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So some of you are asking why The Heart of a King is not unlocking on Radish. I've asked it to be switched to Premium temporarily so that I can catch up with the advanced chapters needed. I didn't have much time to write. So when I can update constantly again, the chapters would start unlocking again.

If I have 3 locked chapters again, I would switch it back to Freemium where it will start unlocking. I only need 1 more now. Haha.



CHAPTER 19 – THE BLOOD MOON

The Vampyr Camp Location Unknown The Realm of Xathos

"Must you do that to Dimitrios? Must you rile him up?" Ailara asked Gideon. The latter just threw back his head and laughed.

"As the alpha of the Wolfen, Dimitrios has a big ego. It's our job to kick it down a notch once in a while," Gideon answered. Then, he winked and dusted his hands. The bespelled Wolfen were now locked up in a cave. A large boulder was pushed against the entrance to seal it off.

Several wards and runes were also placed around the perimeter to prevent anyone from tracing—be it Vampyr or Cerran. Guards also stood at the entrance and the perimeter of the cave.

"Are you sure they'll be alright?"

"Yes, princess. I'm sure. The cave is near the heart of the camp. If anything happens, we'll be able to sense it. Or the guards assigned can quickly call for help. Cease your worrying and prepare yourself for the night ahead," he told her.

She smiled and was about to head back to the tent provided for her when she remembered something important.

"What about Dimitrios? Where is he?"

"Well, if this was a normal castle, I'd have him locked up in the deepest pit of the dungeon. But we are nomads. The best I can do is put him inside a tent and shackle him with silver."

Ailara frowned. "Silver? I thought that was a myth."

"I thought so too, princess. But then again, myths always have some sort of basis. We tried it with the Wolfen prisoners we had before. Silver doesn't hurt them in any way bbut it interferes with their ability to shift."

Fascinating. "Why?" she asked.

Gideon shrugged. "This brings us back to the conversation wherein some myths or legends are always grounded in truth.

Ailara stopped in her tracks. "There's a legend around this?" Gideon was several steps ahead of her. He stopped also and looked back. "Walk with me princess," he told her. Then, he offered his arm.

Ailara took it and they headed for the heart of the camp in a leisurely pace. Some of the Vampyr stopped whatever they were doing when she passed by. Some bowed while some waved and mumbled short greetings.

"Let's just go back, Gideon," Ailara whispered. She started to feel uncomfortable with all the attention she received. Also, she felt saddened by the way a once proud race now lived as nomads. And it was all her fault.

"Stop it, Ailara," Gideon said without looking at her.

She was surprised by his words. "What?"

"Blaming yourself. It's not your fault. The threat of the Cerran way before everything happened was already big. Sooner, rather than later, they would have attacked as well."

Ailara's stomach fell. Was she that transparent?

"But if the alliance was in place, there would be help," she countered.

Gideon laughed. The sound carried over several feet and people stopped to look at them. Ailara bowed her head as she felt their attention once more.

"Princess... You sincerely think that the alliance would have stopped Heilen and his plans of taking over Xathos?" Gideon paused and his blue eyes, which were so similar to her own eyes, gazed at her as though he could see right through her soul. "You don't have to answer that, princess. I see the answer shining in your eyes, clear as the night of a full moon. The alliance would have only stalled Heilen. The alliance didn't guarantee anything. He still would have attacked our villages one by one. With the alliance, there's a greater territory to cover. There would be areas left with minimal protection. We can't protect everyone, princess. You know that," he told her softly.

Gideon's statement felt as though she was given hope and absolution. She's blamed herself for the tragedy that befell her people for a long time now. But for the first time, it was as if a large weight was taken off her shoulders.

While she was thinking about Gideon's words, he steered her right to the middle of the camp where a lot of the Vampyr gathered. He led her towards the raised table where several of the Vampyr generals and elders sat. She chose a seat at the edge but Gideon tugged on her arm and seated her at the very center while he sat on her right.

A few minutes later, servers came with pitchers of wine. Gideon was about to pour some on Aialra's cup but then she stopped him.

One elegant eyebrow rose. "You're not drinking tonight?"

She shook her head. "Wine dulls the senses. I cannot lower my guard right now when danger surrounds us."

