by L C Taylor
“Alex!” Onika turned to see Sarifena running towards her.
Alex practically jumped from her hold into Sarifena’s arms. She held him close, her tears of joy spilling from her eyes. Sounds of shouting snapped them from their reunion. Onika smiled, “Well, that’s unexpected.”
Heath was astride Nicholas, pounding into his face. Captain Stephens was trying to pull him off, with no luck. His rage could be seen and felt by even a blind man.
“Heath,” Sarifena called out to him, “HEATH… please. Alex needs you.”
Onika watched as his rage transformed into something else. Something akin to relief. She watched as he released his hold on Nicholas and rushed to her side. He held Sarifena and Alex so tight, Onika wondered if he was hurting them.
“Your Majesty,” Commander Brady spoke, reminding Sarifena they still had an issue to address.
“Hold him,” she reluctantly passed Alex into Heath’s arms, “I need to see the man who dared fuck with me.”
“This is going to be good,” Onika propped herself on the edge of the couch. Heath caught her sinister grin and shook his head, making Onika cock an eyebrow at him.
Onika watched as Sarifena grabbed Nicholas by the shirt, “Why. Did. You. Do. This.”
Nicholas looked at his feet, refusing to speak.
“Who are you? Who put you up to this horrific stunt?”
“You might as well kill me,” he huffed, “I’m as good as dead anyway.”
“You tell me this instant who paid you to do this.”
“No. I’d rather sit in prison for the rest of my life, than risk death. You have no idea who you're messing with. He’s crazy and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.”
“And what is it he wants?”
“To rule all six kingdoms.”
Sarifena barked out a laugh, “Is he mad?” She glanced at Onika, “Do you hear what this imbecile just said?”
Onika sauntered over, “You should reconsider telling us,” running her finger across his shoulder, “because I don’t play fair like my sister. I’ll make you wish you were never born.” Onika couldn’t contain the power. It needed to seek out and destroy him. Her rage was too deep, her hand began to glow, giving off an eerie sensation in the room.
Nicholas began to scream, dropping to his knees, “Please…stop… please,” he begged.
“Onika,” Onika felt Sarifena’s hand brush against her shoulder as she whispered into her ear, “stop. You're hurting him. We aren’t monsters like him.”
Onika pulled her hand back, “Fine. But now he knows what he’s up against. That my friend was just a taste of my magic.”
Chapter 21
It happened in a blink of an eye. Captain Stephens moved to take him from the room and all hell broke loose. Nicholas got the Captains gun, but not before they wrestled over the weapon. A shot resounded through the room, making everyone still.
Commander Brady was at her side, checking her over, just as Heath was checking Sarifena. “I’m fine, Commander. Check on the Captain, he appears to be in shock.”
“I didn’t mean for it to go off,” Captain Stephens muttered.
“Calm down, Jake,” Commander Brady called him by his name, trying to snap him out of his panicked state. “You did the right thing, Doc – you think you could check him?”
Onika watched the myriad of emotions pass over Heath’s face. Here was the man who’d kidnapped their son, yet he was being asked to check him over.
The next few minutes was a flurry of activity. Nicholas Brigham was dead, he could no longer tell us what secrets he held.
“Onika, how can I ever repay you?” Sarifena peppered Alex’s head with kisses, her soft voice snapping Onika into reality.
“Stop. You're my sister – as weird as that is to say out loud. I protect my family, Sari. When the commander called us and told my men what was going on, there was no way I would’ve said no.”
Giving Sarifena and Alex a hug, Onika bid her farewell. She knew that the three of them needed time alone. It had been a rough two days, Onika wanted to go home and crawl into bed with Luca.
Onika found Luca waiting on her when she arrived back home. He’d come to realize she wasn’t one to coddle or follow around, even though it killed him to sit by and wait, that’s exactly what he did.
“Everything go alright?” He pressed his lips to hers.
“He’s dead.”
