Argrave had even fully entered. They obeyed quickly and unquestioningly, moving past their pair and shutting the partially rotten wooden door

his line of sight. He locked gazes

gestured for Anneliese to remove it. She did for a moment, then put it back on

much inflection. “Queer choice for a queer

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

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 to one knee, giving Orion a glare as he rubbed

out of family camaraderie, Argrave realized, gaining some sympathy for

Magnus had ignored him the first time he asked this question, Argrave phrased it differently, directing it towards both Orion

two been here together?” Argrave

back up. He bent down and personally brushed the dirt off Magnus’

nodded, then

know,” Magnus stubbornly

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