Chapter 32

"While I am being nice." Lucian added.
One of them dropped his sword because he was shaking to much. "How...is this...possible?"
Lucian narrowed his gaze. "You..." He began pointing at the guards. "You are the one who burned me? Aren't you?"
The guard fell on his knees. "I...I...I am sorry y..yo..your highness. Please don't kill me." He stuttered.
The other guard fell on his knees as well. "Please don't kill me, your highness. I swear my loyalty to you."
The first guard shook his head violenty. "Yes me too. I swear my loyalty to you."
Pierre stood there confused. His guards just abondened him. Should he run? But to where?
"I don't need your loyalty but I'll give you a head start." Lucian said looking amused. "Run as fast as you can because if I catch you, I'll burn you alive."
Even though his brother was not speaking to him Pierre felt like running but instead he fell to his knees as his legs couldn't hold him up anymore. There was something very frightening about Lucian and he couldn't quiet put his finger on what it was. The fact that his brother didn't look at him once only added to his fear.
"Your highness please, we will do whatever you want. I have a family." One of them cried.
"I said run!" Lucian repeated and this time they got up quickly and ran away clumsily.
Then ever so slowly Lucian turned his gaze to Pierre. "Why so quiet brother? You were so good with words."
Pierre felt wetness on his face as if someone poured water over his head, but he knew it was his own sweat. He must have looked so little and pathetic. He tried to gather some courage but as he gazed into Lucians eyes he saw a rage like no other. This was the end, he thought.
Lucian took more steps forward and then crouched so that they were on the same level. He looked Pierre in the eyes.
"You are mistaken brother. This is not he end. It's only the beginning." He said.
He could read his thoughts. Pierre felt his head spin and black spots began to cover his eyes before everything became dark.
Lucian stared at his brothers unconscious body on the ground. He was really dissapointed but he would get to torture his brother eventually. First he would let him get over his state of shock and get grip over the reality and then he would begin with his favorite task. Torture.
For now he orders his men to throw Pierre into a cell and he proceeded to find the ones who threw him into a well and burned him. As usual they tried to gain some sympathy by mentioning that they had families.
"Your highness please. I have a family. They can't live without me."
"And I didn't have a family?" Lucian raised a brow.
"That's not what I meant. I was...I was just following orders."
"No you were not. Pierre told you to get rid of my body. The natural thing would be to bury it, not throw it in a well and burn it to ashes."
The soldiers eyes darted around unsure of what to say next. Lucian nodded for his men to take them away.
"No, no. Your Highness, please! I promise to serve you with loyalty for the rest of my life. Please spare me once." They called as they got dragged away.
Lucian was too tired right now too torture them and he did not want to kill them yet. He would take care of more important things first and then he would enjoy his revenge.
"Your Highness." Callum came walking toward him with Hazel trailing behind. Lucian noticed the blood that seeped down her arm.
"What happened?" He asked and rushed to her.
"Nothing." She smiled. "Just a little cut."
Callum fell on one knee and bowed his head. "I'll accept my punishment." He said in a regretful voice.
Hazel chuckled. "He is funny. There will be no punishment. You protected me well. Get up on your feet." She ordered.
Lucian realized that Hazel had become much more strong and confident. She must have gone through a lot for her to change so drastically, he thought. Anyway, he liked this version of her.
Callum got up on his feet and that's when Lucian realized that he had lost his man to Hazel. He would not have stood up without his order otherwise. Callum would now be more loyal to Hazel than anyone.
"You dissapoint me Callum." Lucian said with humor, meaning that he got hurt.
Callum looked at him carefully. "I am sorry, Your Highness." He said geniunly.
"Don't be. I just hope she chooses you the way you chose her."
Callum looked at Hazel and she looked at them both confused. Just when she was about to say something, Lucians men gathered and informed him that everything was done accordingly and now the castle was his. After such a long time he was back home, the home he never liked but now that would change. He would make this place into a real home, with his wife and he would make it up to her for all the mistakes he had done.
