First Encounter

"Stay close to me, princess." Emet told Azalia as they entered the imposing castle of the Adom Kingdom.

They had finally arrived at their destination. It had been a five-day trip by horse, during which they had stopped in different towns each night to sleep. Azalia was grateful for this, since she didn't particularly fancy sleeping under the stars, especially not when surrounded by thousands of enemy soldiers. The inns they stopped in definitely weren't luxurious, but they at least gave her some privacy and comfort.

Azalia had kept dreaming more and more about the same man the closer they got to the Adom castle. She always saw the same crimson eyes and dark hair and tanned skin, her visions getting a little clearer each time she had the same dream.

She could now see that she was lying on a bed with the man of her visions, dark silky sheets covering both of their naked bodies. They were pressed together, the man's arms protectively wrapped around her waist as he brushed his lips against her delicate neck.

"My beautiful queen." He murmured in a low husky voice that never failed to send shivers down Azalia's spine. "I love you." The words were whispered against her skin, warmth and pleasure and pure happiness swelling inside her at the raw honesty lacing the man's voice.

Azalia could feel in her dreams that she loved this man. She didn't even know him yet, had no idea if he truly was the Adom King or not, but already had such strong feelings for him it was baffling. Her visions had never been this intense before, her heart thundering inside her chest each time she woke up from the same dream yet another time.

It was disconcerting and troubling, but Azalia had to act like nothing was affecting her. She had just entered the Adom castle and so couldn't afford to be distracted by her visions, not when she was in enemy territory.

"People are already aware of your engagement with our King, so nobody should try to hurt you." The general Onan said as they walked further into the impressive castle.

The fortress didn't look like the Lavan palace at all. Contrary to the pure white walls Azalia was used to, these walls were made of dark stones and the floor was covered with black marble. The ceilings were high and the corridors seemingly never-ending, the golden torches hanging from the walls lightening their way.

"Not even the King's advisors, who aren't happy about this alliance?" Azalia boldly asked Onan. She knew that some people were firmly against her marrying the Adom King, and so had a hard time believing nobody would try anything against her.

But Onan assured her she was safe. "Not even them." He promised, his words still not enough to convince Azalia. "Hm." Was the only thing she said in response. She just had to be careful, and knew that Emet would keep an eye on any threat that could surge in like he always did. Temira had already been separated from them, but Azalia didn't believe someone would go as low as to hurt her attendant to get to her. At least, she truly hoped so.

"General Onan." A man walking toward them made them stop where they were.

"Hello, Amos." Onan greeted him with a warm smile. They seemed to know each other well, the two men shaking their hands in a friendly way before Onan turned to Azalia and Emet. "This is Amos, one of the King's most trusted men." He introduced the new-comer.

"Pleased to meet you, princess." Amos respectfully bowed his head to greet Azalia.

He was a man with red eyes and dark hair, just like Adom people were known for, with the exception of his rather medium height and his lack of impressive muscles all Adom men usually proudly showed off. It made Azalia wonder if he was purely Adom, or if he was mixed with another race without having any visible characteristics to prove it.

"The pleasure is all mine." Azalia politely answered Amos. She almost thought she saw his red eyes turn black for a few instants, but couldn't be sure because of how fast it had happened.

Amos gave her another low bow of his head before looking at Emet for some instant. They both evaluated each other, red eyes examining the knight that was accompanying the princess, before Amos faced Azalia again. "The King has requested your presence in his quarters." He stated. "If you would follow me?"

Azalia felt her heart jump inside her chest at the words. She looked at Onan for confirmation, almost seeking reassurance from the only person she had gotten to know in this foreign kingdom, only for the general to give her a nod of his head. "I'll see you later, princess. I wish you the best for your first encounter with the King." He said as he pressed a playful kiss on the back of her hand.

"Thank you, Onan." Azalia answered him with a smile. She would have preferred it if he had stayed with her, but the Lavan princess already had Emet to protect her.

