Chapter 101 Chapter 101

Chapter 101 Chapter 101
Aira.

I chuckled, peeking through the windows as I watched the scene around me unfold. We finally arrived at the castle, and the energy here was just as infectious.

There were long rows of maids and palace workers standing out at the entrance to welcome us, bowing deeply as the carriage rolled to a stop at the grand entrance. King Kael acknowledged them with a nod and a wave of his hands, reaching out his hand to help me out of the carriage.

I hesitated for a moment but eventually put my hands in his, my heart pattering in my chest as he guided me out of the carriage. We started towards the stairs, and Alfred rushed down to meet us, bowing instantly.

"Welcome back, your majesties. Your chambers have been prepared pending your arrival." He stated smoothly. "Your majesties?" I repeated, glancing at the king.

"They know you're my mate, and by extension, it means you'll be my queen." Oh... I hadn't thought of that, at all. Kael then smiled at me, a huge, genial smile that had my heart pattering in my chest.

"Come, let me usher you into your new home." He said, holding my hands and walking me in. My new home.

I like the sound of that.
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Kael.

I sat submerged in the bath water, head leaned back, thinking about everything and nothing. Cracking my heavy eyelids open, I watched the water that reached my chest swirl and ripple around me, while I tried to make sense of my thoughts. Today had been a long day. After I had returned with Aira, we had hosted a celebratory banquet with all of my loyal subjects that had lasted well into the night, officially introducing her as my mate and, as time went on, my queen.

As expected, there had been outrage because of what species she was. A human. Despite the years that had passed, my kind still held a deep animosity concerning humans that was only exacerbated by Morris's actions in bringing them back into slavery once more. I had been quick to counter it, however.

"If it wasn't for her quick thinking... " I said as I stood up from my throne, addressing everyone present in the hall with a loud voice while she stood next to me. "The Traitor Mortis would have succeeded in his plans of killing me and taking over the throne. And none of you would have investigated because of your prejudice towards humans." The hall fell into a deathly silence afterwards, some people's expressions filled with guilt. I met Aira's gaze for a split second before addressing the crowd once more.

"I had those prejudices too, but I have since changed my view about them a while ago, even before the incident and I encourage you to do the same. Because with or without your approval, I will be claiming her as mine. We'll be embarking on our mating ritual after this, and Aira will learn everything she needs to know to become worthy of being called my queen." I stated with a note of finality before settling into my seat.

A low murmur grew in the hall afterwards, but no one had a word of opposition to say. The banquet had continued without a hitch, although I knew the coast was far from clear. I would still have to deliberate on it later in a court meeting. That was a matter for another day.

Stepping out of the water, I dried myself, slipping into a robe while the maids got busy with clearing the spot and things I had used. Feeling slightly better, I made my way to the bed chambers where I met Aira sleeping softly, her features blanketed in exhaustion as well. Standing at the threshold, I watched her sleep, barely aware of the passage of time.

The conversation I had with the old woman's voice returned to me when I had asked why she offered to help and hide us for so long. "It had always been in your cards to be a ruthless, tyrant ruler." She started slowly, looking away from me. I stiffened, watching her with a peculiar gaze as I wondered what she meant.

"The destiny in which you had brought to this world was one of destruction. Utter carnage." Then she let out a sigh, and her voice grew soft. "But your mother, goddess bless her heart, wouldn't let it happen. Instead of letting you go, ending your life even before it began, she chose to sacrifice herself to change your fate." She glanced at me, an odd emotion in her eyes.

My mother did what now? "She poured so much love into you; you had no choice but to hold some in you."

I paused, my eyes widening.

"The events in your destiny still happened, but now you had a different approach to life. Instead of seeking destruction, you wanted to rebuild."

"You wanted the life and love you experienced with your family. You wanted to love someone and be loved in return, and though waiting was hard and you were ready to give up, still you held out hope that, despite all the cards you had been dealt with, something good would come out of it. And it did, in the form of her." She said, glancing outside, and I followed her gaze. She was staring at Aira, who had begun to converse with the maid who stayed with her, a huge smile on her face.

"She reminds me of your mother, you know. Giving away everything they have without expecting anything in return."

I watched Aira for a moment, feeling a swirl of emotions in my chest. "I'm incredibly thankful to her. I want to move her the way she deserves." I said slowly, turning back to look at the old lady.

"Is there no way to get the mate bond back?" I finally asked. She let out a small smile at that. "Contrary to what you might think, losing a mate bond wasn't much of a sacrifice."

Now, that was surprising. "It wasn't?"