Heart Of A Lycan King
Chapter 65

AIDEN.

“Ready?” I asked, clasping our hands together as we strolled towards the great hall.

It was around 10am, but it looked like the clouds were angry today, and at any moment, a heavy rainfall would descend. I wore my turban today, and a soft blue caftan with no cap. Nala wore one of those gowns made from ankara, which hugged her chest and fluffed at the end. She had her hair wrapped in a headgear, and her face was bare except for the kohl she had on her eyes.

“I’m nervous,” Nala said, refusing to meet my gaze. Her palms were suddenly sweaty. “I’m nervous, Aiden.” She was finally admitting it. She’s been nervous since we left home. Throughout the drive here from the house, she didn’t say much and constantly kept biting the nails off her free hand, since I had the other clasped in mine as I drove.

“Hey,” we paused, as I pulled her into a hug. “I’m nervous as well. But we got each other, isn’t that so?”

She nodded, looking at me. “We do,” she kissed my cheeks and pulled away. “You’ll always have me, My King.”

My heart did a flip at her words, and while we should be walking into the hall, I found myself cupping her cheeks and staring at her.

The eye-talking like we named it two days ago. It’s something Nala and I came up with. We simply stare at each other in the eye, without saying a single word and let our eyes do the talking. Moments like these fill me with a sense of belonging, as though I’m unwrapping layers upon layers of my woman. Layers she was allowing me to see without speaking.

Like the nervousness eating at her right now.

In those three days I had spent with Nala being sick, I realized a lot of things. One of them being that real intimacy isn’t always s.exual. Real intimacy is trust.

And that is what Nala and I built. The trust that we can be ourselves around each other without second thoughts. The fact that I can show sides of me I didn’t know I could, and same with her. She had never shown me a side of her in her monthly period before, but she did now, and more than anything, I appreciated that trust.

The moments she and I would lay, cuddle and talk far into the night about so many things. Moments I’ll bare myself naked before her, not in the literal sense, and she listens. She listens without judging, and I never felt the need to stop.

Moments like that taught me what I knew now. Intimacy is trust, not s.ex.

“You’re not nervous anymore,” she breathed, her scent filling me up.

“I’m not,” I admitted. “The eye-talking did the trick. However, you still are, and I perfectly understand. Let it flow, I’m here with you.”

“Dr. Lily said the same thing yesterday,” she laughed softly. “Allow your emotions to flow, Natasha. Don’t hold them back. I think I like doing that too.”

“As you should,” I kissed her forehead tenderly, loving the way her hands that were placed over mine shook as she sucked in a breath.

“Is it necessary for you two to touch each other all the time?” Kane grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest as Nala pulled away with a small smile.

“Perks of having a mate, Kane,” Mav replied from the side, laughing a bit.

“Says the one running away from his and isn’t man enough to accept her,” I said. Mav’s face pulled tightly at my words before he sighed, ran his hand through his head and turned away.

“Did you have to hit me that hard, brother?” He mumbled.

“My eyes always suffer the consequences here. And as it is, there’s no privacy glass…”

“Shut up, Kane,” Nala gritted, pretending to fix her head gear.

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” he replied grinning. “It’s just weird that you never get tired of each other,” he commented.

I simply nodded, pulling Nala to my side as we resumed walking. “Find yourself one if you’re eager to replace out why, Man.”

“Trust me, I will. Even if I have no plans of completing the mating bond,” his humorless laugh filled the air. My chest squeezed at his comment, but now isn’t the right time to address this. He wants a mate, that much is evident. But he doesn’t want to push through with completing the bond. Heck, it doesn’t look like he had any intention of binding himself to the bond.

This wasn’t the first time Kane had said that, but he never truly said more on it. The tragedy with his parents must have affected him more than he wants to admit. But I have a feeling there’s more to this.

“You what?” Nala asked, turning her head a little to catch a glimpse of Kane. “Why would you say something like that? Mate bonds are sacred.”

