Chapter 20

Siona

T he sound of a sweet voice singing a gentle lullaby pierced through the fog enshrouding my mind. Lured by its enchanting call, I slowly stirred from what felt like an unnatural slumber. As I awakened, so did countless aches and pains throughout my body. You'd think I'd just gone through one of the grueling combat training sessions Braxian Warriors underwent, which usually left them bruised and battered for a few days.

My eyes fluttered, and a tender smile settled on my lips at the sensation of a small, familiar hand, gently caressing my hair in an almost absent-minded fashion.

"Eldrin," I whispered, my throat feeling a little tender and my voice sounding raw from disuse.

"Massi!" Eldrin exclaimed, his beautiful little face jerking towards mine.

Despite my vision remaining slightly blurred as it adjusted to the brightness of the room, I didn't miss his air of pure joy and surprise.

As sore as I felt, my heart melted with love for the boy when he threw his arms around me and gave me a bone crushing hug with all his strength. My own arms weighed a ton, but that didn't stop me from returning his embrace. I didn't understand how he managed to burrow so deep into my heart in such a short time. He wasn't my blood, but he was undoubtedly my son.

I kissed his forehead between his small horns and gently caressed his shoulder-length midnight blue hair, a similar shade to his father's but with much finer strands.

He lifted his head to look at me. The severe expression he displayed took me aback.

"Don't ever scare me like that again, Massi," Eldrin said sternly. "You're not allowed to die."

My chest constricted as his words sent memories of my recent ordeal flooding through my mind. I had so many questions. But that he would be allowed near me, and that I would have regained consciousness like this reassured me that the worst had passed.

Swallowing back my own concerns for my welfare, I surrendered to the protective instincts that surged to the fore, demanding I reassure the little one.

"I'm sorry, sweetie. I promise to be a lot more careful in the future," I said in a soft voice.

He gave me a stern nod, as if to display his approval of my pledge before taking on a guilty expression.

"I'm sorry that I'm still too little to protect you for now. But Fate sent you to us… to me . You cannot die."

"What do you mean?" I asked, baffled by that comment.

"The first time I saw you, I knew it was Fate continuing the work she started," he stated with a conviction that left me reeling.

"How so?" I insisted.

"I remembered your face and your scent," Eldrin said matter-of-factly.

I blinked, feeling even more confused. "You've lost me."

He took a deep breath, and his eyes went out of focus as he poked through his memories.

"My first true memory is of endless pain," he said pensively. "I was starving, tired, and trapped in a cage that I thought I would die in. And then I saw your face. I will never forget that beautiful white hair, the bright green eyes, the black horns, the sweet scent, and the gentlest voice in the world. You saved me and fed me."

A voice behind us echoed the gasp that escaped me as I was struck by a sudden understanding. My eyes flicked over his shoulder. Only then did I notice his mother sitting behind him, slightly to our left, on what I presumed was a nurse's workstation in the Infirmary. She was gaping at her son in complete shock. I'd been so focused on the boy, I hadn't taken the proper time to assess my surroundings. And yet, I once more dismissed it, my mind reeling from Eldrin's comment.

"It was you during the Hunt?!" I exclaimed, stunned.

He nodded with a sweet smile.

After my mother, father, and I had been kidnapped and brought here, we had been forced to participate in a Hunt—which had been Emperor Nemrox's clever way of providing us with a method to regain our freedom without causing greater friction with the Guldan ambassador who was trying to get my father executed and to bring Mother and me back to Guldar. Mother and I had been running in the forest on the left side of the river, which was safe and dedicated to the consenting females who wanted to be caught by a potential partner. Father and his men ran on the right side of the river, in a forest infested with the most savage creatures of Sarenia. If we all made it to the beacon without getting caught, then we would be free to leave, which we obviously achieved.

However, Mother and I had been separated from the beginning. Along her path, she heard the desperate cries of what she initially assumed to be a young, wounded animal. When she went to investigate, she saw a Sarenian infant who had just completed his maturation process in the river. The baby had gotten caught in a series of brambles forming a cage around him. Had she not found him when she did, he would have likely died of starvation and exhaustion in the following hours.

