Alpha King's Healer

12

           "Aurelia proves those odds wrong," Thaddeus responds. "And of the many things my father did during his rule, the Era-dication is the saddest and most dreaded time."

King Martell shakes his head in disagreement, "I remember much of what happened during Lark's rule, although, I personally believe that Lark's break away from the Gods was his most controversial ruling. Truly a Mad king," He comments, this time trying to get under Thaddeus's skin rather than mine.

"And I remember the rumors well of the Mad Lark. They haunt all the Kingdoms to this day." King Martell raises a brow, his head pointing downwards at Thaddeus. "But, today, I am hearing rumors of a new mad king," Martell threatens.

Thaddeus tilts his head back, waiting for Martell's next words.

"I hear that you killed a handful of grey wolves in your kingdom?" King Martell questions.

"I am searching for a traitor in my kingdom who killed a Beta-Commander. A most heinous crime that must be paid for in blood, as the Law states. It is something I think you can understand." Thaddeus was short and precise with his answer.

My father's death. My father's murder. To hide my sorrow, I take another sip of the wine.

King Martell nods in agreeance this time, showing he would do the same and therefore cannot judge Thaddeus on that rumor anymore, "Some believe that power belongs to those who take it. I hope you find the traitor."

A silence falls once again. Thaddeus, Cónán, and Demios continue with the meal, each taking another bite. King Martell did not though, instead, he reaches for his wine again.

"But, there is still the nasty rumor that you have had a plenty of mates. All of which died." Martell reveals before sipping.

Thaddeus raises his gaze, his eyes cutting past his black eyebrows and into Martell. My palms were sweating now, my teeth finding their way to lightly bite my cheek. Did King Martell know of the rumors we knew in the North? That Thaddeus killed them? The rumors were terrible and cruel, but of course, they were true to some extent.

I swallow hard, not knowing Thaddeus's escape plan. He said to always have one, but how does one escape a statement like that? I worried Thaddeus would lash out. He wasn't good at emotional stuff, except anger, anger he was good at.

We were all on the edge of our seats, awaiting what Thaddeus would say.

"You, of all people, should know that we cannot control the mate bond." Thaddeus works his jaw, "or crimes against the crown."

I was impressed with how calm Thaddeus could be in such a dire situation as this, being questioned by another King, subtly being accused of being unfit to rule. Subtly accused of being like his mad late father. He was smart though. He could always find a way to avoid such harsh judgement. I'm almost sure he was trained for this moment his whole life.

I just didn't realize how smart Thaddeus was until King Martell leaned forward in his seat, clearly amused with the topic as he sets his wrinkled chin onto his knuckles.

"Yes, the Gods sure have blessed us with such an incredible bond and loyalty ," King Martell explains.

He didn't comment on the other half of Thaddeus's words. It was as if he was avoiding that topic as he smiles to me.

"Miss Kingsley, I'm sure you know of our strong religious beliefs here in Daelum," Martell began. "I'm sure you know the Gods' story?"

I realized now that both Kings were starting to play a game of predator and prey, but they were not playing together. Thaddeus was playing with King Martell, while Martell was playing with me as bait to Thaddeus.