"Take me to your King." She told Amos in a determined voice.

Amos did just that and Azalia followed, Emet by her side. The castle was absolutely massive and the corridors tremendous. It was intimidating. Azalia's heartbeats were getting faster with each step she took. She was going to meet King Melech for the first time and couldn't help but feel intense feelings swirl inside her.

She was nervous, angry and excited all at the same time about seeing the man she was going to marry. Nervous because this was the most powerful man in the land they were talking about. At least, if the rumours proved to be true, of course. It still wasn't a man you could afford to take lightly...

But Azalia was also angry because it was King Melech's fault she had had to leave her kingdom and her family. The man had selfishly decided she would be his queen without even asking for her opinion, and had all but forced her to agree by sending half of his army to her kingdom. What was even more infuriating was the fact that he hadn't even bothered to come himself, as if she wasn't important enough for him to travel to the Lavan Kingdom.

Still, Azalia was excited, because she truly hoped King Melech was the man of her visions. She had been wondering about it for several days now and couldn't wait to finally meet him for the first time, to know if this was the man she would learn to love, just like her visions had shown her.

Amos suddenly stopped in front of two massive doors made of dark wood and pure gold. There was no doubt they opened into the King's quarters, and so Amos turned around to look at Emet before speaking out. "No one is allowed to enter the King's quarters except the King himself and who he allows to." He told Azalia's knight. "You cannot go further than here."

This obviously didn't sit well with the Lavan knight. "I'm the princess' personal guard. I have to stay by her side." He answered right away. His role was to protect Azalia and so leaving her was simply out of question.

But Amos didn't seem ready to budge on this. "I'm afraid it isn't possible. You have to stay here." He insisted, his words only angering Emet even further. "I won't leave the princess alone with some dangerous brute-" The knight began to say when Azalia promptly interrupted him. "Emet!" She exclaimed in a shocked gasp. They couldn't afford to cause a stir in enemy territory.

"It's okay, I will be fine." She assured her knight, her voice firm enough to show Emet that she wasn't scared. She was used to putting up a strong front in front of others and, as scary as being all alone with the Adom King could be, Azalia knew she could take care of herself. She wasn't as defenceless as she looked like.

She gave Emet one last look, blue-sapphire eyes gazing into bicolored eyes, before entering the King's quarters. The door closed behind her with a loud noise causing her heart to thunder inside her chest.

Before her was a massive room, so large it could have fitted a whole assembly. Luxurious furs were covering the floor and an enormous bed was throning in the centre. Black silky sheets were covering the bed, the exact same sheets Azalia had seen in her dreams...

"You're even more beautiful than what the rumors say." A deep voice said from her left and Azalia almost startled at the sound of it, her sapphire eyes promptly turning to her side.

There was a man with dark unruly hair and vibrant crimson eyes looking right at her. He was incredibly tall and imposing, surely even more so than Emet or any other man Azalia had ever seen. His chest was bare, revealing broad shoulders, firm pecs and perfect abs. Strength and dominance were radiating out of him, his very presence enough to force anyone's submission.

His face was handsome, his nose straight and his jaw sharp and powerful. His brows were dark just like his hair, which was cut short on the sides but not on the top, gorgeous black curls framing his forehead. His eyes were by far the most noticeable thing about him: they were the same colour as blood, a red so dark and piercing it was hard to look away from it.

Azalia felt her belly flutter at the sight.

This man, this powerful king who was far more handsome than she could have ever imagined, was the man of her visions. There was no doubt about it anymore. She could recognise the captivating ruby eyes and gorgeous sun-kissed skin. Even his low husky voice was enough to send her back to her dreams, loving words being murmured into her ear by the Adom King himself.

"King Melech." Azalia slightly bowed her head to show him her respect. Customs asked for people to kneel before a King, but she was a princess and a future Queen if their marriage ever saw the day, and so wasn't about to kneel before any man.

