19. Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Mia

I stand at the edge of a crystalline balcony, gazing out at the cityscape that stretches before me. It's been weeks since Krakenos and I arrived on Mythos, and I'm still in awe of the alien beauty that surrounds me. The oxygenated dome above us shimmers, a reminder of the watery world beyond.

"Are you ready, my queen?" Krakenos's voice pulls me from my reverie.

I turn to face him, smoothing down my dress. "I'm ready."

We're headed to another diplomatic meeting, one of many I've attended since becoming the Aquarian queen. The first few were disasters—I'd fumbled through alien customs and struggled to remember the complex hierarchy of Krakenos's court. But with each passing day, I'm learning.

As we walk through the city, I marvel at the creatures that light our path from within their aquarium-like habitats built into the walls. Aquarians nod respectfully as we pass, their expressions unreadable. I've learned to read their body language instead—the slight tilt of a head, the flutter of a fin. It's all becoming more and more familiar.

The meeting goes smoother than expected. I manage to remember the proper greeting for each council member, my hands moving through the intricate gestures Krakenos taught me. When it's time for me to pitch my idea to the council, my heart races as I wait for them to engage their translation devices.

I clear my throat and begin, "If we want to break this cycle of mistrust between kingdoms, we need to start with the young," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "What if we started laying down the groundwork for an exchange program? Aquarian hatchlings learning side by side with Drakari and Saberkai children. I know the three great races of Mythos haven't brought forth a new generation yet, but we need to be ready for when they do."

I pause, gauging their reactions. Some of the council members tilt their heads, a gesture I've learned means curiosity. Encouraged, I continue, "As a teacher back on Earth, I've witnessed how sharing a classroom can foster understanding and friendship across even the deepest divides. It could be the first step toward lasting peace on Mythos."

As the members discuss the possibility of this new program, Krakenos beams at me, pride sparkling in his eyes.

But it's not all smooth sailing. One evening, I find myself struggling with an Aquarian delicacy—a writhing, tentacled thing that's apparently considered a great honor to eat.

"I can't do it," I whisper to Krakenos, mortified as the entire royal table watches me.

He leans in close. "Remember what I taught you about their sensory organs? Just avoid biting into those, and you'll be fine."

I steel myself, and manage to swallow the creature whole. The taste isn't half bad, once I get past the movement.

The weeks fly by in a blur of new experiences. I learn to navigate the complex layout of the city, marvel at the underwater gardens, and even start to pick up bits and pieces of their melodic language.

One afternoon, Krakenos takes me outside the dome for a swim. I adjust the breathing apparatus nestled against my nose, still getting used to the sensation. As we glide through the water and watch a school of rare Aquarian eels, I'm struck by how much life there is in this alien world.

After we return to the dome and make our way to our private quarters, I shed my swimming gear and catch sight of my reflection in a polished shell wall. My hair, still damp from our excursion, frames my face, and the Aquarian jewelry adorning my neck and wrists glimmers in the light. I hardly recognize myself, yet I've never felt more alive. Who would have thought that I, a girl who could barely doggy-paddle in a shallow pool back on Earth, would now find such joy in exploring an alien ocean?

I slump against the window, my forehead pressed to the cool glass as I watch the lights of the underwater city twinkle. After a day of non-stop meetings, my brain feels like mush. Krakenos's arms wrap around my waist, and I lean back into him, grateful for the solid warmth of his body.

"It's a lot to take in, isn't it?" he whispers, his breath tickling my ear.

I nod, leaning back into his embrace.

"You did well today," he murmurs, his lips brushing my neck. "They respect you, Mia. All of them."

I smile, closing my eyes as he nuzzles my hair. His words mean more to me than he knows. I've worked hard to earn the trust of his people, and each sign of acceptance makes me feel like I'm truly becoming their queen.

Slowly, he turns me in his arms, his eyes dark with desire. I see the reflection of our intertwined forms in the window—an otherworldly king and an Earth girl, so different yet somehow meant for each other. Krakenos cups my face in his hands, his thumbs gently tracing my jawline.

"You're so beautiful," he breathes.

I step closer, placing my hands on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my palms. "I want you," I whisper, boldness rushing through me. "Right here. Right now."

