Chapter 228: We are returning to Lystra.
~Raphael's POV~
I stood there looking at Ava, feeling the hurt in my chest grow bigger. She didn't trust me. I could see it in her eyes, feel it in the way she spoke to me. She didn't trust me because of what I had done to her people in the past.
I understood why she felt that way. I really did. The things I had done before I met her were terrible. I had been the mad king for so long, hurting people and destroying lives. I had hurt her people, and now they suffered because of what I was.
But I was doing my best to help her now. I was trying to be better, to be the man she deserved. Yet she didn't want to accept my help. Every time I tried to do something good, she pushed me away or ignored it.
I had no intention of ever giving up on her, even if she kept chasing me away. She was my mate, my heart, my everything. I would love her and protect her no matter how many times she rejected me.
I wanted to help Ava and be there for her when she needs me. That's why I have to go back to Lystra. I needed to eliminate the forces who were causing trouble for her kingdom.
The seven kingdoms that were planning to attack her, the enemies who wanted to destroy everything she had built.
I wanted to stop the war from the seven kingdoms before it reached her borders. I also knew the gods from the third realm were searching for something, and when they found it, there would be more trouble. I needed to be ready to defend her when that time came.
I was aware that Ava deliberately kept quiet about things that happened in the castle and it concerns me.
Like the incident with Gemma and her soldiers at the training ground. I could read her mind and had read her thoughts. She knew what her people were doing to mine was wrong, but she stayed silent to protect her throne.
For the sake of protecting Ava and innocent people, I was taking my people away. As long as we stayed here, they would be hated and hurt. It was better if we left so the hatred could stop.
"Ava," I said, looking into her blue eyes. "I need you to understand why I have to do this."
She sat in her chair, looking small and worried. I could hear her thoughts, full of fear and guilt.
"I'm not leaving because I'm angry with you," I continued. "I'm leaving because it's the right thing to do. My people are suffering here. Your people hate them because they hate me."
Ava opened her mouth to speak, but I held up my hand.
"I know you keep quiet about the incidents," I said gently. "I know you see what happens but can't do anything about it. Ava, I know you feel guilty."
Her eyes widened in surprise.
"I understand what you're going through," I told her. "You're trying to protect your crown and your people. But I need to do this. I need to take my people somewhere safe and stop the wars that are coming."
I turned to leave, but I could hear her last thought clearly in my mind. She was asking herself if she had pushed me too far.
I stopped at the door and looked back at her. She looked so sad and scared, sitting alone in that big chair.
I sighed heavily. I wished she would trust me for just a little bit. But I knew Ava wouldn't trust me completely until all the unnecessary lies and problems surrounding us ended.
Plus, I had a feeling that Alasia would come back soon. We needed to be prepared for that. Alasia had been our biggest problem for a very long time, and I knew she wasn't done with us yet.
We had so many enemies now. The seven kingdoms that wanted to destroy Mesodomica. The gods from the third realm who were searching for something. And Alasia, who was the most dangerous of them all.
I left Ava's study room and walked through the castle halls. I needed to find Caleb and tell them we were leaving.
I went to the kitchen first, thinking they might be there getting food.
When I walked in, I found Caleb, Gemma, and Isla sitting at a table. But they weren't alone. Several Mesodomica servants were standing around them, making fun of them and saying cruel things.
"Look at the beast's pets," one servant laughed. "Still think you're special?"
"Your king doesn't even want you," another one said. "That's why he's been hiding."
"Maybe you should go back where you came from," a third servant added.
I felt anger burn in my chest. These people had no right to treat my friends this way.
"Get out," I said in a cold voice.
All the servants turned to look at me. When they saw the anger in my eyes, they got scared and quickly left the kitchen.
Caleb, Gemma, and Isla looked up at me with relief.
"Thank you," Gemma said quietly.
"We're returning to Lystra," I told them. "Pack your things. We leave tonight."
Isla shook her head quickly. "I don't want to leave. This is my home now."
Gemma looked conflicted. "But what about Drogon? What about our life here?"
"Isla," I said, looking at her seriously. "You won't survive here. The people of Mesodomica hate anything associated with me. Since you're now my friend, they hate you too. They will keep treating you badly as long as you stay."
Isla's face fell. She knew I was right.
"It's better if you come with me," I continued. "In Lystra, you'll be safe and respected."
Isla thought about it for a long moment, then finally nodded. "Okay. I'll come."
Gemma looked worried. "What about Drogon? Is he coming with us?"
I shook my head. "No. Drogon is not coming. This battle is ours to fight. It's about our people and our kingdom."
Gemma looked sad, but she understood.
"Go pack your things," I told them. "We need to say goodbye to Haggar before we leave."
We walked through the castle to Haggar's chambers. I wanted to thank her for all her help and tell her we were leaving.
When we reached her door, I knocked gently.
"Come in," Haggar's voice called.
I opened the door and stepped inside. But I stopped in surprise when I saw who else was in the room.
Gwen sat in a chair by the window, looking regal, distant, and cold like she had been for days. Anastasia stood beside her, looking worried. And Drogon was there too, in his human form, pacing back and forth like a caged animal ready to pounce soon.
All of them turned to look at us when we entered.
The room fell silent as we stared at each other.
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