The Lycan King's Healer
The Lycan King’s Healer – Chapter 39

Aldrich looked like he was going to be sick. I wondered why he didn’t plan on telling the King what his son had done; maybe he feared he would take Ben’s side.

“Father, do you think that’s the best idea right now?” he asked, his voice doubtful but still high in respect. “What if the vampires decide to attack during the banquet, when we’re the most vulnerable?”

The King shook his head, laughing. “I commend you for being humble, but we shall not skip our tradition of revelry. We waited a day after your return to ensure it was not too soon.”

“It’s already being prepared?” Aldrich asked. He sat down, and I swiftly followed suit, choosing the chair next to him, out of eye sight from the King. I did not want to be present for this conversation.

“Of course it is, son!” the King exclaimed, grinning proudly. His gaze then flickered from him to find me cowering behind Aldrich, and realization passed over his face. “How rude am I to not greet your lovely wife?”

Not knowing what to say, I stuttered out, “It’s fine, your majesty.”

“No, no, I am glad to see you. How are you doing in your new home? Mighty improvement, I must say,” he said, and I could tell there was some judgment in his question asking me how I’m doing, as his eyes observed the answer in my sickly frame and purple under eyes. At least I received a night of sleep before meeting with him, or else he would probably banish me from the estate as a beggar off the streets.

“Definitely an improvement,” I lied, smiling. “I’ve been doing well, just missing my husband in his absence.” I placed a hand upon his, and Aldrich didn’t have the chance to mask his surprise. I knew he would be grateful if we acted just a bit normal, more normal than we ever would be, in the presence of his father.

“Ah. We are all glad he is home,” the King said, smiling at his son warmly. I wondered how his blue eyes glowed in his wolf form. “It is a wonder why you have not accompanied my son for so long, before he went to war.”

I shifted uncomfortably. “I was an average werewolf before our union. It took years of building up courage to accompany him to events.”

“How strange and coincidental that you come out of those four years with a child,” he said, and I knew he must be recalling the Queen’s encounter with me. I never told her he was mine. He was smart and would see right through my lie.

“Father,” Aldrich snapped, shooting a glare at him. “Enough.”

“He is my nephew that I care for,” I answered, not prepared for the interrogation.

“I hear your sister is now residing with you at the estate,” he countered, brushing away at the napkin upon his lap. Amused suspicion oozed from his voice.

“My other sister died before I took him under my wing,” I lied.

“Fascinating that he looks exactly like Aldrich,” the King answered snidely.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think I can make it to any kind of banquet tonight,” Aldrich said, and I knew he was attempting to sever the conversation.

“What ever is the reason?” his step-father demanded, his enthusiasm draining from his voice.

“I have been wounded in battle,” Aldrich gestured to his scabbing face, and I cursed to myself when I saw it oozing. I would have to put an actual salve mixed with my b***d on it, and maybe make him get stitches. “My pain medication makes me rather drowsy.”

“We are having this celebration, Aldrich,’ the King then snapped. I flinched at how powerful his voice carried. “It is pivotal we present to the vampires and our community, how despite one war ending into the next beginning, we are a unit.”

Aldrich could not argue that, but that did not stop him from trying. “I’d rather protect our people than put them at risk for some foolish party.”

“Watch yourself, son. You are strong and my best warrior, but I am still the one in charge.” The King settled back in his seat, primly holding his glass of wine. “Plus,” he urged, the enthusiasm back in his voice, “your brothers have informed me they are quite excited to see you.”

***

After breakfast with the King, I was already exhausted again. My body was sore from sitting so upright, my hand sweat as I held Aldrich’s in a feigned display of romantic normalcy, and Aldrich’s oozing anxiety about the banquet was settling into my own bones. He rarely worried about things other than me; if he was this tense about a mere celebration tonight, I knew something was very wrong.

We returned to my chambers. Alan must have been notified of our arrival, because the second we stepped over the threshold, he accompanied us.

“You!” he hissed at Aldrich, following us inside, “have a lot to tell me.”

I sat down on the end of my bed, looking at Alan curiously. “Where is Theo?”

“He is still sleeping. I kept him busy all evening to avoid letting him play outside,” he said, sighing as if he was the one exhausted from it.

“Thanks for your help, brother,” Aldrich said gratefully, patting him on the back with approval.

“Oh, I have upgraded to brother? I thought it was ‘your wife’s paramour’,” Alan said, narrowing his eyes. I stifled a laugh, remembering Aldrich’s former accusation.

Aldrich chuckled, looking down guiltily. “I let my anger get the best of me. I knew it was ridiculous, but you two were being so secretive. I had never seen you even speak that much.”

“Because you’re always gone,” I shot at him, and Alan laughed.

“Therefore I deserved to be a cuckold,” he responded, sitting down at my antique kneehole desk.

Alan decided to stand, his arms crossing his chest. “Since you refused to tell me before commanding me to care for Theo, are you going to tell me now what is on your face?’ he asked, staring at his gash.

Aldrich’s humor disappeared, and he nodded solemnly. “I was grazed by an arrow in the lavender fields.”

Alan paled, then looked at me.

I said, “I told him everything. I had to.”

“This is not good,” Alan said, looking immensely stressed. “We have to be extra careful tonight. Targeting an army general is whole different territory.”

“The vampires may be trying to assassinate me then attack,” Aldrich said, “They may have some deal with Benjamin.”

He informed Alan the same thing he told me in the cottage, about his betrayal in the war. Alan’s face clenched with anger. “They must promise him the throne if he helps them kill you.”

“He would do anything for the throne,” Aldrich agreed, nodding.

I contemplated what could possibly be happening. If it wasn’t Emily’s schemes, who else was going to target an army general and his loved ones besides political enemies? Would they show up tonight?

How long was it going to be until someone was actually killed?

‘Well, ladies and gentleman,” Alan proposed, grinning with mischief, “tonight, we prepare for battle.”