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
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
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
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.
Jarrod had all but pledged his life to the man, grateful to him for saving it. The same was true of her parents. She understood why they were faithful, but they were all missing the 'why' in this situation. Aakifahlynn's mind was a whirlwind of confusion, unable to grasp the true identity of the man they all revered.It scared Aakifahlynn, not knowing the 'why' of Demarion's actions in saving them. This could be more sinister than they all thought or imagined. And what did her parents do? Blindly worship him.Now that she saw and understood where her parents stood on the matter, she would drop it and let the chips fall where they may, but that does not mean she would suddenly let her guard down. No way, no how.The rest of the day went by pretty quickly—it was almost a blur. Aakifahlynn had left her parents and visited her garden, where she'd started growing flowers for her scented soaps.She checked on the progress even though she knew they were already being taken care of, thanks
Perhaps this dinner was a stroke of luck. Aakifahlynn's primary goal was to avoid Demarion and direct all her focus toward the families present.This annual ball and fundraiser can be the start of her getting close to the Emperor. And if she was being honest, Demarion did mention this to her weeks ago, but it may have gone in one ear and come out the other. She was too busy with her 'kill list,' the people she sought revenge on for past wrongs.Since then, she'd already decided she would not attend, and she knew him getting her parents involved would be a way to get her there. So you know what? She would dress to kill, wine, dine with the elites, and maybe find herself a wealthy man. She rolled her eyes inwardly at her last thought as if."Fine, I'll think about it," Aakifahlynn said, not wanting to suddenly give in."Come on, Aakifahlynn, pleaseeee do it for me." Her mother's plea echoed. Aakifahlynn was not ready to give in so quickly, but she could not resist her mother."Okay, o
Aakifahlynn quickly flew off the bed. After eating, she brushed her teeth, showered, and dressed for the day. She wanted to return to visit her parents to tell them where she really was yesterday and give them the news about Jarrod, her father's friend, and Alpha, who was presumed dead.She knew her father would be thrilled that his old pal was indeed alive. However, she did not want Demarion to know about that development just yet, simply because she wanted to keep some things to herself. Goddess knows how much Demarion has been keeping from her.Aakifahlynn also planned to keep busy because there was a gala soon, but she had no intentions of attending.Meanwhile, last night was the most restless night Demarion had experienced, and he had been around for centuries, so that's saying a lot.And it was not because he slept by Aakifahlynn's door; that had been his norm since she arrived. No, that was not it.He was happy that Aakifahlynn was safe and sound. He'd gathered that she must ha
Aakifahlynn was still cloaked, and Demarion was wearing gloves, so she did not experience the full effect of his touch. And yet, for a second, she lost herself in his eyes, and her eyes fell to his lips. Then, she moved up to his eyes again and licked her lips.Her face suddenly moved closer to him.At Aakifahlynn's apparent intentions, Demarion wasted not another second; he had been waiting an entire lifetime for this again; he instantly closed the distance between them, his head swooping lower to meet her as she tiptoes wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him.It quickly became hungry and heated, his hands moving down her back, caressing her waist, pulling her flush to him as he sat on the table, she between his legs.She grabbed the hair at the nape of his neck and slid her hand up, massaging his head. Her fingers ran through his hair as they melted in this passionate kiss, and they both moaned in pure pleasure.However, Aakifahlynn had been fighting this for the last few
Yes, she was cloaked. She had thoroughly cloaked herself so Demarion could not keep such a tight hold on her.And even though Aakifahlynn saw the errors of her ways because her father could not feel her through their bond, she would blame Demarion.It was his fault. "How could you?" Aakifahlynn shouted, her voice shaky with rage, not giving him a chance to respond. His gaze bore into her, so Aakifahlynn felt as if she could not breathe under his intense gaze.She continued anyway, refusing to let his allures get to her, "What gave you the right to raise such an alarm?""Why would you provoke such a raucous that would cause my mother and father such pain? They thought I was in serious danger and that something was seriously wrong when I only wanted to get away from you and your lies." she snapped.Her words, a cascade of pent-up emotions, not letting him get a word in.Now, she was breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling. "Aakifahlynn?" Her mother's gentle voice called out to h
Demarion had come by earlier, but now it was dark out, and Aakifahlynn was still nowhere to be found. This was a bit unusual. And the fact that Demarion was worried, Aakifahlynn's mother was now.By Mrs. Arwen's response and stricken look, Demarion got his answer without even asking. They still had not seen her since. "Guards," Demarion shouted.There were guards at almost every post. How could Aakifahlynn slip past them, and neither of them saw her? "Yes sir," the nearest guard came almost at a run, "sound the alarm. Our Empress is missing." Demarion orders.Those words about 'his empress' flew over Mrs. Arwen's head as she was now stricken with fear, being consoled by her husband, Aakifahlynn's father, Mr. Ludwig Arwen. She had left the door wide open, and Danica walked in to get them up to speed. She mentioned her brief conversation with their daughter earlier today in an attempt to reassure them that she was certain Aakifahlynn was just fine. Demarion barked a few more orders
Demarion sighed. He did not mean to come off so aggressive, he thought for a moment. There were many reasons why he was holding off on bombarding Aakifahlynn with all the information he had about their past lives. "Because she never believes me at first, always... and always tries to escape me. Which always led to her death before I could." Demarion's voice cracked, and when he regained it, it trembled. He fisted.He was tough and mighty, powerful and feared by many; however, this one woman could bring him to his knees without even trying."Before I could even hold her in my arms and show her how much I loved her before she could ever love me, I simply cannot risk her life like that this time; I won't." He declared.Danica's heart ached for her brother. " What if you are wrong, and she does believe you this time?""Why would she? I haven't been completely honest with her, and it's damned if I do and still damned if I don't.""You should not think like that. This time, it is different
Aakifahlynn spun around, looking everywhere, wondering what was going on. She then shouted, asking Jarrod if he knew what was happening and if anything like this had ever happened while he was there.Jarrod thought momentarily, then told Aakifahlynn that the last time this happened, Demarion's sister was kidnapped, and they locked down the empire.They did not make it far with her.Aakifahlynn shouted, and Jarrod heard her when she said, "The emperor went through all this for the disgraced emperor's sister?"But before he could correct her and tell her the Emperor was not disgraced, nor ever was he. It was like an alarm went off in Aakifahlynn's head—the thought of her parents struck her. She needed to know if they were safe, her concern overriding everything else."Oh my goddess, my parents," she shouted over the blaring again. And an excited Jarrod, forgetting all about the Emperor, almost jumped up and down, jumping out of his seat, "Oh Goddess, my dear old friend is here." His e
Aakifahlynn was sorry she missed the opening but was too busy recovering from draining her strength after healing folks at a hospital and then having to recuperate. Nevertheless, she told him not to let her absence keep him from moving forward in their adventures; she would show up when she could to check on things.Plus, Aakifahlynn preferred the surprised visits; keeping him on his toes is always better. However, she must admit he still had that eagerness to help in any way she wanted after their encounter that faithful day she visited the Stygian.Nevertheless, Aakifahlynn learned that Taisiya does not exist, literally. She was found washed ashore at the age of sixteen with no family.And this Jarrod had confirmed as he lived it. He was there when Jairus brought her home. Taisiya had woven a web of lies throughout her life, leaving a lingering mystery about her true identity. Even Spencer, who had his men gather all the intel, was unsure. But he went on to explain his spy's find