“Not for everyone, Your Majesty,” he grinned. A grin that didn’t reach his eyes, nor truly touched his lips. “Some are just there for the sake of being there.”

“Agreed!” Mav chirped in, looking a bit distracted.

I sighed, squeezing Nala’s hand a bit before I mind-linked her. ‘Don’t push this. They are both sore with issues like this. Kane may always show he wants a mate, but he doesn’t want it to be permanent.’

‘So all these while he’s been talking about wanting a mate, it’s not something he wants permanently?’ She linked back.

‘Yup,’ I replied.

“Aiden…” Nala called softly, halting in her tracks. I did as well, turning my whole body to face her. Surprisingly though, she tugged at my beard, which seems to be something she enjoys doing now and pulled me down for a slow k**s. “You sound irresistible every time you pop that P. And I’m sure you know what that does to me, don’t you?”

I was experiencing the same rollicking squeeze I’ve had for the past three days. My pulse went crazy, my heart echoing in my ears. How could mere words do this damage to me? But then, I could still feel the nervousness through our bond, could still feel the fear, the anxiety. It was eating at her and she was trying to occupy her mind with something else. Which was me.

“It is my way of seducing you, Nala. Which I shouldn’t be doing right now.”

“Absolutely.” She laughed. “You shouldn’t.”

“Well, forgive your mate for being irresistible.” I smirked, kissing her lightly before we both pulled away. I clasped my hand around hers and we resumed walking. We were almost at the door to the grand hall, and with each step we took, I was getting more nervous, same with Nala.

I need to make this work. I need to put my rage in check and let us handle this together without messing it up. But it is going to be very hard to contain Leo when he sees that piece of s**t.

I slid my gaze back towards Kane and Mav. Mav gave me a small nod, and for some reason, that fueled my intention to go through this without letting my rage get the best of me. They had waited for us outside the hall even though we drove down separately. The meeting had been postponed for three days, because there was no way I was going to subject Nala to the tension of the meeting and her…cramps.

Goddess! Was it really necessary for women to bleed for days in pain? To be completely honest, at one point, I was worried all the b***d in her would drain. And the annoying part being there was nothing I could do. My healing powers did nothing to get rid of the pain.

I hate it.

‘I hate it more. I couldn’t understand Erin all through. She wants me one moment, and hates me another. How do women deal with this?’ Leo hissed.

I laughter bubbled in my throat but I didn’t set it free cause we were already at the door. The bare chested guards standing by the door bowed, hands placed on their chest. “Barka da safiya, Sabbene!” (Salutations).

I waved my hands, allowing Nala to step into the door before I did, with Mav and Kane trailing very closely behind us.

“Takawarka lafiya Sarki. Tafiya a sannu dawisu me kaloli, nan za’a ganka nan za’a barka yallabai. Nyala ta kareka!” (Salutations). The royal hailer hailed as we strolled in.

The grand hall had more people today than it normally does. As I led Nala to our seats on the throne, I noticed Baba and Mama seated to our right, while Kane and Mav stood by our left. The elders representing each pack were present, so were the Alphas, excluding one I had locked. They sat opposite to the elders representing the Lycans during long meetings like this. Inna Laniya and her sister were both present. During meetings like this, the High Priestess is always present to give her input as well.

Murmurs rose as we took our seat, and Nala’s nervousness skyrocketed. It was the looks. The looks the Elders and Alphas were pinning her with, along with the murmurs of an Omega taking the throne. As if that would change my mind. As if that would make me love her any less.

“Indaboski, Enayishi,” everyone chorused, bowing as soon as we sat down. I raised my hand, and everyone sat down, the murmurs resuming.

‘Take deep breaths, and focus on nothing but me. None of what anyone says about you matters, Nala. You are your own self, your own human, your own woman. My woman. Show them that,’ I linked, allowing my thumb to draw small circles on the back of her hand I held.

She looked at me, her eyes a mixture of gratitude and something else. ‘I love you,’ she whispered through the bond. ‘And I can’t wait for this meeting to be over and show you just how much, My King,’ she added, snatching a deep growl from my throat.

