A Blood Heir

Chapter 9- Laying Claim

He was doing it for his people.

But no matter how many times Hunter repeated that statement in his head, he couldn’t make himself believe it.

Most Krystanians would have preferred to have the humans locked up in the dungeons, ensure they didn’t learn any more information about Krystan, and make sure they never found a way back to their planet. But instead, he’d taken the first step toward his plan. He’d freed them, made them feel welcomed, and that they could trust him.

He was selfish for feeling entitled to be the one to have the human when every male on Krystan would kill for it. Most of his people would agree the king had to be the one to get this one-in-a-million chance to continue his bloodline but deep down he knew he was doing it for himself. All he’d ever wanted for years was to hold his offspring in his arms, play with them around the castle, and give them the love he’d long bottled up inside him. Besides, he wasn’t planning on failing his family another time. So he pushed his guilt aside and kept his eyes on the prize.

In the dimly lit room with gothic wall lamps, he lifted his hand to touch the sarcophagus where they’d put his father to rest. His fingers ran across the sculpture curved from the image of his father on the top and down to the inscription at the side of the stone coffin.

Rudolf Garrick Dragon

King of Krystan for one thousand five hundred and eleven years.

He sucked in a breath, fighting the tear threatening to fall. “I’m not going to let you down. I promise.” He was going to give him a grandchild and catch the culprit responsible for their death.

He slowly lifted himself up, dusting the fabric of his black leather pants in the process. With one last look at the place his father was resting, he made it for the entrance. He didn’t stop at the throne room. Instead, he walked out of the Eastern wing and down the courtyard path to the Western Wing. Like every time he left the crypt, he needed to do something to work off the anger, sadness, and guilt raging inside him. But this time, he wasn’t settling for horse riding.

He stepped inside the large entrance and was welcomed by the sight of two drenched warriors sparring on the raised ground while the rest cheered. One, a male, had pinned a female on the ground and before anyone could think she would give in, she dematerialized and then appeared behind her opponent. But before she could attack, the male met her gracefully.

Hunter’s heart swelled with pride at their strength and skills. He had good warriors to help him win the war. The Creator knew Krystan needed many of those, especially now that they could be facing more than that traitor Marek and his army if someone came looking for the three humans.

When the males and females noticed him, everything came to a halt. They bowed and he acknowledged them. “Would you mind…” With their nods, he pulled his shirt off and tossed it on the concrete floor. He stepped forward and onto the sparring area. “Who among you two wants to go against me.”

They looked at each other but neither volunteered. Their hesitation had nothing to do with Hunter’s prowess or lack of confidence in theirs. Ever since the recent attempt on his life, when they’d come close to losing the remaining heir to the Krystan throne, his warriors had become extra careful. They didn’t want him in harm’s way. They didn’t want even a non-fatal injury inflicted during a friendly duel on him.

Making a casual walk, his gaze darted around. “Anyone?” The room remained silent. When he thought he would have to put one of his warriors in an uncomfortable situation, someone spoke from the back.

“If you want a challenge, you should as well go against the best.”

His mouth curved into a smile when he saw Cade make his way through the crowd. “This feels like old times.” The other two went down as their commander stepped on the platform.