Luca hissed, “Dead? What the fuck happened?”
“He tried to take the Captain’s gun and it did not go well for him.” Onika sashayed past him, her hips brushing against him.
“Everyone’s alright though?”
“Yes. I just wish I could have gotten something out of him. Anything. I did get to torture him with my magic, but he wouldn’t give up the information.”
“Shame…” Luca pulled her into his arms, “I sense something else is bothering you.”
“How is it you’re so intuitive to me?”
“Maybe because I’ve had every inch of your body and you're burned into my soul.”
His lips captured hers, his tongue slipped past her moist lips reminding her he owned her body and soul as well. When he broke the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers, “Now, what’s got you so tense.”
Onika sighed, closing her eyes, she leaned her head down to his shoulder. She wasn’t sure how to explain it to him, hell, she wasn’t sure how to explain it to herself. Lately she’d felt a difference in her magic. A darkness that seemed to fill her veins demanding release. Ever since she learned of her mother’s betrayal, her body craved retribution. She didn’t understand it at all.
“I’m fine, Luca,” looking into his eyes, she decided she wasn’t ready to share her worry with him yet, “I think the stress of everything is catching up to me. I’ll be fine in a few days.”
Luca hesitated, trying to find his words, “You’d tell me if there was something wrong, right? We’re in this together, Onika. You are the only person I support, no matter what.”
Nodding her head, “Yes. I’d tell you.”
She laid her head back down against his chest, his head coming to rest on top of hers. Closing her eyes and relaxing into his embrace, her mind wandered to the letter she’d received a few days ago. A letter that only she and Commander Fritz knew about. The commander didn’t even know what it said, Onika had lied to him, telling him it was more crap about the kingdoms falling. Knowing that the letters before had all stated something similar, he didn’t question her. Onika had shoved the letter in her pocket, later stashing it in her bedroom. She could still see the words in her mind… words that had her quaking to her very core.
In the dark lies evil waiting to get out.
Your heart slowly darkens in a sea of doubt.
The rage and anger will consume your heart,
Allowing the true heir to rise from the dark.
No amount of running will allow you to hide,
You can’t fight against the evil hunger you feel deep inside.
Chapter 22
She woke covered in eternal bliss. Luca had his arms wrapped around her body, his naked chest pressed against her back. They’d spent the last two days exploring each other in bed. As Queen she decided to take some personal time… for them.
Today Sarifena and Heath would adopt Alex formally. They were due to arrive at the castle in a few hours for the celebration. Wiggling her backside against Luca, she sucked in a breath when she felt his erection pressing into her spine.
“Good morning,” his breath tickled her ear.
“I see you’re awake already.”
“Onika, when your body is pressed against me like this, you can bet your ass my dick is going to wake up.”
“Well,” she rolled over, running her palm against the soft skin, “we shouldn’t let this go to waste.”
Luca was on her in an instant. Her legs spread wide as he pushed inside her wet and warm center.
“Looks like I wasn’t the only one ready this
morning.”
He pumped his hips, his cock sliding between her soft lips. Onika arched, her breasts pressing into his face as she bent backwards. Luca sucked a nipple into his mouth, his tongue licking the tiny bud.
“God you feel so good, Onika. I’m not going to last this morning.”
Her body was on fire, her blood pumped the heated needed straight to her groin. She wrapped her legs around him as the prickling sensation of an oncoming orgasm started.
“I’m close,” she whispered into the air.
Luca pumped faster, his cock swelling with each thrust as he drove them closer to release. He couldn’t hold back any longer. His body tensed as her walls closed in around his shaft. Her body swallowed him whole, dragging him deeper in her womb as his seed erupted. Onika cried out, screaming his name as she let go and fell over the abyss with him.
“Jesus… I swear it gets better every time.”
Luca kissed her forehead as he slipped from between her legs. Onika laid stretched out, her naked body glistening in the morning light.
