Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Aela’s POV

It's been six months since Hou Ndour left our shores. We’ve built a good handful of buildings, and more people are arriving in the capital. Queen Lana was there to greet everyone and offer them what limited food and shelter we have. As more people arrive, it seems like the standard of life is enriched. Lana often sends new workers for the tasks I have been overseeing while she’s been working with the females for more tasks suited in daily necessities.

The Queen has also met with all the leaders and nobles, which helped us in the rebellion. She has expressed her gratitude to all, and now even the one’s upset about Ethan and I are now working to please the Queen.

Sometimes, it feels like rebuilding is slow. Yet, another house or shop is raised, and the next one is started without a pause. I feel so wonderful being among the people and helping rebuild. A crew has been formed to start work on the palace and the surrounding area, but I still don’t feel comfortable. There are too many memories of the palace that it hurts to be there.

Turmac sent some of their warriors with the Queen, who took over her protection detail. Now, Andrew has taken over the training, patrols, and rebuilding the military. He’s created his own group to replace the Turmac warriors. The Lions are sending a delegate from them to negotiate with the Queen, and the warriors are to return. The Queen is diligently working on the reception for the delegation. She’s even planning out a ball with everyone invited from the capital.

Ethan has been working with Andrew, and I can tell they both don’t get along very well. They always seem to be in the middle of an argument when I get close to them. When I see them together, they never smile and always have the expression of murder. I’m saddened to see two people I could trust with my life be at odds.

They both walk along the street towards me. I’m certain they are coming for me. I dust myself off and walk away from where I was working. Andrew gives me his notorious smile, while Ethan seems more reserved and only waves slightly in greeting.

“Princess, Turmac’s ships are on their way in. I came to retrieve you to get prepared to welcome our guests.” Andrew says with a clap.

I turned back with the men I was working with, and all of them bid me farewell. I grab my shawl and join Andrew and Ethan as they walk me back to the building closer to the port where I’ve taken residence. The men have grown to call it the Princess’ Longhouse. Because I found it easier to take residence where I could help the other shipwrights in their building of bigger and stronger boats.

Ethan followed us, and I started to wonder if he had something for me. We reach the Longhouse, and I turn to Andrew. “Do you need to prepare the men for company? I’m sure Ethan can wait for me to clean up and travel with me.”

Andrew nods but shows some disappointment, “The Queen had an outfit made for you. She had it delivered even if they adornments weren’t finished yet.”

I begin to roll my eyes, but he interrupts, “Keep from your disappointment until you see it. She’s the Queen. You can’t argue about her taste in fashion.”

“Fine.” I smile and walk into my chambers. I stand by the door and can hear Andrew and Ethan talking.

“You got your men on their way? Good. You are to guard her for the duration of this stay. She can not be allowed to wander. The Queen trusts Turmac, but there are some that would use the princess to betray us all. Keep an eye on her.” Andrew voice is lowly, and I can feel the threat in every word.

Ethan voice comes out confidently, “I will protect the Princess. You don’t have to fear. Go protect the Queen.”

There is no sound for a good moment, “Its an order. I don’t like the respect you show.”

“Another concern you will not have. After Turmac leaves, the Queen has asked for me to report on the Northern Coast. I won’t be here to disrespect you.” Ethan snaps back at him.

He’s leaving the capital. I know he said he wanted to visit his sisters. So maybe the Queen offered him a position which would allow him to be able to travel more and only have to visit the capital. He hasn’t told me anything about it, though. I wonder how long he has known and when he planned to tell me.

After Andrew leaves and Ethan is waiting for me. Quickly, I was moved to see the dress. I stop aghast. It’s a uniform similar to the one my mother used to wear. The cropped riding skirt with sturdy pants to go under. The shoulders are reminiscent of what the generals often wore during formal occasions. It's wonderful, and I can find a few spots where the adornments would have had Redland colors.

I hurry to clean myself and get dressed in the riding skirt. I pulled my hair back and quickly braid it into a long braid down my back. I stepped out of my room, and Ethan sat up straighter from the chair he was standing it.

Joyful and graceful, I twirl around in front of him and ask in my most innocent voice, “Does it look good?”

Ethan mumbles a bit, and I giggle at his response. Then the shade of desire flashes, and he winces uncomfortably. “I’m sorry that was incredibly rude. So, you are my personal guard for the duration of Turmac guests' stay? Then I guess I get a chance to spend more time with you before you leave.”

“You heard that?” Ethan says, almost shocked, then his expression falls, “I guess not much does get past you. The Queen was graciously thought I was the best candidate to work with the Northern Lords. She said it wasn’t because I didn’t meet her expectations. She said she wanted to offer me more, but she’s limited.”

“She will reward you for the work you did. You will come to visit and I’ll find excuses to leave to see you.” I encourage as much as I could. Ethan nods his head and escorts me out of the Longhouse.

When we reach the docks, we are met with the Queen, and the other members of the council, the Queen, have encouraged the continued establishment. She enjoyed the idea of having a council to advise her rather than her appointments. She says it's been influential in making better decisions on our nation.

I hold her hand as the large Turmac ship gets closer to us. When the delegation exits, their ship and walks arrive. My eyes are instantly drawn to the large, dark, tanned man with tattoos I remember from that tavern meeting. I swallow hard.

Lana whispers softly, “He looks younger than the King. That must be the Crowned Prince Lucas.”