Faolen—who had kidnapped us but was then acting as our protector—caught up to my mother and helped her feed the baby. He then put him back in the water so that he could complete his journey to the adoption center where he would choose a Matriarch and Patriarch. They in turn would raise him until such a day that he reunited with his biological parents.

"It wasn't me who saved you," I said in a soft voice, still stunned by this revelation.

To my surprise, Eldrin nodded as he continued smiling. "I know. It confused me at first. But then I realized it was your mother and Hunter Faolen who rescued me. But it was still because Fate brought you here. Your mother never would have been on Sarenia if not for you. Fate bound us together, Massi."

I smiled and gently caressed his cheek. Behind him, Kaelin was pressing a palm to her chest at this revelation about how close she had been to never meeting her son.

"That's because Fate wants you to become Emperor after your father," I said affectionately.

To my shock, Eldrin frowned and shook his head, his face taking on a dejected expression.

"What's wrong?" I asked, instantly worried.

"I don't want to be Emperor," he muttered.

Stunned, I inhaled sharply and studied his features as if they could reveal what might have prompted such a statement.

"What?!" I whispered, confusion audible in my voice.

Eldrin lifted his pointy chin with a hint of defiance as he held my gaze unwaveringly. "I don't want to be Emperor. I will if I must, but I hope that you will have many sons and that one of them will take on that role."

"But why don't you want to be Emperor?" I asked, struggling to make sense of this while battling a blossoming suspicion.

"Because I am from House Vagho," Eldrin said as if that explained everything. "Mama's bloodline has always served the throne. I want to be like Mama. I want to be an advisor, protector, and enforcer. Not a ruler."

My eyes flicked to Kaelin, who was looking at her son with an unreadable expression, devoid of the shock, disappointment, and maybe even outrage I would have expected. This further needled my suspicions.

I glanced back at the boy with a frown. "Yes, you are of House Vagho through your mother, but you also are of House Aerith through your father. Did someone tell you that this is what you should do?"

He firmly shook his head. "No. This is my opinion. Everybody keeps telling me that I am the heir. I don't like it. I don't say anything because I know that the people feel better that my father has one for now. But I don't want to rule. I just want to help and protect our Emperor."

I studied his features for a while to make certain that these were his true feelings. The way he sustained my gaze without flinching erased any lingering doubt I still had. Floored, I glanced at his mother behind him. A sudden realization struck me as the calm and affectionate way in which she observed her son finally sank in.

"You knew!" I whispered, stunned.

Her eyes flicked my way, and she hesitated, reflecting on her answer first. "I suspected," she replied in a factual manner. "Eldrin is strong, smart, and determined. There is no question in my mind that he will become a fearless Warrior. However, he seems to be more of a nurturer than a predator. So no, this does not surprise me at all. I'm just impressed he realized it on his own so soon."

Eldrin smiled affectionately at his mother, who reciprocated. I couldn't tell what expression he saw on my face when he turned back to me to find me still studying him, but a sliver of wariness settled on his delicate features.

"Are you disappointed, Massi?" he asked in a small voice.

I stiffened and firmly shook my head. "No, sweetie! Not at all! It just took me by surprise," I replied in all sincerity before smiling at him. "I just realized that you are just like Gavin, one of the people I love the most in the world."

"Gavin?" he echoed, his face lighting up with curiosity and pleasure that I should compare him to someone I held deep affection for.

I nodded. "Technically, Gavin is my nephew. But in my heart, he's more like a big brother since he's a few months older than me. He's the strongest Braxian alive. He's not just a fierce Warrior, but also smart, charismatic, empathetic, and the most loyal person you can ever meet. Many of his people wanted him to become the next Magnar—which is the equivalent of an Emperor on Braxia. But he refused. He has no interest in ruling. He just wants to serve and protect the crown. And he has. Keran—who I know will be as wonderful a Magnar as his father was—is still alive today and sitting on the throne thanks to Gavin saving his life."

