Page 18

Lucarious

Fuming from my conversation with Eli I hurled my wine glass across the room shattering the ancient blue vase by the corner. Not waiting for the millions of tiny glass shards to fall I was already sending papers flying over the small desk.

"You lied to me!" I bellowed into the eerie silence.

I wasn't even sure if this so-called fae could hear me.

If what he said to me before was true, then he must have been watching us. Doesn't that mean he should be able to see me now?

" You said this would work! You said he would give in!" I bellowed hearing the echoes of my voice in the quiet room.

Silence.

Then a sudden frost froze the air not so much like that of Eli's wintery cold but more like the empty warmth of shadows. Those abominations always gave me the chill.

"Relax," the voice hissed with a hint of amusement. I could practically see the Cheshire grin behind his words. It made the air feel ten times thicker and annoyingly more suffocating. Glaring at nothing I observed the curtains dancing to an unseen rhythm. The windows were closed so it made no sense that the curtains should be flying around like leaves in the wind.

Unfazed by my frustration, the voice continued, "How was I supposed to know he was alive? I barely know his face. Besides, we should look on the bright side. Think, King of Blood and Shadow. If we can't reach Eli, we can target the girl."

My scowl deepened as I pondered on those words. Target Everetta, sure but how? If Eli saw through my antics there was no way Everetta wouldn't. Then again, she hasn't seemed like herself lately, memories or no memories, it was like she was more scattered-brained than usual.

What's more, if I could lure her in with one of her secrets. The problem was which one? If she didn't have her memories wouldn't it just be useless?

So much for that damn idea.

Lyrical laughter chimed throughout the bedroom I was occupying during my stay in the Winter Court. If you ask me they could've given me something much more fitting of a fae with my stature. In this fortress of ice and sapphires, the least they could do was give me a bigger bed.

"Think on this King of Blood and Shadow . What can we do with this newfound information? What does his life mean for us ? For you ? For Eli ? For the girl ? Think beyond the surface, narcissist . If Eli is out of reach, focus on the girl. But don't be too quick to trust the King of Wolves and Ice. Does he seem like someone who admits his faults? In a game of twisted words and hidden lies everything is covered, painted with honey. So think, think. What does that little Wolf truly mean to say? Did he refer to her memories in his little games or perhaps about her mate? " A gust of wind followed those words my only sign that that voice was gone. The curtains dropped their intricate dance soon after leaving me to contemplate what he meant, again.

The dick wad did it to me again! Can't they just tell me shit without coding it in riddles?! Last time it was about Everetta's memories now, what was he getting at? Eli's outrage proved that the presence's information was accurate. Everetta truly didn't have her memories intact. Little good that helped. Thanks to that wretched creeper Eli might as well have me in the palm of his hands. Gods know I would be a fool to play with Flynn again not after last time.

Shaking my head I tossed myself against the leather back sofa. Enough about pondering on the past bargaining is what matters. Now, how could I form a new one? One that would hopefully be more to my tastes.

What was that trickster saying? Was Eli hiding something else besides Everetta’s memories or was it just about Flynn?

Suddenly, the meaning behind his words hit me like a ton of bricks. Fuck! How did I not see that?! Eli wasn't referring to her memories, he was talking about that gods’ damned bastard! How could I have ever thought he was referring to the former.

Chucking a vial of flowers against the ivory blue wallpaper adorned with a golden pattern I watched through a red haze as it exploded into a million pieces.

Ugh! Just thinking about that bastard has my blood boiling.

I needed something to soothe my rage. I popped a wine glass in my hand only for me to shatter it in my grip, splintering it into a hundred small fragments as the echoes of the heated exchange with Eli reverberated in my mind.

That treacherous sheep, how could I have let myself be fooled by such an idiot like Eli? Those fucking Wolf brothers. I swear someday I'll strangle them both. For now, I'll need to do whatever I can to get back what is mine .

Popping another glass in my hand I filled it with red fairy wine, my favorite drink to de-stress.

I let my mind intake all the information I knew so far.

Flynn was alive. He was Everetta's mate, her flame in this world, which was partly why I suppose she was never really mine. The only woman who had ever escaped me. Well her and- The realization hit me like a lightning storm, Akasuki, my former fiancée. We were engaged in both of my lives but we broke it off not too long after our engagement. One because she loved Eli, and he for her. Two because well, I was dethroned in this life. But more so on the fact that she remembered Eli and their love, which was why I assumed that those dick tards already had their memories. Apparently, only one of them did.

