Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Dungan’s POV

There is only so far you can chase weaklings before it's just sad and pathetic. Gentry convinced us to head back and deal with some of the pressing issues in the domain personally.

I would have a better chance of answering my questions at home anyway. Not much information is available on the seas.

We set anchor midmorning, and I hadn’t seen Gentry yet. I chuckled, thinking he’s sleeping in on the day we arrived. I picked up the few things I was working on and walked onto deck. I hear Gentry is awake and talking in hushed tones, “I haven’t wanted to upset him. Is everything ready?”

“Yes, Minister Gentry. The guests are set to arrive at dusk.” Another voice informs, and I have to roll my eyes. Gentry has set up something he knows I’m not going to be excited about.

I strut up on deck, and Gentry and the men around him all stand in alert. I stalk to their side, and Gentry bows to me respectfully, “Good morning, my King. I hope you rested well. Your carriage is almost here.”

“Just give me a horse, Gentry.” I say annoyed.

“My King, you have been on the sea for several weeks. You should hesitate for your people to see you in a disheveled state. I advise you to ride in the carriage.” Gentry says with a vindictive stance in his eyes.

I cross my arms and feel my rage build, and everyone around me seems to look the other way except Gentry, who smiles as if he has no care in the world. “Forget the horse. I will reach the castle on my own.”

I move to the bridge to step off the ship. Gentry seems to be more alert now. “My King! No, please don’t go run and hide. We have much to do, and the carriage would be the fastest way.”

“No, letting me get a good stretch will be faster, and not to mention, I might not take yours or someone else’s head off for whatever reason you want me well groomed for the night.” I say low into Gentry’s ear.

Gentry jumps a little away from me. “My King. I will have lunch prepared for you when you arrive home. I can inform you of all the festivities the city has prepared for your return. Do you need me to distract people so you can have some privacy? Or maybe take your things with me?”

“No.” I step off the ship and walk on the dock. I pull my cloak out and wrap it around myself, covering my hood. Even though it's dark and the sun is out, I know it's easier now for me to hide from people’s eyes. Placing my items into my cloak, I shift into my wolf and run through the streets undetected. I really wish I could leave the city and run through the forests, but I don’t have the time.

I reach the castle and walk into my quarters. I shake out my fur when I notice there is someone in the sitting room. I didn’t even notice her, so she must be strong. She’s dressed in a formal maid outfit, but she has ancient blood on her. She seemed shocked and about to scream while looking at me. She’s terrified and runs back towards the farthest door.

I transform back into my human form and stand still with my cloak draped around me. I pull the hood from my head, and she starts to breathe normally, “My King, forgive me. I didn’t mean to be frightened. I thought you were an intruder.”

“Did Minister Gentry hire you?” I say, ignoring her banter.

“Uhm. I think so. Oh, forgive me. I’m Rubia Norletter. I was hired to be your personal maid.” She says while curtsy to me in a very formal noble way.

I spend a few minutes measuring the girl up a bit more. “Brennon Norletter is your father?”

“No, sire. He is my uncle.” She says shortly with a little embarrassment. She draws herself back from me hesitantly. “If you want someone else I’m sure they can find me another place.”

“No. You will be fine. I do like my privacy, and your history will keep most from wanting to befriend you. I can trust you.” I say, walking past her to the bedchamber.

“Sire, forgive me. What do you know of my history?” She says nervously. She has her hand clasped together.

“Brennon is your uncle and your father. Norletter family line has immense power and lives for many centuries. It's not abnormal for your family to have small inconsistencies, especially with the females sold as broodmares and not the individuals. You have as much power if not more than Brennon has, but he has suppressed you because having a female threaten to take over the family isn’t what they ever want. If you want to learn how to handle your magic, I’m sure I can find some time to teach you a bit. I’m certain Gentry, though your lineage, would make me less likely to throw you out because I hate how they treat you. It's not your fault you were born from his mistake.” I say before I exit the room.

The swish of her skirts follows me, and she hums with amusement, “Sire, you give me more credit than I deserve. When they told me they sold me to the castle, I feared I would have to be used as a battle dummy. I’m not cut out for this position at all. I’ve been here two weeks, and all I’ve ever done is dust.”

I laugh at her, “Are you good at listening?”

“Yes, sire.” She says, bowing her head low.

“What the hell do they have planned for me today?” I say out of character.

She looks at me, shocked and laughs with her hand to his lips. “Tonight is a ball for your homecoming, but invitations went out over two weeks ago to ever available noble. Tomorrow, the newly elected elders will be interviewed by you publicly, and you will have the final say on the choices. There will be a banquet to welcome the new members of your temple. Then, the next day will start the three-day coronation festivities.”

I groan louder at every sentence she says, “So, a full week of headache. I won’t even get a chance to do any of the work I was planning.”

“Yes, sire. They have already brought your dress for all the events. I can help you with your dress.” She says as she walks away. She doesn’t try to give an extra sway in her gait like most of the girls Gentry has assigned to me. Her speech is straightforward, so I can admire her. She might have stutter in the beginning, but she warmed up to me nicely.

I know his intention is to have the most compatible women nearby for the off chance I mind be interested in them. A bastard child isn’t frowned upon if they are pregnant with the only heir to Bellar throne. I just really don’t have any interest in anyone other than my Nadar.