The Alpha's Temptation

Nerio couldn't believe that he entered the Kingdom of Garduff so easily. Did the guard not recognize the stamp on the gold coins? Or even if he did, he was too greedy to let them go. Either way, Nerio was happy. One hurdle down. Now all he had to do was go to the royal family and meet their main courtier who handled the trade. In fact, he needn't even go to the royal family.

Nerio tied his seahorse to the place where other seahorses were tied. While most other were a fiery orange, his ride was a dull green and gray. Better. It looked insignificant. The seahorse looked at his owner and then turned its attention to the moss and weeds that were in the shallow coral trough in front of him. His master had bought a lot for him.

Nerio swam to the market where he inquired about the trader. He sat in a local inn that served shrimps and local ale where he got the information of the whereabouts of the field where the herb was harvested.

"Do you think the courtier would be available now?" he asked a very drunk man who was sitting next to him on a bench.

"Yes!" the drunkard replied. "Why not? That man only sees money around him. That is the only thing that drives him. Even his wife is unable to satisfy him as much as the money. If it was for him, he would hump the gold coins every day!" The man let out a laugh at his lewd joke. Several others joined him. The information was going to make Nerio's work easier. There was no one better than a corrupt man who could be bought.

"Where can I find his office?" he asked, taking a swig of his ale.

All of them started to look at him as if he had grown two horns on his head. He realized his mistake. With a nonchalant look, he said, "I am from the capital. How would I know where his office is? Moreover, I am here to see the General. Since you all are talking so much about his humping, I grew curious."

A murmur broke amongst them. One of them looked at him and whispered, "That man has a knack for sturdy men like you. He will catch you and prison in his home and fuck so, so hard that your balls will come out. If I were you, I wouldn't go to him."

Nerio was taken aback. "Oh! I see," he said and then swigged the entire ale. He looked at the owner and shouted, "Put their drinks on my bill!"

A loud cheer later, Nerio started to leave and came to the owner to give him two gold coins. The owner's eyes became wide. He picked them up and said, "The courtier's office is straight on the left and then round the corner. Remember that you look horrible. He likes young, strappy men."

Nerio chuckled. "Thanks," he said and left. As he was rounding the corner of the lane to reach the courtier's office, he caught something in the periphery of his vision. Blood drained from his face and he immediately hid back in the corner. Was that Taiyi? It couldn't be. He peeped out of the corner and once again he scanned the place. And there she was. Standing majestically with her husband and a man who looked like a royal. The way he was talking and attending to Taiyi, it seemed like he was someone very important.

Shock blasted in his chest. What was Taiyi doing here? A shiver ran down his spine because he now looked like the young Nerio he was. It was when he had first seen Taiyi. And he was sure that if Taiyi would see him, she would recognize him immediately. His dark magic was going to last for at least two hours. He had to hide for those two hours somewhere. He gritted his teeth because that would mean such a waste of time.

"Calaman's horns!" he rasped. He still couldn't understand why Taiyi was there. She was in the Draka Kingdom according to his spies then why did she decide to come to Garduff. He wondered if it was anything to do with the herb, but that was a ridiculous thought. What had she got to do with the herb?

He backtracked and found a small inn for himself to spend his time. Restless, he came down and asked the owner about various things. "Where are you from?'' The owner asked his important guest who had given him five gold coins to stay.

"The capital," he replied.

"Oh!" the owner exclaimed. "King Izo's daughter is also here. If you are from the capital, you should meet her. I am sure she would be delighted to see you."

Nerio cringed. That was the woman he had to avoid. He laughed. "Yes, I will be meeting her too." He leaned forward and in a low voice said, "By the way, do you know if we can visit the rare herb garden? I heard that the trade is bad for herbs."

The owner scoffed. "It is bad for everything. The herb garden is off limits, but if you give me five more coins, I can take you on its tour!"

Nerio blinked at the owner. This easy? "Sure," he replied. "I will give you two coins now and three upon return. Is that fine?"

"Yes!" The owner punched him on his chest. "Be ready in an hour."

"I don't have an hour," Nerio replied. His appearance would change by then. He couldn't take the risk. "How about I add an extra coin and you take me there now."

The owner grinned. Lady luck shone on him finally. "Okay. I am ready when you are. But remember not to pluck anything from there."

"I won't."

Fifteen minutes later, the two were on their way to the herb garden. The garden was heavily guarded. There was a tall wall around it. The gates were covered with swaying wild weeds. The guard who was guarding it looked fierce. After an exchange of three gold coins, they were both inside.