ZAVIERThere was no going back now. I stared down at her, her confidence taking me aback. I pulled off my shirt and flung it to a corner of the room while I asked her permission again. She nodded at me, urging me on, her eyes full of passion.I latched my lips on hers and parted her legs once again, sheating myself in between her while the scent of feminine hygiene clouded my senses.“You're beautiful,” I whispered in amazement as I gazed at her beautiful body. Her body was a work of art made by the finest artists and was made to be displayed in the museum but the moon goddess was so generous to make her my mate and not an artefact.I kissed her neck, trying to get her to relax. I needed to explore her passion, to make her comfortable with me. I trailed kisses to her collarbone and I could hear her breaths come in quick pants. I found her breaststroke and cupped, while my mouth worked on her pink nipples. I took the buds in my mouth and flicked my toungue around it and bit gently.She
ARIA“Am I hurting you sweetie?” He asked as he paused at the entrance and I shook my head.I didn't want him to stop but I knew he would if I told him I was in deep pain. “I'll go in slowly. I will take my time,” he assured me and I nodded.He looked down and slowly pushed in and I cried out this time, trying to use my willpower not to push him off me. Why was pleasure so painful? Why did it have to be so tough?He kissed me on the cheek and forehead, then on the lips. He sucked my nipples as he slowly entered and I cried out the more, trying to keep the tears that pricked at the corner of my eyes away.“I'm sorry,” he whispered and waited for my muscles to relax. He waited for me to get comfortable and without bracing me for what's next, he thrust deep into me, causing the tears to fall free.My muscles clenched around him and I heard him pant slowly and his eyes closed as he relaxed. Nah, this was Celine's fault. The pain was intense but so was the feeling of him inside me. He went
ARIAThe feeling of waking up to sunlight on floorboards and birds chirping and the scent of nature was ethereal. I stretched in bed, feeling sore all over before opening my eyes.I rubbed my eyes and glanced around me, taking in the feeling of being awake and alive. I was all alone as always, the king was not in bed and I was getting used to not having him by my side almost every morning.It felt good, I felt good except for the throbbing pain in my thighs. It felt as though I had been tied to pillar posts with my legs stretched wide open.–Maybe you did.“What?” I asked slowly as I tried to understand what Celine was about this morning. –last night was amazing. Look, you're a woman now. You were passionate and he even called us terrific.I furrowed my brows in confusion as her words sank in. “What are you talking about?”–You forgetful being!The king's scent and the lingering fragrance of our night together filled the room and the bedspread. It finally occurred to me what she was
ARIAI stared at her in devastation. “Is there no way it can be avoided?”She shook her head. “I guess you don't know much about mate bonds, do you sweetheart?”I shook my head, “not really. I only know a few and I think they're the most common ones.”She faced me. “After making love with your mate and he has marked you, now he can mindlink you. Most times there wouldn't be privacy. Your partner can read your mind without your permission sometimes and that's the one that scares me the most, like, spare me some privacy.”I chuckled lightly as a scowl appeared on her face. She grinned. “That one sucks but that's not all. You'll feel the need to be around them often even if you can't tolerate their sight. You'll be too protective and excessively jealous.”I thought about Zavier. He was already protective of me and slightly jealous. I couldn't imagine what monster he would be now, the good one or the dangerous one.“It's quite romantic though,” she said as she oiled my skin, preparing my
ZAVIERI watched Aria's expression change the moment I mentioned our wedding. She pulled away from my embrace and sat up in bed, leaning against the headboard. Her sudden withdrawal caught me off guard."Babe, what's wrong?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern.She avoided my gaze, fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. "I'm not sure about getting married to you, Zavier.”Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.She took a deep breath, finally looking up at me. "I don't want to be queen. I want freedom, Zavier. I don't want to be trapped in the palace all the time, and I definitely don't want to be treated like a fertility machine.”I stared at her, trying to process what she was saying. "Aria, being queen is an honour. It's a responsibility, yes, but it's also a privilege. Why don't you want it?”She shook her head, her eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and sadness. "I don't want to have people following me all th
IRISHI was walking in the castle gardens when I saw the silhouette of something or someone. I was about to go closer when they moved, causing me to throw my basket and shriek. But it was none other than the king.“Easy Irish, easy,” he said.“Your Majesty? You spooked my wolf out of me,” I said, as I tried to catch my breath.He chuckled lightly. “What are you doing, wandering about at night?”I showed my basket to him.“I went to pick the herbs as they are still fresh. Those are my babies you know.”“Of course,” he acknowledged and his smile slowly disappeared.“May I?” I ask, gesturing to the space beside him and he nodded.“Is everything okay?” I enquired, observing he wasn't his usual jovial self. “I mean, you out here alone is pretty much unusual.”“It's Aria,” he said flatly.“Aria?” I arched a brow. “What's with her this time?”“She doesn't want to be queen. I can't make someone else my queen except my mate. But she doesn't want to. She said she doesn't want to become some fert