Then she straightened up, her head held high like the queen she is. At some point, I thought I saw her carelessly turning her head for no reason, until it dawned on me that she was showing off her mark.

Something surged through me. Something…thick and raw. She was openly showing everyone she wanted me. She has me.

“No one told me I’ll be so whipped after getting marked. Not that I wasn’t whipped already, but the mark here makes it ten times more,” I broke the heavy silence in the hall, rubbing my mark as tingles rose up my body. I made sure to capture the gaze of as many Elders as I could so they could see the mark I carried to.

Who’s to say I can’t flaunt my mate’s mark?

No one laughed, at least, not until Mama did and Baba quickly joined her. The hall soon erupted with deep voices of men laughing, and nodding in agreement. However, I didn’t dare turn to look at Nala, because may Nyala help me, I wasn’t sure I’ll be able to hold back from kissing her if I do.

But then, this unpredictable woman, this woman that had me wrapped around her finger, this woman that had embraced me wholeheartedly did the unthinkable. She brought our clasped hands to her lips and kissed the back of my hand, forcing me to look at her, my eyes as wide as saucers. She breathed, her pulse was thumping loud and hard, I could hear it clearly.

“Funny he’s not the only one whipped, Elders.” She said too calmly, yet, her demeanor and the little shaking of her hand in mine told me how nervous doing this made her. But she didn’t show that outside, heck, she kept her face straight, with a small smile that didn’t leave her face. She held the damn fort and stared at the Elders with no fear!

Oh, Nyala. I’m done for. I’m completely done for. I want this meeting to end faster so I can show this woman just how much…just how much she is capable of ruining me without trying much.

To ease her tension however, knowing that she has only me in here and Mama, I clicked my fingers towards Kane and nodded. ‘Bring them in,’ I linked.

He nodded, walking towards the door while I returned my attention to the Elders laughing even more at Nala’s comment. All, except for the Elders from Matteo’s park, his Beta, and his parents. I shifted my gaze farther behind them, where Kamal stood with Matteo beside them, wrapped in silver chains. I had told him to stay out of sight, so Nala wouldn’t get startled by Matteo’s presence as soon as we got in.

“The younger generation have no idea what it means to court ones mate for years before she finally says a simple ‘hi!’” Baba commented, laughing.

Another laughter erupted, and I was grateful for Baba being here.

I stood up, my hand still clasped in Nala’s. “Greetings, members of the council and all those present here today. This is going to be one lengthy meeting, but it is also necessary that we address all issues so we can have a peaceful kingdom. However, before we proceed, I would like you all to give your pledge to your Queen, Natasha, and her personal team.” I finished, helping Nala up as Kane strolled in with her friends, including Lacie who swore she was now part of the team. I had Donald tag along too, because I’m sure he needed the distraction, and Nala needed the extra support.

Sherneil, Ivyane, Tiffany, and Lacie stood beside Mav, and I watched as Mav grounded his jaw, his arms flexing around as he refused to spare them another glance. In fact, it looked like he wanted to be anywhere but around them. And that was because the mate he didn’t want was one of them.

But who?

Nala gasped beside me, before the pressure on my hand increased as she squeezed it. She was happy to see them. I knew she would be.

“Does this mean that she’ll join the council meetings every time, Your Eminence?” One of the Lycan Elders asked.

I nodded. “Isn’t that obvious already? She’s the Queen.”

“But she’s also an Omega,” another elder chirped in. “It’s too much to give her all that power.”

“An Omega shouldn’t even be here. Mate or no mate.”

“I think it is a taboo to give a woman this much power. Especially an Omega who doesn’t know what it means to hold this much power.”

Those were the words floating around, and with each one of them, Nala grew more and more uncomfortable. Leo surged forward, teeth bared and eyes glistening with so much rage. He had been waiting, waiting for someone to say anything about her that didn’t sit well with him and he’ll take care of it. I felt the flare in my chest, the anger gripping at me while the damn burn heats up. Damn you all!

