Chapter 98
Asher’s POV
At the outskirts of the Kingdom stood a small yet beautiful structure. One I had personally built about five years ago—
I hopped out of my car and headed in. This was the only place I ever went without any guards, driver or even Alan. Not like this place was a secret from them but they had no business here.
It had been a very long while since I was here thanks to how occupied I had been over the months, but I knew I had to find time to come
over.
This place was one of the most guarded places in the pack, I could even say that it was more secure than the palace because other than the maids, guards and in–house nurse, only two other people had access to the building. Myself and the doctor.
Stepping into the tiny apartment, I was hit with a familiar scent that caused a lot of memories to flood back in. “Greetings your majesty,” the in–house maids greeted.
I was escorted to the room where a grey–haired man lay.
As I stepped into the room, my eyes immediately fell on the frail figure lying on the bed. Elder Elijah, a man who had once been a formidable warrior, now lay weak, his grey hair a stark contrast to the vibrant brown it once was.
The Elder’s eyes, though sunken, still sparkled with excitement as he stared up at me. I felt a sting in my chest, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Guilt, gratitude, and respect all battled for dominance in my heart.
“Asher,” Elder Elijah’s voice was weak, but it still held a hint of authority. “It’s been too long.”
I smiled, trying to hide my emotions. “I know, Elder. I’m sorry. Life’s been… busy.” I said, crouching onto his side.
“How is Kiara, I haven’t seen her around,” I said taking note of his mate’s absence.
“Kiara?” He repeated. “She must be in her favourite place, speaking to her babies.” He said with a smile. Speaking of babies, he meant plants. Kiara was known for herbs and plants. Thanks to those herbs, Elder Elijah was able to record little changes in his health status.
The Elder’s gaze seemed to bore into my soul as if he could see right through me. “You’re doing well, Asher. I’m proud of you.”
I felt a lump in my throat. This man, who had once been a great warrior, had sacrificed his own well–being to save my life. A broken spine wasn’t the height of his loyalty, Elder Elijah went as far as receiving a permanent paralysis in place of me. A wound that even our kind found hard to heal, not to talk of the fact that it didn’t happen due to a natural cause but as a result of a curse.
In the year when The Resplendent Sorceress of Edenville was on the loose, she went around causing havoc, raining curses on many pack leaders. Some of which she was paid for by rival packs.
I had become her target on two occasions, one being the time she cursed my fertility and secondly when we were up against her for a land which originally belonged to us and, that was when the elder stepped in to save me from her wrath.
“Elder,” I began, my voice barely above a whisper. “I still don’t know how to repay you. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be making this much waves-”
Elder Elijah’s expression turned stern, his eyes flashing with a hint of their former fire. “You owe me nothing, Asher. You’re like a son to me. And besides, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
“You need to cheer up, it’s been five years and you’re still thinking of repaying me, all of this is enough repayment already.”
I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes, and I looked away, trying to compose myself. The Elder’s words brought back a flood of memories, memories of the man who had been like a father to me, who had taught me how to fight, how to lead, and how to live. This is to tell you that the relationship between Elder Elijah and I didn’t just start when he saved me.
I became who I was under his teachings when my supposed father couldn’t even train me to be a fierce warrior, Of course, how could he have taught me to be what he wasn’t?
Elder Elijah also happened to be Rose’s Godfather, strengthening our bond even more. He had no child and so he treated Rose like his own. But unfortunately, Rose met her demise at a very young age. Feeling guilty for not being able to protect Rose, I grew closer to Elder Elijah, trying to ease his pain in any little way I could.
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Chapter 98
We soon grew too fond of each other, and that was why no matter how occupied I was, I would always find my way back here whenever I needed advice or whenever I needed to seek solace from the heavy responsibilities of the pack.
“Asher!” Elder Elijah called softly, pausing for a second as if puzzled by something. “Have you ever thought why the sorceress was after your fertility? I mean, out of every other thing, why did she choose to curse your fertility?”
I swallowed hard, the reason being that I had kept this side of the story to myself for many years and never did I think I would have to tell anyone, the story was both embarrassing and unbelievable so it was safer to keep it to myself.
“Asher, your silence speaks volumes.” The Elder said, causing me to look up from the floor I had been intently staring at.
Kiara walked in on us, her eyes wide. “King Asher, you’re here! Greetings your majesty.” She greeted me with a bow.
“It’s fine, Kiara, how have you been?” I mirrored her smile.
“Very well, your majesty. Please regain your seat.” She turned to Elder Elijah, “Eli, have you shown him what my herbs are working in your body?” She said excitedly.
Elder Elijah rolled his eyes, “Those herbs take forever-”
“But at least they are working.” She shot back playfully. “How else would you have been able to feel my touch if not for these same herbs?” They both laughed and I couldn’t help but join in.
“There’s something I have for you, your majesty.” She said, spiking my curiosity.
She drew out a small jar and handed it to me, “This herb is used to aid relaxation. I feel like you would need it.”
I nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Kiara. And thank you for helping me look after Elder Elijah. I haven’t stopped seeking him a cure and I pray the goddess gives me one soon.”
“It’s okay, Asher.” Elder Elijah chimed in. “You should focus on having your heir, I would be fine. After all, I have lived my days.”
We conversed for a little longer, and soon it was time to leave. I stood up from the chair I had sat beside Elder Elijah, stretching myself. “I have to go now,” I announced.
“Thank you so much for coming by,” The Elder said and Kiara nodded in agreement.
“We hope to see you again, soon,” Kiara added.
And just as I was about to step out, Elder Elijah’s words caught me in my tracks. “Asher, please be careful. I don’t understand the images I’m seeing yet, but I have to warn you ahead.”
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