I sighed, catching a glimpse of my reflection on the glass shards. I’m not worth much after my crown was taken, am I? I mean besides my looks and might I say I am just dashing today. Angry or not, I was still as handsome as always. Ha! Who am I kidding? I'm dashing every day, no matter what mood I am in.

I couldn't help but admire my wonderfully chiseled chin as I walked to the mirror on the other side of the room. Snapping my figures over my shoulder to clean up the mess I created. I wouldn't want anyone to see my rage quite yet, it would ruin my facade of being a gentleman. I smiled my radiant white teeth at my reflection as I admired the beauty that was me .

Now where was I, right, a sly smile slit across my face as I pondered about this new Flynn. The only way that boy could ever stay away from Everetta was if he wasn't in this realm. The fact that his magic still worked meant he was alive, and closer to me now. I mean this wasn't the only time I've thought about it, making Everetta mine once more.

Wincing I rubbed at the slight pain itching at my heart. Never have I once felt this pain from remembering her like I do now. I've thought about her more than once throughout all my lives, she was a stunning woman. Her luscious but slim curves, true she lacked in the chest region but she had other assets like her chaotic bloodthirsty personality. I’ve never met anyone who could match my levels of insanity quite like her.

If I had to recall when all this pain started to occur it would be- no.

It was when I met Akasuki. But she wouldn't have had the skill to make such a potion. Don’t get me wrong the woman was truly calculative but she was no master of potions and herbs.

From what I recall no spell or potion would ever be able to transcend death, no matter how strong they are, which meant, he had to have met me once before in this life. The only other person with Akasuki who wasn't part of her family that I knew was that attendant of hers. During our engagement meeting, before I was temporarily removed from the throne, we had gathered for a little reunion of sorts just me and her.

And that servant of hers.

I'd thought he was peculiar, in one his hair was obviously fake. I mean come on the cold air around him was just buzzing to freeze me over, which meant he had to be a Wolf only Wolves could admit that frosty air, which meant he had to have blue hair, not that ugly abhorrent chestnut brown shade he was adorning that day. Hmm, now that I think about it maybe that should have been my first clue that he wasn't who he claimed to be. That and Akasuki never really let anyone besides Eli, and a very select group of fae and spirits near her. Not even some of her siblings, though truth be told she does have a lot of them. Twelve if we were counting. I know all the siblings she trusts, including the few outside her family and Eli, so to see her so familiar with her servant when she was never in her past life should have tipped me off. Why didn't it? Well, I also might have been admiring my reflection off the cutlet at the time.

Shit! That tea, that servant of hers was the one who poured and made the tea during our little meeting. Plus, the only reason why Flynn wouldn't go back to Everetta yet might be that he had no clue where she was but no he should have been able to sense her. Unless, reason number two he couldn't sense her, but he would have found another way besides following her magic to track her down. Three, he didn't have his memories back? No, if he poisoned me then he would have. Surely, he wasn't insane enough to poison an innocent man- on second thought he would be. Either way, option four, he was ashamed. Of what? Him not being able to revive in his own body? I highly doubt that would-wait a minute. In the name of all gods did all Wolves have to be so prideful?! Then, there was option five, he was helping Akasuki with something. Akasuki was his future sister-in-law so practically family, and all that. What matters most now is I have a chip to bargain with, I know the new face of the Prince of Poison. Oh, how the tables have turned. I could nearly clap my hand in glee at my genius. There was also the fact that Eli was the only one out of the two of them who had his memories so in other words, Eli must've done something to Everetta's memories. I could use that as my chip if the chances of her believing me were higher than zero. Those two have always been two peas in a pod. But I won't instead I shall feast upon the best of my wines tonight in celebration of my newfound victory. I'll make a bargain with Ev tomorrow.

Grimacing, I rubbed at the phantom pain in my chest, he must be in this realm now. Because since I've met them I've experienced pain when thinking about Ev, yes, but not quite this painful, which meant the spell had something to do with his proximity to me.

The only problem was where in this court? If so then I'll need to act fast. What would be better than simply telling her the location? Giving him to her in a neat bow would make the bargain far more significant and binding than simply stating his appearance.

If the real Flynn was back, the only reason would be because he must have deemed himself worthy again or Akasuki was finished with whatever task she wanted to do. Either way, he was back again. So either I hurry this news to Everetta and get her to come to my side, or tell Eli in exchange for a little favor. Of course, that favor would be to get me back my court.

