Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Dungan’s POV

The time bubble disappears the moment the door latch opens. “Lucas, what the hell is going on?”

The Lion waltz in with confidence and an air of superiority, which completely annoys me. He reminds me of the lupine leaders they would spend hours in a circular debate before confronting a solution. I’m actually excited Lucas is supposed to be the neutral party. But as the Lion and the attendees all try to make their way into the library is another strain on my self-control.

“Don’t worry. Shadow and I had some old business to settle. We are good now.” Lucas says with a predatory smile. I show no emotion, but only glare at Lucas with deadly eyes. The Lion clenches his fist, and I walk out back into the hall as he moves closer to his son.

In a hushed whisper after people started leaving the room, I heard the Lion direct to his son, “I’ll send for the Dahl before you begin. We don’t need any dark manipulations in this court.”

“Father, he’s the chosen king of Bellar. It doesn’t matter what the Dahl says in favor or against. He is here as a guest. I know you are concerned, but I have worked with him before. I need you to trust me. He’s not here to stir up trouble. He sends representatives every other time, and let’s be honest. Bellar representatives to this King have not been the easiest negotiators. He’s here. We do not scare him away.” Lucas whispers back.

The Lion huffs, “He’s just like Cortan and Seltie.”

“No, he’s not.” Lucas snaps at his father quickly. “Trust me. I do not want to make him my enemy. He has no connection with Cortan or Seltie. He helped oppose both of them.”

Both men return after their choice words, and I can still read that Lion is worried about his son being the mediator for this encounter. But, it's not like he’s going to rescind and have scrutiny against the Court of the Lion in all its valor and virtue.

The attendee filed into a large room with two tables sitting across from each other and three thrones placed strategically in the middle of the room. I am directed to the left side while the table on the right is already filled with Redland members.

The Lion takes his place next to the Crowned Prince, who begins the meeting by introducing the representatives. The Redland has a few names I’ve heard before in previous reports from delegations. The only new voice is Marquis General Andrew present.

Lucas does a good job of explaining the expectations of the negotiations and emphasizing that the Lions will quell any neutrality needed to keep peace in the region. I keep stoic as I observe the opposing delegation. They have already lied about the details of how the princess died. I can only assume they plan to employ deceitful tactics to have me retreat with the fear of the Lions imposing on me.

Lucas pulls out a file, “Alright, preliminary inquiry has found Bellar guilty of piracy in the town of Nevar. When Redland forces engaged, hostilities escalated, resulting in the Bellar invading nearly hundred and twenty marabba into Redland controlled territory incorporating twelve communities. Bellar in hostilities lost sixty-four troops. Redland lost a total of four hundred and fifteen troops, hundred and sixty-eight troops missing in action, and number includes the death of The Crown Princess of Redland, General AmAela”

“Now, I will give each delegation a chance to speak. I will ask Redland first. Is there anything else you would like to add to the preliminary inquiry?” Lucas turns to the Redland table.

Marquis Andrew sits up straighter in his chair and clears his throat, “Yes. You did not list the monetary damage in the inquiry.”

Lucas snaps to him quickly while I suppress a chuckle, “An estimate on communitive charges will be finalized with the concessions. Is there anything to add to the inquiry?”

“Yes. The Crown Princess of Redland was my wife.” Andrew says mournfully. He looks lost and downtrodden like a widow should be, and I have no pity or sympathy for him.

I clench my jaw as I hide all my emotions and thoughts to myself. I have spent countless nights vividly planning out the horrid way I would kill the bastard who impregnant my wife. The one responsible for committing suicide to escape from the curse so tightly woven.

I should have had him killed when we rescued the prisoners. He had hurt my mate, and she defended him because he had been her first tutor. Her first friend.

Lucas almost seems to be trying to hide his surprise about this revelation, “I had not heard of a marriage.”

“We had a two-year courtship and invoke our vows during the Summer Solstice celebration. We had only been married for less than two months before the fighting occurred.” Andrew says, defending his position.

The time would be right. She wasn’t more than a few weeks pregnant, but to be able to conceive without her mate. The curse was more than just something that drove her mad.

Lucas seems to use the time to wash over the information. “I am sorry for your loss. She was a marvelous being.”

The eyes and tone of Lucas do not surprise me. I see the sadness of sorrow with the hint of jealousy and hatred hiding underneath it. Andrew doesn’t know how to negotiate well if he is opening with that tactic. The Princess had even Lucas enthralled with her.

“King Dungan of Bellar, is there anything you wish to add to the inquiry?” Lucas says with such a shift in tone and mannerism that I almost want to laugh at his seriousness. I still can’t believe the immature youth I rescued from a bunch of mongrels is now acting so mature and responsible.

“Yes. I would like to add the prior year trade reports for the port of Gillian into the inquiry. They would notate when Benlow’s Trading Company began imports and exports to the affected region. Also, I have a copy of the contract they have with the members of each community dated and signed prior to the conflict. Benlow informed me personally about the agreements and asked from my approval. I offered it with collaboration of my army to protect the trade. I have a separate contract with Benlow for similar services in other locations.” I say it in a monotone.

Andrew laughs, and the entirety of Redland is chuckling along with him. “So, you brought proof of being a pirate.”

Lucas roars, and everyone is still and quiet, “I advise the counsel of Redland to refrain from speaking out of turn before you see yourself dismissed. King Dungan, this documentation you are describing would change much of the preliminary inquiry.”

I nod my head in agreement, “So, it would seem. You would have had this information ahead of time if the waters had not been so keen on delaying my travel. I do not mind a recess to allow you time to review the material.”

“We will adjourn until tomorrow.” Lucas dismisses. I watched Redland filter out of the room angrily.