"That… I... I am sorry," she was now feeling regretful for that slap. His red eyes were piercing her face and she couldn't stop trembling. "We… we should get down."
Emma didn't wait for him to say anything and turned around to open the door quickly. She could feel his fierce and dangerous eyes on her even with the veil on. Her only thought at that moment was to escape.However, the second she stepped out from the carriage, with what it seemed, at first, a skillful jump, she tripped. The long dress prevented her from landing on her feet.She was about to fall face down when a powerful arm wrapped her waist to stop her at the last second.The Duke moved so fast when seeing her fall, that he was surprised. It was as if he was scared of watching her get hurt."Thank... hey!"She wanted to say her thanks, but the brazen man took her waist as if touching some delicate porcelain and carried her into a princess-style hug."You should be careful, wife…" He smirked. "I know you are eager to find our bedroom, but you shouldn't hurt yourself in the hurry.""Stop it!" She yelled and hit his chest. "You shameless man put me down this instant.""No." He smirked, wanting to take off her veil and see her shy little face. "Don't move so much, or you will fall again."She began moving and hitting his chest not minding his words, only making him laugh in amusement by her little antics."Brother Liam?"They had been so immersed in their little world that they failed to notice the woman standing before them with astonished eyes.If one could describe the women in Luriem as fragile and delicate but with powerful magic, the women in Avalor were completely different.They were taught since infancy to strive hard to prove themselves. They trained with spears and swords, bows and axes, even martial arts. Their bodies were fitted and their looks were not as delicate but anyway beautiful.They were proud women that can fight and can bring honor to Avalor, the same as the men.However, the woman with red sparkly hair standing a few steps from the couple looked shocked not quite believing what was happening in front of her. The flirtatious look that the well-known arrogant and indifferent man, was giving to the woman in his arms was something out of the common. Out of any belief.Gia had always dreamt of having that smile for her, but the insensitive man never understood her intentions. However, she didn't feel as bad as he had never shown that expression to anyone, even to his brother, the King.He was always an unfeeling man. No woman was able to raise his interest. Yet, towards Gia, sister of his best friend, he had always kept a kind and gentle look.She thought that maybe he will marry her in the future when his family pressured him to take a wife, and he didn't have any choice. So she turned down every proposal of marriage even going against her family's best opinion, only to wait patiently for him.However, the expected moment never came, but the announcement of his wedding to a woman from another country, a defeated country of witches, took the Kingdom by surprise, and for her, into a swirl of sadness."Brother this…""Gia, what are you doing here?" He stared briefly at her. She could hear the annoyance in his voice and was left without words.'No, this can't be, he didn't want that marriage... this must be a joke.'Gia knew he was enraged by his brother's decision, the mighty King of Avalor, Ethan. The announcement came as a surprise and not a good one, but Liam had always been loyal to his older brother, and never questioned his judgment. After all, Ethan was known as the wise and powerful King of Avalor, even to other countries. His decisions always hid deep meanings and the people truly respected him, as no other king before him had elevated the mighty dragon's race to such heights before.However, so many years of war and uncountable battles were taking a toll on the citizen. Anger and criticism were slowly growing in the heart of the population and different factions were starting to appear. Liam was able to suppress them and many times, extinguish them, but that would never be a long-term solution.He prepared a final attack on the Luriem Kingdom, sending their last defenses to the ground. However, when he was about to give the ultimate punch and extinguish those bastards for real, Ethan offered a peace treaty. Liam felt betrayed but didn't question his King. His brother.Nevertheless, everyone on the battlefield could attest to Liam's distaste for the people of Luriem even after the war. He was always ruthless towards them.Ethan once asked him the reason, and he only smirked and didn't say anything but the hatred in his eyes could not be concealed, that's why Gia thought he would be distant with his forced wife, and maybe if she waited patiently, she could still have a chance. But the view in front of her cracked all her hopes in a second."I… I wanted to visit you and meet your new wife," she said in a kind and gentle voice. Her eyes were lowered to the ground not daring to look up at the loving couple. New feelings of jealousy were invading her heart and she was afraid they will be able to notice them."Can you put me down now?" Emma asked in a soft voice again. "I should greet your acquaintances, shouldn't I, darling?"The lights in the Hill Mansion summoned the eyes of the entire City. The spectacle, the elegance of the dresses, the makeup at its highest expression and perfection. All the glamour and wealth of the year was invoked in one day.A big event enthralled the Capital City. The expectancy grew more when the guest list was published on the web. The Major and the big shots from the four main families of White country topped the list. However, mixed with the top actresses and all people from the most influential sides of the world, a name was the focus of every pair of eyes.They could not let go of the opportunity to witness what was about to happen. To have a glance to the man who had confirmed to arrive.“When is he coming?”“I don’t