Eldrin puffed out his little chest as he beamed at me. "And I plan on doing the same for my little brother when you have him!"

My heart melted for the little boy as I caressed his cheek. "I love you, Eldrin. You're one of the most beautiful souls I've ever met."

His little lips quivered, and he wrapped his arms around me in a bone crushing hug. "I love you, too, Massi."

I returned his embrace, kissed his temple before looking up at his mother. Seeing her so deeply moved and clearly approving of what had just occurred settled something in my heart. Without even thinking, I extended a hand towards her. Kaelin rose from her seat and came to join us. She took my hand and settled at the edge of the bed.

"You're still insufferable," I said in a slightly quivering voice, "but you are my sister. Thank you for saving my life and for giving us this wonderful son."

Kaelin swallowed hard. She didn't say a word, and merely kissed my forehead, then her son's, before the three of us embraced. As I held them tightly, I silently thanked the Goddess for once again expanding my family and reminding me that the love in one's heart—and not their blood—defined the true familial bond.

F ive days after that terrible ordeal, I still felt like I'd been steamrolled. Every muscle, every joint, even my bones ached, whined, and complained whenever I made the slightest effort. The mere thought of training had me whimpering, I who was otherwise addicted to it.

Unfortunately for me, as much as I wanted to wallow in self-pity and curl up in bed until I made a full recovery, Kaelin shamed me into getting back to business. The wretched female referred to the induced coma they put me under while fighting the worst of the poison as my ‘lazy bum nap.' Naturally, she was doing it to get under my skin and to whip me into action, but that didn't stop me from wanting to kick her butt.

When I said as much, she merely laughed in my face and said that with all my wallowing in self-pity, the only butt kicking I'm likely to perform in the near future will have to be in my lazy bum naps. I couldn't remember what I threw at her, but the ease with which she dodged it only added salt to the wound. She laughed harder and strutted her way out of my dwelling while ordering me to get ready for a walk in the palace's Commons. People needed to see me up and about to appease them and silence the rumors.

It saddened me that Zerien wouldn't be by my side when I did so. But he'd been working around the clock on pinpointing the possible location of the assassin and the rest of the rebels. That no one had been apprehended yet further undermined him and fueled discontent. With the coronation looming near, I needed to stop being a burden and the weakness that his enemies continued to exploit to hurt him.

I messaged Alred to let him know I was ready and would be stepping outside any minute. We hadn't talked to each other since the incident. In fact, I hadn't left my dwelling or seen anyone other than the small circle consisting of Emperor Nemrox, Jastira, Kaelin, Eldrin, and of course my beloved Zerien.

As soon as I opened the door, Alred gave me the agreed upon keyword, then took the lead towards the Commons. Although she offered to accompany me if I wished, Kaelin thought it would have a greater impact for me to walk by myself. It would be an undeniable display of strength and independence.

I concurred.

That said, as my knees remained a little wobbly, I walked around the balcony overlooking the Commons so that the visitors—official or otherwise—couldn't attempt to strike up a conversation. But I took the time to lean against the railing at various spots, giving them a chance to get a good look at me and see that I was indeed faring well.

At least in appearance.

In truth, I was quickly tiring. A few of those ‘poses' were in fact me needing the support. Still, judging by the cordial smiles—some of them even seeming relieved—that I received, our ploy appeared to work. A few servants conveniently happened to have business on the balcony where I strolled, thus granting them an excuse to get a closer glance at me. I didn't make a fuss. They would eagerly brag about how close they got to me and would further help appease the people about my welfare.

After a little over a half-hour of this, I happily headed back to our dwelling, eager to get off my feet. To my surprise, after we got back home, instead of returning to stand guard in the Greeting Hall, Alred cleared his throat and gave me a troubled expression.

"What is it?" I asked with the usual politely distant tone I always used with him.

He rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck as if to release the tension building there.

"I… I wanted to say that I am pleased to see you steadily recovering and to apologize for allowing this tragedy to happen in the first place. I failed you. You never should have been harmed under my watch. I understand if I have lost your trust."

