© All rights reserved for The Heart of a King. The plot and characters are ORIGINAL and all MY OWN WORK. These are the products of my imagination and countless hours spent writing. Please do not copy/ reproduce in any way.



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CHAPTER 36 - A RARE MOMENT OF PEACE



Castle Xanthe City of Aphelion, Wolfen Territory The Realm of Xathos



When their breathing finally evened as the aftermath of their earlier passion began to fade, Ailara stirred in Dimitrios' arms. Instead of letting go, he wrapped his arms tighter around her.

"Stay here for just a moment longer," he whispered.

The tenderness in his tone caught her off guard and she closed her eyes.

The room had grown quieter, the faint hum of the castle at rest filtering through the still air. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Ailara felt a moment of peace—undisturbed and unburdened. Dimitrios held her close, his calloused fingers brushing absentmindedly along her back in a gesture that was more tender than she expected from the mighty Wolfen king.

"Your scent really has changed. It grows stronger with each passing day. I like this new scent," he murmured.

Ailara didn't have the keen sense of smell of the Wolfen so she doesn't really understand what he meant. But perhaps if her scent is changing, it's because of his blood and being with him all the time.

"You're quiet," Dimitrios said, his deep voice rumbling softly against her ear. "What's on your mind?"

Ailara tilted her head to look at him, her electric blue eyes glimmering with something unreadable. "Everything. Us. The battle. This moment." She paused, the faintest smile curving her lips. "You."

Dimitrios chuckled, the sound low and soothing. "I hope you think well of me."

She scoffed, though the sound held no real bite. "I'll reserve judgment until you prove otherwise."

"I'll hold you to that, my queen." His voice turned more serious as he pulled back slightly, studying her face. "Come. There's somewhere I want to take you."

"Now?" Ailara asked, arching a brow. "It's the middle of the night."

"Exactly," he said, sitting up and stretching his muscular frame. "No better time."

Though skeptical, Ailara nodded. "Alright. Where are we going?"

"You'll see," Dimitrios replied cryptically as he stood and walked toward the balcony. Before she could question him further, he shifted. His form blurred and expanded, the transformation seamless as he became his wolf. He was enormous, easily larger than any creature she'd ever seen. His black fur gleamed under the moonlight, and his piercing gray eyes glowed with a faint, otherworldly light.

"Come, my queen. Hop on my back and I'll take you there." She heard his voice loud and clear in her mind.

Ailara blinked, staring at him in disbelief. "You... want me to ride you?"

"Yes," his voice echoed in her mind, the telepathic connection startling but oddly natural. "It will be faster this way. Hop on."

She laughed, a genuine, melodic sound. "You're serious?"

"Completely. Now stop stalling and climb on. Hold onto my fur—tightly."

Ailara hesitated, walking closer to him. "Are you sure? It doesn't seem at all... kingly."

Dimitrios snorted. "Hop on before I grab you."

Ailara laughed again. "What will your warriors think if they see their king like this? Carrying me?"

Dimitrios shook his massive head. "Those who are mated will understand. And anyone who doesn't... will learn."

With a sigh and a smirk, Ailara climbed onto his back, her legs draped along his sides. It was like riding a horse but very different. She could feel his fur against her thighs. She could also feel the way his muscles bunched as he moved. It wasn't exactly comfortable as there was no saddle but in some way it felt more regal, powerful.

She buried her hands in the thick fur at his shoulders. "Alright, my king. Let's see what you've got."

Dimitrios didn't need further encouragement. He took off in a blur, the wind rushing past them as he jumped from the balcony which was three stories high. Ailara stifled the scream that rose from her throat. Dimitrios landed on the ground as though he weighed nothing and merely jumped a foot off the ground.

"Afraid of heights, my queen?" he asked.

"Afraid that you are going to break your bones," she chided back. Dimitrios laughed and the sound was like a balm to her aching soul.

He then took off deep into the forest at breakneck speed. Ailara tightened her grip, her laughter carried away by the wind. She felt a strange exhilaration, a mix of awe and joy as the trees blurred around them and the ground seemed to disappear beneath Dimitrios' speed.