His gills flare with a fierce intensity, and he claims my mouth in a hungry kiss. I taste the salt of the ocean on his lips, a flavor I've come to associate with him. His tongue tangles with mine, his passion igniting a fire within me.

He breaks the kiss, a soft growl escaping his throat as he starts to take off my clothes. I help him, eager to feel his skin against mine. Soon, we're both naked, and he lifts me onto the nearby table.

I run my hands over his muscular form, reveling in the feel of his sleek skin. I trace the ridges of his abs, dip my fingers into the indent of his navel, and then lower, where his cock has emerged from its pouch. His scales ripple as he positions himself between my legs, his hands reverently roaming over my body.

In moments, his fingers find the slick heat between my thighs, and he groans low in his throat as he discovers how ready I am for him. I arch into his touch, a needy whimper escaping my lips as he circles my clit with deliberate slowness.

"Krakenos," I gasp, my hands fisting the fabric of the tablecloth beneath me. "Please."

He doesn't leave me waiting. In one swift movement, he aligns his cock with my aching core. There's a moment of intense anticipation before he thrusts forward, filling me completely. The stretch is divine, a sweet burn that has me crying out, a sound that's swallowed by the vastness of our chamber.

He starts to move, his hips finding a rhythm that's both fierce and tender, the table beneath us groaning in protest with each powerful surge. I lock my legs around his waist, pulling him impossibly deeper, craving the fullness of him, the completeness that only he can provide.

His cock throbs within me, the ridges along its length creating a friction that's maddening. With each thrust, the sound of our bodies meeting echoes around us, a carnal noise punctuated by my gasps and his low growls of pleasure.

I can feel the slap of his balls against my sensitive flesh with every drive, a reminder of his virility, his need to claim me, to breed me. The thought sends a shiver through me, as I know he's on the brink of spilling his seed deep within my willing body.

As he continues to thrust, the tension coils tighter and tighter within me, each movement bringing me closer to the edge. I cling to him, my fingers digging into the slick muscles of his back, my cries growing more desperate as I feel the inevitable climax approaching.

"Krakenos," I gasp, my voice barely more than a whisper, but he hears me. He knows what I'm begging him for.

And with a final, powerful thrust, I explode around him, my orgasm tearing through me as I feel his release follow, hot and pulsing, as he fills me with his seed, marking me as his in the most primal way possible.

In this moment, there's no Mia, no Krakenos, no warring factions or looming threats. It's just us, bound by a connection that transcends words.

As we come down from the climax, the aftershocks still rippling through us, he gently kisses up and down my neck.

It's then that a tiny whisper in the back of my mind tries to get my attention. At first, I'm too blissful to pay it any mind, but slowly, the whisper grows louder. Something about dates… cycles…

My eyes widen as the realization dawns on me. My heart starts to race as I frantically count back days in my head. Could it really be? No, it's way too soon to tell. I need to be sure before I say anything, but the possibility has planted itself firmly in my thoughts.

I glance up at Krakenos. I want to blurt it out, to share this possibility with him, but I hold back. It's not the right time, not yet.

If I'm right, it could change everything—for us, for his people, for this entire alien world. But first, I need to be certain. So instead, I snuggle closer to him, a small smile playing on my lips.

Soon , I think.

Soon, I might have some very big news for Krakenos.

Another week slips by, and it's crazy how quickly I've adapted to life in Oryndal. My days are filled with lessons on Aquarian culture and politics, but I enjoy every minute of it.

Whenever homesickness creeps in, it's quickly forgotten, and it happens less and less with each passing day. I have a chance here to make a real difference, to help bring peace to a world torn by centuries of conflict.

And then there's the secret I've been carrying, growing inside me like a pearl. I'm pregnant. The realization fills me with a mix of joy and trepidation. A child—half human, half Aquarian. A bridge between two worlds. The thought makes me dizzy with its implications.

But before I can share this news with Krakenos, there's something else I need to address. A plan that's been forming in my mind, one that could change everything.

I find Krakenos in his study, poring over ancient scrolls. He looks up as I enter, his eyes softening in a way that still makes my heart skip.

"Krakenos," I begin, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. "I want to propose something. I think we should finally meet with Draven and Natalie."

He stiffens, his gills flaring slightly. "Why would we do that?"

