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"It made me wonder, how Danika....the only daughter of King Cone...is able to reach into that girl's tormented heart and soothe it?"
King Lucien added, "Is it possible that a devil can birth an angel? Or he birthed a devil who's pretending to be an angel?"
Danika's heart squeezed so tight in her chest that for a moment, it was very hard for her to breathe. She wasn't supposed to feel pain at his statement, but the pain is all she breathed.
He has no reason to trust her, and her father made sure to solidify his hate for her, and so she doesn't blame him that he would think her so capable of such atrocity. Doesn't make it hurt less.
She raised her eyes from the floor and met his, "I don't live a life of pretense, Master. I-I only live. I have no mapped out way of living the future. I find myself in this status of being a slave b
1143 word(s) Published 70. As the king slept in her arms, Danika stood there, still patting his head. She wouldn't mind standing there for hours if it'll make him sleep well. He is a man that never sleeps. Time dragged by, his labored breaths filled the air. His arms around her loosened, but never fell away. His hair was so soft, she just wanted to keep running her hands on it. She didn't know she started humming until a new soft sound joined his breathing in the air. She wished there was a way to erase the past fifteen years of his life. Of all their lives. But then again, wishes have never been horses, or beggars would have ridden it too. Suddenly, the door burst open and Mistress Vetta walked into the King's Chambers. She stopped suddenly at the sight in front of her, her lips gapping apart in shock. Danika lowere
1085 word(s)Published71Danika turned to her, seeing the helpless look in her eyes."I don't want to stay away from you. I don't want to. They will force me too...." She continued.Danika placed a hand on her shoulder, "All slaves, maids, and servants are under Madam Baski and she already knows that you're here. If the king finds out..." she bit her lips, "....we'll cross that bridge later."Sally nodded her head. "Alright, my princess." hef lips stretched in a smile, "We live in the moment. No point thinking about tomorrow, right!?"Danika nodded with a smile. "Exactly. How was your day at the market?"Sally flushed a little and ducked her head.Danika's brows rose in question. "Sally?""Sire Chad saw me on the way and he escorted me. He walked me to the market, and even as I picked out
1105 word(s) Published 72 As Danika took Remeta and Sally out of the palace, the people resumed looking at them in that strange uncomprehending way. Sally skidded her way in front of them, smiling happily and greeting everyone. They returned her greeting with the same enthusiasm. Danika was holding Remeta's hand, the girl pressed close to her, so afraid of the crowd of people they passed. After staying indoors for so long, she isn't used to them at all, especially the way they look at her. They just cut through another route when a small child suddenly ran headfirst into Danika. The child pulled back and looked up at Danika. He looks like a five-year-old and he was dirty from hair to toe, from playing too much. From his tattered clothes, Danika knows that she's the child of a lowborn. She stare
1045 word(s) Published 73 Finally, he raised his head and stared at her, "I don't hear a question there, Vetta." "It just baffles me, Your Majesty. Why you should let your slave move into the Royal Quarters...into Princess Melia's bedroom...and the slave also happens to be King Cone's daughter." "I didn't move King Cone's daughter to that bedroom. I moved Remeta." He reached out for a new scroll and unfolded slowly. He laid it down on the table and scrutinized it thoughtfully. "Remeta?" What has that got to do with Baski's crazy daughter? She asked herself inwardly. He spared her a glance. "Have you seen little Remeta, lately?" "No, Your highness. The last time I saw her, six months ago, she screamed her head off at the first sight of me." She answered flippantly. He discarded th
1165 word(s)Published74Baski woke up and stared at the hourglass. It shows that it's well past midnight.She looked beside her and watched Remeta sleeping soundly beside her. She'd waited for the girl to fall asleep in Danika's bedroom before she'd carried her from the bedroom to her room here in the palace.It's only in these moments of Remeta sleeping well that she's able to put some herbs on her and rub her body the healing herbs that will clear the scars from the scratches she gave herself.Baski got up from the bed and walked to the table. She opened her herb bag and brought out all the leaves, stems, and concoctions she packed in it.But as she searched, she couldn't find the most important leaf. How can she not pack the Dorco plant?It's the most important plant which she uses in making the For