"You don't have to fear for your safety here, princess. You are amongst your people. We will die to protect you. And besides, this camp has been warded. We are safe here," he reassured her.

Ailara didn't reply and instead stared straight ahead.

Before the raised platform where the table was located was a small clearing. Around this clearing were some tents. At the bottom step leading to the raised platform sat several musicians.

"So tell me the legend about the wolves and the silver?"

Gideon tilted his head to the side. "Your wish is my command, princess."

"Our story happened on the night of the full moon and Sylvan, the god of Chaos, had full use of his powers. This was before the time he found Aerine and he was almost consumed by madness. It was said that there were days wherein he was delirious."

Ailara gasped. Gideon patted her hand. "Legends said he had hallucinations. It got worse and worse. Until one night, he killed all his warriors. They weren't wolves yet then. They were merely outlaws, the evilest of the evil, who chose to follow him. It was bizarre seeing them all together and everywhere they went, chaos and death followed. They were comrades but more than that, they were brothers."

Gideon took a deep breath before continuing. "And then one night, in a fit of madness... It was said that Sylvan killed all of his companions. He woke up covered in blood and the first thing he saw were the bodies of his brothers. He was so devastated that he wanted to end his life then and there. He cried and howled at the moon for days."

Ailara's eyes misted with tears. She did not know why the Wolfen legends affected her like this. Their culture was really very beautiful.

"Sylvan asked Elune how he can set things right and how he can rid himself of the madness that plagued him. Elune said that the answer is within him and that only he can set things right. Sylvan told her that he didn't want to be a monster. He never wanted to kill his brothers. Elune's heart ached for him so she gave him a choice and a way out."

"Which are?"

"Elune summoned metal from deep within the ground. It was silver and the exact color of the moon. She fashioned it into a long chain. She told Sylvan that when the madness hits, he could chain himself to a rock or a tree and he would not be able to hurt anyone anymore."

Gideon refilled his cup with wine and drank it all before he continued. "It was said that Sylvan always kept the chain with him because it eased the madness plaguing him. It was also said that he created armbands made of pure silver and kept it with him at all times. That was until he met Aerine... And I guess you know the story from here, princess?"

Ailara nodded. "Aerine was Sylvan's mate. She was the one who chased away the madness."

Gideon grinned. "Correct! But Sylvan didn't know it before. He thought it was the silver. Until one night, Aerine's life was in danger. He had to use his powers and shift so that he could protect her. So he ripped off his arm bands and used his powers again. And afterwards, he realized that being near her had the same effect as silver; it chased away the madness but it did not weaken his powers in any way."

Ailara couldn't think of words to say. She was in so much awe of the Wolfen legends.

"You think this legend is why silver weakens the Wolfen and doesn't allow them to shift?"

Gideon shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe not. But all myths are grounded in truth in some way. It could be real. And then when Sylvan created his own army of Wolfen, he also passed along the weakness to silver."

"Hmm. Maybe."

"So I've told you the story, princess. Now, cease your worries about those Wolfen and enjoy your first night back with your people," Gideon told her. Ailara smiled at him and watched her people dancing.

She was struck with the similarities and differences between their ritual of the Blood Moon and the Wolfen's Full Moon. They were similar in a way that they were both revered traditions. Another similarity was how mates danced together on this night.

A difference was that the Wolfen danced to the beat of the drums. There were no intricate steps to be followed. They expressed what they felt using their bodies. The Vampyr's dances have always been choreographed. There were certain steps to be followed and it must be in time with the lilting music produced by strings.

Ailara couldn't quite decide which one she wanted more. The two were completely different and each had its own merit. The Wolfen was more sensual and it was shown blatantly. The goal was to entice their mates into a frenzy and then the lovers would take off to some hidden part of the forest or perhaps their own tent. And then they would spend the entire night in each other's arms.

The Vampyrs dances were made in such a way that it tells a story and builds up the anticipation. The first few dances, the partners weren't allowed to touch. It was like two lovers meeting for the first time. And with each dance, they get closer and closer. The final dances were made to be sensual and slow unlike the Wolfen's which was fast and hard. By this time, Vampyr dancers were breathless for each other. And then like the Wolfen, they would spend the night with their mates after sharing each other's blood.

