Sighting a shade of blue that would make her gorgeous blue eyes pop, Aakifahlynn gestured for that one to be taken down.They all ooohhed and ahhhed in agreement.It was a beautiful blue floor-length dress with a high slit to the side, thin straps, a deep v-neck, and a strapless low-cut back. The material felt terrific on Aakifahlynn's skin.Simply beautiful, one maid cooed in awe, and Aakifahlynn could not wait to see herself in this gorgeous dress.However, as she got ready, her mind was anything but peaceful. Aakifahlynn even recalled that they knew how she preferred her juice.That orange and grapefruit juice mixed, just like she preferred it...She was gathering that they knew her to a T.Aakifahlynn observed that it was also her room color preference, but this one bugged her; this one was her imagined choice; her room color back in the Kingdom of Tamaan was cream, not purple. So, how could they possibly know this?These people who lived far away in the Gazini Empire could not ha
"Now, let's have our dinner served before it gets cold," Demarion advised, and the table nodded in agreement.The servers standing off to the side jumped into action, dishing out this savory, mouthwatering meal. The different aromas filled the air, and all the herbs and spices used to prepare the dishes, along with that smell of steak done to perfection, were simply splendorous.Aakifahlynn licked her lips in anticipation and ran the tip of her thumb along her other fingertips, her hand twitching with a desire to reach for something.Her tension is discernible. But she would be patient, though who was she kidding? She was hungry. Aakifahlynn battled with herself, trying to maintain her composure. She reminded herself that she had nothing to prove to these people. Why should she care?Grab that juicy steak you've been eyeing, she tried to convince herself, rather than waiting to be served. But in the end, she told herself she did not care what the Emperor, even Demarion, thought of
"So, sweetheart, what are you planning on doing?" Aakifahlynn's mother, Arwen, broke the awkward and nervous laughter between the three. As far as Aakifahlynn's parents were concerned, they were already living a retired life, their finances were pretty good, and they could support their daughter until she got on her feet again. Meanwhile, Demarion simply stared daggers at Aakifahlynn. He would provide for her; she would want for nothing, but how could he tell her that right now? He flipped his fork between his fingers a few times as he contemplated. He'd already decided to allow this. Besides, half the Stygian is hers.Every time this happens, it is a new idea because she always starts off with a plan that includes a means of survival.These stalls were always left in the care of large, generational families, who would survive the test of time, honoring the contract she would set with strict instructions to be passed down from generation to generation.And if offered up to be run b
While Aakifahlynn settled in comfortably, her mind trickled to Jairus, and she debated again: Why did this happen? Why did he treat her this badly when he was made to love her? What did she do that deserved this? How could someone be so cruel and evil? Wicked even.Aakifahlynn knew she was not perfect. She'd done things in the name of protecting her Kingdom, but what happened to her in her past timeline was unjust.Aakifahlynn remembered begging Jairus to let her leave as she was unfit and unworthy of leading; she could no longer be helpful in the way she wanted to be and would only bring him down with her."The people need a strong leader, my love," she had urged. "You can't afford to have them see you as the weak Alpha King." Aakifahlynn pleaded."My name is feared in all the lands." Jairus roared."No one would dare challenge me." he pointed at himself, pushing into his chest, his features a dangerous snare."And what I say goes, I make the laws, and this, Aakifahlynn, is not happe
Aakifahlynn took the time to go through her list and grab each item off of it. Soon, she handed the sweet old lady named Ann a few gold coins for her purchases and then left.And lovely Ann could not stop giving her thanks. Before returning, Aakifahlynn wanted to pop into the bakery for some sweet cakes.She enjoyed them to the moon and back.On entering, she saw the lovely young woman she had met the last time. However, she looked distressed and a bit gloomy."Good evening, Dear." Aakifahlynn greeted gently and quickly glanced around for the sweet, active, and friendly redhead little girl seen at the bakery. She had warmed Aakifahkynn's heart on her last visit, but when Aakifahkynn did not see the sweet girl, Aakifahlynn's chest tightened.Pauline answered, but her voice was hoarse, almost a whisper: "Good evening, Queen Luna…how may I assist you this afternoon?""Pauline, where is Paula?" Aakifahlynn's intuitions told her something was off about this woman today.She did not know
"And don't you worry about me. I will be fine." Aakifahlynn paused momentarily and added, "I would like to visit the hospital," Aakifahlynn then regarded Pauline.She needed a guide to the hospital. "Can you take me there tomorrow?" Aakifahlynn asked politely, not wasting another minute.Pauline instantly let go of her daughter, dropped to her knees, bowed, and declared, "Anything you need, Queen Luna."Her Empress just saved her daughter's life on top of everything else. Of course, she would accompany her to the hospital.Pauline had told Aakifahlynn that Paula was not the only case, and Aakifahlynn decided then and there to find a way to help the Empire—only in an attempt to even the offer.Aakifahlynn was no fool; she knew what was promised was too good to be true, primarily because of what they wanted in return.Although she had accepted, that did not mean she was happy about feeling indebted to these people."Thank you, Pauline. Please keep this between us. I shall see you on the