879 word(s)Published075Danika was still thrashing on the bed and screaming, saying words and words about the courtroom.As King Lucien watched her, it took him back to that day at the courtroom. That very day Sally had screamed her heart out. He couldn't help remembering the way it all affected his woman lying on his bed.She'd screamed at every agonizing scream of her former personal maid. She'd cried every cry. She'd hurt so much that she came to him for the first time. She'd hurt so much, she chose physical pain as an escape from the emotional pain.He was frowning really hard in thought. When she started sobbing, he was forced to move.He walked towards her and sat down on the bed. "Stop it. It's just a nightmare." He spoke calmly."Oh... stop whipping me.... I d-did nothing wrong... Stop! Stop...! It hurts...!" She cried th
"What is she doing here?" Vetta asked the king. She did her best to keep the anger from her face but it was difficult.Danika has ruined a very good day for her again. Why does she have to be here!?When the king didn't say any word, instead he jerked at the rein of his horse which causes the horse to start moving, she glared hard at his back."Let's go." King Moreh stated.All of them started moving. Danika walked to the empty horse in the corner and climbed on it.For the first time, she's thankful that she and Sally had learned how to ride all those days they used to sneak out of her room.Riding is much better than walking on foot, which is exactly the fate of a slave.They all jerked on the rein of the horses at the same time and the horses sped up in a run. Vetta was so mad, smokes would have come out of
1229 word(s) Published 77 "Protect the king!" Chad shouted far behind them, already raising his horse closer to them. But, it was too late. The horse threw him and he had a very bad fall. "Nooo....!" Danika found herself screaming because she saw it happen. The King's big body caught the arrow that was triggered when his horse stepped on the second trap. An arrow shot him. And he just had a bad fall. Chad already jumped down from his horse and was raced so hard with a fastening speed that would have surprised Danika if she wasn't so panicked at the King's fall. Within seconds, he raced past them and reached the king. Danika already climbed down too and was fast on his heel. King Lucien opened his eyes and groaned. Then, he closed his eyes again.
1499 word(s)PublishedExcerpt 3b. Final Excerpt.Hours later, the sun is down. The moon rose high in the sky, glowing beautifully with the stars surrounding it. Anarieveta got down from the carriage, paid the carriage-rider some coins, and watched him drive away.Then, she entered the huge property of the Raskins. Staring at the elegantly decorated big home, she contemplated knocking on that huge door several feet away from her.There's no turning back now. Her baby, Merrily, needs her.With that in mind, she covered the distance and knocked on the door, her heart in her throat. The door swung open.Gedony Raskin stood tall behind the door. The sleepy look fled from his eyes as he saw Anarieveta standing uneasily behind his door.When he sent out that crazy message about Merrily being sick and needing her, he never expected that s
1035 word(s)PublishedExcerpt 3a.She didn't let him.In fact, Anarieveta began avoiding him again. This time, harder than the first time.Two months after their night together, Gedony Raskin has had it with her. He has done everything within his power to see Anarieveta again, but she always evaded him.He's in the school? She's suddenly out of the premises according to her assistant.He's in her office? She's not around.He goes to her home? Everywhere is locked.The next thing he heard is, she has gone to the palace to spend some time with her godson, the little Prince.Their night together lives in his head always, he hasn't been able to forget it. And frankly, it hurt him that she moved on without him. How can she just forget that beautiful intimate moment like it never happened?"Papa, papa,
1433 word(s)PublishedExcerpt 2b.Several hours later, Anarieveta admitted to herself that she's happy again for the first time in a long time. Genuinely, womanly happy.He was right there in the kitchen with her when she was making omelets and he found every reason to make her laugh. At first, it was difficult—she doesn't really have a lot to smile about.But he was always making jokes. And when jokes weren't working much, he told her stories about his children in the past. The stories were so funny, they made her smile. Smile so hard. Laugh.It didn't take long before she was laughing out loud as he told her tales elaborately.They ate together. Went out on a walk together. When they got back, they sat in the wooden chairs in the backyard, talking with each other.It was beautiful. It made Anarieveta so happy
