The Dragon King's Hated Bride
Chapter 22: A Companion

Chapter 22: A Companion

>>Aelin

My mind churned with Ariston’s words. If he was suspicious of Draegon too, then I wasn’t just imagining things. His mention of the gate—that horrifying scar in the sky that unleashed chaos—made my stomach twist. Why would anyone deliberately open something like that? It was madness. Yet, the more I thought about it, the more my questions multiplied.

I was so lost in thought, my feet carried me back to my room without much notice of the corridors around me. The demons passed me without so much as a nod, their eyes sliding past me as though I were invisible. Their cold indifference was something I’d grown used to, but today, it felt heavier.

"Princess," a familiar voice called softly, drawing me out of my thoughts.

I turned to see Ariston standing in the hall, his figure was taller than mine but his warm expression was a stark contrast to the icy gazes I’d grown used to.

"Ariston," I said, managing a small smile. "I didn’t expect to see you again so soon."

He shrugged, "I was just wandering. This palace is... overwhelming."

I chuckled softly. "That’s one way to describe it."

"Would you mind if we walked together, Princess?" He asked as he placed his hand on his chest and gave me a small bow. His action made my chest tighten

"Please," I nodded, "I would love that."

He straightened up and then took his place by my side. For a moment, we walked together in silence before he broke it. "Do you remember the last time we met?"

I tilted my head, trying to recall. "It was during the trip to the southern provinces, wasn’t it? You were assigned to my guard."

"Yes," he said, a hint of nostalgia in his tone. "You were so kind to everyone. I remember how you went out of your way to help that servant who tripped while serving you tea. You insisted she wasn’t punished, even though the others thought she should be."

I felt my cheeks heat at his words. "That was nothing," I murmured, looking away. I knew better than anyone else there how painful corporal punishment can be, so of course I had to do something about it.

"It wasn’t nothing," he said firmly. "Most people in your position wouldn’t have cared. But you did. It’s rare to see someone so genuine."

His sincerity caught me off guard, and I found myself blushing. "You’re flattering me, Ariston."

"It’s not flattery if it’s true," he replied with a soft smile and it made me purse my lips.

Trying to steer the conversation away from myself, I asked, "What about your family? Do they still live in Havenmoore?"

His expression shifted, becoming more somber. "I don’t have a family," he said. "I’m an orphan. The army is the only family I’ve ever known."

I frowned, feeling a pang of sadness for him. "I’m sorry. That must have been difficult..."

He shrugged. "It made me who I am. I wouldn’t have been able to fight in the war otherwise."

We walked in silence for a moment, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the corridor. I found myself glancing at him, noticing the faint scars on his hands—proof of the battles he’d endured.

"What about you?" he asked suddenly, breaking the silence. "How are you adjusting to life here?"

I hesitated, unsure how to answer. "It’s... different," I said carefully. "Not quite what I expected."

He nodded, as if he understood more than I was saying. "It must be hard, being away from home. Away from people who care about you."

I didn’t reply, afraid my voice might betray the lump forming in my throat.

He smiled at me then, a genuine smile that softened his rugged features. "You’re stronger than you realize, Princess Aelin."

!!!

Asha’s words came back to me at that moment too. I looked away, embarrassed by the sudden warmth in his words. "Thank you," I murmured.

When we reached my door, he stopped and turned to face me. "I’ve made a decision," he said, his tone serious.

I blinked, startled by his sudden shift. "What decision?" I stood with my hand on my the door handle

"I’m staying here," he said firmly. "I’ll be your personal assistant and guard."

!!!

My eyes widened in shock. "M-m-mine?" I was so startled, I ended up stuttering.

He nodded.

For a moment, I was too stunned to speak. Then, realization dawned, and I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. He must have noticed how isolated I was, how the palace staff barely acknowledged me.

I looked down in shame

"Don’t," he said softly, his tone reassuring. "Don’t feel that way. It isn’t your fault."