IRISHAs the days passed, I watched Aria closely. She was still grumpy and distant, but there was a determination in her eyes that hadn’t been there before. Since the king was barely around, she hardly slept in his bedroom, rather she spent time in hers.She continued to sneak out, training with Onyx in secret. I admired her strength and resolve, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of impending disaster.One evening, as I was heading to Aria’s chambers with a fresh pot of tea, I heard voices again. This time, it wasn’t an argument, but a low, intense conversation. I hesitated at the door, listening for a moment.“I can’t keep doing this, Onyx,” Aria’s voice said, filled with frustration.At the mention of his name, I grew worried. Aree had the guts to bring a man to her bedroom? Was she nuts? What if the king decided to check on her?“You’re getting stronger, Aria,” Onyx replied. “But you have to be careful. Zavier is not a fool. He’ll notice if you’re not careful.”“I know,” she said, s
THIRD PERSON POVClaude had been entrusted with many tasks during his time in the palace, but delivering urgent news to the king was always the most nerve-wracking. This time, panic was etched on his face as he hurried through the corridors. He reached the king's office, his mind racing, and in his haste, he forgot to knock.Zavier was in his office lost in his thoughts, staring blankly at a document on his desk. The sudden intrusion startled him, and he looked up with a scowl. "Claude, what is the meaning of this?" he demanded.Claude's face was flushed with fear. "Forgive me, Your Majesty," he stammered as he approached cautiously, "but it's urgent.”He looked up, his expression unreadable. "Speak, Claude.”He swallowed.“If you don't have anything to say, you could leave. I hate this disgusting habit of yours. Have you suddenly forgotten how you talk?!” He lashed.Claude was taken aback but he knew the king was angry. “Aria... she's in the hospital.”Alarm shot through Zavier. He h
ARIAFor months I stayed inside fearing to come outside. Not because of my bulging belly I couldn't hide anymore but because of the accusations. The rumour of Aaliya’s child loss and the king's first heir had spread like wildfire.Aaliya had spiralled into madness after losing her baby. She became angry, blaming both Zavier and I for her loss and deep down, I bore the guilt. The first and last time I visited her, she had lost control.Her once-beautiful features were twisted with grief and rage. “You took everything from me!” She had screamed, snatching a pair of scissors from her drawer.I ran back, dodging her and pleading with her. “Please don't Aaliya, I'm sorry.”“If you hadn't run off he wouldn't have come after you and my child would have still been alive. That's all you wanted isn't it? You get pregnant and I lose mine.”She had thrown the scissors but Artemis had come just in time to get me out of there. Aaliya had been taken to the clinic and it was suggested that it was be
ARIAAt the first light of dawn, I moved quickly through the palace, my heart pounding in her chest as I kept looking behind my shoulders.The air was cold, the kind that clung to your skin and made you feel alive. I had secured a few of my belongings under my cloak and the pressure made it difficult to walk but I didn't stop. Not this time.“My lady,” One of the guards called, causing me to halt in my footsteps. How did they camouflage in the dark cause I could swear I saw no one.“Flynn,” I say, turning around with a fake smile plastered on my face.He stepped out of the dark, his Armour glistening in the moonlight as he took a bow.“You dropped this,” he said and gestured to the pink scarf in his hands. Oh shit! He must've seen it fall from under my clothes.“Thank you,” I said nervously as I gingerly took it from him. “I barely even realised.“Where are you headed so early my Lady? The palace is still asleep,” he said, eyeing me suspiciously.“I want to take sparkles for a race an
ARIA Panic surged through my veins, my body going cold despite the warmth of the atmosphere and the heat of his gaze on me.“Why didn't you tell me about the child, ARIA?” He demanded, his voice low but dangerous.My eyes widened and my breath hitched in my throat. How did he know? Who had told him, could it be Artemis? No– I was in the damn clinic. The doctor must have had me tested. My mind screamed for me to run, to get away from him and everyone but rather I couldn't move. Couldn't speak.“Answer me! “ He growled, his voice growing impatient by the minute.“I… I don't—” I stammered, taking a shaky step backward but my legs felt heavy and slow like I was trying to walk through quick sand.Before I could move again, his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist firmly and pinning me against the wall. His hold wasn't painful, but it was enough to stop me and make me feel trapped. “Don't lie to me Aria,” he warned, an edge of pain to his voice. “Don't you dare lie to me.You're carrying my c
