Chapter 137
Lycannar
24%
Finished
I can hear the distant liveliness of my people at the night market, the shattering of laughter and haggling of trade. It almost makes me smile. Almost.
But I turn it off and keep my focus on the report I am approving with the royal stamp. I am still in the royal chamber with my beta.
The elders have left, including my uncle Dareth, but Baron remains, seated a few chairs away, reading the report aloud while I do the needful.
Having a beta makes the work easier, and I value his service. He is hardworking, professional, and never crosses the line, which I appreciate. I am not close to any of my cousins, nor do I wish to be.
“This is the last report, Your Majesty,” he says, and I press the stamp to it. He takes it away, stacking it with the others, a sigh leaving his lips.
Just then, the door opens and my aunt Eiryn, his mother, enters, bowing briefly in my direction.
“Baron, my dear,” she says warmly, “you must be tired. I just arrived. Are you done for the day?”
Her voice is laced with affection, and they share a smile.
I glance at that bond, then lower my gaze to swallow hard. Their laughter echoes, stirring a dull ache in my chest. My eyes drift to the runes carved into the back of my palm. A spell etched into my skin to help me sleep after spilling too much blood.
I never had a mother’s love. She died giving birth to me, and I was branded her murderer.
The woman who tried to act as one, Blue’s mother, I killed her myself.
Sadness clouds my heart, and with it comes the faintest sound of mockery, echoing from the distance. My father’s voice, a hallucination. Slowly, I close my eyes to shut it out.
Footsteps approach. My lids flutter open to see my two sisters stepping into the throne chamber, smiles gracing their lips.
“Baby brother, are you done for today?” Serena asks, while Mearez steps closer, her tender palm resting on my shoulder.
Their presence soothes me like balm, and the heaviness of not having a mother fades in an instant.
“You must be hungry. I am starving,” Mearez says before taking a seat.
Her gaze lands on our aunt, and her face lights in surprise.
“Aunt Eiryn, I didn’t notice you.”
“You have been working so hard, how could you?” our aunt replies, then turns her eyes to me. I feel her stare, though I refuse to meet it. “Your Majesty, how do you find my son’s service to you?”
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12:55 Sat, Sep 6 GM.
Chapter 137
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