My Lycan Demigod

33

HANSEL…

After a long night with the prince, I decided to leave and freshen up before resuming my duties for that day. He was deep asleep while I left, and even as I returned to my chamber, I imagined what he looked like, how smooth his face was while he slept like a baby.

I took a brave step last night and I do not regret it. If I didn't show up and his beast took over him completely, he'd go feral and could die in the process.

On my way to my chamber, I stumbled upon Osha who was speaking to one of the men around, but immediately hurried over when she set eyes on me.

“Chief,” she smiled and avoided my gaze. “I meant, eunuch. You should understand that I hadn't gotten used to that word. But don't worry, I won't miss mentioning you like that again.”

Who cared? It's not like I was her boyfriend.

“It's been days since the prince sent for me. Is everything okay with him?” She held my hand, walking along with me. “I tried showing up, but Lord Aldric warned me not to.”

“Then you must obey them.” was all I could say.

I turned and my eyes caught hers, “What?”

“You're dressed like this coming from his chamber. How long is he going to be claiming you as though you're a woman? What if you loved me back then?” she scowled and pouted. “I wonder why a charming prince like him would be into men.”

I almost hissed, but instead I kept my cool. There was no need jabbering with her.

“There was this minister who asked if I was working for the prince. He told me about a female who presented herself as the owner of a certain brothel, but she looked so much like you. He went ahead to urge me to bring that woman to him and he would pay me real big, but I searched the whole palace and didn't see any woman that looked like you." Then she paused her step. “I was shocked when I heard that the man was dead.”

My eyelid slid open. I bit my lower lip and turned away from her.

“Did you have any idea of what's going on?” she asked, staring at me this time.

I shook my head, “Why should I know when I'm only focused on serving the prince?”

“I see. That man must have ulterior motives, but he did not succeed. I wonder what he had towards the prince.” she hissed and let go of my hand.

I licked my lips and hastened my steps.

‘So that minister reached this extent even after approaching me for marriage?’ I cleared my throat. ‘Gods forgive me, but he deserved that death.

“Wait for me!!!” Osha's voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I stopped to wait like she demanded. I would try my best to see that I protect my true gender from any of them henceforth.

…

When the sun was setting, I helped the prince dress up as he was going to meet his father and the other officials in the throne room.

I was freaking out that they had finally concluded that he was the culprit, but the look on his face showed that he didn't care much about what would happen there.

I followed him there and listened to every one of their discussions. They all saw him as a suspect, and no matter how much he tried to claim innocence, they didn't believe him.

“Even though you're the prince, taking lives like it's nothing surely means that you do not deserve to live.” one of the ministers said to him.

Another added, “If you insist that you're innocent, then you must stand under the scorching sun for not less than an hour. If you're not affected, then it means that you're truly innocent.”

Under the scorching sun? Does that have any effect on him?

I glanced at him but he wasn't giving a damn.

“Lean, it's good that you're finally able to stand before people and not get hurt, but that wouldn't stop you from getting punished if you happen to be the culprit.” his father stated and faced the officials. “Then, we shall summon him tomorrow for the testing.”

What?

I stared at the minister who made that statement. How much had he known? What had he investigated about the prince to make him make such a suggestion?

After all they caused him in the past, are they really after his position or life? And I hated that his parents seemed to be siding with the ministers. Why would they believe strangers instead of their son?

I expected the prince to teleport out of the hall like the other time. Instead, he glanced at me and moved while I trailed behind. I didn't do much to stare at the ministers as we left, because I was scared that they would find out that I was the lady from weeks ago.

When we reached the prince's chamber, Lord Aldric showed up to him too and they began discussing what would be done.

“I'm not sure if the sun affects me since it doesn't affect my father.” he sighed and turned to me, “Have any suggestions? I was supposed to be the culprit if you didn't show up last night.”

Gods, I felt butterflies swim in my belly when he complimented me.

“Ehm, but why aren't you scared? They would execute you if you…

“I'm equal to a dead person. Between, they can't execute me. I'm a demigod, and the least my mother will do is to chain me in that lava again.” he stated and I faked a smile, but that didn't add up.

Why would he be chained when he wasn't even recuperating from returning from there last time?

“The thing is, you need to walk under the sun to see the effect it has on you. Since the sun is off for today, you'll try it before they send for you tomorrow.” I suggested and they seem to agree with my words.

He walked closer and patted my cheek, "You'll follow me?”

I nodded. Why should I refuse?

“Yes, my prince.”

…

The moment the sun became so hot the next day, he teleported us to a desert, one I didn't know existed in this life.

He loosened his robes completely and wore just his inner pants and shirt, then faced the sun as it hit his body.

I stood behind, watching him, praying that nothing would happen and that the officials were making a wrong plan. But my prayer wasn't answered.

He grabbed his head with both hands, wincing silently in pain, and I pulled closer to know what was wrong.

Behold, his skin was turning to stony scales. His palms had changed completely, and it was growing from his neck towards his face.

‘So this was their plan. They knew all along that the sun affected him. Could it be because of his beasts that were on the verge of going feral?’

He turned to me, his face changing gradually. “Hansel….”

I didn't know what to do. It was damn scary but I couldn't leave him behind.

“Call…call Aldr…

I didn't let him finish but grabbed him by his hand, my breath seizing.

“What are you doing?” he growled at me but I couldn't say a thing.

I didn't know what I was doing, but I felt something tingling in my palm where I held him. I took back my hand and looked to see what it was, and it was the tattoo, sparkling like it was going to catch fire on my flesh.

My eyes popped wide. I looked up to him but couldn't say a word.

Was the tattoo leaving me? Then, am I going to die?