Chapter 191: Smoke And Mirrors

Hugo changed, that was for sure, but there were things and habits he hadn't quit. For example, he didn't mind my presence as they talked about important things. Although Azazel hinted at Hugo, the latter explained he trusted me more than him.

Azazel didn't argue, since the two of them were in the same boat. If for a stupid reason, I leaked the important information they were spewing right now, the two of them would go down together. As if I would do that to Hugo. I would rather get my tongue cut out than purposely put my husband in danger. 

"I see." Hugo rocked his head in understanding with his lips curved down slightly. "So that's how the Hendrik Empire reacted, huh?"

He snapped his eyes ever so tenderly, gazing at Azazel. "Will you be alright?"

"Are you, perhaps, worried about me?" Azazel inquired with an amused smirk on his face. "That is quite moving."

"Don't go ahead of yourself. I am simply asking to know if you are going to die and lose my ally." Hugo chuckled dryly. "We are still aiming for your empire's demise. Having you make things easier, but that doesn't mean we cannot do anything without your help. I simply prefer convenience."

"You could've pretended you care." Azazel let out a short laugh. 

"I hope I can without retching."

The vampire laughed again and nodded. "Alright. The first month of the incident is the most crucial. We will hasten the coronation just as you want, but... Niall will surely intervene."

"Make him step foot in Althea," came out a dark voice as a slight smirk flashed in Hugo's face. "I would like to meet your beloved brother, Prince."

"That would be easy if Niall isn't thorough. We succeeded tonight because he used an old method. Do not underestimate my brother, Your Grace." Azazel's voice grew solemn, eyes staring directly into Hugo's eyes. "I will not move discreetly if Niall is simple to deal with."

"I don't underestimate the crown prince. I regarded him with the utmost respect. Thus, I would like to meet him myself since he is that strong." 

"Haha. Your confidence is admirable, and I can't judge, since you can back it up."

"Well, what can I say?" Hugo smiled, which didn't reach his eyes. "I am strong and smart."

"Sure." Azazel laughed, but Hugo chose to ignore the sarcasm in his tone. "Anyway, as much as it disheartens me, I couldn't stay that long."

"Don't act as if you mean that."

"Haha. I am trying to impress your luna. But never mind." Azazel cast Cedrick, his vassal, a quick look, and the latter nodded. "I will still keep an eye on Althea, even if I returned to our empire."

He planted his palms on the armrest, pushing himself up. His eyes darted between me and Hugo, tilting his head down before calling Cedrick's name.

"Take care, Your Grace." He sported a brief smile before turning his back against us, marching towards the door. Hugo and I remained silent as we watched him take the door until it closed behind him. 

I listened to his almost soundless footsteps fading every passing second. When I was certain they were at a great distance, I faced Hugo. He still had his sharp eyes on the door, making me wonder what was inside his head. 

"Hugh," I called, waiting for him to look back at me. "The fourth prince... he will die." 

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"Hmm?" he raised a brow while I pressed my lips into a thin line. 

How would I explain it to him? That I sensed the stench of death from the man? I held my hands on my lap, pondering on how to explain it to him. Should I tell him about the lamb? But telling him about that would also raise more questions. Hugo wasn't stupid to figure out about Daniel and me. 

To my surprise, while I was racking my brain for an excuse, Hugo spoke. My brows furrowed, doubtful if I heard him correctly.

"What?" I asked, studying his nonchalant demeanor. 

"Of course, he will die," Hugo repeated with the same indifference. "Azazel and I had been in contact, benefiting from each other mutually. However, just as he said, Niall was thorough on top of being strong."

"Hugh, what do you mean?"

"What I mean is, it's no surprise that Niall figured out about Azazel's affiliation with me." He shrugged while speaking in a knowing tone. "Niall is shameless. I didn't lie to you that Niall wants to frame our empire for what happened in this place. However, do you think, for someone who was like that crown prince, will use such a lame method?" 

"What..." my heart thumped against my chest loudly, watching Hugo's evil smirk resurface. "Did you betray the fourth prince?" 

Deep in my heart, I wished he would deny it. Even if it was a lie, I wanted him to deny it. But alas, Hugo did neither, but that only increased my assumptions. I didn't know what to feel about it, honestly. 

"Bambi, most alliances are marked by betrayal. It is just a matter of who will do it first and who will fall victim to it. Obviously, I would rather betray him than become a victim," he explained without a hint of remorse. "Did you think Azazel will not betray me if he was given a chance?"

"Hugh…" came out a weak voice, biting my inner lower lip. This man… I couldn't recognize him, but then again, did I ever truly know him? Or did I just see what I wanted to see?

"What, Rinrin? Do you think I'm out of line?" he asked with genuine wonder in his voice. 

Our three-year separation was eye-opening. It broadened my horizon, meeting different people every day with different stories to share. People were like a coin. We all had different sides of us. 

But I felt conflicted about this. I wasn't righteous, but I never thought of betraying anyone. What more, did Hugo choose Niall over Azazel? Between the two, Azazel was more trustworthy than Niall. 

After meeting Azazel, I was certain he wasn't the person who reminded me of my lost memories. My gut feeling already knew it was Niall. 

Hugo sprawled his arms towards me, simpering while tucking my hair behind my ear. "Do you want to come with me?" he asked.

"Hmm?" 

"I am inviting you to show you what your husband is capable of," he explained and a glint flickered across his eyes. "Three years ago, I simply want to keep you safe and away from bloodshed. But now… I don't think I still need to do that anymore. Why? Because I think you had the wrong assumption of me, Rinrin."

I held my breath while staring into his mesmerizing golden eyes. "Sure." I nodded. "Let's do that. I want to see what I missed."

He smiled and smacked his lips. "That's what I also want to say.. I want to see what lies behind your smoke and mirrors, Bambi."

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