LOGIN~CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY~ A slow, understanding smile touches his lips. He hears the promise in it, the reclamation. His hand, which has been stroking my hair, slides down my arm, leaving a trail of sparks. Then it moves to the hem of my nightie, slipping beneath the delicate fabric. His touch on the bare skin of my thigh is electric, a shiver that starts deep in my core and radiates outwards. It is an ache, a delicious, hollow yearning that demands to be filled, over and over. He kisses me then, and this kiss is different. It is a seal on a pact. It is deep, claiming, yet infinitely tender, a silent vow that he understands the shadows but is choosing my light. As his tongue explores my mouth, his hand journeys higher, over the curve of my hip, until his fingers brush against the damp silk of my panties. A soft, involuntary sound escapes me into his mouth. He touches me there, through the fabric, a precise, circling pressure that makes my hips jerk. Then, without
~ CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY NINE~ Two days before Zaiden’s birthday, Nina, my grandma, and my parents walk up to the jet. I stand at the base of the stairs, hardly believing I’m about to experience the luxury of a private flight. Jacob isn’t with us. He had to gone back to school and will only join us in Athenora on the day of my baby bear’s birthday. I hold sleeping Zaiden in my arms as I finally join them. I settle into my seat, watching the crew move efficiently, making sure everything is perfect and that we are comfortable. One of the hostesses adjusts my seat so I can relax more while Zaiden sleeps peacefully on my chest. The flight from Athens to Athenora is short. In less than two hours, we land at what seems like a private terminal. Nina takes Zaiden from me, and he squeals playfully, refusing to let go. They laugh as they fight over nothing, and I can’t help smiling. We step out, and my grandma is assisted carefully by one of the staff. We are led to differen
~CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY EIGHT~ Later in the evening, still wrapped in my towel, I pick up the box containing the gun Adrian gifted me. I had asked Steph to bring it to the house without opening it. Knowing her, she would have had questions if she had seen what was inside. I look at it for a moment, a small smile touching my lips, before I cover the box and tuck it safely back into my wardrobe. Suddenly, Nina comes into the room to help me get ready. She refuses to let me do anything myself, except for taking my bath. “Sit,” she orders gently, guiding me toward the vanity. “Tonight is important.” I don’t argue. I let her take control. She works with quiet concentration, her fingers moving skillfully through my hair, pinning it up into an elegant style that exposes my neck and shoulders. When she finishes my makeup, I stare at my reflection for a moment. My lips are a soft rose color, my eyes glowing under perfectly blended shadows. I look… radiant. When she f
~CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SEVEN~ MELISSA’S POV It’s been two months since everything, and somehow, life is beginning to settle back into a fragile rhythm. I sit in my living room, a glass in my hand, slowly swirling the drink as I watch the house come alive around me. My parents are seated comfortably, chatting quietly. Zaiden crawls across the floor, giggling as he tumbles over his toys. Jacob is packing his bag, getting ready to return to school tomorrow, while Nina flits between everyone, balancing a plate of homemade snacks and chatting as if nothing could touch her joy. Grandma sits in her chair, half-watching the television, muttering to herself occasionally, content just to be part of the household’s warmth. Steph has been holding the hotel together, keeping everything running smoothly in my absence. She stops by, reporting the latest updates. Sam and Leo are getting married, moving forward with their lives in separate cities. I don’t blame them; some
~CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX~ MELISSA’S POV “How do you feel?” Adrian asks quietly. “I’m… fine,” I answer, though my voice doesn’t sound convincing even to my own ears. Before I can say anything else, he suddenly leans closer. His lips brush against mine. The kiss is quick, almost intimate, but it leaves me frozen. My mind struggles to catch up with what just happened. By the time I process it, he has already pulled away. He blinks, looking slightly embarrassed by his own action. “Sorry… I couldn’t help it,” he says softly. I shake my head a little. “It’s okay.” A silence settles between us, but the question that has been haunting me pushes forward again. “I remember Blake being shot,” I say slowly. “It’s still a bit blurry… but what happened to him?” Adrian goes still. The moment I see the change in his expression, something inside my chest tightens painfully. I already know. Still, a tear slips down my cheek before I can stop it. I whisper, m
~CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE~ MELISSA’S POV They all settle down comfortably in the room, each of them taking a seat like they plan to stay for a while. The atmosphere slowly becomes calmer. After a moment, I finally ask the question that has been on my mind. “So… what about Adrian?” Frederick leans back in his chair. “He should be boiling in anger right now,” he says with a small grin. “We left him behind and came here first to see you. And knowing him, he probably intended to be the first person you laid eyes on.” Jacob nods in agreement. “He’s a true king,” he says thoughtfully. “His strength and his sense of justice are admirable.” I look at him in surprise. Hearing my brother speak that way about Adrian is unexpected. Jacob rarely praises people, especially someone in power. I can’t help but wonder what Adrian did that made him respect him this much. The nurse finishes adjusting the tray and steps back. My eyes move to the simple meal in front of
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE My heartbeat stutters. “A… rank?” “I’m not interested in any rank,” I say, voice steady, unwavering. “I didn’t ask for this. I don’t want it. I just… want to give birth to my baby and live my life in peace.” Cassia doesn’t waver. Doesn’t argue. Doesn’t flinch.
FEAR AND DESIRE He sinks back into the golden chair, long legs stretching out as if he owns the room, which, of course, he does. “Let’s not spoil the fun,” he says, voice casual, but the weight behind it makes my chest tighten. For a moment, I see him, not the king,
~THE QUEEN’S WRATH~ Nina walks beside me, clutching her hands like she’s holding her own fear together. As we descend the stairs, the air changes,heavy, cold, sharp. When we reach the sitting room, I stop. There she is. The Queen. Her gown glitters like a jeweled storm, ever
HE IS STUCK IN MY HEAD Later that night. Nina, the maiden assigned to me, brings in fresh clothes, soft silk nighties, and a stack of towels that look too expensive for someone like me to touch. After the madness of today, the shower feels like the only place I can breathe. The bath