“As much as I would like to take you again, we need to hurry or we will be late.”
“Rain check, then. Race you to the shower…” Onika bolted from the bed, zipping past him into the bathroom. She knew they’d likely be late, because having him in the shower was a morning must.
Just as she predicted, they were fifteen minutes late arriving at the Sapphire Kingdom. No one seemed to notice as they slipped inside. Her heart flip-flopped as she watched Sarifena and Heath sign the papers making Alex theirs. She glanced around the room, happy that everyone was with them…
Everyone but Dimitra. Her stomach churned with acid. Guilt filled her blood, making the anger slowly replace the happiness she’d been feeling. She watched as everyone laughed and made jokes. Rory’s laughter caught her attention, making her move closer to the group. Anthony looked as though he was about to puke, when Sarifena offered him some water.
“No,” he waved his hand at her, “Sorry… it’s just – when you asked that question it reminded me that I have no idea what I am doing. Heath, Sarifena, we’re expecting triplets.”
“TRIPLETS!” Onika blurted out, “Holy SHIT…I’d puke too.”
“Onika!” Emersyn swatted at her sister, “Be nice. Anthony, that’s amazing news.”
“We found out yesterday when I went in for an ultrasound. I was having some pain and we wanted to check. Turns out, there’s three in there,” she patted her small rounding tummy, “fighting for space.”
“Congratulations, Anthony. You’ll be a great dad. Plus, you have Christine and Rory.”
“Thanks. So, Amalee, you’re the only one single now,” Rory cocked an eyebrow at her cousin, “Any men in your life?”
“Um…” Amalee stuttered, her body becoming rigid. Her eyes darted around the room, looking to see who’d overheard Rory’s question. Onika gave her a reassuring look, knowing that the subject made her uncomfortable.
“Nope. My social life is not the new topic for discussion. We have other things to worry about, like bringing home Dimitra.”
Her statement reminded Onika why they shouldn’t be carrying on like this. “Care to tell us what the diary said?” Onika snapped, the anger seeping through her pores.
“I chickened out. I haven’t read it yet.”
“Are you serious? Amalee, give me the damn book if you’re scared. We need to know what it says.” Onika spat, causing everyone to stare at her.
“No… I’ll read it when I get home. I have it stored somewhere safe. Don’t worry.”
“Amalee, it’s important. It may have something inside that will help us find Dimitra.” Emersyn spoke softly.
“Ladies,” the deep voice of Constable Graham caused everyone to turn, “Her Majesty has been busy dealing with the aftermath of the explosion. It destroyed several homes, including a factory. I advised her to put the journal under lock and key and deal with that first. I assure you,” His eyes found their way to Amalee, holding her in place, “she knows what is at stake.”
“You're right, Constable. I’m sorry, Amalee. I guess I am just tense with everything going on.” Onika apologized, her fists clenching by her side. Luca slipped her fingers into his, rubbing her knuckles to calm her. But Onika couldn’t shake the intense feeling of rage.
“It’s fine. I should probably head home. I can read the journal now and let you know what I find.”
“Thank you all for coming. We are happy to celebrate something good. Let’s touch base after Amalee has had a chance to read it.” Sarifena smiled, trying to diffuse the weird situation.
Onika held Luca’s hand as they left. He didn’t speak, giving her time to calm down. He’d learned questioning her when she was upset led to an argument.
Chapter 23
“Onika,” When they arrived home, Luca grabbed her arm. “Stop walking. What’s wrong with you? I saw how you reacted to Amalee. That’s not like you. Please, stop hiding the truth. I know something is going on.”
Onika paused, casting a glance over her shoulder, “Leave it alone, Luca.”
“Leave what alone? This isn’t fair. I love you – stop shutting me out.”
“Shutting you out?” Onika turned quickly. Her magic flowed through her body, begging to be released. She clenched her hands, forcing the prickling of power at bay.