The beauty of it made Ailara sigh.

That small sound caught Gideon's attention. "Dance with me, princess?" The request took her by surprise and she wasn't able to stifle her laughter. "It's been a long time, Gideon. I'm afraid I've forgotten the steps," she told him.

"Impossible," he teased. "You were one of the best dancers, princess. Your mind might forget. Your heart and your body won't." He stood up and offered her his hand. The generals aroudn them cheered as well as the people nearby who saw Gideon's action.

Ailara didn't want to dance tonight but she had no choice but to take the hand he offered. She did not want to embarrass him right after he saved her life and brought her back to this place.

"Alright. If I step on your toes, don't blame me," she told him as she took his hand.

His grin widened. He helped her up and the crowd of dancers before them parted to make way. Gideon found them a spot and placed his hand on her waist while the other held her hand.

The introductory dances were over and this was the set of dances wherein partners were allowed to touch. But the music this time was not as sensual. It was more of an upbeat, happy tune.

Ailara found that Gideon was right. Her mind may have forgotten but her body did not forget the movements nor her heart forgot the beat. She stumbled along the first few steps but caught on quickly.

"See?" Gideon told her. He placed both his hands on her waist and then lifted her up and swung her to the side. She threw back her head and laughed. Her heart and her spirit soared. She couldn't recall the last time she had this much fun!

"Yeah. I know, you're right," she admitted when Gideon spun her around and her skirts billowed in the wind.

That was the last step of the dance and the pair bowed at each other. Ailara still wore a big smile on her face then. But then that faded quickly when she felt as though someone was watching her.

She turned and saw a pair of blue eyes peeking from one of the parted tent flaps. It was illuminated by torchlight that danced in the wind while the rest of his face was covered in shadows. Still, Ailara recognized those eyes.

They belonged to Dimitrios.

Ailara looked away and fanned herself with her hand. "Another dance, princess?"

She laughed and shook her head. "Gideon, it's time for the males to dance. So go on and show them what a great dancer you are!" she teased. She even fanned her lashes at him like some smitten female. Gideon laughed and swung her around once more.

"See you later, princess," he told her. His words were short yet the tone was full promise. He then left and joined the dancers who were getting ready.

Ailara headed back to the table. Her lips were parched and she downed the cup of wine in one single gulp. She then refilled her cup and drank some more. The wine was sweet and it went down her parched throat like the most delectable blood she's ever tasted.

She licked her lips and drank another. It's been so long since she tasted the finest Vampyr wine. She watched the dance and took careful sips of wine. It was heady and addicting and she did not want to succumb to its potent lure.

On cup of wine led to another. One dance also led to another. When the moon was at its highest point in the sky, Ailara lost count of how many cups of wine she had as well as how many dances and dance partners she's had.

When Gideon wrapped his arms around her again, she shook her head. The action caused the world around her to tilt to the side.

"No more!" she giggled. "I need a break, Gideon." Her partner threw back his head and laughed. "As you wish princess. But be quick! The blood exchange will start soon!" he reminded her.

"Be back soon!"

And then she left the clearing and weaved her way around the dancers. She stumbled her way across the tents. It all looked the same and she didn't know which one was hers. She opened a few flaps and walked in on mates exchanging blood or in the middle of something more.

Ailara's cheeks heated and she walked away quickly, hoping they did not see her. At this point, the wine she drank caught up to her and even though she was not moving, the world still tilted left and right.

Her stomach also churned and she felt she was going to be sick. So she picked up her pace and tried harder to recall the way back to her tent.

Suddenly, her foot came into contact with a small rock. Before she knew it, she was flying. She landed on the cold ground and the impact seemed to jar her bones. She tried to roll over and stand but then again, lying there felt more comfortable.

So she just accepted her fate and looked at the night sky. The moon was so beautiful and so were the stars. Briefly, she wondered if each star had its own story. Nothing was that beautiful if it did not have a purpose and a story behind it.

"Gods, what am I doing?" she whispered as she tried to stand again.