"Because I believe we have a chance for peace. Real, lasting peace between all the races of Mythos. But it has to start somewhere."

Krakenos's expression is unreadable, but I press on. "Think about it. We both are certain Draven chose the collective cure, just like you did. And Natalie… She's human, like me. We already have so much in common, and I'm sure she wants peace as much as I do."

"It's not that simple, Mia," Krakenos says, his voice low. "There are centuries of blood feuds between our people."

"I know. But don't you see? That's exactly why we need to do this. The cycle of violence has to end somewhere. Why not with us?"

Krakenos is quiet for a long moment, his gaze distant. When he speaks, his voice is thoughtful. "I share your same optimism, but I think it's too soon. Our people are still adjusting to our new reign."

I move closer to him, taking his webbed hand in mine. "Then we don't tell them. Not at first. We meet in secret, just the four of us. If we can find common ground, then we bring it to the council, and to our people."

He looks down at our joined hands, then back up at me. "If word got out…"

"I know," I say. "But isn't it worth the risk? For a chance at peace? For…" I trail off, my free hand unconsciously moving to my stomach.

Krakenos's eyes follow the movement, a flicker of something passing over his face. But before he can question it, I forge ahead.

"We have a chance to build something better here, Krakenos. Not just for the Aquarians, but for all of Mythos. Isn't that worth fighting for?"

He's silent, his alien features inscrutable. Then, slowly, he nods. "You're right. It won't be easy, but… You're right. We have to try."

Relief washes over me as Krakenos nods, and a wave of affection follows close behind. He's not just agreeing; he's defying centuries of hatred and mistrust. The weight of his decision isn't lost on me—it's a brave step into uncharted waters. As I look at him, I see our future unfurling before us, filled with unity and understanding. Without thinking, I lean in and press my lips to his, sealing our silent pact. In that kiss, I feel the promise of a new path we'll forge together, one of peace and endless possibilities.

As we break apart, I know it's time. Time to share the other piece of news that could change everything.

Krakenos's watches me, patient and curious as I struggle to find the right words.

"Krakenos, there's one other thing I wanted to tell you," I begin. My hand instinctively moves to my stomach, a gesture that doesn't go unnoticed by my mate.

His fins twitch slightly, a sign of heightened attention. "What is it, Mia? Are you unwell?"

I shake my head, smiling despite my nerves. "No, I'm not unwell. I'm…" I hesitate a moment longer before saying, "I'm pregnant."

The words hang in the air between us. Krakenos goes completely still, and for a moment, I wonder if somehow he's upset by the news.

But then, slowly, his expression transforms. His eyes, usually so dark and unreadable, seem to light up from within. His fins flutter rapidly, and a low, melodious sound—something between a hum and a purr—emanates from his chest.

"A child?" he whispers. "Our child?"

I nod, holding back tears. "Yes."

Krakenos's hands cradle my face gently, and I feel a slight tremor in them. "Mia," he begins, "you've given me the greatest gift imaginable."

He drops to his knees before me, pressing his ear against my stomach as if he might hear the tiny life growing there. The gesture is so tender, so un-kingly, yet so endearing.

"Our child," he murmurs again, looking up at me with wonder.

I run my fingers along his finned head. "This changes everything, doesn't it?" I ask softly.

Krakenos rises to his feet. "It does. Now, more than ever, we must work toward peace. Our child deserves to grow up in a world free from the conflicts that have plagued Mythos for so long."

"You're right," I say, my hand instinctively moving to my still-flat stomach. But now that he has agreed to my plan, I'm suddenly filled with doubts. "But how do we even begin? Like you said, the feuds between your people run so deep. What if Draven sees our peace offering as weakness, and he attacks us instead?"

Krakenos's fins twitch as he considers. "It's a risk," he admits. "But for our child, it's one we must take."

I inhale slowly, my fingers curling into fists at my sides as I gather my courage. The path ahead seems fraught with danger, but as I look into Krakenos's eyes, I see a strength that bolsters my own.

This is bigger than just us now.

"Okay," I say. "Let's do it. Let's reach out to Draven."

As Krakenos embraces me, I wonder if we're making the right choice. But as I feel the subtle changes in my body, the promise of new life growing within me, I know we have to be brave.

For our child, for Mythos, for the future—we have to try.