After the life saving incident, no one was really interested in talking. Especially me.
I was trying to figure out why I had saved Cedric like that.
It couldn’t be that I still card for him right? After everything he had done, there’s no way I could still have feelings for such a monster.
So why did I jump back in the water, knowing I could drown? Maybe I had always pictured Cedric’s death a certain way and that most definitely wasn’t it.
It was like when Cedric died, I had to be satisfied with it. Drowning was wildly unsatisfying in my opinion.
The next thing that has the potential to kill Cedric, I’ll surely let it. Then this will all be over. I could go back to my kingdom and be with my friends and family.
I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.
Just when I was getting really tired of walking, a little hut appeared in sight. It was covered with vines and flowers.
“T
Cedric pulled me out of bed quickly. I ran to grab my bag as the roof caved in. I was trapped in the corner. I tried to summon water, but it was too hot. There was no moisture in the air. I tried to push the fire away, but there was something different about this fire. There was a purple tint to it. Like it was fire that had already been enchanted. The beam blocking me crumbled in half, knocking me to the ground. I screamed as it fell on top of me pinning me down. I could hear Cedric grunting as he tried to get the beam off. “Just go, Cedric!” I called. “I’m not gonna make it.” “No! You’re not dying like this Zelda!” He insisted. I would love to believe him, but I didn’t think it was true. It didn’t seem like he could get the beam off and the fire was almost completely surrounding us now. “Veone, be with me and guide me into the Twilight Nexus swiftly and safely.” I prayed. “Don’t do that.” Cedric roared
Being Empress was too easy.I had control over all four elements, there were no imminent threats and the love of my life was beside me. Nothing could go wrong.I looked around happily at breakfast. Everyone seemed so happy. Zeke was grinning as he and Posy talked animatedly. My parents were looking lovingly at each other.How was life this blissful?“Are you okay, darling?” Cedric questioned.I smiled at him. “Of course I am. I’m your wife, why wouldn’t things be okay?”“You seem...wistful.”“I guess I am. Things just seem so perfect.”Cedric chuckled. “Things are always perfect.”It was strange but something about that statement felt false. How could things always be perfect?I was probably still feeling weird from my dream. It was incredibly intense. But also meant to be a dream because it simply made no sense. Cedric would
I didn’t tell anyone about my strange wish. I didn’t even want to say the word ‘wish’ at this point. This was a lot to unpack.I always wondered what life would be like if Cedric hadn’t gone down the wrong path. If he had chosen me over the need for power.Now I had my answer. It was almost worse than reality. He manipulated me into giving up my power and birthright. And I willingly did it. Just to make him happy. Because I loved him so much.But he was never going to love me as much as I did him.Was this a pattern? I mean the situation with Penn was similar. I seemed to be much more into this than he was. So would I get my heart broken again? Would there ever be a man who loved me more than I loved him?My eyes fell on Hunter. He smiled at me. He definitely felt stronger for me than I did for him. Maybe I didn’t give him the proper chance. I mean the sex was great, maybe the romance could be too. And seeing as
*Hunter's POV*I groaned as I opened my eyes. My head was pounding like crazy and I was pretty sure I was bleeding.I sat up and looked around. I was alone.Oh no, Zelda! Those hooded figures had taken her!I scrambled up and made my way back to the hut. This was just my luck! Zelda was finally wanting to jump my bones again and she got taken away. I had to get her back before she changed her mind about me.I would get her to fall in love with me, I knew I could. Maybe it wouldn’t come easy, but maybe that’s what I liked about it too. That it was something I could work for.The hut came into sight. When I approached I was shocked to find Oz and Zeke together. It seemed like they were arguing. Then Oz grabbed Zeke and kissed him. I expected Zeke to fight him off, but he didn’t, he gave in.It was a very intense kiss. Huh. They really are in love. How strange.“Duke Ze
*Zelda's POV*When I came to, I was incredibly confused about where the hell I was.I was in a room that seemed kind of similar to my room back home. It was beautiful and gold and the bed was quite comfortable. But how did I get here?“Hello?” I called, getting out of bed.The door opened immediately. I was surprised to see a Minotaur had entered. He had to duck so that his horns could fit into the room. His human torso and arms were in incredible shape. His hooves clicked on the ground as he walked closer to me.“Over-Lordess, what do you need?”“I am not the Over-Lordess.” I declared. “I’m an Empress.”“No, you are our Over-Lordess. We have long awaited your arrival. It is okay. You will remember who you are in no time.”“No, it’s fine. I remember who I am.”“I am Surax. I am here to assist yo
*Zelda's POV*I was thrilled to have my own body back.Of course I felt awful for Dresira and I meant what I said about avenging her. The Aleni would not prevail over Uquix!Surax led me to the prisons. “Can I ask you something?”“Sure Empress Zelda.” He grunted.“Can I have your nose ring?”He stopped in his tracks. “You’re not participating in the Four Trials of the Forsaken Apex, are you?”“Yes I am.” He tossed me over his shoulder and I cried out. “Hey what are you doing?”“Locking you up with your friends! You are here to steal from us!” Surax bellowed.“No, no! I don’t want to steal! If you could just give it to me willingly that would be amazing!”“No. You seek the most dangerous power, we cannot help you Empress Zelda!”We entered the prisons.