The problem was how would I locate Flynn. Not only would I not have to deal with a rather unhinged Everetta then again I could just toss that job to Flynn if I brought him with me, bound and gagged. At the moment if I went alone I would not make it out unscathed. I do love my pretty face. It would be such a shame to have it hurt and my body, mhm even I would bang me. Protecting my well-being always comes first; it's as necessary as magic. I nodded to myself. One should protect a fine piece of art such as me.

Now that I think about it Everetta might be the better choice. I might finally get the upper hand with her mind being fucked up.

I might not be able to convince those two and my sister but, Flynn, if I can manage to get him to my side- but that boy hates me with all the bones in his body. No, it doesn't have to be direct. Akasuki, we might not be engaged anymore but it wasn't as if she hated me. In fact, she was one of the few fae who had tolerated me throughout all my lives. It may have been due to our little bonding during the small years we had been engaged. Who knows. What matters is she understands the concepts of tradition, and tradition dictates I ascend the throne and not some little shadow minion. If I could convince her to speak to Flynn about helping me get back my court faster, then he would convince Everetta to help me. Everyone knows she loved the hell out of the boy, the lucky bastard. If Everetta was on board with Akasuki then Eli was sure to hop on board as well. As for my dear little sister, she'll come around.

This was by no means a surefire way to ensure my claim to the throne but I was not going to grovel. I was still a king, crown or not.

I do not bow to anyone.

How about this, first I find Flynn, then go to Everetta. Yes, I'll tell her I found Flynn. Tell them, Flynn and Ev, that Eli was keeping him from her, after all, why hasn't he told her about him and that fake prince yet? Then convince her I wasn't pulling some scheme behind her back and pray that during our little discussion, she doesn't kill me. The only problem is that I have a very small window right now. I have to beat Eli to the punch in telling her about Flynn.

But, if she didn't have her memories back would she still care for him? No, she has to. They were and still are mates. Surely her madness must be somewhat related to her memories trying to come back to her right? No, this has to work. She has to still care for him, memories or not. I'll just explain to her how much Flynn truly means to her. Surely, her feelings for the little snake would shine through with or without her memories, yes?

With a determined grit of my teeth, I took a small map out of my pocket space. I'll find Flynn using an ancient spell, one made by Everetta herself so it should work. I'm only able to do it now because I know he's back in this realm. If he was still in the spirit realm this spell would have been useless, I didn't have a map of the spirit realm.

Unfurling the dirt-colored leather map for the first time since I arrived in this frozen tundra I took note of all the little hills and rivers, the bodies of water, and barren wastelands. To the far right of this court laid a sprawling landscape of dense forests and towering trees. To the left was of course my court but in between laid a massive body of water. It was believed to be home to the few remaining gilled sirens. Once you pass the water you will reach the desert lands of my people. It was like I could already feel the sun kissing my skin as I stared down at the roaring sands. This was a magical map so the images shown were like pop-up miniature figurines of each court in this realm. After my lands, the map starts to welcome the sprawling greens of lush trees and mountains, waterfalls so high it could touch the sky. Once the Spirit Realm portal had been located in the heart of the Dracool Court, that was until they disappeared and created their own little haven. In truth, I was never close with the ruler of that particular fae species. I heard he had a real martyr complex. He and my sister would have gotten along swimmingly. Nothing but leaves and jungles surround the Dracool Court that is until you get closer to the golden empire of this realm, the Griffin Court or as fae call it now the Summer Court.

That court in and of itself is more complex than the whole of the realm. It has two sections the lower and upper court. The capital that allows all fae in is located in the lower court, where those in the upper court call peasants and undeserving. There were two castles one for the queen to host and welcome her guests located in the lower court, and another in the upper court where she rules over her subjects, and they call me vain? The upper court hosts the holy temple, dedicated to the great Chimera who gave the Griffin Court their magic and faeness, I guess you could say. Each court has its own creature who gave us magic but as I said the Griffin Court got theirs from the chimera which is why they worship it. Then there was the select section of nobles who also resided in the upper courts and ' servants ' because the Griffin Court couldn't possibly have slaves being the beacon of light in the realm and all. At least my court wasn't trying to hide slavery for what it was. Those “servants” never see their family again, aren't paid, are required to live with their “ hosts ” and what's worse they are convinced that- that is considered a perfect life. If you ask me that's just wrong but this is just coming from an outsider. Everetta's always said her court was the most vile court there was.

