The beast and the blessed novel by Ashley Breanne novel Chapter 53

Fifty-Three: Killian

Killian’s P.O.V.

For once in my life, I felt at peace. The world around me was on fire, and I could see the sinkhole opening in the distance, ready to take us all down with it.

But I was happy.

Even more so because I could feel her happiness. I knew I had work to do, but thinking about being stuck behind my desk all day had me feeling claustrophobic. Naturally, I loved being outside in the freedom, but today I desperately needed it. I felt like an over-excited puppy locked in a cage.

After checking in on the training field on the castle grounds for the royal guards, I made my way down to the city. Several personal guards were nearby, following me discretely. Yet, even that didn't bother me.

I normally had one or two, but the excess was due to the recent vampire attacks. I could handle myself, but I knew the head of my guard detail was just being cautious. It was better to be safe than sorry.

Even on the brink of war, the bright and colorful vines and plants surrounding and climbing up the buildings were thriving. I adored my people and my kingdom, and while I knew they were happy with me as their king, I knew they would be even happier with Natalie as their queen. Just as I was.

The familiar curly light brown hair of my little sister made my smile fall, and I internally groaned as our eyes met. I was not prepared to have this conversation just yet. But she approached me anyway, forcing a smile on her face. I growled when I saw a lack of guards with her.

"Brother, you look well!" She exclaimed as she came to a stop a short distance away, her fingers fidgeting with the end of her top.

I was unamused, but she didn't seem bothered by it. She did seem uncomfortable, but that made two of us. "Where are your guards?"

She stared at me with incredulity, as if I had offended her. "I do not need them. I can handle myself just fine."

"We have had attacks inside the walls, Charlie. Don't be stubborn." I argued, but she rolled her eyes before falling silent and looking away from me to the ground.

"But, I thought..." She stammered before collecting herself and raising her chin. But I was not blind to the water lining her eyes. "I ask then that you reconsider. He is not going anywhere, and if he does... I will be going with him, Killian."

The stabbing pain in my chest made me bite back an angry and emotional response. She had never chosen me over anyone, even when I was the only one looking out for her and putting her best interests first. She walked out of my life as easily as our father had taken himself out.

Only she was worse because I would get excited every time I would hear of her return. Every time, I would think it was the time I would get a family member back. Then she would tell me how disappointed she was in how I was leading our people for one reason or another and would constantly find something to bitch about. She made it clear that she hated being home with me. Then she would be gone, and I would be wondering what it was I had done to deserve her treatment.

The constant abandonment in my life was something I had become used to but no matter how hard I worked, she never saw it as good enough. I could always be doing more or doing things a different way...her way.

"If he wants to be with you, he can grow a pair and enter our wall. He can meet me, instead of hiding in the shadows and keeping whatever you think is going on between you two a secret. He can treat you like a woman and not a mistress!" The low growl made her flinch, but I saw the determination in her eyes.

"Fine, then he will be joining us for dinner."