It didn’t take long for Cedric and the Aleni to find something shiny.Oz offered up a gold necklace. It looked familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on why.“No!” Hunter exclaimed. “That’s a family heirloom, you can’t give that to them! We’re supposed to give these to our sons.”Right. Hunter had an identical one. I had seen it hanging on his neck all the times we were in bed.“I have a new family now.” Oz sneered. “A family that doesn’t demean me every chance they get and see the value in me.”“Exactly.” Cedric patted his shoulder. “We’re your family now, Oz. And you’d do anything for your family right?”“Of course, Chief.” Oz gave Surax the necklace.Surax took it as another Minotaur removed its nose ring.“Thank you very much.” Cedric grinned. “Now we may go
This was about to get confusing.The me that was on top of...me gasped too. Her eyes widened and she scrambled up. I did the same. We circled each other, taking one another in.I took a step closer and so did she. I reached out my right hand and her left hand moved to meet it. When our hands touched we gasped and jumped back.“Who are you?” We chorused. “Empress Zelda. No you can’t be.”“Can we talk one at a time by chance?” I asked.“Sure.” She answered.“How are we the same?” I questioned.“I’m not sure.” She admitted. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”I studied her closely. It literally was like looking in a mirror. I could not find a single thing that was different about her. Her hair was loose and curly like mine. We were even wearing the same dress.“So what are you doing here?&rdq
My body felt a shock at once. Electricity flowed quickly and then expelled itself out of my body. Was I going to die again? I wondered as I fell to my knees. I breathed heavily as the last of the lightning left. I paused to make sure I wasn’t going to die again. “Zelda!” I looked up and saw Penn running over to me. “Penn!” He scooped me up in his arms and held me tightly. “I thought I lost you!” “How relieved were you?” I joked. He set me down and kissed me. “Very relieved. But now you’re back and I’m miserable again.” I kissed him again. “Are you lying to an Empress? That’s a crime.” “And what would be my punishment?” Penn smiled down at me. “You have to marry me…for real this time.” “You sure I can’t just take death?” I laughed as Zeke ran over to us and embraced me. “Tell me that’s the last time you almost die!” “No promises. I think it’s over now, though.” I smiled.&nb
Posy’s POV I hated her. Why did she do this? Why would she kill herself just to save the rest of us? Why wasn’t she selfish and logical? Why wouldn’t she just let us die for her with honor? Because Empress Zelda Xanatheal was a great leader. No one even cared about Cedric the moment Zelda hit the ground. The Aleni had been struck down and we had no one left to fight. We only wanted to see Zelda. I got to her first. I cried out upon feeling how limp she was in my arms. “Zelda?” I screamed. “Wake up Zelda, now!” She wouldn’t budge. The boys had transformed and put on their pants. Penn dropped to his knees. “Zelda?” He choked out. “Zelda, please wake up. I need you Zelda, please.” He was sobbing as he hugged her lifeless body. Hunter tried to comfort him, but he just pulled away and wailed. “I can’t live without her!” Penn cried out. “I can’t! How do we bring her back? Someone
I stepped towards Cedric in horror. “You killed your father?” I asked shakily. “We both know he deserved it.” “What are you doing here?” “Oh, was I not invited? I’m sorry, I figured maybe my invitation got lost in the crystal mirror.” He feigned innocence. “Cedric, why are you here?” I cried. “You look so pretty in your wedding dress…and I’d make the perfect groom. Everyone’s already here Zel, let’s just do it.” “No, no! We had a deal, Cedric, you swore. Don’t do this!” “Ah the deal…yeah I thought about that, constantly over the last month. I don’t like it. I didn’t go through all of that shit to end up without you. So…the deal is off.” Cedric was many things, but he wasn’t usually a liar. The only thing he had ever really lied to me about was killing Astris and it only took him a few moments to reveal that lie. He didn’t believe in lying, he thought it was a waste of time. He was fine with being rut