“Say what? Are you telling me because she’s an Omega, she shouldn’t be my Queen and Mate?” I growled, my body shaking the same way the room vibrated from underneath our feet. The Elders were beginning to get scared. Yes, take that you fvckers! In my rage, I dropped Nala’s hand.

But the simple touch of Nala’s hand on my back took away a better part of my anger, and I stopped shaking. Leo visibly calmed down as well, at least enough to spare Nala a quick glance before he looked away. But he refused to fall back, neither did I. Nala may hate violence, but I’ll be damned if I let any of these white haired fools speak ill of her.

“An Omega still has rights, Elder,” I heard Nala say softly, standing taller. “I’m sure you are worried I may not be able to handle all of this, which may be true. But why don’t you all give me a chance before condemning me?” She smiled warmly. “I may be an Omega, the last in the chain, but can we stop determining people’s worth with their ranks, Elders?” She asked.

Silence stretched. I could hear the zap of their breath, the shock. The pride. Nala may not feel all of that because she’s yet to be fully bonded to the kingdom, but I do. I felt all of it and it…it was a new wonderful feeling.

“I’m not saying I’ll be as good as the Grand Queen,” she gestured towards Mama who looked at her with pure adoration before she continued. “But I plan to do my utmost best to fulfill my duty as the Queen. I however, cannot do it alone without the support of quality men like you all. So, would you all do me the honor of letting me prove myself without my rank as an Omega interfering?”

More silence. I gritted my teeth, watching them with a menacing growl. This was her fight, and I knew she wanted to stand up for herself. But I won’t hesitate to step in if the need arises, regardless of how bloody I’ll be turning this damn hall in seconds.

Soon though, one of the elders stood up, crossed his hands behind him and said. “How sure are we that you can handle the pressure? A woman is no man’s equal, young woman, especially an Omega like you.”

I growled, but didn’t get the chance act when Nala stepped forward, three steps in front of me.

“Certainly, Elder. A woman is no man’s equal,” she was shaking, I could feel it. And that is because she has never done anything like this. Yet, she’s handling this better than I would. “Same way a man can never be a woman’s equal.”

“What?” Another Elder called. He’s a Lycan elder. “Is that your way of convincing us?”

“Absolutely not. This is me telling you all that men and women are crafted differently. There are things a woman can do that none of you can. But we were made to balance each other, not fight each other. But when we are given the chance, we try our best as well. A woman is stronger than you can imagine. Capable of enduring a lot. Mother nature blessed us with making a home, and I’d like to believe that says a lot about us.” She finished, her voice trembling a bit at the end.

“Still needs more convincing,” another Elder called.

“There’s nothing a woman can do that we can’t.”

“Believe me there is,” Nala laughed a bit, tucking a hair behind her ear.

“Like?” One Elder scoffed.

“Monthly disturbance,” I blurted, looking at them all with a straight face. “I’m sure none of you can handle bleeding every month with so much pain,” I added.

Murmurs rose from the elders, as Nala swept a quick gaze towards me, her mouth quivering as she tried to suppress a laughter, while Mama laughed so hard I knew Baba was wondering if she was okay.

‘I certainly can’t handle that. I don’t even want to imagine myself bleeding.’ Leo shuddered, visibly playing with the idea of him menstruating. ‘If I can’t handle it, neither can those white haired fvckers!’ He growled, releasing his aura around. And it was very much felt by everyone in the hall.

I stifled a laugh. ‘You wouldn’t look bad though,’ I murmured. ‘You are the Royal King, you should be able to handle it and…’

‘Definitely not. Especially those mood swings. Women deserve so much respect for bleeding, and I’ll be damned if I let anyone look down on them again.’ He growled again, sending the message loud and clear to all the elders in the room, excluding Nala.