"Well, while we are at it, why don't you choose your own two personal guards." Lucian suggested turning to Hazel. "You can choose anyone except for Lincoln."
"I don't need personal guards." Hazel whispered.
"Yes you do. You will be no princess anymore, you'll be a queen." Lucian whispered back.
Hazel looked at the guards but not for too long. "I chose Callum and Oliver." She said.
They both came forward, bent a knee infront of her and swore their loyalty. Lucian found it all amusing. He was so used to having his men only obeying him and now he would have to get used to them obeying his wife.
Hazel left with her guards to treat her wound and Lucian went ahead to take care of the rest.
"How are things going?" Lucian asked Julian.
"We have informed the people of this kingdom that you will be their king and general Black is preparing for your coronation tomorrow."
Lucian nodded. He couldn't believe how fast things happened. Would the people of this kingdom accept him as their king or wouldl there be more war?
"You said you would take care of the witches. How?"
"You don't have to worry about the witches. We don't like uneccesay fights. You are a drosht and half demon, your father is the devil himself and your mother is a very powerful witch, now even half demon I guess. The witches would be fools to pick a fight with you unless they are sure they will win, and witches are anything but fools." Julian explained.
He couldn't say the same about the demons.
"And what if they want to fight."
"Then there will be a problem because it means they have gathered really powerful witches. Those are scary." Julian pointed.
"Do you know the most powerful witch?" Lucian asked.
"There is no most powerful. The leader of every coven are the most poweful ones."
"Then arrange for me to meet your leader." Lucian ordered.
Julian hesitated. "Your Highness. I don't think it's a good idea."
"Just do it." Lucian insisted.
Julian nodded then left.
Lucian sat back down with a sigh. He had too many things to take care of. Humans, witches, demons, it was just too much.
He lay back and closed his eyes. He knew he had a lot to do but he just wanted to rest for a short while. Hazel next to him would make it all better.
Hazel. He called her inside her mind. He wasn't sure if she would hear it but he hoped so. After a while he heard the door open, some footsteps and the she was laying next to him on the bed.
He didn't open his eyes, he just inhaled her sweet scent, mixed with blood.
"Did you treat your wound?" He asked.
"Yes."
"And your maids are safe?"
"Yes."
"And.." before he could ask any further Hazel pressed her lips to his and kissed him viciously.
"You worry to much, husband." She said after breaking the kiss.
Lucian put on arm around her waist and flipped her over so that he was laying on top.
"Now you should worry, because I won't let you out of this bed."
.
Klara could see a shadow in the darkness slowly stalking toward her bed, but she didn't feel the least bit scared. She already knew who the shadow belonged to since he came to visist her everynight. No! Not only visit, he did other things as well.
Klaras heart raced as he slowly neared her bed and then carefully removed the blanket. She was only wearing her nightgown which had slipped up and was now revealing her legs and thighs. He leaned down and then slowly traced his fingers up her leg and down her thigh.
Closing her eyes Klara could feel his fingers slowly sliding under her dress and his face came close to hers. His hot breath tickled her lips and she wondered if he would kiss her.
"Open your eyes, Klara." His musculine voice was low and made her shiver in anticipation.
She wanted him to kiss her. Just a bit closer and their lips would touch.
"Klara! Wake up!"
Just a bit closer..
"Klara!"
And closer....
"Klara..?"
A bit more...aaaand he kissed her!
Or maybe not. The kiss was too short, only a peck followed by a load feminine laugh that woke her up.
Klara shot her eyes open and looked around confused. What just happened?
"You..you.." Astrid could barely talk because she was laughing too much and rolling on her bed.
Klara sat up. "Whats wrong with you?" She asked rubbing her eyes.
"You..." Astrid stopped laughing and took a deep breath. "Ok sister. Now you need to tell me what or who you were dreaming of?."
Klara shrugged. "No one."
