Chapter 50 Leaving Estern

Chapter 50 Leaving Estern
Castiel’s letter was short and simple.  

“Hide for a while.  I’ll make sure the Council won’t go after you while they’re deciding whether you still can compete or not.”

I watched as the piece of paper burned right in front of my eyes, a wave of uncertainty washing over me.  

I don’t know how many in the Council were under my Father’s orders.  Or if there’s anyone from them who wasn’t indebted to the Lockes.  

Mother hasn’t answered my calls, and Fluke remained quiet.  My neck had been stinging, and if all of that wasn’t a dream…

Where did the Stranger go?

I lay on the bed and closed my eyes.  This isn’t the time to worry about him.  My body had been feeling hot since earlier, and I could sense numerous ears and eyes around Estern looking for me.  

I’m not safe here.  

They knew Kieran was not with me.  And a Queen without her Vassal was an open castle waiting for someone to defile.  

Grabbing my things, I stood up without a second thought and lingered at the window.  The area was clear, and it wasn’t a massive drop.  

I left a few paper bills and coins on top of the drawer before opening the window and jumping down into the alleyway.  

The hood hung well over my face, casting a shadow enough to hide my features.  I instinctively pulled the cloak to hide my dress and walked out of the alley, hiding my scent.  

There was a commotion in front of the tavern.  Something urged me to check it out, but as soon as I caught sight of a Black Wolf standing nearby, I immediately turned and walked the other way.  

Leaving Estern was almost as easy as entering it.  After all, they had always been welcoming to visitors.  

I glanced back at the town once more before walking.  If I am lucky enough, I might be able to flag down a willing vehicle to take me to Kieran’s settlement.  

But it being in the middle of nowhere, I’ve already braced myself for the long journey ahead of me.  

My stomach churned as it dawned on me that I hadn’t eaten anything since arriving at Estern.  I was too anxious to even eat while in the Capital that I didn’t dare to take a bite.  

The sight of bread and a bottle of water in my bag stopped me.  I pulled it out, inspecting it.  

Did the Stranger put this in here?

I let out a deep breath before tearing the bread apart.  He was with me, sure…

But did he really mark me? And that Divine Link…

Mate markings often don’t heal that quickly.  When I marked Kieran during the banquet, it left an impression for almost three days before healing completely.  

And besides, Reds are not capable of marking their mates.  They do not possess mate bonds.  

Yet, the Stranger manifested a strong one with me.  He was even able to form a Divine Link earlier.  

Maybe I shouldn’t be too trusting.  After all, his magic was strong enough to subdue a Queen candidate like me.  

He might be able to cast some magic to deceive me.

But the mate bond… He can’t fake that.  Even Mother told me he’s my mate.

“Fuck this,” I cussed under my breath before walking once again.  My feet had been hurting, and Fluke wasn’t responding to me, leaving me no other choice.  

Farmlands stretched for miles and miles ahead of me, until it was replaced by thick, dense forests engulfed in fog.  

The moon had risen well, and I’ve never felt…

Lonely.  

For what it’s worth, was it really worth it for me to keep on pursuing a crown so elusive, even if I end up hurting people that were important to me?

Kieran, Castiel, even Augustus… their lives would’ve been different had I not been here.  

I took a big bite on the bread before sitting down on a log laying by the side of the road.  I could barely feel my legs.  

And I could barely feel my heart.  

The constant need to guard my heart, to be wary of people, it felt as if it was sucking all of my energy.  

I wanted to go back to the person I once was.  Even without my Father’s money and influence, I knew I was happy and contented.  

Now, I’m nothing but a hollow husk…

The crackling of fire was the next thing I heard when I opened my eyes once again.  

The familiar scent of wood and a Rogue’s porridge wafted through the air.  I tried to get up, but a warm hand immediately stopped me from moving. 

“You’re running with a fever.  Just rest, Hestia.”

“Kieran…” I softly called his name, feeling his callused hands against my cheek.  I felt a strange twinge in my chest when he gently removed my hand.  “How long was I out?”

I glanced at the bedside table near him, where a basin of water with a damp cloth sat, along with a few boxes of Lycan medicines.  

Was he taking care of me?

“About two days.  One of our patrols saw you by the farmlands, unconscious.  Uncle Reuben said you’ve been temporarily drained of your divine magic.”

He stood up before grabbing his coat.  His face looked worn out, yet he…

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to get Uncle Reuben to check on you.” 

The door shut behind him. I sighed as I sank deep into the pillow, staring at the ceiling.  

Even if he didn’t say a thing, I knew Kieran was disappointed in me.  

Before he even became my Vassal, our agreement was clear: he would help me take the throne, and I would help him get the revenge and justice for his mother.  

And if someone between us strayed away from our promises…

Why do you always mess things up, Hestia Locke?

The door creaked open as Uncle Reuben stepped into the room.  “Thinking won’t do you any good for now, my dearest.  I could feel your anxious wolf even a mile away.”

He placed a gentle hand on my pulse as he checked on my energy.  Kieran leaned by the doorframe, silently watching us.  

“I can replenish and strengthen your divine magic, but you would need to stay here for the time being.  It would be better if one of your mates accompanied you during this time.”

I gulped, glancing at Kieran.  His calm, yet stone-cold expression stirred something deep inside me.  

He used to be an open book.  A very easy read.  

But the Kieran I see now was different.  And I know deep in my heart that he has a lot of things to say and do to me.  Whether they were good or not…

“Managing four Divine Links from four mates… you’re strong, my child.  But we would need to refine you.”  He furrowed his eyebrows as soon as he noticed my face.  “What’s wrong? You can ask me, Your Majesty.”

I gulped, my mouth spilling the very thing worrying me.  “Uncle, is it possible for a Red and a Lycan to have a mate bond, let alone a Divine Link?”