Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 94

Chapter 94

Aela’s POV

Dungan has kept me away from any information about the state of affairs. He doesn’t speak about political matters or even events pertaining to anything from my life before.

After his meeting with the Lions, he returned to Bellar with me and seemed more concerned about nursing me back to health than anything else. He managed to sneak me into his private chambers. we arrived back at his castle in Bellar’s capital, Nuntall.

He showed me his hidden chambers filled with all kinds of treasures and an extensive library with books, documents, and scrolls from the far reaches. Every inch of the library was clear of dust and debris like he utilizes most of everything. He is always monitoring the magical artifacts and experimenting with others when he believes I am asleep.

The library covered a wide range of magical indexes, physiology on magical beings, and magical theories and philosophies. I came across an entire section on Lunacrity. My grandfather referenced them when he was speaking of Delia. The only thing I wished for was more information about the Lupine. I want to know if I can ever reconnect with my wolf again.

My senses are still severely dulled even after I healed more. It took several weeks, but finally, my mate decided to trust me not to hurt myself and removed the suppression of cuffs. He still has me attached to an enchanted gem, which monitors when I use my reserve, and I believe he also can hear my heartbeat. When he gave it to me, I could almost see him visually relaxed when I put it on.

My days have been filled with research and individual training to help rebuild my strength. I have not even seen or spoken to anyone other than my mate since I arrived in his chambers. It's peaceful and lonely.

Lately, Dungan has been spending most of his days and even some late nights occupied with his work. When he forces himself to visit, he still does not talk a lot when he does have time to be with me. After the way my grandfather spoke about him, he probably was the silent type. I have been able to catch a few emotions from his rough exterior after our travels and now with the more intimate encounters. He is happy I am here. Almost like he has a subconscious pride that I am not far from him and within his arms’ reach. Reminds me of the movement of his tendrils, always checking on me. I miss seeing them. Yet strangely, he almost seems fatigued and choleric when he is in his own training. A part of my hurts when I notice I am probably more overly concerned than I should possibly be. But he saved me, I should be helping him regain his strength. He has pushed me away several times, though.

My grumpy king.

Dungan has not shown up in nearly a week. He must have had something he needed to attend to and could not keep me hidden away with me while traveling with him. I try not to be jealous of the role he obviously hates, and I do not think he would intentionally abandon me without just cause. It is not like I am interested in leaving and trying to find information about his whereabouts.

I found a perch and was deep into a collection of Lunacrity mythology and detailed research from a scholar from the far sea. Possible under the Hou Ndour now. It was a good list of myths and facts crossed in other Lunacrity had yet to hear about. Most of the text is in a language I’m not familiar with but found a book with translations.

A stout man with short legs walks in. He is muscularly well cut even for the body structure. I stay on my perch, and he does not seem to notice me. He goes straight to the location of Bellar’s teachings and his listed laws and theories while humming a cheery tune. He pulls out a book and scans the pages like he is looking for something specific. He has a bit of a sigh of relief as he marks the page of the book. He turns to evaluate the shelf when he sees me and freezes.

“Who are you?” He glares at me, but I just ignore him and return to my book. He slams the book down on a table to get me to follow his command or shudder. He crosses his arms and his eyes narrow like he is scrutinizing me and then chuckles to himself, “He brought you here, didn’t he? You are the reason for his shift to a more merciful mood and why he actually goes down for bed.”

I keep my voice even to make my joke hit harder, “He doesn’t sleep much.”

The man smirks, breaking his intimidating pose and laughs full heartedly, “Nice to meet you, my Queen. Do you know when he plans to introduce you?”

I keep my tone even, “More than likely never. I can't be your queen.”

His irritation and wrath spurred by my statement makes his face red and his hands clench. In a vicious low scowl and an amusing, to me at least growl, “So a mistress? What attitude for someone who agrees to be a secret hidden w***e. What is your name?”

“AmAela.” I say indifferently and return to my studies. I will not be showing I am insulted. I have my own reason why I am hidden and it is not to be the King of Bellar’s w***e.

The man stares at me with shock and purses his lips. He crosses his arms and tries to look bigger even in his stout form and me being a few feet higher above him it does not land the way he intends. He grumbles towards me, “How does the dead Redford princess find herself in her mortal enemies secret library?”

“We are mates.”

His jaw drops in shock and then a sorrowful look crosses his flushed face. The color drains so quickly as he blinks repeatedly, “Forgive my rudeness, my Queen.”

He stares at me like he expects me to respond. I focus harder on the research in front of me and furtively concentrate on not react to any of his actions or further questions. After some time, he walks out without uttering another word.

If he is allowed in here, then Dungan must trust him. He must be the advisor who takes care of the King’s duties when he is away. He would not harm me or anger his king. I should be safe from him informing anyone, I believe.