She heard steps coming toward her before feeling fingers grab her chin, making her lock eyes with ruby irises intensely boring into her own.

"I'm sure honourifics aren't necessary between us, princess. We are to be married, after all." Melech smirked at her. His voice was deep and imposed respect, so much Azalia felt herself shudder at the mere sound of it. She was unable to pronounce any word nor form any thought as the King looked right at her, his keen gaze making her hold her breath in anticipation.

It was clear the attraction between them was powerful and mutual. The air felt heavy around them, as if everything disappeared but them.

"Such gorgeous eyes, as mesmerising as true sapphires..." Melech murmured as he observed Azalia's angelic face for the first time ever, marvelling at the Lavan princess' beauty.

He liked the stunning whorls that were covering her pale skin and the soft blush that was emphasising them. Her eyelashes were long and white just like her long wavy hair, contrasting with the hypnotising blue of her eyes. Her lips were an irresistible pink, so full and perfect Melech couldn't resist brushing his thumb against them.

"Plump and soft..." The King described, almost in a trance. Melech had heard all of the rumours about Azalia's unmatched beauty and had to say he wasn't disappointed. Actually, now that he finally had the princess before his eyes, the Adom King only wanted to make her his even more.

As the most powerful man in the land, it was only natural the most beautiful princess would be his.

Melech let a satisfied smirk graze his lips before letting go of Azalia's face. He then unexpectedly went to sit on his bed while still facing the white-haired princess, his crimson eyes looking right into Azalia's turquoise irises as he spoke out:

"Strip."

That definitely broke Azalia out of whatever trance she had fallen into. "Pardon me?" She asked with wide surprised eyes. Surely she hadn't heard him right.

But she did, and Melech wasn't ashamed to repeat himself. "I said, strip. I need to see if your body pleases me, don't you think?" He said with a look so smug Azalia couldn't possibly contain her shocked gasp even if she wanted to. "I'm not some lifeless merchandise you can just check out." She angrily answered. She couldn't even believe the nerves of this man.

However, her anger only made Melech chuckle darkly in response. People never dared talk back to him, they were way too scared of him to do so, and so seeing Azalia have the courage to do it certainly was interesting.

"You're not? You do realize your realm traded you, right?" He asked and Azalia was about to retort, before realising she couldn't deny such comments. She had been given to the Adom King in exchange for the promise that her people would not be harmed.

It was a trade. Not an ordinary one, of course, but a trade nonetheless...

Still, this didn't change anything. She had been traded, yes, but she knew she could stop everything if she so wished. The Lavan Kingdom was better prepared now. They had contacted the Yarok Kingdom and the Kesef Kingdom in case anything like this ever happened again. Azalia could go back to her kingdom now and know her people wouldn't be killed because of it.

But she didn't wish to go back. It would still trigger a war that could be avoided, and Azalia wanted to see this until the end. As horrible as the Adom King was right now, her visions had shown her this would change with time.

She just had to deal with Melech's horrible arrogance for the time being, and only the gods knew how much she enjoyed a challenge.

"You wanted me to strip, didn't you?" She asked in a falsely sweet voice. "Then your wish is my command, your majesty." It was clear her tone was sarcastic, and Azalia greatly enjoyed the look of anger that took over Melech's handsome features at the sound of it.

"I'm watching." The King said as he stared right at the white-haired princess.

And so Azalia started to undress, slowly, her movements deliberately tantalising as she let the straps of her white dress gently fall down her naked shoulders. She could feel the King's gaze on her as her clothes slid down her body, revealing her well-shaped breasts, elegant hips and long legs to the King's ruby eyes.

"All of it." Melech ordered, and Azalia slowly removed the last piece of clothing hiding her body. She let her underwear slide down her legs, thus baring her sex for the King to see. It was covered with a slim layer of hair, the white neatly-trimmed hair barely standing out compared to her milky skin.

