© 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 37 - SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS



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

Dimitrios stormed through the halls of the castle, his mind racing. Ailara remained unconscious in his arms, her face pale, her breathing shallow but steady. The sight of her so vulnerable clawed at his chest. His wolf was restless, pacing within him, urging him to protect her at all costs.

The castle's healer was already waiting in their chambers, summoned by a Wolfen guard who had sprinted ahead. A Vampyr priest arrived moments later, carrying his satchel of herbs and vials. Dimitrios laid Ailara gently on the bed, brushing a stray strand of blonde hair from her face. Her electric blue eyes, so full of life mere moments ago, remained closed.

"Fix her," Dimitrios growled, his voice low and menacing.

The healer and priest exchanged a nervous glance before getting to work. The Wolfen healer began checking her pulse and temperature, while the Vampyr priest prepared a mixture of herbs. Dimitrios stood at the foot of the bed, his arms crossed and his jaw clenched, his piercing gray eyes never leaving Ailara.

"What is wrong with her?" Dimitrios demanded, his tone sharp.

The healer hesitated before speaking. "Her pulse is strong, but she seems... depleted. It's unusual for someone of her strength."

"Unusual isn't good enough," Dimitrios snapped. "Find the cause."

The Vampyr priest finished preparing his herbal concoction and leaned closer to Ailara, gently prying her lips apart to administer the mixture. He murmured a prayer to the goddess Lai as he worked, his hands steady but his expression tight with worry.

"She's strong, Your Highness," the priest said, his tone more confident. "This may just be exhaustion from the battle and the heat she endured recently," the priest paused.

Dimitrios nodded, urging him to continue. "We saw her walk underneath the sun earlier. In our legends, this is the sign of true mates. In the battle earlier, our warriors also reported she was able to teleport several times more than we usually can. These might have caused a depletion in her energy. Let her rest and recover as well as feed. I believe she will awaken soon."

Dimitrios nodded curtly but remained tense. "If she doesn't, you'll answer for it."

Both the healer and priest bowed low, murmuring assurances before retreating to a corner of the room to monitor her condition. Dimitrios pulled a chair close to the bed and sat, his large frame hunched as he took Ailara's hand in his.

"I should have seen this coming," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "I should have known something was wrong."

His wolf whined within him, mirroring his frustration and guilt. Dimitrios ran a hand through his dark hair, trying to push the emotions aside. He had no time for weakness, not when Ailara needed him strong.

As the minutes ticked by, the tension in the room remained palpable. Dimitrios barely moved, his eyes fixed on Ailara's face. When her fingers twitched slightly in his grasp, he straightened immediately, his heart leaping.

"Ailara," he said, his voice soft but urgent.

Her eyelids fluttered open, and she blinked slowly, disoriented. Her electric blue eyes finally focused on him, and she offered a faint smile. "Dimitrios..."

Relief washed over him like a wave, and for a moment, he allowed himself to breathe again. "You scared me," he admitted, his tone uncharacteristically tender.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. Her voice was weak, but her smile grew a fraction stronger.

"You have nothing to apologize for," Dimitrios said, his thumb brushing against the back of her hand. "How do you feel?"

"Tired," Ailara admitted. "But... I'll be fine."

The healer and priest stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, she should rest for the night," the priest said. "The herbal mixture will aid her recovery."

Dimitrios nodded, his gaze never leaving Ailara. "Leave us."

The two bowed again and left the room silently. Once they were gone, Dimitrios leaned closer, his hand cupping Ailara's cheek. "You need to take better care of yourself," he said, his voice low but firm. "You're no good to me or your people like this."

Ailara chuckled weakly. "I suppose I'll have to listen to my king, then."

Dimitrios' lips twitched into a faint smile. "Damn right you will."

They sat in silence for a while, the weight of the day pressing down on both of them. Ailara's fingers tightened around his. "What happened... with the soldiers?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dimitrios sighed. "Tensions are high. They're blaming each other for the Cerran attack. I had to remind them that survival depends on unity, not division."

"And do you think they'll listen?"

"They'll have to," Dimitrios said, his tone resolute. "I won't allow infighting to tear us apart."

Ailara nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You're a good leader, Dimitrios."

He snorted softly. "I'm just trying to keep us alive."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Dimitrios growled low, annoyed at the intrusion, but called out, "Enter."

Argus stepped inside, his expression grim. "My king, my queen," he said with a bow. "I apologize for disturbing you, but the scouts have returned."

"And?" Dimitrios asked, his eyes narrowing.

"They've confirmed the presence of a traitor," Argus said. "The wards were tampered with from the inside. The Cerran couldn't have entered otherwise."

Dimitrios' jaw tightened, his hands balling into fists. "Who?"

"We don't know yet," Argus admitted. "But we're narrowing it down."