But it took too much effort and her stomach threatened to empty its contents again. Right now, she warred with herself. She considered expending more effort and getting up, only to maybe fall again somewhere or to just lie there until someone finds her and helps her back to her tent.

Suddenly, an arm was placed under her shoulders and one under her bent knees. She gasped and her arms weakly pummeled her attacker.

This was it. She was screwed. She shouldn't have drank that wine. This was exactly what she was afraid of.

She opened her mouth to scream but a hand covered it quickly.

"Quiet!" a familiar voice hissed. She was carried inside the nearest tent. There was a lamp inside it. And when they neared the center, that was when she recognized her attacker.

It was none other than Dimitrios.

He put her down gently on the pallet and sat beside her. "How'd you escape?" she slurred. She saw the corner of Dimitrios' lips turn upwards in a small smile.

"I didn't," he answered. He showed her the shackles that were on his wrist and pointed at the boulder placed in the middle of the tent. "I can move but not far," he told her.

"Ahh. I should be going," she replied. To her own ears, her words sounded jumbled. But then again, maybe that was because her hearing was addled by the wine.

"No. Stay here, Ailara," he told her.

"Can't."

"Why not?"

"I have to go back. Blood exchange soon."

His eyes narrowed and the smile disappeared. "You're not drinking from anyone else but me. And you shouldn't have been dancing with anyone else but me."

Ailara snorted. So it was true what she saw earlier. He was really watching her. It was not a figment of her imagination.

And now he presumed to stop her from doing what she wanted. It was absurd! She laughed until her stomach hurt and her entire body shook.

"You're not my king," she spat.

"You are my wife!" His answer caused another round of laughter.

"Am not!"

Dimitrios sighed and pulled her closer. "In the eyes of the gods, you are my wife," he repeated in a softer voice.

"In my eyes and in your eyes, we are enemies."

"Don't fight me on this, Ailara. Just stay here. I will feed you my blood if you need it."

"No."

"It was not a request."

She glared at him. "I'm the princess of this place!" she shouted. She threw her arms wide and indicated the small expanse of the tent.

"I won't take orders from you any—" She didn't get to say the rest of her words for Dimitrios silenced her with his lips. The moment their skin touched, it was as if she was zapped by lightning.

Every nerve ending stood on attention at that brief contact. It was as if time slowed down and everything else ceased to exist.

She should push him away. This was wrong on so many levels. Dimitrios didn't have any control over her now. The tables have turned and it was he who was the prisoner this time.

But perhaps one more kiss for the road? It sounded like a really good idea. So she opened her lips and he took it as an opportunity to deepen the kiss. His tongue entered and tangled with hers.

He pulled back, lust written in his gaze.

"You taste better than the finest wine," he told her.

She groaned when he kissed her once more. She felt his hands on her waist and she could feel the fast beating of his heart as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her towards him.

She should really end this before things got out of hand. And everything seemed to go wrong whenever Dimitrios kissed her. It was as if he melted away all her resistance and turned her brain to mush.

So while she could still think, she should stop him. Her hands settled on his chest to push him away.But traitors they were for instead of shoving him hard, her fingers bunched in his tunic and tugged him towards her.

"Gods, we should stop. But I want you so much," he said as he removed the cloak around her shoulders. Before she could reply, he kissed her again and as expected, she melted against him. At this point, all resistance fled.

"No. You're drunk. This is wrong," he told her.

His nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed. No doubt, he could smell how wet she was for him. She saw his pulse quicken and the vein in his neck throbbed. It called out to her. She wanted to sink her fangs into that vein and drink deep.

"Wrong? But then again, you are not a righteous man. Are you? Dimitrios?" she teased.

"No. I'm not," he answered in a rough voice.

Then, he pushed her down the pallet and his body covered hers once more.



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Check out one of my works, The AerithSage Magazine! I uploaded a video which contains me answering all Frequently Asked Questions as well as giving you the latest scoop on what's coming after I finish The Heart of a King.

Tentative title: The King's Bride (Rajar's story. Seth and Adrienne's son)

HAHAHA. Watch the video to find out more!

And if you want to read more chapters for The Heart of a King, please head over to Radish! Some of the chapters are still free. :)

https://youtu.be/16QxhYMr2WA