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"It was the first time Cone gave such a mission. She killed a person. An innocent woman."
Danika lowered her head in shame. How did that monster father her?
"Cone gave her a mission to sneak into the home of a Privileged and kill his wife. I don't have any idea why he would want the woman dead, but Cone had a lot of enemies.
She couldn't get past that kill, because the woman she was sent to kill was a woman she knows. A woman she cared for." He revealed in a low voice.
That was unexpected. "What...!?"
He turned and faced her then, standing in the middle of the room, while she was seated behind his desk to alleviate her hurting legs.
"Vetta's parents were slaves owned by the Raskin family. Her mother died at childbirth, her father fell sick and dropped dead while worki
650 word(s)Published226He shook his head. It made her relieved."I have been so selfish because I was so engrossed in my own pain, I forgot that she went through so much like me...if not worse. She was broken to pieces, and yet she was so strong even after slavery, because she made me the center of her world.She buried all the memories of her life, and channeled all her energy and her whole life to being with me. That was the reality she used to escaped her past, and that was also why she held onto that reality for so long because she knows that if it goes, she has nothing else to hold on to. Nothing else to escape to. I didn't realize this one time.""Oh, Lucien....""I was so engrossed in myself, I did not see what was happening beneath my nose. If I didn't neglect her so much, I would have realized what she was doing on time and try to stop her.
1147 word(s)Published228"Come to bed with me..."His eyes found his table. Danika didn't think it was possible but he looked sadder as his eyes rested on the unfinished scroll lying at one part of the table.Then, he shook his head, "I have to finish up with work. It's a message, I need the messenger to send it out to the several kingdoms on the morrow.""What is the message all about?" She asked softly.Jaws locked, he looked away. "Nothing of great importance. Go and sleep, I will join you later."The stubborn lock of his jaw told her that he wouldn't be saying anything else about the 'work', so, she accepted his words with a nod. "Alright, My King."She has no idea when she grew accustomed to that kiss in the forehead and the belly, which he always gave her in private whenever they are about to part ways,
1033 word(s)Published229The next evening, Danika stood in front of Vetta's dungeon. The guard hurried past her, the sound of keys opening a lock filled the air, followed by the sound of deadbolt opening.She nodded her gratitude, the guard acknowledged her before he hurried out of the cell. She looked around sadly, holding the wrapped food tightly in her hand.She can't believe that it has been four months she got out of this place. It feels like ages ago.Her eyes took in the familiar stone walls. There was a light coming in from inside the dungeon, which shows that someone is in there. Other times, the light bulb is off.For a moment, she relished the first time she was in this place. Her hand touched her collar absently...He'd collared her and kept her here for over a week. She can still remember clearly, the look of pure an
1094 word(s)Published230It was like a blow to Danika's cheeks. Tears stung her eyes, but she blinked hard to keep it away."You know how impossible that is. If you love him so much, why will you wish such great pain on him by killing his only child? Knowing fully well that he can't sire another?"Silence. For a few seconds, the silence was deafening.Then, Vetta uncoiled from the ground, sitting up with her back to the cold wall, her hate-filled held Danika's. "What do you mean by that!? What do you mean that he can't sire another...?"At the clear confusion in her voice, it dawned on Danika that the Mistress doesn't know of the King's condition.She snapped her mouth shut. It wasn't her place to reveal it, but the King's.And even if she does reveal that the King can't bear a child because of his roasted ph
1127 word(s)Published231"I told your father, but he wouldn't listen. His daughter is still messing around with the peasant, he wouldn't listen."Automatically, Kamara got in front of Callan in a protective stance. "Why are you being this way? You think my father will finally crown you the Head Concubine with this?""Oh, I know he will. Because I just proved that I'm looking out for him yet again. He will make me the Head Concubine, then, I'll birth him a child and my son will be a prince." She smirked.Kamara's heart thudded in her chest because she's been caught and she put Callan in trouble, not because of Donna's claims that she will stop being the Head Mistress and be crowned the Head Concubine. That isn't a problem to her.Kings has NOT made Head Concubines in centuries for a good reason. They don't even think about it."Le
963 word(s)Published232Kamara's eyes widened in horror. He hasn't house arrested her in ages because he knows how much she hates it. "Please, father, I'm sorry!" She cried."This madness of yours MUST stop!" He barked as the door opened, three guards entered and bowed to their king."Take the princess to her bedroom. She is not to step foot outside of it until I command otherwise.""Yes, Your Majesty."King Valendy stormed out of the room in angry footsteps.Mistress Donna watched the scene that played out in front of her with a smile on her face. This is a very interesting scene, seeing the proud and mighty Kamara, crying and pleading on her knees.Seeing the very doting father and powerful King that hangs on every word his daughter says disbelieving and angry at his daughter. And now, she got a house arres
745 word(s)Published233Baski beat herself up for being so busy all day as she walked towards the Consultation Room. There was a recruit of new palace workers, so, she had a lot to do.It's late at night now. Only an hour ago did she get enough time to go to the kitchen and sneak out a huge meal for Vetta. She'd taken it to her in the dungeon before she went back to the kitchen and cooked chicken broth herself for Danika.As usual, the pregnant woman put up a huge fuss because she has no interest in eating broth but in the end, she'd ate it again while cussing her and creating so much fuss.Afterwards, she'd made her bed for her and they'd said goodnight. She just returned to her bedroom when the guards told her that she's been summoned by the King in the Consultation Room..***********Why the Consultation Room? Baski as
1027 word(s)Published234"I am giving her back her rightful place, Baski. Being a free person does not cut it for a Royalty." He stated matter-of-factly, "I will make her a Queen."A Queen...?Baski's mouth was ready to shriek in sheer happiness, but her heart became heavy. "No, My King... She can't ascend the Mombana's throne! Not now!""She can. It is required of her.""Have you forgotten her condition, My King? She can't. Not in this condition when she is most vulnerable!"Silence.Then, "In my life I have known several strong women. But Danika and Vetta will remain the strongest women I have ever met.""That is without doubt, Your Majesty." She conceded with a calming smile."She will be fine, Baski. She will be more than fine. She has all qualities of a great lea
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