"If you can't smile then you might as well just die." She'd told me once on one of her many tirades about her court.

Like the Winter Court, the Summer was located near the ocean so it had more ports, and because it was also surrounded by lush greens and water that weren't always frozen for most of the year, it could sail more freely. Which was how Everetta's court was dubbed the empire of the realm. It was the court of Dreams and Wealth, so every fae claims.

Slicing the palm of my hands with my small dagger, I watched as the deep red beads of blood splattered onto the parchment like a painter's brush meeting a finished canvas. As the drops made contact, they seemed to come alive, curving across the valleys of the miniature town depicted on the map. The deep red liquid slithered across the paper, tracing the contours of sand and sea, over hills and valleys. The room became coated with my energy as I chanted. The ancient words that slipped past my lips were the only sounds that rang in my ears.

Since I couldn't exactly pinpoint him without a personal part of him, like a lock of hair, I opted for a scavenging spell, allowing me to see everything without physically being present and at ten times the normal speed, in real-time too! It was like a quick speed run across the realm. However, there was a drawback. The more distance my blood traveled through the map, the more magic the spell drained. That's why they, that disembodied voice, wouldn't have been able to use this spell to spy on me, so how was he able to spy on me? It's been plaguing me ever since he told me he could see me, see us all.

Damn it, I can't find them anywhere. I tried to track them using what I had last felt of Akasuki’s magic, but nothing so far. Were they concealing their magic? But with my abilities that shouldn't matter.

You see every magic has a lingering signature, but it is a lot harder to track while casting another spell. Although I could ask that bastard, I'd prefer not to. I do still have some pride left in me. Besides if he hadn't been able to sense that Flynn was alive that meant they were definitely cloaking themselves.

Closing my eyes to try and focus more, I tried again but it was useless with their magic suppressed. Damn it! Frustration surged within me, as I slammed my fist against the solid hardwood desk chipping off a few splinters. Suddenly the doors to my room opened as an unexpected visitor entered—a presence I had never anticipated in this realm.

It was none other than the little princess of this frigid territory, Princess Snow Haukea Steffina Nyrial Olyph Willice Mermaid Wolf, the ice princess, both literally and figuratively. She had an affinity for ice magic with a frosty demeanor to match. In the span of a week, she had turned down no less than twenty men at once before she had her coming-of-age party, or so I've heard, but no one was as alluring as me. Ok, maybe Everetta, but that was because she was part Siren. Those birds were always attractive. I have no clue why the Griffin Court detested them.

I smirked at the disgust the little princess showed towards my obvious appreciation for her rack. The girl had a damn fine body. I let my eyes wander her body, lingering a tad bit on her chest. She got a nice set of tits alright. I wonder if this is what Eli would look like if he were a female.

Mmm, how fun that would be to taste.

As she opened her mouth to speak I interrupted her. "Alas, I'm currently quite busy," I smiled sharply knowing fully well I'd just interrupted her.

The little princess frowned at my dismissal of her. But I really didn't have time to babysit a petite fledgling like her. After all, I was deca millennial sun cycles ahead of her.

I needed to find that boy, though I suppose he was also her elder brother. Maybe if I got a little of her hair I might be able to track him down with it. Being siblings and all, then again they aren't blood siblings in this life, are they?

"I never asked if you were busy or not, little king ." Her chin lifted regally in the air her glare as clear as the sky was blue.

I rolled my eyes. No need to imagine how Eli would be as a girl, it's obvious he's standing right here. I swear this little girl was precisely like her older half-brother. I don't understand how they didn't get along, they were so similar. One would think Eli was related to her by blood completely. Coming up to me the girl glanced down at the map. I should probably hide it from her, but then again what would a little princess like her know?

"Oh? What sharp teeth-" I began remarking on her little dig back at me but she stopped me with that small gloved hand of hers. Holding the tips of her fingers firmly against my lips caused me to cock a brow. Well, that was quite rude, so ' unbefitting' of a princess.

"Did I give you permission to speak?" She bit back, cocking her little manicured brow.

I scoffed at her entitled tone but I suppose it would be entertaining to see how this undersized spitfire fights back.

I gestured for her to continue with a flick of my wrist seeing as my lips were still firmly pressed shut by her fingers, and not in a good way. She continued, “If you had allowed me to speak, I would have told you that you're just wasting magic trying to find my brother. Using that little map isn't going to do you any good. Let me guess, you're hoping to convince my elder brother to persuade my half-brother to help you? To alter that little bargain you made with Everetta and my half-brother?" Brows arched my eyes widened at her words. I'd thought no one else knew about it, let alone this little princess.