ZAVIERFor weeks, I tried to adjust to the changes around me. Aria barely had dinner or breakfast with me. She was always reserved, and I barely caught a glimpse of her. Aaliya had made me bring most of her things to my room because she needed my attention and believed it formed a bond with the baby. I was exhausted by her constant presence, but all I wanted was for her to have the baby, nurse him for three months, and then I’d pay her off to leave.I missed Aria terribly. She never came out of her room, and when she did, it was only for brief moments. I saw her from afar sometimes, but often, she seemed to disappear entirely. The palace felt empty without her presence. The betas, who used to be lively and engaging, had become more quiet and reserved since Irish left. They barely told me things or joked with me anymore. I considered bringing Irish back, knowing she always made Aria happy and that would please the betas.One morning, while having breakfast with Aaliya and my betas, Ari
ARIAWhen I woke up, a shadow loomed over me. Startled, I jerked up to see Artemis towering above my bed. "Get off!" I yelled, and she jumped back, her eyes wide with fear."Sorry! I was just—" she stammered."What were you doing?" I demanded, sitting up fully."I was checking your temperature," she explained, trying to compose herself."Why?" I narrowed my eyes. "Are you gay or something? Look, I’m not homophobic, but I’m not interested in women.”Artemis burst out laughing. "No, no. I was genuinely checking your temperature. You seemed unwell.”I frowned. "I caught you staring at my lips."She took a deep breath and stared at me. "Why were you drinking last night, Aria?”I threw my hands up in exasperation. "Why is everyone trying to be my parent? And did you forget the rules? Stay out of my business.”"Drinking is unhealthy for you," she replied calmly. "You need to be careful, especially now that you’re early.”"Early?" I repeated, confusion clouding my mind. "What do you mean by
THIRD PERSON POVAria woke up to an empty room. Artemis was gone for now, and for that, she felt a wave of relief. It wasn’t that she hated her, but she couldn’t get used to someone new. She relished the solitude for a moment before deciding to start her day.After a quick shower, she realized most of her clothes were still in Zavier’s room. With a sigh, she wrapped herself in a robe, letting her dripping wet hair rest on her shoulders, creating a messy trail down her back. She called for her maid, Beatrix.Beatrix entered the room with a smile. "Good morning, my lady. What do you need?”"I need you to get my things from Zavier’s room. Most of my dresses are at his and my undergarments too," Aria said, trying to sound casual.Beatrix paused, her smile faltering. "Okay my lady. Are you coming for the event today, my lady?”Aria raised an eyebrow. "What event?”Beatrix looked at her, a little confused. "The celebration for the king’s expected child.”Aria felt a chill run down her spine
ARIAAs soon as I made myself invisible, I slipped out of the palace, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to find Onyx. He was the only friend I had left. The only one who hadn't been driven away by Zavier. My mind raced with thoughts of Irish's departure and the unbearable loneliness that seemed to grow every day.Onyx agreed to meet me in our secret space, a hidden alcove in the forest where we used to train together. When he arrived, his face lit up at the sight of me, but I noticed he was keeping a ridiculous amount of distance."Onyx," I called softly as I made myself visible. He looked relieved to see me but still stayed a few steps back."Aria," he said, his voice warm but cautious. "It's good to see you. What's wrong?”I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. "Irish left. The king made her go.”He nodded, as if he had expected it. "I figured it would happen. The king is removing everyone you're close to, Aria. That's why... that's why I've made up my mind too.”"What do you
ZAVIERHer fiery gaze burned deep holes into my skin, causing my stare at her to waver. She was hurt but there wasn't a thing I was willing to do about it. I detested the way everything was.She needed to learn and with Irish around, she wouldn't. Irish needed to leave for her to live in understanding. Irish didn't teach Aria bad values but if she offended, she knew the healer would always take her in and then she would see no reason to apologise for her wrongdoing or learn from her mistakes.She approached me, picking her steps carefully. “I hate you Zavier.”“I know, and that's okay,” I said and gripped her wrist in my fist. “I've asked the guards to move most of your things to her bedroom so that way, you'll feel more connected.”“You are a sadistic fucker,” she cursed but I could hear the pain in her voice.My eyes followed the long queue and came in contact with Irish. She flashed me a bright smile and waved at me. My heart clenched but I nodded at her.After Irish left, I watche
ARIAIrish stormed into the room with tears rolling down her cheeks. I jumped from my seat in a shock and rushed to her, wondering what had caused her to elict tears.“Irish,” I said, rushing to her side. “What's going on?”Before she had the chance to say a word, her door was forced open with a force that made my heart skip a beat. Three guards walked in with an ugly look on their face. They didn't spare me a glance. Instead they walked up to Irish and began to yell at her to pack up.“What is wrong with you?” I screamed at them at the top of my lungs.Still, they pushed her hard against the wall and began to scatter the room. I couldn't wrap my arms around what was going on. I rushed to the guard who was constantly hitting her and threw myself at him. I was fueled by anger and frustration.“Leave her the fuck alone,” I screamed, punching him hard in the face even though I knew one sing of his arm was all I needed to end up in bed.“Stay out of this, Aree,” Irish whispered, blood tri