"Please. You were pouting your lips desperatly that I just had to give you a kiss, otherwise you wouldn't wake up." She chuckled.
Klaras cheeks burned. She had been dreaming of Roshan. Again!
Since she came back she hadn't been able to stop thinking about him. The way he had kissed her on the rooftop kept repeating itself in her mind and the taste of him still lingered on her lips.
Not only did he wander in her mind all day but also in her dreams all night. What if he had done something to her? It had to be that way because thinking about him this much was abnormal and annoying. She wanted to move on with her life especailly now when her brother had welcomed her back and wasn't forcing her to get married anymore.
Rasmus had been so angry when she came back and he scolded her like never before.
"Where have you been?" He had asked with clenched teeth.
Klara looked down terrified. Her brother could be really scary when he was angry.
"Answer me Klara! Where have you been?"
Klara couldn't tell him where she had been. It was too complictaed.
"Do you know how worried I was? Do you know all the things I imagined while you were gone? All the things that could have happened to you. I didn't even know if you were dead or alive. Do you know how that feels?"
"I am sorry." Klara apoligized. "But I had no other choice. I don't want to marry him."
Rasmus hit the table with his fist. "And I wouldn't force you if you had chosen one yourself and if you hadn't betrayed me." He yelled. " I raised you Klara. You and your sister were only eight when mother and father died. I took care of you both. I raised you, I fed you, I clothed you and I protected you and how do you repay me?"
It was true. Her brother had done everything for her. He had raised her into a strong woman and made sure she had everything she needed. He always treated her with love and respect, so she could understand that he was hurt by her actions.
"I am sorry." Tears filled her eyes bacause of guilt.
Rasmus sighed. "I thought you were dead when I couldn't find you."
"I am sorry." She repeated. The tears fell down her cheeks.
Her brother looked her up and down. "Are you unharmed?"
She nodded.
"Come here." He opened his arms and Klara went to hug him.
Oh, she had really missed her family. "I am sorry."
"It's alright." He said stroking her hair.
"Please brother. I don't want to marry him. I promise to choose one myself."
Rasmus grabbed her face. "You better hurry. You are twentytwo, Klara. All the women in your age are already married. If you don't get married now no one will marry you."
"I know." Klara said.
Most girls got married as soon as they turned seventeen if not before. Klara knew she was very late with the whole marriage thing but she didn't think she would be. She never expected Lucian to be already married when he came to visit them.
None of it mattered now. Her brother wanted her to find someone soon and her sister had already arranged for her to meet some suiters.
Klara didn't look forward to it but she knew she had to go through with it eventually. Unfortunatly none of them caught her interest
One of them only kept talking about himself and the other only spoke of war and politics. Klara could see that he only saw her as a weapon to gain more power.
One kept praising her beauty the whole meeting which made her uncomfortable and one barely said anything and she had to lead the conversation. Some of them she didn't even listen to because her mind drifted to Roshan. That man had occupied her mind and she couldn't help but compare every man to him. Unfortunatley none of them made her feel anything close to what Roshan made her feel.
"You seem disappointed." Astrid noted.
"I mean they are all good looking and powerful, but...I...I don't know. I don't feel anything." Klara said frustration clear in her tone.
"The feelings will come." Her sister assured.
"What if they don't? What if I never feel anything for anyone and then I have to marry one of them?" The though terrified her.
"What do you think of Noah? He is handsome and charming, even funny."
Yes Noah. He had been the only charming one of the bunch and he was very good looking as well. He aslo seemed to listen to her and not only talk, but her mind had been elsewhere.
Roshan.
He was the problem. She needed to deal with him first before she could fokus on finding a suitor.
At night when everyone went to sleep Klara locked herself inside her room. She grabbed the necklace that Roshan gave her and then she called him inside her mind. It was crazy, but she hoped it would work. When nothing happened she tried again only this time she whispered his name.
"Roshan."
She waited for a while and when nothing happened she gave up and decided to go to bed, but just then she heard his voice.
