I released soft moans as I felt his mouth tracing my entrance. We couldn't have the rough passion Yurick favored, but his hands still brought me pleasure. My body trembled warmly, every part awakening to his touch. It hadn't been long since his arrival speech; his body bore the old scars that spoke of a warrior alpha's power. That stirred something deep inside me, even though I sensed something was wrong. I couldn't help but feel how much my body needed him as his tongue moved gently within me, bringing me to a delicate climax. I could still taste him on my lips—just minutes ago, his presence had been so deep, it took my breath away. Yet he knew how to give pleasure, holding my head steady as he moved with steady rhythm, using me as he pleased. That alone left me exquisitely vulnerable.
Now I lay face down on the bed, sensing him settle beside me. My skin glistened with sweat. That sensation lingered—his cold eyes watched me like a precious ornament. Where was the warmth of our farewell months ago?
—Something's wrong, isn't it? —I sat up, reaching for the cloak nearby, covering the marks left during our union. We couldn't overdo it with the pregnancy, but at least I caught a trace of his warmth. His scent always sent delicious shivers down my spine.
—There's nothing to worry about, —the alpha sighed heavily, turning to face me.— We have regained control over the entire kingdom. Nothing else matters.
—Are you still planning to invade Akasia in winter? It's madness to cross the Amarintia forest, —I offered, more as a caution than a challenge.
—I usually value your counsel, —he said, —but this is about power and honor: breaking through the king's defenses and reaching Urukiza before the season ends. We've proven that adversity and weather are no match for our strength. Neopolita was defeated by starving soldiers, by a people long used to scarcity. Do you think I will back down? —His voice burned with fire, his proud face radiating arrogance as he looked at me, as if I were nothing but the bearer of his heir.
—You don't have to prove anything to me, —I replied, walking toward the bathroom as the cloths slipped to the marble floor.— Your speeches only show how superior you think your power is over my people.
—My people, —he corrected sharply, as if it mattered.
—Oh, yes, your people. Of course, how could I forget? —I said with a gentle touch of coldness. I cleansed my skin, rubbing harder than necessary, tracing every mark where Yurick's mouth had been—claiming my flesh, showing to whom it truly belonged. We were bound—only death could sever that bond.
What had happened to the alpha? What was he hiding from me? He'd fled Akasian soldiers, vanished into the forest for days, then appeared on the road with that strange child, as if they were longtime companions. Were there not legends of forest spirits? Amarintia was said to be a magical place, kind to spirits and full of illusions. But who would believe such tales? It was like believing dragons lived among us or in distant volcanoes, just like the old stories. Yet how else to explain the alpha's sudden change? His once warm gaze had turned into the coldest winter.
—I'm heading out, —Yurick said as he gently dried me. I noticed he was dressed in the full noble regalia of Roham.
—To see him? —I asked with an indifferent tone, though my chest tightened. I could pretend. I'd always been a good liar when it came to hiding my true emotions—just as I had been when I lost my family and friends. I couldn't show how much I missed his arms, the way he used to adjust my hair, or even that smug smile, as if he could see straight into the depths of my soul. I was in love—and I hated the way it made me feel. "Seyrim, it's a political marriage. There's no room for foolish passions in this arrangement. What we have is merely a strategy for power that will end in war," I tried to convince myself every day. But who was I trying to fool? I loved him. I had been dragged into the abyss of romantic tales.
—Yes. I need his counsel, —he finally said, after watching me for a few quiet moments.— Don't overexert yourself. You'll need to speak to the people again. Many still distrust me, and before we march against Akasia for good, we must have their confidence.
—And will you bring your companion? —I asked, tying the red silk robe around my waist.
—Yes, —he answered, his voice dry and final. It was a warning—don't ask further.— You don't need to know every detail. Just fulfill your role, Seyrim. —With that, he left. I stared after him until the door clicked shut.