The journey was brief, but the sensation lingered as they arrived at a clearing deep in the forest. The air was thick with warmth, and small pools of water dotted the ground, steam rising lazily into the cool night air. Ailara slid off Dimitrios' back, her legs wobbling slightly from the ride. She caught her breath, her gaze sweeping over the serene landscape.

"It's beautiful," she said softly.

Dimitrios shifted back into his human form, his imposing figure illuminated by the moonlight. He stepped toward one of the pools, his expression calm. "Come. You'll enjoy this."

Ailara hesitated, watching as he stepped into the water. The steam curled around him as he sank into the pool, his muscles relaxing visibly. "Don't just stand there," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's perfect for easing tension."

She followed, dipping a toe into the hot water before sinking in with a sigh of relief. The heat seeped into her muscles, easing every ache and reminding her of the long battle they had endured.

"Does it hurt?" Ailara asked. "What does?"

"When you transform from man to wolf and back," Ailara added.

Dimitrios shook his head. "It feels natural. It's similar to stretching your muscles," he answered.

"It's curious how your clothes stay and aren't torn in the process. And when you're back to being a man, it's all there."

Dimitrios smirked and raised an eyebrow. "Would you rather see me shred my clothes while transforming as a wolf and then come back naked as a man?" he teased.

Ailara's eyes widened and she looked down to hide the blush that stained her cheeks. "I'm just curious about it, that's all."

"It's part of our magic, maybe. A blessing from Sylvan... It's just the way it's been before so I haven't really thought much about it," he answered.

For a moment, they sat in silence, the faint rustle of leaves and the sound of the forest animals at night the only thing they could hear.

Dimitrios broke the quiet. "There's a traitor in our midst." And just like that, the lighthearted conversation from earlier turned serious.

Ailara turned to him, her brows furrowing. "You think so too?"

He nodded, his expression grim. "The wards around the castle and your new grounds are strong. Too strong for the Cerran to bypass easily. Someone had to let them in."

Ailara's lips pressed into a thin line. "I suspected the same. It makes sense... but who could it be?"

Dimitrios shook his head. "I don't know. But until we find out, we trust no one. No one but each other."

She stared at him, surprised. "You trust me?"

"You're my true mate," he said simply. "Trust comes with that. We're a fated pair, chosen by the gods of Ilyia. Together, we'll achieve what we're meant to."

Ailara's lips quirked into a soft smile, though doubt lingered in her eyes. "You're so certain of this."

"I've never been more certain of anything," he said, his voice firm. "In the last battle, I felt stronger than I've ever been. It was as if Aiken himself blessed me."

Ailara nodded slowly. "I felt it too. I could teleport more times than I ever could before. It felt... limitless."

Dimitrios met her gaze, his gray eyes steady. "That's because we're mates. Our bond strengthens us both."

She didn't respond, her mind turning over his words. True mates. The idea both thrilled and terrified her. Before she could voice her thoughts, Dimitrios moved closer, his presence overwhelming in its intensity.

"Our souls are intertwined, Ailara," he said, his voice low and unwavering. "I'll never let you go. All that I have is yours, and all of you is mine. If you should die..." His voice cracked slightly, the vulnerability raw and unguarded. "I would follow you into the pits of Draugr itself."

Ailara's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek. "Dimitrios..."

He caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "No more doubts," he said. "No more hesitation. We're bound, Ailara. And nothing—not traitors, not the Cerran, not even the gods themselves—will break us."

The words hung between them, heavy with promise and resolve. For the first time, Ailara allowed herself to believe. Maybe, just maybe, they truly were fated.







The journey back to the castle was quiet.Just like before, Ailara rode on Dimitrios' back. This time though, he ran slowly as if cherishing every moment.

As they approached the castle gates, the tranquility shattered. Raised voices echoed through the stone walls, accusations and anger spilling into the cool night air. Dimitrios and Ailara quickened their pace, the shouting growing louder with every step.