"Hello princess."
Klara turned and found him standing next to her bed. He looked as handsome as she remembered, if not more. He wore a royal blue shirt that sat loosely on his torso and a pair of black trousers. His hair seemed wet or maybe it was the dim light that made it glow, either way he looked excuisite.
"You came." Was the only thing she managed to say.
"I thought you wouldn't need me." He said taking a few steps toward her.
His male energy seemed to already effect her because her heart began to race as he came closer.
"I don't. I just want you to undo whatever it is you have done to me." She crossed her arms over her chest.
"And what have I done to you?" He asked with a frown.
"You know what you have done. Just undo it." She ordered.
"I can't undo it if I don't know what it is."
"You're doing your demon thing...manipulating me to...to think about you all the time. I just want you to leave my head." She sounded frustrated.
Roshan took a step forward looking at her carefully. "You were thinking about me?" He sounded surprised but pleased.
"Yes, because you are in my head and now I want you to leave." She tried to sound calm but failed. Not that Roshan seemed to care. He was busy enjoying the situation.
Crossing the distance between them he grabbed her chin. "Listen princess. If I am inside your head it's becaue you are thinking about me and not because I am manipulating you. If I wanted to do that I would have had you pinned to my bed by now."
His eyes held hers. Klara could see the l.u.s.t in those Hazel eyes combined with something else she couldn't understand, but whatever it was brought a fluttering feeling to her stomach.
Annoyed by the way he made her feel she drew away from his hold.
Roshans lips curved into a knowing smile. "Admit it princess. You want me."
"I don't." She hurried to say as if trying to convince herself.
"You said it yourself, that you have been thinking about me." He reminded. "If you don't want me I'll just leave and you can keep thinking about me. Or...you could actually have me."
God, he was so convincing. What did he expect from her? To tell him to stay and do what?
Pin her to his bed. Well, it would be her bed now. Was she really believing that he didn't manipulate her? Then she would have to admit that she indeed had been thinking about him. No, not only thinking but dreaming and fantasizing as well. Shame on her. If he hadn't kissed her like that on the roof top she wouldn't have thinking about him this much.
Oh great! Now she was blaming him when she has kissed him back willingly. God, what was she suppsed to do with him? Or with herself?
"You are a demon." She said not sure where she was going with it.
"Yes, I am. And?"
"And...and nothing! I just want you to leave me alone." She was desperate to stop thinking about him.
Roshan raised a brow. "I would have, if that was truly what you wanted."
You don't know what I want, she wanted to say but the look in his eyes told her he knew very well. Deep down she knew as well, she just had to admit to herslef.
"Have a good night Roshan." She said turning away from him and when she turned back he was gone. He didn't even say goodnight. Was he angry with her?
She shouldn't care but she did and it kept bothering her the whole night.
The day after she met Noah. Klara tried really hard this time to forget about Roshan and focus on the man infront of her. Noah was tall, with beautiful long brown hair that reached his shoulders. His dark brown eyes were as warm as his smile and he had a dimple on his left cheek. He was not only goodlooking but smart as well, yet Klara felt nothing as she walked with him in their garden while he spoke of his travels around the worlds. He had seen a lot and Klara could tell that's how he gained his wisdom, by meeting new people and learning different cultures. He would be a perfect match for her. She knew it but she didn't feel it.
"So, what do you think?" Astrid asked when Klara came back.
"I like him." Klara said simply.
"Really?" He sister sounded pleased.
Klara nodded. "Yes."
"But...do you just like him?" Astrid knew something wasn't right.
"Yes. I am not interested in love."
It was true. Noah was a perfect match for her, besided she wasn't looking for love. She didn't believe in love anymore. Those things happened only in stories. In real life love wasn't a good thing. It was something that could hurt you, that could make you selfish and stupid and something that people could use against you. Why would she need such thing?
"Love is not an interest. It's a feeling that you can't help and if you don't feel it then you just don't." Astrid explained.