The princess smiled, a bit menacingly if I do say so myself. Damn maybe she was a Wolf, no. As if.

As I thought this the little princess continued, "Please don't act so surprised. I know my half-brother, whether I like it or not. I know how his mind works, and how her mind works. I'm no fool, they couldn't possibly be ambassadors from a kingdom so far removed from fae society only to show up now. What's better, they claim that they want to help us now of all times when the shadows have been ravaging our lands for thousands of sun cycles. Please, who do you take me for, your sister? So wrapped up in her own self greed she can't even see which side she should be on? That she couldn't even see what her brother had truly done for her?" The princess' sneering commentary had the little hairs on the back of my nape standing straight. How did she know? No one else but Everetta should have known of my reasons for what happened, I made sure of that. If I didn't it would have humiliated my precious little sister and her pride.

The little princess was making a mockery of my sister so excuse me if I was a little peeved.

Taking a step closer, the little princess smiled bitterly. The sneer was written all over her emotionless mask. For once she was finally showing some feelings, at least to my knowledge she'd never shown them before in front of the courts. "She is a failure of an oracle and we both know it." Her jabs just kept coming and I would be lying if I said it didn't tick me off.

I've never slapped a woman before, it was true, I always just stabbed them, but never have I ever wanted anything more than to slap this bitch in front of me right now. How dare she criticize Luna. Though she may have had some-ok many faults, she was still my little sister. Yes, she was selfish, very selfish, but she was still only trying to make sure those she loved were safe. Her methods might be questionable but her intentions were pure. Bottom line, she was my little sister, no one talks about my little sister that way except me, and well Eli, and yes, Everetta too... and maybe a little from Akasuki. However, the little princess has no right! She doesn't even know my poor adorable younger sister.

I mean I understood why they would say harsh, sometimes cruel things about my sister but they had their reasons. I mean Ev wasn't always so cruel to my sister. In the past, Everetta was kind, in her own way, towards Luna. That was until that incident happened. Eli, well, he's an exception. He's like a younger brother to me. One I would kill without hesitation but still a little brother that I hate.

Seeing my hackles climbing up my neck she continued her smile beaming like a purring cat, "You must have at least thought about it by now right? Oracles aren't supposed to be selfish or unselfish, they aren't supposed to let their emotions cloud their mission. They were made to maintain order and peace. Yet didn't your mother once do that, play the visions in her favor, to benefit her family." I could feel the fire stoking in my eyes as I followed the little princess's movements across the room.

"Isn't that how your family eventually succeeded in overthrowing the Sphinxes? Oracles aren't supposed to die until their time is up or unless they wish to. Yet, how was it that your sister was able to behead her?" The little princess challenged pausing as she neared one of the ice pillars. Laying a soft hand against the beam as if admiring the intricate snowflake carvings etched in the block of ice.

"Now your sister is destined to the same fate, a death by the hands of a new oracle. How else do you think your sister was able to kill your mother, yet you couldn't?" The little princess smiled elegantly, briefly as she tilted her head like the innocent deer she was not.

Narrowing my eyes on the little princess, my anger was on the back burner for now as I tried to understand her meaning. She made her way back toward me trailing her hands across the table, her fingers lingering around a certain tavern in the Winter Court. "Did you know, that only an oracle can kill another oracle, and only one oracle can exist within one timeline?" She continued, leaving the rest for me to figure out.

I frowned, what was she telling me all this for? I had found it odd how my sister was able to kill our mother but-wait, if what she said was correct then that would explain how my sister's oracle powers came about when my mother passed and... how my mother never became an oracle again in any of my reincarnation with my sister afterwards... Because there can only be one oracle at a time.

I wonder if that's the same for ROYALS ?

Why did the little princess's words make it sound like she was a new oracle? If that was true, then doesn't that mean-

"I-I don't understand what you are implying."

The ice princess sighed, rolling her eyes like the arrogant brat she was. "Your sister isn't performing her duties, ignoring the guidance of her predecessors. In other words, she's no longer deemed fit to be an oracle. Another one was placed here to replace her position, and to do so-" She trailed off allowing me to fill in that dire sentence.

