Nicholas was still trying to talk, "Mother, but I..."
"You're a father too," said Queen Marianne, cutting Nicholas off quickly. "If you don't care as much about your people, at least think about your sons. What will happen to them if you died, trying to save another man?"
Nicholas was stunned to hear that.
"You know the polemic that is taking place among the royal officials about Luciel and Jan, right? Even though many of them are currently silent, it doesn't mean they agree and actually accept Jan and Luciel as successors to the throne of Riga," Queen Marianne continued.
She added, "They are silent now just because they are afraid of offending you. They still respect you as the king of this country, the true heir from the Hannenbergh's line. However, when you're not around, what do you think they will do to the two boys?"
This time Nicholas didn't know what to say. He knew his mother's words were true, but…
Sigh.
He looked at Sophie with pity. What should he do? He couldn't bear to see Sophie look so sad. He really wanted to help her.
"Dear Sophie." Queen Marianne turned and turned to look at Sophie.
"Your Grace."
"I forbid Nicolas to go not because I don't care about your husband at all, but… I hope you understand what I mean," the queen said, touching Sophie's cheek
Sophie smiled faintly and nodded slowly.
"I understand Your Grace." She looked deeply at Nicholas. "I am very grateful for Your Majesty's good intentions but you must not jeopardize the safety of the entire Riga people for Leland's sake. Jan and Luciel also need your support."
Although she was disappointed that she couldn't ask Nicholas for help, she understood Nicholas' current position. She was also not a selfish person who would let Nicholas risk his life to save Leland's life.
Jan and Luciel's safety was also taken into her consideration. Everything that Queen Marianne said was true and Sophie agreed with her, even though her heart was very heavy to admit it.
"Jan and Luciel need a father figure. You don't have anyone who will protect them but you," said Queen Marianne with teary eyes. "I can't afford to lose you either. I have dedicated all my life to making sure you are well and healthy. Please don't let all my efforts go to waste. I live for you, son. If something happened to you... how could I continue living?"
At this point, the queen was crying. Everything she said was from the heart. She did feel pity for Sophie, but she didn't want her son to sacrifice more than he already did for this young woman.
Nicholas stared at Sophie silently then turned to look at Leland's babies in the baby crib. Back when he wasn't there for Sophie and his sons, Leland took very good care of Sophie and their children
"I'm sorry I can't help. Ugh…" He paused for a moment, and then added, "But I will send spies to find out what really happened in the capital city of Armeria."
"If Leland managed to free his old friend then word will surely spread throughout the palace and its surroundings," he added, not wanting to disappoint Sophie.
Hearing Nicholas' words, Sophie's eyes brightened. It was as if she had suddenly received a glimmer of hope.
"Your Majesty," she looked at him with a grateful expression. "Thank you so much."
Seeing her like that, Nicholas felt happy.
"Um." He nodded with a smile. "I hope my spies will bring good news."
Everyone secretly hoped the same.
KNOCK
KNOCK
The door was knocked and two servants came with a tray filled with a tea pot and three cups. The smell of chamomile tea immediately filled the room.
"Ah... we should drink this tea and relax our mind. I hope we can all sleep after this," said the queen. She agreed with Nicholas' decision to send his spies. It was a much better option. She motioned the servants to pour them tea and she took one cup for herself.
The room was now filled with silence as the three people enjoyed their tea with their own thoughts.
"Please come to my room tomorrow," said the queen after she finished her tea. "While waiting for news about your husband, we can keep ourselves busy with some handicrafts or other things."
"Thank you, Your Grace." Sophie nodded.
***
The next day Nicholas called Noel to his room. When the head of the Royal Lycan Hunter came, he greeted Nicholas politely.
"Noel, I want you to send some of your subordinates to inglitrate the capital of Armeria and spy on the situation."
"Capital of Armeria?" Noel was quite surprised when he heard that.
Nicholas nodded. "You must know about the Alpha Blood River Pack that hasn't returned from Armeria yet, right?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Ask your men to find any information about Alpha Leland in the capital. If Leland and his group really did carry out the attack then word of it would have already circulated in the capital of Armeria."
Noel actually objected to carrying out the order because he felt the matter had nothing to do with Riga. However, since it was the king's order, he finally agreed.
"Very well, Your Majesty."
He left the king's chambers and then went to meet his subordinates. He chose five people and then told them the tasks that must be done by them.
"Do you understand?" Noel asked when he finished explaining.
"We do, Chief."
"Good. Remember one thing you guys go to the enemy's lair so you have to be careful."
"All right, Chief."
The five people finally set out for the capital city of Armeria. They went undercover and skillfully infiltrate the royal palace to get information from the source.
However, when they got there, they didn't manage to get any information because the news of Elias's death had been deliberately covered up by Eloise.
She made sure everyone who witnessed what happened in the royal palace when Leland and Elias had a duel was silenced. The news must not come out of the palace doors.
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