That was the problem. Klara thought that she could never love again. What she felt for Roshan was just an attraction and what she felt for Noah was only respect.
"Love is not a necessity."
Her sisters expression turned somehow into a sad one. "I know you are hurt but it's not going to hurt everytime."
"No, but it can hurt a second time." And Klara couldn't handle a second time.
No she couldn't. She could not fall in love with a demon! That was a big no!
Everything was going smoothly. Lucian got his revenge on his brother and today, he was getting crowned. Very soon he would be the king of Decresh, the king of one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world. But Lucian didn't seem happy. Something was bothering him and he wasn't talking to me about it.
"Is something wrong?" I asked while the maids helped him get dressed for the cronoration ceremony.
Lucian smiled. "No, nothing is wrong."
I motioned for the maid to stop doing whatever she was doing. "Leave us alone." I ordered and the maid left queitly.
I went to Lucian and placed my hands lighlty on his shoulders. "You are going to be a good King." I assured him.
He grabbed my face with both his hands and placed a kiss on my forehead. "Only with you by my side." He smiled.
"I'll always be by your side." I said adjusting his hair and then I took a step back to see if everything was in place. "I think you are ready to go."
Lucian entered the throne hall walking with grace and confidence. Not many people were envited, only high rank generals, politions and some priests. General Black wanted Lucian to be crowned as soon as possible therefore not many could attend the ceremony.
The priest who was supposed to crown Lucian didn't look very pleased, probably because of the rumors that happened to be more than just rumors. I wondered how the priest would react if he found out that he was indeed placing the crown on the head of the devil's son. He would probably die of shock.
After announcing Lucian as the king of Decresh the priest placed the crown on his head. That was it. They made a great deal out of nothing.
Everyone kneeled to their King and swore their loyalty then Lucian motioned for me to come forward. I looked around confused. Why was he telling me to come forward?
With hesitant steps I walked up to him and then gave him a questioning look. Lucian gave the priest a nod and then turned to me. He took my hands in his.
"Will you be my queen, Hazel?" He asked.
"Of course." I replied still confused.
He turned to his left where the priest now stood with another crown. The crown was made of gold and adorned with stones and diamonds. Lucian was crowning me as his queen. Now!
A king never crowned his queen at his own cronoration ceremony. Usually they chose their queen later on and it wasn't necesserly the first wife, rather the most powerful one. The rest were only reffered to as the kings wives and not as queens. There could only be one queen and Lucian was crowning me as his queen, right now.
Lucian took the crown carefully from the priest and then ever so slowly placed it on my head without hesitating. I wanted to say something but everything was happening so fast that I didn't have time to think.
"I hereby name you queen of Decresh." He said loudly so that everyone could hear. "Kneel to your queen." He then ordered.
Everyone in the room kneeled and bowed their heads. This was not how it was supposed to be but Lucian didn't seem to care about any rules. No, he wasn't because he suddenly took my hand and began to lead me out of the hall.
"Where are we going?" I whispered.
"You will know soon." He replied.
And soon we arrived at our chamber. Lucian shut the door behind him, removed the crown from his head and then mine before grabbing my head and capturing my lips in a heated kiss. I was surprised by his sudden l.u.s.t but I kissed him back while he opened the straps on my dress and then let it slide down my shoulders. I opened the buttons on his shirt and he took it off swiftly all while still kissing me.
Suddenly we were in bed, our bodies pressed againts each other, his hands roaming the sides of my body and my fingers entangled in his hair. Soon more clothes came off and our bare skins moved against each other. I should take a moment and ask why things were happening so fast but I was lost in the heat and too aroused to think. We were not speaking, only touching, kissing, feeling and making love, just like last night and even thought we just made love last night we still craved each other as much.
After crying out for the third time Lucian rolled over and I lay there breathless next to him. For a while we just stared at the ceiling and tried to catch our breaths. What on earth just happened? We never did it like this before, fast and quiet but still very intense. I guess lovemaking was not always slow and sensual.
