The Devil's Son and His Fated Bride
Chapter 246: Visiting a broken king.

Chapter 246: Visiting a broken king.

"I fought beside him in three battles," Axe continued. "Not once did he spill the blood of an innocent. He only struck those who raised weapons against others. And I never say he is a good man but he was a decent King."

"But innocents did die because of him," Hector snapped.

"You mean Sobis Village?" Axe’s tone darkened. "That wasn’t his fault. The rebellion torched that village. We hunted them down and burned their camps to the ground."

His brows furrowed, the weight of memory hardening his features. "We avenged them all."

Hector’s hands curled into fists at his sides. He hadn’t known... not about the retaliation, not about the justice carried out in secret. And the fact that this shifter had helped take that revenge, it rattled something deep in his chest.

As they neared the human Royal Guard’s station, Axe turned to Rail. "You go meet the princess. I’ll guard him."

He gave a casual wink, but Rail knew it was more than just playfulness. It was trust, and challenge, in equal measure. He wouldn’t lose the chance to go and see her, anyway.

Suddenly, a great shadow passed over them. They looked up as Ogain, the colossal Griffin, soared above, his wings casting long streaks of darkness across the snow. Riding him was Orgeve, the Gamma shifter.

"Thank you," Rail called out, nodding. "I’ll see you later."

He rushed off toward his Alpha King and Luna Queen, who stood at the base of the stairs, their gazes fixed on Ogain as the majestic creature perched atop one of the towers, silent and watchful.

Ren stood nearby, her eyes scanning the Kings and courtiers gathered in the courtyard. Their faces were composed, but their minds were spinning, already showing schemes and weighing alliances.

She could feel it. A war of decisions was coming.

’Don’t worry. No one can hurt you. That dragon over there is watching.’

Ogain’s voice echoed gently through Ren’s mind, calm and firm like a mountain in the mist.

Almost on cue, the thunderous sound of wings cut through the sky. Sunkiath, the golden dragon, spiraled overhead, like sunlight gleaming off his scales, like liquid fire. With a graceful turn, he descended and perched atop another watchtower, his presence radiating silent power.

"My daughter is here..."

The voice came from the crowd, familiar, brimming with emotion. Aunt Eve emerged, pushing her way through nobles and guards. Her eyes locked onto the magnificent Griffin perched above.

"Good gods," she whispered, awe-struck. "Look at what my nieces ride..."

Her eyes shimmered with wonder, the kind that belonged to stories long buried in childhood dreams had taken a form before her sight. Anarya had once told her of Griffins, that she had bonded with one, but seeing Ogain in the flesh, so grand and regal, left her breathless.

"Aunt Eve," Ren called, smirking, "you’ve utterly forgotten about me."

Aunt Eve gasped, snapping out of her trance. She rushed to Ren. "Oh, my dear!"

They embraced tightly, joy warming the cold air. Then she turned to Kai, bowing her head with heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you for staying alive. You’ve returned her to us."

Later, in their private chambers, the warmth faded. Ren sat by the window, her expression unreadable, lost in thoughts that weighed more than words.

She turned to Lora. "Go. Meet the others. I need a moment."

Lora hesitated but obeyed, leaving quietly.

Kai watched her carefully. He could feel the strain beneath her stillness. Her hands were folded, but not relaxed.

"We should go visit your father," he said softly.

Ren nodded... but her eyes remained distant, fixed on something far away, perhaps not in space, but in time.

Ren drew in a slow breath, bracing herself. "I’m trying to prepare myself," she whispered.

Kai gently took her arm and turned her toward him, pulling her into an embrace. His hand rubbed slow, reassuring circles on her back.

"Relax," he murmured against her temple. "You can do this. I’m sure he’s waiting for you right now. Take your brother to him. The three of you need this moment together."

Ren closed her eyes. Her chest tightened. Seeing the once-glorious King of Alvonia, her father, reduced to such a state was something no part of her had prepared for. And yet, she couldn’t look away. Not as a queen. Not as a daughter.

Kai led her gently down the corridor to the King’s quarters.

Waiting just outside the door was Gloria, speaking calmly with Rail. The moment she saw Ren, her face lit up, and she hurried forward, arms already reaching.

"Ren!"

The cousins embraced, warmth softening the tension in Ren’s body.

Ren pulled back and gave Gloria a quick once-over, a fond smile curving her lips. "Look at you... as radiant as ever."

Gloria chuckled, shaking her head. "I’ll never outshine you. Come, he’s waiting for both of you."

She turned and led them toward the heavy door.

Kai’s lips twitched as he glanced at Rail, catching the way the warrior’s eyes followed Gloria’s every movement.

’He came straight here to see his beloved,’ Kai thought.

’Of course he did.’ Ren answered.

"Your Highness, you’re starting already?" Rail called out, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin.

"Yes, I am, take her to the surprises we brought," Kai replied smoothly, smirking as he followed his wife into the room.

Inside the King’s chamber, a royal healer stepped back from the bedside and bowed deeply as Ren entered.

"Your Grace," he said with quiet respect, "I’m glad you’ve come."

Ren gave him a nod. "You may leave us."

Her eyes shifted to the figure in the bed. The sight hit harder than she expected. It was so pathetic.

Her father, the once-mighty King of Alvonia, looked fragile now. His once dark, commanding hair had turned silver-gray, and fine wrinkles etched his face like fading battle lines.

She kept her expression composed, unwilling to show how shaken she truly was.

"Oh, daughter," the King said, smiling faintly. "I’m aging."

Ren shook her head gently, forcing a soft smile. "You’re still handsome."

A short silence followed, thick with unspoken grief and the struggle to bridge time lost.

But Kai, as always, stepped in to break the tension.

"Well," he said lightly, "at least you still have enough strength to deliver one of those fire-breathing speeches."

The King chuckled a genuine sound despite the wear in his voice. "That’s the one thing I haven’t lost yet."

"You mean your tongue?" Kai teased, flashing a grin.

Ren nudged him with her elbow, muttering under her breath, "You’re ridiculously not funny."

But even so, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Ah, it is good to see my daughter compelled you to show some respect for me." The King retorted.