A week passed swiftly, and the long-awaited day arrived—Anesthesia's wedding to Xoni.
The kingdoms gathered in celebration. Kings, nobles, and villagers filled the great courtyard, their cheers echoing across the lands.
Inside the ceremonial hall, King Hendrick held his daughter's hand. His heart swelled with pride and love as he walked Anesthesia down the altar. She looked radiant in her light red ball gown, the fabric shimmering under the chandeliers.
At the end of the aisle, Xoni stood tall and confident, dressed in a sharp red suit. Her lips curved into a smile the moment she saw her bride.
When Hendrick placed Anesthesia's hand into Xoni's, the hall erupted with warmth. They exchanged vows—words filled with promises, laughter, and forever.
"You may kiss your bride," the priest declared.
Xoni leaned forward, capturing Anesthesia's lips in a tender, yet proud kiss. The crowd erupted into applause.
Sophina rested her head on Hendrick's shoulder, tears glistening in her eyes. He clasped her hand tightly, his own chest heavy with emotion.
At the front row, Xavi sat beside Josephine, who cradled little Adris in her arms. The child sucked quietly on his pacifier, nestled against her.
"Nice wedding, don't you think, Ms. Josephine?" Xavi whispered.
She glanced at him, then nodded. Yes.
Outside, the joyous traditions continued. Anesthesia stood with her bouquet. With a playful smile, she tossed it high into the air.
Gasps followed. The flowers split in two as they fell—one part landed squarely in Tess's arms, the other directly on Josephine's lap.
The crowd hushed. All eyes turned.
Tess clutched her flower nervously. Josephine stared at hers, confused. She wanted to give it back, not knowing its meaning.
"Ms. Josephine," Xavi's deep voice brushed against her ear. "It means you'll be the next to marry. When a bride throws her flowers, the one who catches them is destined to wed next."
Josephine blinked, her gaze darting between the flowers and Xavi. His eyes lingered on her longer than necessary, making her heart race.
At the wedding dinner, laughter and chatter filled the air. Xoni's friends crowded around her. With one arm wrapped firmly around Anesthesia's waist, Xoni accepted their congratulations.
Josephine, however, stayed silent. She watched from her seat, lost in her own thoughts.
"Jojo love, why aren't you dancing, hm?" Ceillie asked gently.
Josephine smiled, hugging Ceillie tightly. She didn't need words—her embrace spoke her gratitude. Ceillie's heart melted. Jojo was precious, more precious than life itself.
Later, it was time for farewells. Anesthesia's siblings hugged her tightly, their voices breaking:
"Bye, Annie!"
Tears shimmered in Anesthesia's eyes as she turned to Josephine. She pulled her into a hug, whispering shakily, "See you soon, Jojo."
Josephine tapped her back gently, a silent promise.
Xoni approached, reaching her hand for Anesthesia. Anesthesia waved through her tears before stepping into the carriage.
"Don't cry, sweetie," Xoni soothed, brushing away her tears and kissing her softly. "I'll care for you now, baby."
Hand in hand, the newlyweds departed.
Three Days Later…
Tess had been avoiding Noah. She slipped away when he came near, buried herself in chores and studies, always finding an excuse.
Noah noticed. He smirked bitterly. She thinks she can hide from me?
By nightfall, Tess wore a dark blue nightdress. Her hair was tied into a neat bun, her body tired from the day's hunting. She had already fed on blood, so she covered Josephine with a blanket before retreating to her room.
She closed the door, locked it, and flicked on the lights—
Someone sat waiting.
Her heart jumped. It was Noah. Tall, shirtless, his black hair slightly tousled, caramel skin glowing faintly under the light.
"Today marks four days, Tess," he said darkly. "Four days you've been ignoring me."
"I-I was busy… with schoolwork… and work too," Tess stammered.
Noah chuckled, low and dangerous. "Tess, darling, that's a big-ass lie."
"It's not!" she snapped, trying to reach the door.
But Noah was faster. He grabbed her, pushing her back onto the bed. With a flick of his hand, the door locked again.
"Your… Highness, please stop this…" she whispered.
That one word—Highness—made him freeze. Slowly, he turned, his eyes glowing fiercely.
He seized her neck, pulling her close. "Look into my eyes, Tess. I know you love me. I heard you telling Jojo. I don't care if I'm a prince—I just fucking want you."
Tess trembled. "B-but… isn't your alliance fixed with Asku? I heard… I heard your mother and hers talking, three days ago. That's why I kept my distance."
Noah blinked, stunned. Then his smirk returned. "So that's it. But Tess… you called me 'Your Highness.' What did I tell you about that?"