"Keep me updated," Dimitrios said, his tone cold. "And double the patrols. No one comes or goes without my permission."

"Yes, my king," Argus said before bowing and exiting the room.

As the door closed, Dimitrios turned back to Ailara. Her expression was troubled, her brows furrowed in thought.

"We'll find them," Dimitrios said, his voice softer now. "And when we do, they'll pay for what they've done."

Ailara nodded, her grip on his hand tightening. "We have to. For our people."

"For our people," Dimitrios agreed. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Now rest. I'll be here."

Ailara closed her eyes, her breathing evening out as she drifted back to sleep. Dimitrios remained at her side, his resolve hardening with every passing moment. Whoever had betrayed them would regret ever crossing the King of the Wolfen and his queen.





A soft knock on the bedroom door broke the silence. Ailara, now sitting up in bed and feeling much better after drinking Dimitrios' blood, looked toward Dimitrios. He glanced at her briefly, his brows furrowing, before calling out, "Enter."

The door creaked open, and Argus stepped inside, bowing deeply. "My king, my queen," he greeted, his voice low and respectful. "There is a witch outside bearing a message from Queen Helena."

Dimitrios' gaze sharpened instantly. "Bring her here," he ordered. "I don't want Ailara getting up."

Argus nodded and disappeared, returning moments later with a slender figure cloaked in dark green robes. The witch stepped into the room and bowed low, her movements fluid and practiced. Her hands glowed faintly as she waved them, creating a shimmering aura in the air. The light condensed, and an image of Helena appeared in the room.

The Queen of the Witches stood tall and regal, her emerald-green eyes piercing as she looked directly at them. Her long auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, and the runes etched into her skin glowed faintly as she began to speak.

"My king, my queen," Helena greeted, her voice resonating with authority. "I saw in a vision that Ailara was unwell. I urge you to send her to me tomorrow as soon as she can travel. There are things I must confirm."

Dimitrios' expression darkened, his lips curling into a frown. "She's recovering now. There's no need for her to leave the castle."

Helena raised a hand, her expression softening slightly. "Dimitrios, I understand your concern. However, this is not a matter to be delayed. My vision was sent to me by our goddess and it was clearer than any other vision, but I need to confirm it with my own eyes. I assure you that Ailara will be safe."

Before Dimitrios could voice further objections, Helena continued, "I will send my best warriors to accompany her. You may also send as many Vampyr and Wolfen soldiers as you see fit. Rest assured, my kingdom is also under threat from the Cerran. I would not risk jeopardizing our alliance or Ailara's safety."

Helena's voice lowered. "I know you have a traitor in your midst. I also offer to scry for the traitor within your ranks to assist you in this pressing matter."

Her image flickered momentarily, then stabilized. "Please trust me in this. I will ensure Ailara's safe return."

The mirage faded, leaving only the faint shimmer of magic lingering in the air. The witch who had cast the spell bowed deeply. "My queen's warriors will arrive at dawn," she said. "They will await your answer."

Dimitrios stared at the spot where Helena's image had been, his jaw clenched. Ailara reached out, placing a hand gently on his arm. "Dimitrios, I think we should trust her."

His gray eyes softened slightly as they met her electric blue gaze, but the tension in his shoulders remained. "Helena is an ally, yes," he admitted, "but this castle is safer. I don't like the idea of you leaving, especially now."

Ailara shook her head, her voice steady. "Helena has always been truthful with us. If she saw something in her vision, it must be important. She wouldn't summon me unless it was necessary. I want to know what she saw and what might be wrong with me."

Dimitrios' gaze remained locked on hers, searching her face for any hint of doubt. "Ailara," he said quietly, his voice tinged with frustration, "I just got you back. I can't risk losing you."

"You won't lose me," she assured him, squeezing his hand. "I'll be surrounded by Helena's warriors, and you can send Argus with me. He'll make sure I'm safe."

Dimitrios exhaled heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. "This is madness," he muttered. "But fine. Argus will accompany you, along with a contingent of our best soldiers. You will not leave his side for even a second. Is that clear?"

Ailara nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Crystal clear."

"I mean it, Ailara," he pressed, his tone firm. "If anything feels off, you return here immediately. No questions, no arguments."

"I understand," she said, leaning closer and pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I'll be back before the sun sets."

Dimitrios' hand found its way to her hair, his fingers threading through the silky strands. "You'd better be," he murmured, his voice softening. "The castle feels emptier without you."

The witch bowed once more and excused herself, leaving the room in silence. Dimitrios pulled Ailara into his arms, holding her tightly as if trying to memorize the feel of her against him.

"Tomorrow," he said quietly, "be careful."

"I will," Ailara promised. But even as she said the words, she couldn't shake the feeling that the journey to Helena's kingdom would mark the beginning of something far greater—and far more dangerous—than either of them could anticipate.



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Notes:

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