Time stretched as I stared at him in silence. With each second, his unease visibly grew. I wasn't trying to make him squirm, but a million different thoughts were firing off in my mind as I attempted to assess his words, their potential underlying meaning, and my own feelings about him and the situation.

"The assassin fooled everyone, including me. So whatever my thoughts about what happened, I cannot lay the blame at your feet. That said, do you wish to resign your position?" I surprised myself by asking at last.

The instant relief I felt upon seeing Alred's crestfallen expression took me aback. As there obviously was no friendship or affection between us, I would have expected myself to be indifferent and maybe even eager at the thought of replacing him. However, not only would doing so have felt like a failure that I didn't manage to earn his loyalty, but the fact that Zerien chose him for me meant that he had great faith in Alred's ability to keep me safe above all others.

"No, Princess," Alred said firmly, worry clearly audible in his voice. "It's the last thing I want. I want to find the son of a krillik who did this, and I want to make them pay dearly. Since I failed you, I have no right to request a second chance. But I beseech you to allow me to redeem my honor."

I tilted my head to the side while studying his features. "Why? Anyone with eyes can see that you don't approve of me," I challenged.

Although he did a good job of trying to hide it, I didn't miss the way he slightly flinched.

"My opinion is irrelevant to the performance of my duty," he replied in a noncommittal fashion.

I made a disdainful gesture and huffed with annoyance. "It matters to me. Considering the event that just occurred, I want to know that the people in charge of my protection actually give a shit about me, and not just about their personal honor."

This time, instead of squirming as I expected, Alred pursed his lips and nodded slowly as he weighed my words.

"That's a fair expectation," he conceded. "I will not lie to you, Princess. As of this moment, I don't know if you are the right Queen for us. But there's no question in my mind that Prince Zerien is the one true Emperor who will lead us through the Great War. It's clear that you're his soulmate. Therefore, Fate has deemed you his perfect Queen. Who am I to challenge Fate?"

"And yet, you still don't approve of me," I insisted.

"I don't know if I approve of you, but I can say with certainty that I no longer disapprove of you," Alred replied, matter-of-factly. "I have observed you over the past three weeks. You are strong, smart, kind—especially to the little Prince—and you keep your head in situations of stress or while under attack. You seem to possess the qualities required for the role. And above all, Kaelin wholeheartedly believes you're the one. It's impossible to get a stronger endorsement. Therefore, if you allow it, I will serve you to the fullest extent of my abilities."

It was my turn to purse my lips as I gave him an assessing look. His words had not convinced me. Obviously, my wounded ego that he hadn't fully embraced me played a large part in it. But I respected his honesty instead of him attempting to butter me up with pretty lies just to keep his position.

I turned around and absentmindedly took a few steps back inside the dwelling as I continued to ponder.

"What security measures have you taken since the attack?" I asked, glancing at him over my shoulder.

Once again, his relief at hearing this question instead of me giving him a flat-out rejection did funny things to me. I didn't know if it was just because I wanted to believe he genuinely hoped I would turn out to be ‘the one,' but it warmed my heart that he seemed to truly want to do right by me this time.

"We've reconfigured all the cameras and added new ones to eliminate any blind spots like the ones the assassin previously exploited," Alred said proudly. "Any personnel allowed direct access to you and the Princes must have division specific keywords that will be changed at varying intervals. Other personnel with access to secured areas of the palace are now required to have a biometric key fob tracking their movements through the various entry points of the palace. It will be impossible for someone to attempt to enter an area with one appearance and leave it through any exit (be it the same or a secondary one) with a different face. Should that occur, it will immediately set off an alarm and trigger a lockdown of the room they find themselves in."

"That's good," I said approvingly.

"Our engineers are working on our scanners to try and figure out why the bio scans didn't detect that the assassin's DNA was not a match to Kaelin's. The answer to that one still eludes them," Alred said with a frown. "But at least, they are now able to detect the presence of any known lethal substances as well as identifying a combination of chemicals, toxins, and other substances that could be used to cause harm."