"Are you alright?"
I nodded. I could still not speak, probably not walk as well. Three orgasms in such short amount of time was too intense. I could still feel my legs quiver.
Lucian turned to his side and rested his head on his hand. "Was it too fast for your liking?" He asked while looking at me.
I shook my head. "No. I liked it."
He caressed my cheek with his thumb. "Hazel, I will be really busy from now on but anytime you need me, you just call me. Alright?"
"Alright."
He leaned in and kissed me quickly. "I need to leave now." He said apolegitically.
"I know." I smiled.
As a new king there was a lot of pressure on him and a lot of things to do. I just hoped that he wouldn't overwork himself. I watched him while he got dressed and this time he seemed much more calm. Could lovemaking relieve stress? Then I would let him love me all day, everyday.
I swung my legs down the bed and stood up but my legs felt weak and wobbly. Maybe all day everyday would be too much then. I needed to walk after all.
Once Lucian left and I got dressed I went to the library, with Oliver and Callum trailing behind me. Now that I was queen I needed to educate myself a bit more. I refused to be useless like I used to be.
"Oliver."
"Yes, My queen."
My queen? That sounded strange but I liked it somehow.
"I need good simple books about politics and war."
Without asking questions, Oliver looked throught the bookshelf and then found some books for me to read. He then helped me carry them books back to the room. The room was already cleaned and Lydia was polishing the mirror while Oliver placed the books on the table.
"Anything else, My queen?"
"Yes. Lydia!"
"Yes, My Lady."
"Serve this young man something delicious to eat. A lot of it." I ordered.
"Yes, My lady."
"There is no need, My Queen." Oliver protested.
"It's an order." I said.
He had regained some weight but he still looked weak.
I turned to Callum. He had regained his strenght completely and looked just fine. Still, I wondered if he wanted to eat something as well.
"I am alright, My queen." He hurried to say.
I nodded. "You may leave."
Once I was left alone I took my books and went to the garden where I began to read while sitting on the swing. After two hours of reading and only understanding a half hours read I gave up. Where was Klara when I needed her? She had even promised to teach me some fighting skills. Could be useful in a world full of witches and demons even if one of them slept right next to me everynight.
I thought of Lucian. Of everything he must be going through right now. After dying, getting tortured, coming back to life and losing his memory he met his real parents. One of them he thought was dead for many years. I wondered how he was doing mentally. How confused and maybe angry he must feel. He didn't deserve to go through all that, not after growing up lonely and mocked by everyone.
I wanted to help him heal and get back everything that he had lost or never had.
I needed to meet Irene. I hoped she would come and visit me soon as she had promised.
The rest of the day went by with my writing notes on the things that I understood and memories them.
"What makes you so occupied, My Lady?" Lydia asked while serving me dinner.
"Complicated politics." I sighed putting the notes aside and looking at the food.
I knew Lucian would be to busy to eat with me so I ate alone, not aware of what I was putting in my mouth because my thoughs were elsewhere. I didn't want to spend the rest of my days bored so I knew I had to find something to do during the day. But what?
Right! I needed to learn how to ride. Tomorrow I would ask Oliver or Callum to teach me. I could not wait.
Excited I stood up to prepare for sleep when Lucian suddenly appeared out of thin air. He had learned how to teleport himself.
"Lucian. I didn't think you would come tonight." I said surprised.
"Here I am." He said opening his arms.
I went to hug him.
"Will you stay?" I asked.
He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my hair. "Yes."
"How was your day?"
"It was..." He stopped and I felt him stiffen.
I looked up and found him staring behind me with surprise. I turned to see what he was looking at and found Irene standing infornt of the door. Her face seemed pale and her sad eyes were red, as if she had been crying.
"Lucian." Her eyes rolled back into her head before she fell down on the floor.
"Irene!" I was next to her in a minute and shook her slightly. "Irene!"
I looked at Lucian who stood there with a frown. "She is not responding." I told him.