Alpha Nocurne's Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 176 Rogues

After the exertions of the morning, both Ann and Adam had napped briefly before making their way to the dining hall and grabbing some lunch, before heading down to Bartholomew’s office for a meeting that had been scheduled, only to find Lexi already there.

Ann marveled at the way that Lexi had seemingly grown fond of this particular Elder and was happy to let her guard down around him. The fact that she was reclined so comfortably in an unfamiliar place and clutching a drink in her hand so casually made Ann incredibly happy.

There were very few places where Lexi was truly accepted for who she was, and after initially being concerned that she would encounter a lot of difficulties here as well, she was pleased to have been proven wrong. “Oh, wonderful! I’m pleased you came! I’ve been boring Lexi with tales of my past exploits for longer than she has cared to imagine I’m sure!” Bartholomew chuckled as he stood to greet them.

“He’s a filthy liar! “Lexi interjected casually with a wave of her hand, “I’m not bored at all. In fact, I could probably spend the rest of my days listening to tales of his adventurous youth.”

“Ah, you humor an old man, my dear. I’m sure your father has far more interesting tales to tell from his youth,

after all, what could possibly compare to a Daemon Lord’s exploits.” He chuckled, mildly embarra*s*sed by her open praise.

Lexi snorted.

“Yeah, if he could actually remember half of what he did, I’m sure it would be fascinating. I suppose it’s one of the downfalls of living an obscenely long life.”

Ann grinned as she sat down opposite her. “It would have been a different story entirely

What happened? Are you

hear about it eventually. It’s no big deal though. Well, not right now anyway. I’ll chat to you about it when we get some girly time, okay?”

man, romantically would be her best guess, and as much as she wanted to know right now, there was other business to attend to. “Bartholomew, you

the territory that

smaller settlements that dot either side of the border.” Bartholomew explained carefully. “Rogue attacks? But we haven’t had issues with rogues for years.” Ann exclaimed in surprise. “Not since we moved to begin integrating the independents

my Queen, however, there are some breakaway factions that refuse to sit quietly and live under

are actively refusing to live comfortably, in safety?” Adam asked

order and rules and laws and expectations, but that is not true for all beings. Some wish to be truly free to live as they

burden. It is not an easy life

thing.” Lexi interjected, “Just round them up and chuck them in for sentencing.

but then who will try them for their crimes, hmm? Our kingdom for the crimes they committed here, or our neighbor’s kingdom for the crimes they committed

at him incredulously. “Are you for real? Can’t one of you just try them first and then send them to the other kingdom to face trial

or after sentencing? And who goes first? What about the current extradition treaties? As rogues they are technically stateless, so how should we proceed with that knowledge? You know…” “Doesn’t matter!”

f‘****g politics and politicians and diplomacy,” she said as she shuddered “I don’t know why you can’t just round them up

Maeve smirked. ‘Maeve we can’t! How does that make us any better than them?!’ Ann