.Chapter 37-2
“It’s a miracle!” whispers were heard throughout the room.
“Our king is back!”
“The curse is broken!”
“We’re free!”
Claus
I stepped back from Mal and cleared my throat, looking around at the faces of men I’d thought I’d lost forever. They were all here, all themselves again, all looking at me with the loyalty and respect I’d never thought I’d deserve.
“It’s good to see you all, and it’s good to be back in Aerith Kingdom,” I said, my voice carrying across the room. “I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know what was happening here. I thought my son was leading our people to a bright future, only to discover he was sunk in darkness.”
I shook my head, looking at each council member individually. These men had served my father, had helped me learn to rule, had been like uncles to me growing up. Seeing them free was worth every moment of suffering I’d endured.
“In the past three months, a lot has happened, both here and in the woods. I crossed paths with the woman my son rejected, and after we saved each other, we discovered we were fated mates, blessed by the goddess herself. My mate destroyed my curse and helped me devise a plan to free all of you from my son’s clutches.”
People roared and applauded in approval. While I didn’t like dragging Kellan down publicly, he’d earned every bit of condemnation with his actions. The things he’d done to these people, to Simone’s family, to his own kingdom… there was no excuse for any of it.
“I present to you my mate, Simone Ryker from Wolfspire Pack, and her brother, Dash Ryker,” I said, gesturing to both of them. “Together, we’ll sign a peace accord between Aerith Kingdom and Shadowed Moon Mountain, and we’ll hunt down any Kellan loyalist that seeks to destroy our peace!”
More applause erupted, but I could see the questions in their eyes. They wanted to know about the years I’d been gone, about what would happen to Kellan now that he was captured.
I knew I’d have hell to pay in the coming days. Claims to sort through, arguments to mediate, petitions to review. The kingdom had been running under magical influence for Goddess knew how long, and there would be decisions that needed to be reversed, policies that needed to be changed, people who needed justice.
13
O
<
Chapter 37 2
The next few months were going to be hectic as fuck.
Clam
But as I tugged Simone closer against my side and looked down at her, seeing her already looking up at me with the brightest eyes I’d ever seen, I knew everything would be fine. Because she made everything better.
“There are many things we need to discuss,” Mal said, his expression growing serious. “About the kingdom, what happened here, the prisoners who need to be dealt with.”
“I know,” I said. “But first, my mate needs medical attention. She’s been stabbed, and she’s
pregnant.”
The word ‘pregnant’ sent another ripple of whispers through the room, and I could see the implications settling in. An heir. A future for the kingdom that wasn’t tainted by what Kellan had
become.
“Pregnant?” Mal’s eyes went wide. “How long?”
“Three months,” Simone said quietly, speaking for the first time since the council had arrived.
“Which means…” Mal did the math quickly. “This happened while you were still cursed?”
“She broke my curse,” I said simply. “In more ways than one.”
Dash stepped forward, his protective instincts finally kicking in now that the immediate danger had passed. “My sister needs a healer. And she needs rest. Your political discussions can wait.”
I appreciated the way he’d inserted himself into the conversation, making it clear that Simone had family who would look out for her interests. It would be important for the council to understand that she wasn’t alone, that any disrespect toward her would be met with consequences.
“Of course,” Mal said immediately. “We’ll have our best healers tend to her right away.”
“And quarters prepared for her recovery,” another council member added.
I could see them already working to curry favor with the woman who would be their queen. It was political maneuvering, but it was also genuine respect for what she’d done. She’d freed them all, and they knew it. I’d make sure to remind them every single day.
“Thank you,” Simone said graciously, though I could see the exhaustion starting to catch up with
her.
The adrenaline was wearing off, and she was probably feeling the full extent of her injuries now. The knife wound, while not fatal, still needed proper treatment, plus the bruises those fuckers had given her… And the stress of everything that had happened couldn’t be good for the baby.
“We should get you looked at,” I said quietly, my hand moving instinctively to her lower back. “Let
2/3
III
O
<
Chapter 37-2
me carry you.”
Clam
“I can walk, I’m fine,” she said automatically, but I could see her wince when she shifted position.
“You’re not fine. You have a hole in your chest and you’re carrying our child. Let me take care of you.”
She looked up at me, and I could see the moment she decided to stop fighting and let me help. It was a small victory, but an important one. She was learning to trust me again, learning to let me be there for her.
“Okay,” she said softly. I swept her off her feet and carried her bridal style, leaving the room
chatting energetically. “Dash, would you see that the prisoners are dealt with?”
“Will do, brother.” He nodded at him, and the word filled my chest with warmth. Brother.
I looked back at my unconscious son, still sprawled on the floor where I’d knocked him out. The boy I’d failed so completely that he’d become a monster. The child I’d abandoned to protect, only to lose him anyway. I wasn’t giving up on him, not a fucking chance.
2
Comments
LUCK DRAW >
Vote
106