Aakifahlynn ordered a drink and looked around. The place was at its usual pace. A few businessmen were here and there, and a few couples were having dinner. A band playing music to the left. The waiter returned with her scotch on the rocks. Aakifahlynn thanked him and continued her assessment of the Tavern. The decor was one of class and an ambiance of romance.An establishment like this is frequented by those considered high society citizens. Aakifahlynn soon realized the waiter was still staring at her, "Is something the matter?"Now that he had been caught staring, the now uncomfortable waiter said very awkwardly, "Please, forgive me, my lady...it's just that you are so beautiful."She was dressed as Adeline, but this was not the shy and meek Adeline. This Adeline also allowed herself to take a page from Taisiya's looks for the occasion of seduction before revenge or murder. Call it what you want, she thought with a devilish smile.And thanks to Roslyn's teachings, Aakifahlynn was
Suddenly, the clouds grumbled in anger. Darkness filled the atmosphere. Demarion had swooped in, ripped the Duke away from Aakifahlynn, and pelted him across the lot. He then disappeared and reappeared in front of the Duke across the lot, picked him up, and held him steady. At the same time, he shoved his sharp, elongated, claw-like hands into the Duke's chest and tore out his heart.Demarion moved with the speed of lightning; he did all this before Aakifahlynn could utter her next line of seduction or make another sound of pleasure or before the Duke could even process what was happening.Demarion squeezed the Duke's heart and crushed it; only tissue and clumps of clot-like blood caressed the dirt floor.Demarion was not about to watch her flirt and seduce this man. Goddess, how far was she willing to go? Goddess, damn it, he could not bare the thought.So yes, he did it. He killed him for touching his Empress.Aakifahlynn was shocked and then looked disappointed only because she wa
Back in familiar surroundings, Taisiya, though feeling defeated and weak in her body and mind, was resolute in grappling with the weight of her responsibilities and the fear of failing again. This visit, while it did provide her with some much-needed support, also stirred a sense of impending conflict within her, a war between her determination and her doubts.The only thing was her enemy's elusivity. Elder Raul Zev was cunning, and she wondered who was backing him. This only made her more vengeful, snapping at anything and everyone.Her plans to be the trusted Queen to step in were no longer possible the way she'd initially planned. But when she returned home, Taisiya was reminded of what she was working towards.The wasteland they called home, where they hid from other sea creatures while trying to survive in an almost un-survivable place, was hard to ignore.Down there it was always dark and cloudy, except when the starfish graced them with their magnificent presence, glowing iride
A Duke can only do so much, and Taisiya knew this much. His reach was not as far-reaching as the Alpha King's, and his word was not as final as the Alpha King's. Looking deep into her mate's love-filled gaze for what she thought would be the last time, she grabbed him into one last tearful, passion-filled kiss for the night.Tears streamed down her cheeks, wanting to smudge her neatly done makeup. She then pulled away, shoulders back, head high, and walked away from him without another word or a second glance, making up her mind to leave him and this fantasy behind her.That night, they went their separate ways.Duke Mark Chapman did not pursue her; he let her go because what she said struck a chord with him. She was right. Was he ready to throw it all away just like that?Was he even prepared for such a move?He had to be innovative and plan better. Based on his mate's reaction, what would he prepare for if she would not run away with him?She left him with much to think about, even
Taisiya knew she needed to escape this room momentarily to regroup. Duke Chapman's gaze was becoming intoxicating, almost suffocating. The longer they gazed upon each other from across the room, the more she felt unable to breathe.There was an undeniable pull toward him, and Taisiya did not like it one bit. At the same time, her inner being hoped she would be followed when she slipped away. Soon enough, after all the introductions, casually light conversations, and a drink or two, Taisiya felt it appropriate to excuse herself to the powder room for fresh air. After all, cigars and other gentlemanly treats kept the men busy.She soon whispered into Jairus's ear while her eyes bore into Chapman's, who was now chatting with a Vampyre, Earl Phillippe Paulsen, on the other side of the room. Duke Chapman soon whispered something to the Earl, quickly excusing himself and slipping out the back after he observed Taisiya.Taisiya ran straight past the powder room, through the kitchen, and ou