Night and thunder surrounded the castle; the tall towers of stone crumbled with the echoes of the wind hitting the walls and windows. Fear was easy to feel, anxiousness could invade the heart and soul of the weak, but the woman lying in the last room of the tower was still indifferent. The terror of residing on an earth that had been already taken over by murderous creatures didn’t make her succumb to shivers and sorrow.Even when strong golden chains gripped her fair porcelain legs, leaving painful red marks in the soft skin of her ankles, she didn’t care, nor did she make a whimper. The man who trapped her never unlocked them once from the first day he took her a year ago. He only watched as she sat on the floor with her back to the wall, occupying one corner of the room. Lonely and lost.His eyes were filled with more than desire, but a strong lo
"What is the meaning of this symbol?"The man looked confused. The sweet voice of Emma made him lose control of his words and actions. He didn't know why was that, he had never been subjected to hypnosis nor any kind of suggestive game. However, this time, it was as if some drug had entered his body and made him a week to listen to that woman's orders.Emma showed him the ring and waited for his response. The golden symbol engraved in the ring glowed with the two little red gems. It was a magnificent piece, almost as if a genius craft maker had taken inspiration from heaven. The way it was done was marvelous. A masterpiece. Victor's eyes stared at the ring for a few seconds and wondered where did she get that kind of gold. If she had sold it before, then her debt would have disappeared too. It was not as if she didn't try it, but the elders didn't let her do that. They knew it was the clue to find her real identity. However, Emma didn't hesitate to go to the ma
The man let her stay in his lap for the rest of the journey. As they were moving around the roads, she noticed that they were leaving the small town and entering what seemed a base surrounded by tall trees and a metal fence."We will stay here, for the time being, my love," the man whispered and kissed her long hair. Emma didn't care as she was tired. For now, she shall pretend to agree with the man and his needs.She closed her eyes and slept without care. When she felt that he carried her to a room and into a bed, she let him caress her face as she succumbed to her dreams. Again, the man with the red eyes showed up. This time, however, the symbol on her ring appeared in the chest of the man as he was more intense in making love to her. He pulled her to his body and it was as if he was really there sharing his warmth. Emma didn't fight it, she wanted to see him, to touch him and remember when she wakes up in the morning. "Who... who are you?"She whispered as s
Nothing.The eyes and the figure suddenly disappeared without a trace. There was no red glinting and calling her that night, but the feeling remained. She knew it was someone from her memories, that person was looking for her eagerly and she wanted to be found. She returned to the restaurant that night with many thoughts filling her mind. The man's figure, the red eyes, the longing in her heart. She even forgot about the testing of her powers, she had more important things to figure out that night. However, just as she was about to reach the entrance of the street, she heard screams. The voice was from her aunty and many other men. "Trash everything! Don't leave a single piece standing!""No, please," the voice of the old woman came with a painful cry. "Leave him alone, he is already badly injured." "Shut up!"Then more screams and shattering of windows and wood. There were at least a dozen tall and strong men with bats and metal long bars dest
The restaurant, which once was filled with chatters and laughter, was now echoing with silence. The few last days, the old elders kept it closed as it seemed that no one would enter the business for fear of the consequences, they will go to the neighbor town to sell some of their goods, though the journey there was a bit long."I will go out," Emma said after her training in her room. She had been having more progress in controlling her illusions, but it was not enough, she needed to test them. She came down the stairs and the two elders were already finishing preparing for the next day as they will go to a faraway market. "Is there something you need from the shop?""Darling, I thought you were already asleep," the old aunty came forward with a caring look, "you should go and sleep, you must be tired."Emma smiled, she knew that the old woman had seen her training, "I am fine, aunty, but I wish to take some fresh air now. There is something I want to test