“Holy fuck!” I exclaimed. “You’re serious?!” “Very serious,” Penn said nervously digging into his pocket. He pulled out a stunning ring with a gorgeous blue gem on it. “Is that the -” “Gem of Xaxtar from Prince Mako, yeah. I know it was supposed to be a necklace, but I think it would look better on your finger. Posy helped me make it.” He smiled. “So? Can I be your Emperor for life?” “Yes! Of course! Absolutely!” I screamed. Penn got up and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around him tightly, absolutely elated. This was everything I ever wanted. I saved Uquix and I was going to marry the love of my life! He slipped the ring on my finger and I admired it. “It’s huge!” I exclaimed. “Isn’t it?” Posy asked. “I knew you’d love it!” “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me! I mean look at me I have soot all over my face and clothes!” I laughed. “You look beautiful,” Penn assured me before kissing me aga
The lava immediately stopped flowing as golden light shot out the Shadow Precipice. A stunning woman walked out of the light even though there was no ground to stand on. She was stunning! Her long golden hair flowed behind her as the gold light danced off of her dazzling brown skin. Her white eyes were terrifying and yet so warm. She stood between Cedric and I as though trying to decide who the winner was. She turned to Cedric and my heart dropped. I really had lost. But I gave my best effort and everything that I had. I did my best, even if it wasn’t good enough. “You gave a great effort,” She said to Cedric. Suddenly it was just the woman and me. Cedric had disappeared. “Empress Zelda…you are the winner of The Four Trials of the Forsaken Apex.” Wait, I recognized that voice. “Moxdea?” I asked. “Yes, Empress, it is I. In my true form. You have released me from my duty by completing t
We started climbing up the volcano slowly. We figured we should take it slow before things got out of control. The constant rumbling made me incredibly anxious. The volcano could erupt at any point. “Nervous?” Cedric questioned after a few moments of silence. “What makes you think that?” “You’re not usually quiet unless you feel unsure.” “Well...yes I am a little nervous but only because everything we’ve done these last few weeks has led up to this moment. Are you nervous?” I asked. “Yeah a little bit,” He admitted. “About what?” “Losing. Imagine I betrayed my kingdom and killed hundreds of creatures just to lose.” “Wow that would be really embarrassing for you,” I snorted. “Oh shut up.” “What else happened in your weird dream when we went in the quicksand?” I questioned. “It was so strange, but I was really happy. You were my wife. We wanted babies. I thought you we
Cedric was having a hard time leaving the Hartmeda Woodlands.He had been searching for something his whole life and he had found it and now he had to leave it again so soon. Hopefully he could come back and spend more time with Nova and really get to know her.“It was an honor and a privilege to meet you, Empress Zelda. Please come back any time and visit us.” Nova stated.“She will,” Cedric assured her. “She’ll be back as my wife. Who knows, maybe we’ll make a baby here.”“Everytime I stop being disgusted with you, you give me a reason to be again. Congratulations, it’s really a talent.” I declared.“You’re so in love with me,” He grinned.“Anyways, Nova, you are welcome to Gynem any time, really.” I hugged her.“I know my son is a nuisance sometimes, but I would love to have you as a daughter-in-law.&r
There were shouts of panic ringing in the air.As Penn and I were surrounded, I tried to see where the third dagger went. I quickly found out when Hunter started wailing. It was sticking out of his arm, so at least he wasn’t in immediate danger.“Save Zelda,” Penn said hoarsely. “Please, her not me.”“No save Penn first,” I breathed.“Zelda, you’re the priority!” Posy cried.“Royal Vizier Posy, as Empress of Gynem I order you to save Penn first!”Talking with a dagger in my stomach was not easy or pleasant, but I had to get my point across. Penn needed to come first.“What happened?” Zeke ran over to us. “Zelda, no!” He dropped on his knees next to me. “You’re going to be okay. Oh Veone, that’s a lot of blood!”“It’s okay, I’ll be fine.”I didn’t completel
I ran into Nerius’ big open wings.They enveloped me in a tight hug.“What are you doing here?” I asked.“Yurhy srei meings.”“Vacation huh? Are you sure you’re not here because you knew we’d be here?”He paused. “Nresh.”“Liar.” I shook my head.“What is he doing here?” Cedric questioned.“None of your business. Don’t be a jerk.” I stated.“Yeah, you wouldn’t want him to toss you again.” Penn snorted.“Shut it pretty boy!” Cedric stomped over to his mother.“Nerius, you remember Penn.” I smiled.“Shrup boit nurevsh marship?”“Nerius!”“What did he say?”“He asked me if you still cry after intercourse.” I chuckled.“Gue