Azalia wasn't ashamed of her body, on the contrary. She knew what an ethereal sight she made with the white whorls covering her entire skin, the stunning arabesques that started from her toes and went to the tips of her fingers, only adding to her otherworldly beauty.

"Satisfied?" She asked as the King stood up from the bed, pride and defiance swirling inside her sapphire eyes.

Melech noticed it and smirked in response. He liked this kind of attitude. It meant Azalia wouldn't break this easily. "You really are gorgeous" He said as he approached the princess, his red eyes freely roaming over Azalia's naked body, taking absolutely everything in.

"Such a sensual body..." The King appreciated the sight he had before him. Azalia's body was delicate and slender, her skin smooth and her curves breathtaking. Her breasts were the perfect size between generous and big, looking so incredibly tempting Melech wanted nothing more than to cup one with his hand.

"Beautiful curves and sensitive skin." He contently observed. The Adom King couldn't possibly be more pleased: Azalia certainly was one of the most stunning women he had ever laid eyes on.

He circled around the princess and let his eyes trail down Azalia's spine, taking in the sight of her Venus dimples and her pear-shaped ass. It seemed like Azalia's body was simply flawless, everything about the princess enticing Melech to no end.

That's why the King couldn't possibly resist. He leaned in so that his mouth was placed right next to Azalia's ear, his chest pressed against her back and his hands holding her hips as he lowly murmured: "I should take you right now, before our marriage ceremony is even organised." His voice was seductively husky and his words oh so dirty.

But it wasn't enough to seduce Azalia, far from it. "Men are so easy." Was her unexpected response. "You just need to show a bit of skin and all of their blood leave their head." She let out a soft chuckle, her mocking tone instantly angering the Adom King.

"I wouldn't act so smart if I were you." He snarled as he grabbed one of Azalia's wrists to spin her around.

"Hurt me and I'll make you feel years of suffering in just a few seconds." The princess threatened in response. She was glaring at Melech, the two rulers looking right into each other's eyes as Azalia dared Melech to put another hand on her. "You do know how Lavan powers work, do you?" She asked him in a deceptively calm voice. "It would be wise not to underestimate me."

Lavan women had healing powers, yes, but what all Lavan people were the most known for was their capacity to feel and send emotions to others. Azalia just had to touch Melech to make him feel pain and terror so strong it would bring him to his knees.

Melech knew that, and didn't seem to like it one bit if the way his hand started to heat up around Azalia's wrist was any indication. His veins filled with lava were starting to become visible, red lines glowing beneath his skin covering his whole body. His temperature was rising, his blood boiling as utter anger took over him.

"You're just a spoiled girl who thinks herself invincible." He growled between gritted teeth.

"No, I'm a princess and your future queen." Azalia answered. She was keeping a straight face, but the truth was that Melech was starting to burn her skin with his hand still gripping her wrist. It hurt, but Azalia had to stay strong or the power balance between them would forever be ruined.

"You'll learn to respect me, or you'll never have me." She told Melech in a voice that allowed no debate.

And this was the whole point of this first encounter: Azalia needed Melech to respect her. She had agreed to marry him, yes, but she would never accept the Adom King to treat her like she was beneath him. She demanded respect and would never submit to him until he gave her just what she wanted.

The tension was almost palpable around them. Both Azalia and Melech refused to step back, the temperature continuing to rise the more time they spent glaring at each other. Azalia was almost sure her wrist was starting to bruise now, but she still refused to submit. This was a crucial moment, one that could decide the entire rest of their relationship.

Finally, after what had to be endless long minutes, Melech was the first to give in. He let out a low growl of frustration before finally letting go of Azalia's wrist, his ruby eyes still burning with anger as he took a step back. There were a few more instants passed in silence, neither of them saying anything as they continued to glare at each other, before Melech looked away from Azalia's turquoise eyes.

"A servant will show you to your quarters." He said as he left his own quarters, the Adom King not once looking back behind him.