“Yes. Shutting me out. I understand you're a strong woman. Hell, you’re one of the most feared Queens in the six kingdoms. But I am supposed to be your partner. You can’t hide from me. I let it slide that you have to do everything on your own when it comes to your kingdom, but when it comes to us, I won’t sit by and let you push me aside.”
“Really, Luca? You think I should just bend over and let you treat me like a fragile little woman?” Her hands ached, the darkness consuming her being.
“What are you doing, Onika?” Luca’s voice was laced with fear, “Please…”
Onika closed her eyes, forcing the magic to still, she let out a breath. When she opened her eyes, Luca was on the ground holding his head.
“Fuck, Luca,” Onika dropped to the floor, pulling him to her, “Please… Oh my God, I’m sorry,” her tears spilled down her face.
Reaching his hand out, he pulled her to him, “Onika, what’s happening?” His body ached from the magic she’d unleashed. It was only a moment, but the pain he felt was like a thousand needles stabbing his body.
“Luca…” she collapsed against him, “I think I’m in trouble.”
Luca held her as she let her emotions free. Her tears nearly broke him, Onika wasn’t one to show the tender side of things.
“Shhh, I got you. Deep breaths… that’s it, baby.” He pressed a tender kiss to her head, “Onika, you have to tell me what’s happening. I know something is going on, you’ve been acting different since we returned from the cabin.”
“I’m scared, Luca. I…” she took a breath, “I don’t know what is happening to my magic.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s like a darkness flows through my veins, something stronger than just controlling the light. Do you remember at the cabin, when I expelled my magic?”
“Yeah…”
“Did you see the ground around my body? I killed everything, Luca. All the grass, the flowers – they died because my magic touched them.”
“Onika, maybe you just didn’t see they were like that.”
“No,” she sat up, looking him in the eyes, “With Nicholas I made him scream in terror. It was like I had given him nightmares in the dark, torturing him. But that’s not all. Once, on the balcony, I killed a bird. It let me hold it, but then it bit my finger. The next thing I knew it was dead on the ground. I killed it with my magic.”
Luca tightened his arms around her, pulling her head against his chest.
“Luca… I liked it. It made me feel powerful.”
“Have you talked to your mother about it?”
“No… I, don’t be mad, ok?”
“Wha
t?” Luca leaned back, looking down at her.
“Promise you won’t be mad.”
“Fine… I won’t be mad.”
Onika swallowed, “I received a letter a few days ago. Commander Fritz is the only one who knows about it, but I told him it was nothing.”
“Was it nothing, Onika?”
She pulled from his embrace and stood, “Let me show you.” She held her hand out, pulling him from the floor and guided him upstairs to her room. Once he was seated on the bed, she pulled the crumpled paper from her bedside table.
“Here, read it for yourself.”
Luca opened the tattered paper, his eyes tracking the words written. “What does this mean?”
“I don’t know. But I can tell you the darkness is definitely consuming my body.”
“Onika,” he tugged her hand into his, “You are not evil. Is that what you think?”
“Yes…”
“Stop. We are going to call your mother tomorrow and speak with her. I don’t believe for one second you are evil or filled with darkness. This letter intended to make you doubt yourself, and that’s exactly what’s happening.”
“How do you explain what I did to you?”
“Did you mean to hurt me?”
“God,” she cupped his face in her hands, “I would never hurt you on purpose.”
“Exactly… what happened was an accident. With everything you’ve been through, I think you and your magic are out of whack. Let’s get some rest and speak with your mother tomorrow. She’ll have answers, I know it.”
Onika allowed Luca to strip her clothes off her and ease her into bed. He pulled his own clothes off and crawled in beside her. His arms pulled her close, as he nestled his face against her neck.
“I love you, Onika. We will figure this out together.”
“Maybe you’re right. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, Luca. I love you.”
She dozed off in his arms, a part of her still worried about the rage she felt even now, safe in his hold.
Chapter 24