1403 word(s)PublishedExcerpt 2a."You're right. So, let's talk about the present." His arms wrapped around her back, successfully caging her in his arms so she wouldn't escape, "Why have you been avoiding me?""I'm been too busy. I wasn't avoiding you.""If you're going to lie, at least look me in the eyes while doing that, will you?" He sounded amused."Alright. There was nothing to talk about. Mr. Odin makes sure any problem concerning the kids are solved." Shifting uncomfortably in his arms, her eyes darted to the door behind him longingly."What about the problem between us?""Mr. Raskin—"He kissed her. Gently. Passionately. Intensely. His lips molded with her perfectly, licking and tasting hers so thoroughly that a moan tore through Anarieveta's throat.Her body
857 word(s)PublishedExcerpt 1b.Note: There are only three excerpts...********In the early evening, Gedoni Raskin stood inside her living room with his daughter plastered to his body, his broad shoulder cushioning her head, her small arms wrapped around him."Why are you sick, Pumpkin? Don't be sick, you know Papa doesn't like that." He said, tenderly."I know, Papa. You get sad when we get sick." Merrily mumbled against his shoulder, her eyes closed."Yeah. Papa loves you two so much, he gets sad when you're not happy.""I am happy, Papa. Miss Ana gave me food and bitter herbs and sang to me. I don't feel so bad anymore.""Oh, guess we have Miss Ana to thank for that," his eyes found her across the living room and held."Yes, Papa. Miss Ana likes me, and I like M
981 word(s)PublishedExcerpt 1a.FIVE YEARS AFTER MOMBANA'S WAR.Anarieveta entered her Bed Chambers, her eyes darted to the fire pit which produced heated light into the bedroom, and felt satisfied that the fire hadn't burned out in her absence.A small figure occupied her king-size bed, the figure moving her body to glance at the door when she entered. Anarieveta smiled at the little girl, walking towards the bed, she lowered herself on it."I've seen Aiden off. Your father will be here very soon to take you home, okay?" She reassured the little girl.The sad lines on Merrily Raskin's small oval face disappeared immediately after her teacher appeared at her doorway. She isn't feeling so good, but her good teacher tells her that everything will be alright. So, everything will be alright."Alright, Miss Ana." She whispered, her br
1037 word(s)PublishedEpilogue...EPILOGUE.Five years later....It is a happy day in the Palace of Kingdom Avalon, as Kamara and Declan celebrate the birth of their second child, Princess Ainaa.A huge feast is held in the Court, a lot of people attended too. Sally and her family sat at one side of the round table, a huge smile on her face as she tries to feed solid food to her own second whose her youngest.Baski, Remeta, and her best friend Corna sat at one side, laughing and talking. Beside them; Haydara, Corna's mother, and her husband Gunther are trying to wipe the oil Raira, Corna's little sister, poured on her clothes.King Lucien has tried to hold Prince Nikolai repeatedly so he'll stay in his seat on the round table, but the Prince isn't having any of that. Instead, he has snuck out again with Princess Auroria, h
1392 word(s)Published296: Final Chapter 2.Name: KING LUCIEN AND QUEEN DANIKA'S FOREVER.....In the next three months, a lot happened.After the war and the birth of the Prince, the people of Mombana practically begged King Lucien to marry their Queen and keep ruling them. The Ministers were most in support of it after they saw the way the King protected their Kingdom, saw the intense love the King and their Queen has for each other, and heard the rumors of the heavy rain in Salem at the birth of the Prince.They wanted the King and the Prince in any way they can get them. In fact, they practically begged the King to merge their Kingdoms back together again and marry their Queen, if it means that he will keep ruling Mombana.Of course, the King agreed to it. The Queen was in support of it wholeheartedly.
1338 word(s) Published 295: Final Chapter 1. As Prince Nikolai nursed, that was when the King gave the Queen the good news of Vetta's survival. Danika was so happy. Tears of joy returned to her eyes again. So much joy, it was contagious. She kept thanking the heavens over and over again and immediately she was done breastfeeding, she insisted on going to see Vetta. No matter how Baski and the others tried to discourage her because of her vulnerable state, she refused adamantly. In the end, the King instructed Chad to carry her to Vetta's bedroom while he stayed with their sleeping baby. Vetta teared up at the sight of Danika. They were hugging immediately Danika's body touched the bed. They were crying together too. Vetta was thanking her for saving her life while the Queen is thanking her for being alive. Today has