Alpha King's Healer

19

King Martell slowly strides towards us, his heavy crown sparkling in the sunlight. We couldn't just walk away, avoiding him. His crown reminded us of our place. This was his castle, his kingdom, his guards.

His guards put the old king to shame. They stand tall and broad behind him. He needed his own personal protection. Something Thaddeus never needed or used. It seemed to be just a matter of time for Martell.

"Miss Aurelia Kingsley," the King said, his voice smooth and regal, but with an edge of steel beneath. A forced smile played on his lips as he grabs my hand, kissing the top of it. His eyes trail up to mine.

"It's good to see you still alive after the event you endured with my daughter. I believe I have much to thank you for. We must rejoice at your safe return," he admits.

"Rejoice? Many were killed that will never be mourned. That is not something you celebrate or applaud." I pull my hand away from his grasp.

"Damn rioters don't know that intelligence gets you places faster than force does." His head tilts back in the tiniest manner.

It was obvious he didn't care about the people or his men that were killed all because of the crown he wears on his head. His attention suddenly locks down onto Covey.

Covey looked nervous, but I noticed her hands still clenched up with hatred.

"You must be my son's.. mate," Martell slowly questions. His gaze narrowed in harshly on her.

"Colette," She replies calmly.

"You've been quite the enigma to me since your arrival. Where are you from, Colette?" Martell urges.

"No where of importance," She states. "Just matters where I am now."

Martell hums. He begins circling around her. His guards stay a good distance away. Covey's jaw tightened.

"Tell me, Colette, you have always lived in Daelum?" He asks.

"Born and raised," she responds.

"But you weren't raised by your parents?" He stops circling her now. Covey snaps her head to look at him over her shoulder.

"How'd-" She begins.

"Raised in the church by the grand master in order to lead you down the right path with your gift, augur." He steps in front of her. "My young daughter is quite the storyteller," he brags, chuckling slightly.

Young Princess Celeste doesn't know the meaning of words quite yet.

Then his demeanor changed to something sinister.

"What kind of priestess abandons their Gods?" He scolds her.

"I was kicked out, under your ruling," Covey snaps back.

I nudge her, trying to tell her to contain her anger.

"Shame," Martell whispers. "But a brothel? And now you stand before me, my heir to the throne telling me you are going to be Queen one day." Martell shakes his head.

"We don't decide who we are mated to, the Gods do," Covey reminds him.

I still couldn't understand the importance of the Gods here in Daelum. Something imaginary controlling an entire Kingdom? My brain couldn't wrap around it well. Yet, Covey, and the common people here needed that hope. Hope that someone out there was listening to their cries and screams as their King does not.

Martell inhales, nodding slightly in agreeance. His attention falls to me again. He holds his arm out for me to take. He wanted me to walk with him. Covey wasn't welcomed in this as he turned his back to her, telling her to leave us. She was quick to bow, and even faster leaving the corridor.