When they entered the courtyard, they found a mass of Vampyr and Wolfen soldiers squared off against one another. The Wolfen bared their teeth, their claws extended, while the Vampyr stood rigid, their eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight. The tension was thick, a single spark away from erupting into violence.

"You expect us to believe one of ours betrayed us?" a Wolfen growled, pointing a clawed finger at a stoic Vampyr warrior. "It's your kind who have always thrived on deception!"

"And you think we'd trust beasts who can barely control their instincts?" the Vampyr shot back, his voice like a blade cutting through the air.

"Enough!" Dimitrios' thunderous voice silenced the courtyard. The soldiers froze, turning to face their king. His imposing figure cast a long shadow in the torchlight as he stepped forward, his gray eyes blazing. Ailara stood beside him, her presence equally commanding.

"You will stop this, all of you," Dimitrios said, his tone sharp and brooking no argument. "There will be no more accusations, no more blaming. We are not enemies anymore."

The crowd was silent, but the tension remained palpable. Dimitrios reached for Ailara's hand and held it aloft, a gesture of unity that spoke louder than words.

"The Vampyr and the Wolfen are now one," Dimitrios continued. "You will fight alongside each other as brothers. You will treat one another with the same respect you give to your own kind. Survival demands it, and nothing is more important than that."

A low murmur rippled through the crowd, a mix of agreement and unease. One of the Wolfen soldiers stepped forward, his expression grim. "My king, with respect, it's not easy to bypass the wards the witches placed. Whoever let the Cerran in knew exactly what they were doing. There's a traitor here."

Dimitrios nodded, his jaw tightening. "I know. And I swear to you, I will find them. When I do, I'll break their neck myself."

His words carried the weight of his promise, and the gathered soldiers straightened, their gazes flickering with determination. "In the meantime," Dimitrios continued, "Ailara and I will visit Queen Helena of the witches. We'll speak to her about strengthening the wards and adding further protection to ensure this doesn't happen again."

As Dimitrios addressed the crowd, Ailara felt a strange sensation wash over her. Her vision blurred, the edges of her sight growing hazy. A sudden wave of dizziness hit her, and she leaned subtly against Dimitrios for support. He glanced down at her, his brow furrowing in concern.

"Are you alright?" he murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Ailara squeezed his hand, a silent reassurance. "I'm fine," she whispered. "Keep speaking to them."

Dimitrios hesitated for a moment, his instincts screaming that something was amiss. But he trusted her word and turned his attention back to the crowd, addressing another question from one of the soldiers.

Ailara focused on steadying herself, breathing deeply to quell the dizziness. But the sensation didn't subside. Instead, it grew worse, her legs feeling like they were made of lead. She tightened her grip on Dimitrios' hand, hoping it would pass, but her body betrayed her.

The courtyard spun around her, the faces of the soldiers blurring into indistinct shapes. Ailara's knees buckled, and before she could register what was happening, darkness claimed her.

"Ailara!" Dimitrios' voice was sharp with alarm as he caught her before she hit the ground.

The gathered soldiers, both Vampyr and Wolfen, gasped, their eyes wide as they watched their queen collapse in her king's arms.

Dimitrios saw the concern in their faces as he cradled Ailara against him, his heart pounding as he scanned her pale face. "Ailara, wake up," he urged, his voice softer now but no less urgent. He pressed his ear to her chest, relieved to hear the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. She was alive, but something was clearly wrong.

"Fetch the healer!" Dimitrios barked, his voice carrying across the courtyard. A Vampyr priest and a Wolfen healer sprang into action, disappearing into the castle to retrieve their supplies.

Dimitrios lifted Ailara effortlessly, holding her close as he strode toward the castle. The soldiers parted for him, their faces a mix of concern and guilt. As he passed, Dimitrios fixed them with a steely glare.

"This is what matters," he said, his voice cold and cutting. "Not your petty arguments, not your distrust of one another. Protecting our people, our future—this is what matters. Remember that."

With those final words, he disappeared into the castle, Ailara still limp in his arms.

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Notes:

More chapters are available on Inkitt and Patreon. Chapter 45 - The King and Queen of Ilyia also posted today.

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