Jairus, the Alpha King, found himself in a precarious position. His aim was obstructed by a less-than-genuine statement from Viscount Everald Ferguson, a Vampyre with his own ambitions. The air sizzled with uncertainty as Jairus navigated this challenging terrain.Alpha King Jairus wanted to wait for Duke Chapman as the Duke was his top choice. However, Viscount Ferguson made the option of waiting any longer difficult. However, Alpha King Jairus was not about to back down. He was prepared to demand, even challenge if necessary, "Great point, Viscount Ferguson. I cannot argue with you there. However, this is the nomination process for the Eldership position." His words were a thinly veiled warning, a sign of the tension that was building. Jairus's voice resonated with the weight of the Eldership, a position that held significant power and influence. His tone and mannerisms underscored the gravity of the situation.He continued, his gaze shifting around the room, meeting everyone's,
Taisiya, the Duke's close friend and confidante, or was it something much more? Yes, it was so much more.She was becoming desperate. After looking around the castle some more, she secretly sought information on his whereabouts, asking if they had seen him. Nothing. She needed to see him, and it was clear he was not there. She recalled the voting at midday, a crucial event that could determine the future of the Kingdom.Taisiya's shoulders relaxed slightly, but she was not yet convinced, leaving her with only one choice.With no other option in sight, she resolved to visit his home, her determination tenacious in her quest to find him. Taisiya grimaced at the thought of his mother. But no matter, she would brave that wretched woman to know if he was alright.Moments later, Taisiya was leaving her room after grabbing a coat and gloves, putting on more suitable footwear and a jacket, and hastily making her way to a carriage.Then, midway, she realized it would be faster and more appro
A week later, Jairus's mind was a battlefield of questions and uncertainties, each one adding to the mounting tension...His Kingdom's council leadership was falling apart, and there was no Aakifahlynn to lean on. No Aakifahlynn was present to bring reason and order amongst them.But Goddess darn it, how dare she reject him? She was HIS to use until he saw fit to get rid of her. Her rejection was a blow to his power and control, stirring up a mix of anger and bruised ego.She should be here until all their plans, including protecting the Kingdom and giving birth to his twins, have materialized. Aakifahlynn's unique abilities and leadership were crucial for the successful execution of these plans. Did she discover that he just needed her for her Magic to continue protecting the Kingdom while Taisiya saved her energy as she carriedhis twins? Did she discover that was the only reason he had her around for now? Taisiya needed her strength for his kids; that was enough on her plate.
Aakifahlynn stirred awake, taking a few seconds to get caught up. She was resting but had no recollection of getting to her room, let alone her bed.She surmised Demarion, the disgraced Emperor who had brought her here after the hospital. Gosh, the hospital, Aakifahlynn, hoped everyone had fully recovered.She stretched and sat up, wondering what time of day it was and how long she had been out. Her pretty blue eyes slid to the large clock on the wall.Long and short, hands were on twelve, and by the light shining in from outside, Aakifahlynn knew it had to be 12 noon.She sighed. A day had passed, and she knew it. Aakifahlynn recalled it being midday when she was at the hospital. Nevertheless, she felt good but comprehended she needed to run.Thinking of her next move, sadness, and loneliness engulfed Aakifahlynn, and she took a moment to wallow, falling back on the pillow.It dawned heavily on her that she was entirely ALONE with no one to trust.And who she could trust, she wanted
First, on the agenda, Aakifahlynn visited Pauline, and Pauline accompanied her to the hospital, which was almost overflowing with people suffering from the same ailment as Pauline's daughter.This hospital was more significant than the one in the Kingdom of Tamman. Aakifahlynn walked side by side with Pauline as she observed her surroundings.It was her first time here, and she still compared the Empire to the Kingdom. Little did Aakifahlynn know that this was not her first time here. Maybe in this timeline, it is her first time…The hospital smelt of bleach and some other types of robust chemicals. Aakifahlynn saw medical equipment and instruments in the Gazini Empire that they did not have in the Kingdom of Tamman either, and here she thought the crown had the latest and best in everything.It is a vast building with three floors, beds running the length of opposite walls, and no privacy.The second floor housed rooms where they perform surgeries; the third was for children.Upon e
Suddenly, the clouds grumbled in anger. Darkness filled the atmosphere. Demarion had swooped in, ripped the Duke away from Aakifahlynn, and pelted him across the lot. He then disappeared and reappeared in front of the Duke across the lot, picked him up, and held him steady. At the same time, he shoved his sharp, elongated, claw-like hands into the Duke's chest and tore out his heart.Demarion moved with the speed of lightning; he did all this before Aakifahlynn could utter her next line of seduction or make another sound of pleasure or before the Duke could even process what was happening.Demarion squeezed the Duke's heart and crushed it; only tissue and clumps of clot-like blood caressed the dirt floor.Demarion was not about to watch her flirt and seduce this man. Goddess, how far was she willing to go? Goddess, damn it, he could not bare the thought.So yes, he did it. He killed him for touching his Empress.Aakifahlynn was shocked and then looked disappointed only because she wa