“Yup, that could be one of them,” she replied, a small smile on her face. She really loves the popping now. “But that’s not what I’m trying to say. All I’m saying is that we shouldn’t be judged based on our gender or rank. We have rights too, and we have voices that need to be heard. I’m sure neither of you would want your daughter, sister, or friend to stand in a situation you’re subjecting me to. But to fight that stigma, we need to work together. And I’d like you all to give me the honor of working to fix that.” She finished, still maintaining a strong stand.

“Are you demanding equality, Your Majesty?” Another Lycan Elder said, standing up as well. Unlike the rest though, his voice wasn’t hostile, and he looked interested. But one thing that stood out was the fact that he addressed her with her title. He was giving in.

“Not equality per say, Elder. But a right to be heard. To be noticed. To be appreciated as the women we are. Rank or no rank, I believe we deserve that courtesy,” Nala replied, her voice held so much certainty. So much confidence.

Yet, nothing. Again. The Elder simply stood and stared at Nala for a while, his mouth moving quietly. I wanted to move, wanted to say something more, but a hiss from Baba stopped me. He wanted me to let her do this, the same way Mama showed when she nodded at me too.

Then quite suddenly, the Elder began clapping, nodding his head as the rest joined. The hall was filled with loud applause and nodding of heads clasped in red caps.

Nala did it!

‘That’s my woman right there. She did it!’ Leo sighed, pride visible in his eyes as he stared at Nala.

“Long live the Queen!” Mav chanted from beside us, and everyone joined in.

Nala’s body shook for a moment, before she released a deep breath. And when she turned to face me, she had tears in her eyes, sheer joy evident on her face. I didn’t know what to do with the squeeze in my chest, or the love doubling me over and knocking me off. I didn’t even know what to make of the dizzying feeling engulfing my remaining sanity. So, I embraced it all. Thoroughly.

“You did it,” I whispered loud enough for her ears only as I took her cheeks in my hands. “You did it, Nala.”

“No, we did it, Aiden. You and I both. Your moral support pushed me to be so confident, Aiden.” She replied softly, allowing a single tear to roll down her cheeks.

I used my thumb to wipe it off, loving the way she shuddered when I grazed her bottom l*p with my thumb also. “You’re wonderful. Never forget that, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.” I whispered again before I turned my attention back to the elders and Alphas, clasping Nala’s hand in a firm grip.

My woman defended herself. If that doesn’t say much, I don’t know what does. “Pledge to your Queen, members of the council,” I yelled, raising our clasped hands up.

Everyone stood up, including Mama and Baba. Hands placed on the chest, the other stretched towards us, they chanted in the official language.

“Here she is, the Queen with the crown. The mother of the kingdom, vessel to Nyala. Here she is, the one we pledge our loyalty to, no matter the consequences. Here she is, the Queen of the kingdom. Long may you live, Queen Natasha!”

“Oh my!” A whimper, then a shudder before a hand flew to her mouth in an effort to hold the tears, which she managed to handle confidently before she laughed. This woman laughed and waved happily at the elders, eliciting the same reaction from them as well before everyone settled back to their seat.

Once I was sure things were back to normal, I stood up again. This time however, I wasn’t holding Nala’s hand.

“We have so many agendas today. The first and foremost is judging the Alpha from the Malakari pack and deciding the fate of his kingdom. That, and replaceing where his uncle is, who had miraculously disappeared. As you all know, I challenged the Alpha of the Malakarians to a fight, and he cheated, which had a single rule, kill or be killed, without cheating of course. That alone, seals his fate as a dead person, that is, if he had not committed other crimes.” I began. “I challenged him to a fight to defend the honor of my mate, and now, I’ll state the evidence we have against him and judge him for his crimes. Kamal, bring forth the criminal.” I called.

Kamal dragged him to the centre of the hall, the chains wrapped around him rattling and making squeaking noises. I didn’t spare him much glance, except for the look in his eyes that looked…shallow. Almost too empty, as though there wasn’t a soul residing in him anymore.

The look unsettled me, and the way his lips quivered slowly when he looked at Nala unsettled me even more. That was, until I caught a whiff of something strange coming from him, my senses heightening instantly.

Something was terribly wrong!