The sunset was In the sky, and it was very high, the brightness in the rays shone into the room, and it reflected on Aurora's face, she blinked her eyes repeatedly and yawned. She tried to stretch, but she realized a head was on her arm. She opened and saw the king sleeping in her arms, then it dawned on her that she slept in the king's chamber, fear ensued instantly, hoping the king had not seen her face. Seeing how the king sleeps with his eyes closed, and his head still in her arms made her conclude that he has not woken up since last night. Aurora wished she could be with the king this way forever, but it was just a hopeless wish. Gently she removed the king's head from her arms and slumped from the bed, she looked into Malik's eyes, she wondered how he sleep so sweetly, she wishes he will be this sweet in reality. Afterward, she walked towards the door and closed the door slowly after her so as not to wake the king up. "The king didn't know I slept here, he told me last nigh
On getting to the maid quarters, Aurora quickly hides the face mask from her sister, Princess Nneka. She went inside the bathroom to take her bath since she used to bathe earlier than the other maids, and after washing her body thoroughly, she felt so cold that she continued sneezing repeatedly, her sneeze attracted Shastina to go into the bathroom."Are you okay? It seems you have a cold," Shastina let out."No, just that my body hasn't got used to cold water" Aurora replied, and she removed the undressed clothes that she kept in a hole in the bathroom window and wore."Okay, but where did you go last night? Because I don't see you in this room" Shastina asked her, looking intently at her."And why must I tell you?, from what I knew, you want me to die, don't forget you made me this way" Aurora snapped at her."Just be careful, because you are playing with fire. Don't allow your emotion to overrule your choices" Shastina said and walked away.Aurora looked at her with a frown face, s
The four concubines of King Malik were seated, there was a cup of tea in the hands of each one of them, with a different shape of cookies on a tray in front.The concubines were enjoying the delicacies, examining the Queen's chamber, there were different thoughts in their minds, some loved the decoration taste of the queen, and some scoffed seeing how the Queen decorated her chamber in a high taste."Did the king visit the Queen's chamber last night?" one of the concubines asked. They began to look at one another, finding the one that would answer the raised question."Are you not afraid of your head, you are in the Queen's chamber, and you dare to ask this question, what if she heard?""I don't care, it can't be more painful than our husband's torture. The king has refused to touch us since we married him, yet we survive" The Concubine named Sheba replied."You know, we can't blame the king, we should blame our parents who forced us on a man who didn't have feelings for us. Is not at
A chuckle showed on Nneka's face, knowing the other concubine hated Xena as much as she hated her. She walked towards them with a smile and hugged the concubines one after the other."Let work in hand to take care of our king, and help him to grow his community," she hadn't finished speaking when Xena walked in, raising her shoulder raised proudly, she looked at the other women as her juniors."Good morning my queen," Xena greeted Nneka with a slight bow, and she slipped onto the seat that was meant for Nneka. Seeing her reaction, the concubine exchange gazes."That is my seat," Nneka said."My queen, I'm sorry, I thought it was meant for me," She said, yet she didn't stand up, rather she brought the gift forward."For the future heir, I brought this gift to him. Each of the women here knew that the king had planted the kingdom heir in your womb last night, and I want to be the first person to buy a gift for the future king," Xena said, looking at Nneka to see her reaction.There was
Aurora looked exhausted and tired, she had just finished sweeping the whole palace compound, she was about to retire to her chamber to rest a bit before she started to wash the palace clothes.Sweat was coming out from her forehead, seeping to her face, she used her arm to wipe the sweat. She was about to turn to the hallway when Evans halted her."The king wants you in his chamber," Evans said to her and walked away. Aurora wanted to ask him why, but he didn't allow her before he fled away.Instantly, fear ensued over her, the king always called for her whenever he wanted to inflict pain on her. But there is nothing she can do, she has to manage the pain, until her sister Nneka will rescue her from the palace.The more she walked closer to the king's chamber, the more her heartbeat kept thumping faster, she felt like her heart intended to jump out of her body due to the fear.She hoped the king hadn't caught on to her disguise, the thought kept racing her heartbeat; the king wouldn't
Chapter 51:It was an exhausting evening for king Malik, after a long day, he just returned to his chamber after attending to the proposal from his neighboring communities.He worked extraordinarily just to shift his mind away from Aurora's image popping into his head.Arriving at the chambers, still, undressed, Jaguar entered his chamber to inform him that his brother had arrived from the trades he went for, on behalf of the kingdom."My King, Your brother had arrived, he came with many goods this time around, and the horses carried many goods including the goods in the carriages, I'm sure the kingdom will have a lot of profit in this time trading, "Jaguar said with excitement."Really," Malik said, though he was happy concerning the news, yet there was no exciting expression on his face."Yes, my king," Jaguar said, smiling."This called for more celebrations. Go and tell Jericho to join me in today's banquet with the ministers and chiefs of the neighboring community. I want to ente
