Annan didn't mind Alma turning him down. When the Morel Family found itself losing ground, they would remember him.
It was no secret that the Stuart Family had declined since the Scarlet Queen fell into Slumber. The Morel Family saw their potential: once the Scarlet Queen awakened, the Strelet Family would rise to glory again.
And Annan, who had a way to wake the Scarlet Queen, was the key.
Alma represented the Morel Family, while the Crimson Princess represented the Stuart Family. Together, they settled the details of their alliance.
Annan wanted the Morel Family to announce the alliance and protect them on their coming journey to the Blood Council.
The Crimson Princess's journey home would inevitably face every obstruction Grand Duke Borodia could devise.
Alma didn't refuse, but he could only send one count to protect them.
The Crimson Princess didn't haggle. She could hardly expect the Morel Family's only prince to accompany them. In return, she promised that once she awakened her mother, she would ask her to come to the Serens Mountains and help defend against the Ratfolk.
Then, with the Vampire Progenitor as their witness, they forged a binding Blood Pact, stronger than a Devil Contract.
It's not that I won't give Beludona a chance to advance, Annan thought. We just don't need you.
"Grandfather Annan, when do you plan to leave?" Alma asked.
"As soon as we have the Demon Stone. We can leave tonight."
Annan was human. The Crimson Princess could carry him through the night, and he could take her onward during the day.
Alma looked at Williams. The young prince understood and briefly left the Council Chamber. When he returned, he carried a tray holding the Demon Stone—without touching the stone itself.
"Please be careful with the Demon Stone..." Alma warned Annan