"Very well. As it seems you have things under control, I see no reason to pass that duty off to someone else now," I said in a neutral tone.

Alred exhaled audibly, and his shoulders slumped with relief. My throat tightened upon seeing the look of deep gratitude in his eyes. Whatever reservations I still felt about him faded away. Even if only for the sake of his own honor, I believed he would fight with everything in him to make sure he never failed me again.

"You will not regret this, Princess. On my life and my honor, I will make sure of it," Alred pledged in a solemn tone.

I opened my mouth to answer but a beep on his armband silenced me. He glanced at it before looking back at me.

"The Prince just entered the Greeting Hall. I will grant you your privacy," he said, bowing his head before walking out of our dwelling.

I heard the muffled voices of the two men exchanging the keywords before Zerien entered our dwelling. The tenderness that immediately settled on his face the moment he saw me melted me from the inside out.

"My mate," Zerien whispered with infinite love as he drew me into his embrace.

I leaned against him, and our mouths met in a kiss that expressed the depth of the emotions we felt for each other.

"I'm musty," he mumbled against my lips before rubbing his nose against mine. "I need to shower."

"Then I will gladly wash your back for you," I said in a purring tone.

His chest vibrated with an approving purr of his own. A yelp escaped me when he whisked me up in his arms. My surprise gave way to amusement, and I giggled as he carried me to the hygiene room. Although I remained a little weak, Zerien was being the typical overprotective male, constantly trying to keep me from performing the slightest exertion, as if I would shatter under the slightest breeze. Normally, I would chastise anyone trying to baby me. But I loved being taken care of by my man.

As soon as we entered the hygiene room, he sat me on the counter of the sink. Instead of the shower he had alluded to, Zerien started filling the large, sunken tub facing it. I loved a bubble bath, but I enjoyed even more soaking in the tub with my man. With our busy schedules, it almost became a ritual for us to snuggle in a warm bath and just enjoy each other's presence while casually discussing whatever we felt like.

He came back and bound my hair into a bun so that it wouldn't get wet. As soon as he was done, I made him stand between my legs facing away from me so that I could return the favor. I loved the feel of his long hair as I ran my fingers through it. Mine only had a couple of inches more than his.

Once again, he picked me up and carried me into the tub, stepping inside it and lowering himself into the water while still holding me in his arms. He wasn't even attempting to show off his strength, which was quite phenomenal considering how lithe he looked in comparison to the massive Braxians I grew up with.

We washed each other, our hands roaming gently and tenderly over our bodies. As much as being with my mate always turned me on, there was no lust between us right this instant. Our touch wasn't clinical but filled with devotion. As I rubbed the washcloth on his right side, I paused then traced the teardrop-shaped birthmark he had there, right above his hip. He lowered his head to look at my finger before glancing at my face. Although I felt his eyes on me, I continued to stare at the mark while caressing it.

"Eldrin has an identical one," I mused aloud.

Zerien nodded, and his face melted with affection. "He does. He's identical to me in so many ways… even in his love for you."

It was my turn to smile. "I know. He sang to me while I was fighting for my life."

"He watched over you every spare minute he had," Zerien concurred.

"I love him so much. I still can't believe Mother and Faolen saved him in the river," I said, shaking my head in disbelief.

"It truly was Fate," he replied with conviction. "You and I were always meant to be. So long as we remain true to each other, nothing and no one will ever destroy us. They've tried many times already and systematically failed. I'm not losing you, our son, or anyone we love."

I nodded with a slight frown fueled by determination. "It was indeed Fate. I'm not worried anymore about all the silly things that made me feel inadequate. You and I are soulmates. I'm not scared, I'm mad. For too long, I've allowed others to keep me living in fear and attempt to destroy my life for their own benefit. But this time, we're going to destroy them… together."

The predatory smile that stretched his lips lit a fire in the pit of my stomach.

"Together," he echoed.

"And once I'm fully recovered, we're giving Eldrin a little brother," I said.

The depth of love on his face wrecked me. How could I have ever doubted my place by his side? This man's love for me transcended anything that could ever be put into words. As did mine for him.