Chapter 49 What makes a king
River
The sun casts dappled shadows on the ground as I stroll through the small garden with Aloria’s father. The air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly turned earth, an intoxicating mix that feels like hope. I glance back at the wooden structure where Aloria is working alongside her mother, the sound of laughter and clattering pots drifting through the open windows, they are cooking a hearty meal for my warriors who has build a camp right outside the garden. It’s a comforting symphony that warms my heart.
“Your daughter is quite the chef,” I remark, breaking the silence that had settled comfortably between us. Her father chuckles softly.
“She takes after her mother,” he replies, pride evident in his voice. “Even as a queen she loved sneaking into the kitchen to cook a meal for me herself… finally cooking with Aloria makes her happy.”
I can’t help but smile at the thought. “She’s certainly gifted. I think the warriors will be pleasantly surprised when they taste her cooking.”
As we walk, I can sense the weight of unspoken words hanging between us. Finally, I decide to broach the subject that’s been on my mind since we arrived. “You know, I can’t help but think that perhaps you hoped Aloria would marry some powerful Lycan prince or king… now just an Alpha.”
He stops, his gaze turning serious, and shakes his head slowly. “No, River. All I ever wanted for my children was to be happy. In this life, happiness is the greatest treasure one can possess. And I can see it in Aloria’s eyes when she’s with you. That’s more than enough for me.”
His words resonate within me, a soothing balm to my insecurities. “I want to protect her,” I admit, my voice firm with conviction. “She deserves the world.”
“And you’re doing just that,” he replies, a knowing smile gracing his lips. “That’s what makes a man worthy of my daughter.”
We continue walking, the vibrant colors of the garden surrounding us, but my thoughts drift back to the darker moments of the past. “Can I ask you something?” I say, hesitantly. “What happened with your brother? How did he take over the Kingdom?”
His expression darkens, shadowed by the memories of betrayal. “He always wanted more, River. More power, more control. It was as if he was driven by an insatiable hunger. I thought I could reason with him, but it wasn’t until it was too late that I realized how far he was willing to go. The day Aloria was abducted… I believe he had a hand in that. He wanted to destabilize me, to strip away everything I held dear.”
The air grows heavy with the weight of his words, and I can feel the anger simmering just beneath the surface. “Why didn’t you try to take back the Kingdom?” I ask, my voice steady despite the tumult of emotions within me.
He sighs deeply, a weariness settling into his bones. “I’m not sure I even want that life anymore. I’ve found peace here, a happiness I never thought I’d have again. I’ve built a life with my family, and I don’t need a crown to validate my worth.”
“That is what makes a man a great king, not desirering the throne,” I admire his resolve, even if it conflicts with my own desires. “But your people, they deserve a strong leader. I’ve spoken to them, and they’re not happy with your brother as king. They want change.”
His brow furrows, and I can see the conflict in his eyes. “I know. I hear their whispers, their discontent. But how can I step back into that world after everything that’s happened? After what he did? The thought of confronting him…” He trails off, his voice thick with emotion.
“You’re not just confronting him for yourself,” I urge, my tone passionate. “You’re doing it for your people, for their future. They deserve a king who will fight for them, who will uphold their values and protect them.”
He meets my gaze, and for a moment, I see the flicker of determination igniting within him. “You truly believe that?”
“I do. I’ve seen the loyalty and respect they still hold for you. You may have stepped away, but your legacy remains. They need a leader who understands them, who has their best interests at heart. You could be that king. You could reclaim the throne and bring stability back to our Kingdom.”
His expression softens, and I can sense the shift in his heart. “You make a compelling case, River. But it’s not just about me; it’s about my family, my children. I cannot put them in danger.”
“Aloria is strong, and so are her brothers. They’ll stand by your side, just as I will. Together, we can help you reclaim what is rightfully yours. We can build a new Kingdom, one where love and unity triumph over greed and ambition.”
He nods slowly, and I can see the gears turning in his mind. The weight of the decision looms heavily, but for the first time, there’s a spark of hope igniting in his eyes. “I will think on it, River. You’ve given me much to consider.”
As we approach the kitchen, the sounds of Aloria’s laughter and her mother’s gentle hum fill the air, wrapping us in warmth. I know that whatever path he chooses, I will support him. Together, we can forge a future that honors their family and the people they care for.
When we step back inside, Aloria looks up, her smile illuminating the room like sunlight breaking through clouds. “There you are. Dinner is almost ready. I hope you’re both hungry.”
“I could eat a horse,” I declare, and her laughter rings out like music, a sweet sound that fills my heart with joy.
Her father chuckles, and I can see the warmth of family enveloping us all once more. I help Aloria and her brothers bring food outside to the others, before we sit down to eat ourselves.