I walked toward the balcony, gazing out at the garden, lost in thought for what felt like hours. Yurick's brother had a kind of influence through his voice—it was dangerous, something I had never seen written in any book. Was there someone who could give me answers? I could try asking the albino directly, but would it bear fruit? Yurick seemed under his spell, and if this was magic of some kind...?
To strike in winter was madness. Why was he so determined? The enemy kingdom's defenses were formidable. We now had two armies; with patience, we could breach their walls after building a trained force. Even if I wanted to focus on that, my mind kept returning to my husband's indifference.
—What did they do to you? —I whispered to the silence. I knew there was something unnatural behind all this. Not that I believed in battlefield romances, but Yurick had kissed me, promised to return to my arms before he left. Then suddenly, he reappeared—wounded, beside the albino—and not even his first glance held warmth. His eyes were cold, fixed on victory. He would fall. I remembered the war councils with my father and the old advisors who ignored my warnings, only to be destroyed by the starving army of Roham. We could have defended ourselves better. Yet Yurick, the alpha, was blinded by the obsession to defeat my grandfather.
I spent the rest of the day resting. That night's dinner would be with nobles from both kingdoms, where the next steps of war would be announced. No one consulted me. As I sat beside the king, I couldn't take my eyes off the albino. The mysterious figure remained expressionless, the blood-red necklace around his neck pulsing faintly, as if alive. I noticed him looking at me—I held his gaze, unwavering, until my personal guard called me. I couldn't concentrate on anything. Was magic truly real? Jamal had proven he possessed some kind of power—none of this could be explained by chance. I bit my finger hard, trying to find a logical solution, but nothing came. When the meeting ended, I went straight to the library. I needed answers.
—Where are you going? —Yurick caught my wrist firmly, though without force.— I need to speak with you about the meeting.
—I'm going to study, —I didn't pull away. There was no reason to.— There's nothing to say about that meeting. I can't tell you what you want to hear.
—But I want your opinion. I'll come with you, —he said, holding my hand.
My heart stuttered at his touch—but I couldn't let myself believe. This was only protocol. So I climbed the stairs alongside him. It was hard to keep up due to the pregnancy, so I had to rest briefly before continuing toward the knowledge wing.
—Bring me everything you have on the Akasia Forest, —I requested of the keeper of the archives, who promptly disappeared among the towering shelves. Meanwhile, the king waited for me at a table by the window. I walked over and sat across from him. We remained in silence for a moment—he seemed contemplative, as if struggling to understand something, his gaze fixed on my face. I only sighed.
—Tell me your thoughts on the strategies, —he finally asked. I offered him a faint, mocking smile.
—You've finally decided to listen? The Forest of Amarintia is Akasia's first natural defense. Their army knows the land intimately—from camouflage to tactical ambushes. Crossing through would be a sacrifice of countless soldiers. And if, by miracle, we pass the forest, we'll meet cold, hunger, and a highly prepared force waiting on the other side.* —I stroked the tattoo on my finger, pondering deeply. I admit, my mind wasn't entirely on the war. Politics had always inspired me, but now it seemed secondary compared to the ache sitting across from me, wearing Yurick's face and a stranger's expression.
—What do you propose? I've only heard criticism, no solutions. —The alpha rubbed his temple slowly, as if thinking hurt.
—Instead of invading Akasia's territory... why not lure them into ours? —I asked, as though posing a simple riddle.— They've lost Brizida—we could let them take it again. Allow them to believe they're gaining ground, then crush them on our soil. Think of it as a tactical advantage: the first blow to Akasia's army will shatter their morale. It will make it easier for us to push forward. That first loss is critical—it shakes the confidence that carried them when they conquered the first city of Neopolita.
Yurick stayed silent, absorbing my words. The librarian returned, placing the first stack of books on the forest onto the table.
—Bring the children's books and mythology volumes too, —I added, and the man headed back into the rows of shelves. I opened the first book, still waiting for Yurick to speak.