His smile returned, and once again, I noticed how charming he was. It was disarming in a way I hadn’t expected.

I looked away, trying to compose myself. "I don’t need you," I said quickly.

"You might not think so," he replied calmly, "but I’m staying anyway. I need to be here for my investigation, and this way, I can help you too."

I frowned. "The Queen won’t allow it. You know that."

He raised an eyebrow, his confidence unwavering. "We won’t know until we ask. Don’t assume her answer before we’ve tried."

"But-"

"Let’s go and ask her," He cut me off, "We’ll get rid of your worries right away."

!!??

I was shocked and I didn’t know what to say to that, so I simply nodded

***

>>Ariston

We made our way to the throne room quietly and I glanced at the princess. She may not have realized it but she relaxed so much when we talked, even ended up smiling a little.

Even a fool would realize how alone she is here, as if I could ever leave my princess in a state like this.

>>Aelin

I could feel my nerves building as Ariston and I made our way to the Queen’s court.

Two years. For two years, I’d been treated as little more than an accessory in this kingdom. A princess in title, but invisible in action.

The demons didn’t respect me, and I’d long since stopped expecting them to. But Ariston—he was so determined. I wanted to believe in his confidence, but deep down, I was certain we would be denied, and worse, I’d become a laughingstock in front of everyone.

When we entered the throne room, all eyes turned to us.

The Queen’s advisors were there and it seemed like they had just finished a metting. They stared at Ariston with thinly veiled curiosity, their gazes lingering on the human who dared walk so confidently into their domain. I felt their sharp looks cut into me as well, as if they were waiting for me to fail again but Ariston didn’t let me shrink.

He put a hand on my back, making me straighten up

!!!

The Queen sat on her elevated throne. Her black horns were adorned with golden chains, and her piercing crimson eyes seemed to glow as they landed on me.

Ariston stepped forward and bowed, his movements respectful yet firm. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice carrying across the room, "I’ve come to request permission to serve as Princess Aelin’s personal guard and assistant during my stay in Dravos."

A murmur rippled through the room. Demons whispered to each other, their expressions amused, skeptical, or outright mocking. My cheeks flushed with heat, and I lowered my gaze, bracing myself for the humiliation I was sure would follow.

The Queen’s lips curved into a faint, amused smile. She leaned forward, her fingers drumming against the armrest of her throne. "A personal guard for the princess?" she mused, her voice smooth and dangerous. "What makes you think such a thing is necessary?"

Ariston didn’t falter as he kept his bow. "The princess has shown kindness and strength, even in challenging circumstances. I believe it is only fitting that she has someone to assist her and ensure her safety."

I wanted to disappear. The room felt unbearably hot as I waited for the inevitable dismissal, the cutting words that would cement my status as nothing more than a powerless outsider.

"Let me look at you properly," She said and Ariston straightened up. Then, to my shock, the Queen’s expression shifted. Her smile widened, revealing sharp teeth. "This is a pretty human," she said, her eyes gleaming as they roamed over Ariston. "I’ll allow it." She said, "You can stay as close to her as you want."

???

I blinked, certain I’d misheard her.

She glanced at me briefly, then back to Ariston. "It’ll be fun."

The court fell silent, and I felt every gaze snap to me. My heart raced as the realization sank in—she wasn’t mocking me. She had actually approved it.

"You’ll allow what?" But another familiar voice broke through the space and we all looked at the open doors of the throne room where Draegon stood, "You’ll allow a man to live with my wife?"

Darcelle smirked, "I already have,"

"Yes, Your Highness," Out of the blue I felt Ariston’s hand come around my waist, and he pulled me closer to him, "I am now the personal bodyguard for the Princess."

I was startled and confused at Ariston’s actions but what Draegon did after got me even more shocked.

"Hands off!!" He roared, making me flinch.

"No," Ariston replied calmly and Draegon began to stomp his way towards us

!?!?!?