The expression on Morena's face made Aurora wonder, what was wrong with her?"Is there something wrong?" Aurora asked her."You know I don't support polygamous homes, they are full of jealousy, hatred, and bloodshed, especially when it comes to the royal family, that is why I pity the king's women," Morena said with all seriousness."What made you say that?" Aurora asked, she didn't see what Morena was seeing."Don't you hear what the queen just says, she wants the other woman to be childless just because she wants to protect her position and the future heir, she doesn't care whether they bear the king a child or not. What is even the essence since they will end up killing themselves if eventually, the other women give birth to male children," Morena said with rage in her eyes, she didn't know when she mistakenly pushed Aurora to the ground as she left, anger emerged.The sound Aurora made as she fell to the ground, made Morena realize she pushed Aurora.Quickly she rushed to Aurora, i
Xena felt nervous as she walked towards Alpha Malik's chamber, this is a memory she has tried so much to forget, she concealed it even from her best friend Jeanne, who couldn't bring herself to tell her.The most painful thing was that her body still recognized Jericho's body scent, which made her hate him the most.She sighed deeply, before entering Malik's chamber, she met him preparing to go out when she entered."Good day my lord," Xena greeted the king with a deep bow."Evening Xena," He said curtly, sparing her no gaze."My king, are you going out?" Xena asked."No, I'm preparing for Tonight's banquet, but I want to go and check some of the goods bought in by my brother from another region. I was told how surplus the goods were, so I want to go and confirm it myself, " Malik explained.''Okay my king, but why him....?," it mistakenly slipped out from her mouth, she halted in the middle realizing she said an impiety."Why what?" The king stammered but his tone was full of cold."I
In the hall, whispers filled the air, mixing with anxiety. Ministers stood in their places, tension evident. Those backing Jericho couldn't muster their usual confidence; sweat beaded on their foreheads, a visible sign of their nerves.Despite the cool breeze, Jericho's supporters felt the heat of fear. They dreaded what this meeting might bring.The night before, Jericho had convinced a guard to take the blame for killing an assassin. He'd warned his followers not to support the ministers from the accounting and finance departments, suspecting a trap set by his brother, Alpha Malik.Suddenly, Jericho entered the hall, his usual regal manner intact. His face betrayed no guilt or fear, surprising his followers. Though they knew him to be cruel and wicked, they still expected a hint of fear in his eyes."Welcome, your Majesty," his followers bowed, paying homage to him as the royalty he was.Meanwhile, only hearing the greetings from his supporters, Jericho turned to see the faction aga
The morning unfolded, rural melodies danced through the air: the crowing roosters, the gentle clucking of hens, all harmonizing with the breaking dawn, rousing Alpha's Malik from his slumber.Gently, he opened his eyes to behold Aurora, still immersed in peaceful sleep. Time itself seemed to pause as he gazed upon her, his heart stirring with inexplicable warmth.In the quiet of the moment, he pondered the tranquil essence she brought to his life, marveling at how her presence could lull even the most restless soul into deep repose.Lost in contemplation, Alpha Malik found himself drawn to Aurora's forehead, his lips instinctively seeking connection. With each tender kiss, he expressed a silent devotion, each angle conveying a depth of emotion words could not capture.Last night, Alpha Malik had pushed aside thoughts of Aurora's deception as the masked girl, embracing her and embracing the moment, setting aside their differences.With gentle care, he eased Aurora's head from his shou
Shastina tightly clasped Aurora's hand, her eyes fixed on the delicate features of her face. Pain gripped her heart, an unbearable ache that whispered accusations against her own actions, blaming herself for Aurora's tragic end.The relentless thought echoed within her, a haunting refrain:"I could have confessed to the king, revealed that I, not Aurora, was the one who killed the late King."Grief overwhelmed Shastina, erasing the memory of the times when she callously told Aurora that she didn't care if she lived or died. The realization now hit her with a cruel force, a revelation of her true feelings."So you care this much about me," Aurora's voice cut through the heavy silence.Startled, Shastina and Morena leaped to their feet. The sudden realization that it was Morena's voice shattered the tension. Shastina moved closer to Aurora, and a groan escaped from Aurora's lips as Shastina inadvertently bounced on her hand."Why did you play that prank on us?" Shastina exclaimed, her e