—Perhaps you're right, —he finally said. I was surprised. I'd expected him to ignore me in favor of his precious young advisor. Truth be told, I had no idea what the two of them talked about. I wasn't part of that equation. All I knew was that the boy had tended to my husband after the attack.
—Why those books? —he asked, curiosity returning to his voice.
—Yurick, —I closed the book I held and turned to him, my gaze intense.— You haven't been the same since you returned. The way you treat me—and the citizens of Neopolita—is strange, at the very least. I believe something happened during those two days you were unconscious in the forest. —My face burned with the sting of unshed tears. I had to swallow the deep swell of frustration and sorrow.— You used to be warm, thoughtful. I'm certain you felt more than this cold political war strategy you now wear like armor. We were connected... you let me mark you—and now you treat me like a consultation tool, a step on your ladder to power. I'm investigating what could've changed you. —I clenched the book in my hands, trying to appear composed, as if I hadn't just opened my soul to someone who no longer saw its worth.
—I don't understand, Seyrim. You yourself said this marriage was nothing more than a political act—for your people, —Yurick interrupted, his voice tight, disbelieving.— And now you speak as if it were a love story. We are both in this for our nations. Your submission was born of war. Without it, we wouldn't be sitting here. You wouldn't have been received as an equal in this kingdom—you know that. Blood brought us together. Nothing more. —He stood abruptly, startling the young man who returned with more books.— Do what you like here, but you won't find any answers. We both know what this marriage represents. —He paused, turning back to me once more.— I want you in the war room tomorrow. We'll plan our strategy based on your earlier suggestion.
The man carrying the books gave an exaggerated bow, set them on the table, and quietly left. I stared at the table for so long that I could hear the clock striking midnight. Tears slipped down my face.
I had made the fatal mistake of falling in love. I knew that the anxiety, the ache I felt from hearing his cruel words, was born from the feelings I had cultivated—for the bastard who invaded my country, took me as a prize, and once showed tenderness. He once whispered that we were equals, that he wanted me by his side not as a pawn but as a partner. I was pregnant with his child. Damn it all. I felt adrift, without direction or hope. What could I even think?
His smile, his kisses, the warmth of his arms around my body, the way he spoke of equality, of wanting me with him... were those all lies? No. No, I couldn't believe they had been. Those were truths the current Yurick no longer remembered—or refused to. Someone had torn that love from him... or convinced him to cast it aside. I wiped my face, holding back the shaking. I would find the answer. How arrogant that sounded. But giving up wasn't even an option. The passion had driven me to madness.
I spent the rest of the night there. I only requested a jug of water and some biscuits—I had to nourish the child. I felt hopeless. I knew history and geography well. I'd mastered their finer points. But magic? Nothing. I did, however, find references to mythology. Some villages believed forest spirits guarded the land—mysterious beings with unexplainable powers.
"In the forest he dwells,
Hidden, waiting for life,
He longs for those with pulsing veins,
The beat like a clock,
The white creature lurks,
Waits and watches.
He yearns for life, for love,
To love though he cannot feel,
To love and be made whole again,
The one of milk and paper,
The one of moon and night."
That poem was haunting. Yet somehow, it reminded me of the albino. What did I know about magic? Nothing. But clearly, the being who walked beside the king was beyond anything we understood. The only person I knew who had shown any magical ability was Jamal. I had no choice but to seek him out.
I rose when I saw the first light of dawn touch the windows. I returned to my room—there would be a long day ahead. I had duties in the city, the war council to attend, and a mission to bring Yurick back.
—Your Majesty, —a voice called from the courtyard. A soldier approached with wide, unfocused eyes.
—If you want answers, you must meet me here, —she said, extending a hand with a note. Then, she clutched her head in confusion.— What... happened? Oh—Your Majesty! —She bowed deeply, realizing how close she'd gotten.
I gave a brief nod and continued on toward my chambers. I knew who the message was from. But how did Jamal know I needed answers? It could only be magic. There was no other explanation.
But now... would I really go to him? After everything? After he tried to kill Yurick?