His voice dropped lower, hungrier. "Now get ready to scream all night, darling."
In one swift motion, he ripped her dress.
"Noah!" she gasped, but the lights went out as he snapped his fingers.
He pushed her onto the bed, sliding out of his pants. "This is going to be a long night, Tess love. Get ready to beg."
He buried his face between her thighs licking her pussy eating her while playing with her nipples I….i….i..a….a…m c…cumming Tess said, muffling her protests.
"S-st… stop, Noah!" P…p….lease…n…o….ah! she whimpered.
But soon, his body pressed against hers, as he took his cock slowly put it inside her filling her completely.
Shit! Your so Fucking tight Baby Noah said in a whisper tone
Her eyes widened as pleasure overtook her.
"N-Noah… Noah!" she cried out.
"Shhhh…" he hushed, pounding her as he made her cum continuously, their bodies consumed by fire.
They made love until dawn.
The Morning After
Josephine was still asleep when Sophina entered her room. She gently stroked her daughter's face.
"Jojo love?"
Josephine stirred, blinking her eyes open. Sophina smiled. "Good morning."
Josephine's mind cheered silently. Yay! Mama woke me up today!
Sophina dressed her, Ceillie fed her, while Tess emerged from her room, her body sore. Her eyes met Noah's, who smirked knowingly. Flashbacks of last night burned them both. Tess looked away quickly.
"Tess love, what happened to your legs?" Ceillie asked.
"My legs… I fell during hunting last night," Tess lied.
Noah laughed at the excuse. Josephine glanced at him, then signed: You did this. Both Noah and Tess stifled their laughter.
At breakfast, Callum asked, "Hey, Teresa, pass me the spoon."
Tess stiffened. "Don't use my name again."
"Your real name is Teresa?" Noah teased. Josephine nodded innocently.
Josephine touched Tess's forehead. Her eyes turned white, her forehead glowing—visions poured into her mind.
She saw Tess's past: her father's death, her mother abandoning her to burn, her childhood with Callum and Piere stealing to survive, Nana Ceillie saving them, raising them as family. She saw how Teresa adored little Jojo, protecting her since infancy.
Tess's lips trembled. "You saw everything, didn't you?"
Josephine nodded, tears in her eyes.
She touched Callum next. His past unfolded—parents murdered, sister slaughtered, his grief turned to survival. Meeting Piere, wandering from kingdom to kingdom, then finding Tess. Together they stole, until Nana rescued them. Josephine as a baby in his arms, his magic cheering her.
Finally, she touched Piere. His village burning, family gone. Begging on the streets. Callum finding him. Tess joining them. Nana's bakery saving them. Baby Josephine's laughter healing them. Piere reading her bedtime stories, her tiny arms hugging them to sleep.
Josephine pulled away, blood streaming from her eyes.
"Why are you crying blood?" Noah asked.
Tess answered softly. "Because she saw it all."
Ceillie came forward, and Josephine touched her forehead. She saw Nana's lonely life—her lost husband, abandoned children, war, poverty. Hendrick giving her money to care for baby Josephine. The bakery she built with her love of baking. Taking in three starving orphans. Their laughter with Jojo. Her family rebuilt.
Josephine wept harder, then collapsed in Ceillie's arms.
"Jojo!? Jojo!?" Ceillie cried.
Callum carried her, Tess wiped her tears, Piere's healing hands glowing green. "She'll wake soon," he assured, holding her tightly.
Meanwhile, in King Xavi's Castle
Xoni hurried through her duties just to be with Anesthesia. They cooked together, laughed together.
"I love your food, sweetie," Xoni said, kissing her wife.
"Thank you, baby," Anesthesia giggled.
"Ew…" Xavi muttered nearby, holding Adris in his arms.
"What, brother?" Xoni snapped, rolling her eyes.
"What's Josephine's favorite color?" Xavi asked suddenly.
Anesthesia blinked, surprised. Xoni smirked. "Why do you want to know?"
"She loves black and burgundy," Anesthesia answered anyway.
"Alright. Here's a list of things I want you to ask her," Xavi said firmly.
"Hold on—why? You're heartbroken and heartless. I thought she only agreed to this marriage because of Adris?" Xoni said sharply.
"She did. But she doesn't know… it's not only for Adris. It's me too." His voice was steel. "I want her. Ms. Josephine Hendrick Roland. And it's final."
He turned and left with his sleeping son.
Xoni tightened her arms around Anesthesia, kissing her temple. But her eyes followed her brother's retreating figure, unease stirring in her chest.