Doubt coursed through Xena's mind as she watched the hulking man, hoping against hope for a shred of mercy. But alas, mercy was a stranger in his eyes, replaced instead by a seething anger that simmered beneath his burly exterior.With a thunderous rise, he towered over her, his gaze landing on the unfortunate canvas of clothes stained with vomit. At that moment, his anger exploded into a deafening cacophony that reverberated through the entire room, sending shivers down the spine of all who bore witness.The very walls seemed to tremble in response to his enraged bellow, rousing the other men within the prison from their slumber. As their master's voice boomed, they snapped to attention, their eyes darting around the room. Their collective focus then shifted to the source of their leader's fury, and they locked onto the telltale evidence of Xena's transgression."Kapoor!" They roared in unison, their feet slamming onto the ground in a synchronized display of loyalty. Yet, in that sam
Dread washed over Xena like a cold wave when one of the guards hurriedly went to fetch the King's Concubine, Xena knew that if none of the king's women came, she knew that if Sheba and Nneka would come, and if they got involved, things would take a dark turn.Her anxiety was palpable as they escorted her down to the dungeon. At this moment, she longed for Jeanne's presence more than ever. However, Jeanne had fallen for one of the guards and had left with him. Xena held onto the hope that Jeanne would return, though it seemed like a distant dream.It was too late for anyone to persuade the King to honor the promise he had made to his mother, the vow to protect. Yet, Xena clung to that promise, despite the risk of the King discovering her involvement. Memories of the kindness she had shown to the King's mother weighed heavily on her conscience.As they reached the cell and the guard swung open the door, a putrid stench overwhelmed Xena's senses, causing her to instinctively cover her no
Xena's body trembled with fear as she stood there, as Minster still held the document in his hand. The king's eyes scrutinized the scroll as he turned his gaze toward the minister of accounting. She felt her whole world collapse, trapped in a nightmare."What are you doing here?" The king's voice was icy, jolting her back to reality."I... I..." Xena stammered, feeling utterly helpless as Jaguar approached the minister and gently took the scroll from her shaking hands."Your Highness, the scroll..." Xena's heart sank as she grasped the gravity of her situation. The consequences would be dire if the document contained what they suspected. She wished she could vanish, but the king's words reverberated through the hall, freezing her in place."Jaguar, read the scroll's contents. Evans, send guards to find the criminal hiding in town. And when you locate the assassin, eliminate him immediately. Someone dared to set him free from prison." The king's tone brooked no argument, sending shiver
Aurora's eyes widened in awe as she found herself in an enchanting realm, surrounded by colors dancing in the sky. It was a place of breathtaking beauty that seemed almost otherworldly. As she explored this magical space, she was captivated by the sight of a stunning woman with eyes that sparkled like stars and a handsome man whose warm smile radiated kindness.Curiosity overwhelmed her, and she approached them with wonder in her eyes. "Why is this place so incredibly beautiful? And why do both of you look so lovely?" she asked, her voice filled with awe.The woman's response was soft and soothing, "This place is special, Aurora. It's where beauty and love intertwine."Aurora was taken aback, unsure of where she was or how she had arrived there. "Am I dreaming?" she questioned, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.The man's gentle laughter resonated through the air as he replied, "You're not dreaming, but you're not entirely awake either. This realm exists between realities, where the
Alpha stormed into Morena's chamber, his presence filling the room with an air of authority. His eyes widened in shock as he beheld Aurora, blood trickling from her nose. The sight sent a jolt of panic through his veins, and his voice thundered, overpowering every other sound in the room."What is going on here?!" he demanded, his voice reverberating with urgency and concern.The force of his voice made Morena snap her head in his direction, her eyes filled with worry. Evans, Shastina, and the other maid present in the physician's chamber followed suit, their gazes dropping in deference.Their murmured response of "Your Highness" barely registered as Alpha's attention remained fixed on Aurora's ailing form. He spoke again, the urgency in his voice demanding an immediate answer."I need to know what is happening here," he pressed, his tone filled with a mix of fear and determination.Morena, realizing the weight of the moment, turned to face the king. She spoke softly, her voice betray
As Alpha Malik made his way back inside the palace, a heavy cloud of hurt and betrayal engulfed him, obscuring the warmth and love Aurora had once ignited within his heart. With each step, his pain deepened, casting shadows on the memories of their shared moments.Unknown to him, a sense of urgency tugged at his soul, compelling him to seek out Aurora. He couldn't fathom the reason behind this inexplicable need, but he was certain that when she woke up, she would face the consequences of her deception. And as for Evans, Alpha's blood boiled with disbelief at the thought of his supposed ally supporting Aurora in fooling him. The mere idea was unfathomable, and he vowed that Evans would pay dearly for his betrayal.Yet, amidst his wild thoughts, Alpha brushed away the intrusive doubts, focusing on his path ahead. Determined, he walked with measured steps, the imposing presence of the palace surrounding him like a symphony of grandeur and deceit. As he advanced, his attention was drawn t