"She must die." I breathed as horror struck my chest, no- no that can't happen. Wait, why tell me this? She must know if she was the new oracle considered to replace my sister I wouldn't hesitate to kill her or convince my sister to do so, which I was sure Luna wouldn't hesitate to do. Luna wouldn't be that stupid to sacrifice her life for someone she barely knows. On the off chance that Luna won't, I'll just have to find a way and kill her myself. I'm sure Eli would forgive me, someday. Flynn... not so much. I'll have to ask Everetta to deal with him.

As if reading my thoughts the princess softened her tone, seeming sympathetic. I scoffed, not buying her little act.

"I could help you." She suggested, tilting her head as if trying to read inside my head. Did she believe after everything she said that I wouldn't want to kill her? News flash it was a resounding no .

I smiled brightly, she wasn't the only one who could act. Pretending to perk up, acting like her words didn't just put her on my top Will Kill list. I looked towards her, "Do you?"

"Like I said you won't find my brother that way. On the other hand, I am Eli's sister, and we both know how he feels about family." The princess continued, confusing me a little. I thought she might help me track down Flynn, instead she was speaking of convincing Eli to help me take back my court next. Could she even do that? Even if she could, I didn't need her to convince Eli for me. I already have my deal with Everetta in mind after all. Her words meant shit, I will find Flynn one way or another. Still, if I were to protect my sister I need to play along.

"I can convince my brother to help you, in return for a bargain of course." The girl smiled nonchalantly, unaware of my true intention of working with her. Just shows how little she truly knows of this world. Ah, such youth and naiveté. All the easier to slit her throat.

Besides, her words just sparked another idea in my mind. I could simply force her to convince her brother for me. I smiled viciously as ideas streamed in on how I could do exactly that. I wasn't called the King of Blood and Fire for nothing.

"Oh, and how would that be any different from my bargain with Eli and Everetta?" I asked, letting my magic build in me. I could kill her right now, no one would ever know.

No, too quick. Who knows how many fae have seen her coming into my room.

Once she was off guard I'll use my magic and bind her to me, make her my little slave before torturing her to pieces. Yes, I'll do that instead.

"Haven't you ever wondered why my brothers sent me off, for my safety sure, or so they claim. If you ask me, I would wonder what exactly they were protecting me from. Especially when I could just freeze anyone who dares to approach me? I'm the Princess of the Wolves, the Ice Queen of Winter, nothing can harm me... except for my mate. So think, little Blood King, just why would I tell you these things? Why would this bargain be any different from my brother and future sister in laws? Why? It's not because you don't think I'm a fool, do you? Am I simply just catching a little bird without a worm? Telling you all this, without knowing fully well that you'd try and kill me to protect your precious little sister." Smiling viciously like the Wolf she is, her statement made me rethink my earlier thoughts.

Furrowing my brows I tried to decipher her words. What the hell did she mean? No, it shouldn't matter when I'm done with her she will tell me everything. If she was the new oracle then I could just kill her before she even lays a hand on my sweet little sister. Or I could hold her captive for Luna to kill. Sure Eli and Flynn would be furious but what they didn't know couldn't hurt them. I'll simply convince them to send their dear infant sister into another realm again and then track her down there and help Luna end her.

As if sensing my thoughts she smiled softly but the predatory gaze in her blue eyes never changed as her magic cast off from her body and enveloped mine.

A frightening terror far more horrifying than anything else I've ever felt before froze me to the spot as I looked down at the petite princess.

It wasn't physically painful, no. It wasn't tormenting like those poisons but it was horrifying nonetheless. Suddenly everything clicked. Why she was telling me all these things, why her brothers had shipped her off in our previous life, why I was never allowed to see her, why I never found my mate.

For the same reason, Eli kept Flynn away from Everetta; he did the same with his little sister, keeping me away from her, saving her from my leering ways.

"You're my mate, King of Blood and Fire, and I am yours. But I am also the new oracle, and I have a duty to fulfill, so now the choice is yours. Who would you keep alive, me or your sister?" The princess stated as panic struck my chest.

Everyone knew if you killed your mate you might as well be killing yourself because you would die not too long after your mate died but how-

"How did I not sense this?" I asked, looking up from my knees. I could no longer stand, my legs had given out the moment that death sentence hit my head.

"Magic." The princess shrugged her delicate little shoulders.

Smiling bitterly she looked down at me, "My brothers could never truly force me to leave. I went willingly. The moment I discovered you were my mate I feared for my life. It was quite known of your brutish ways, your ' extravagant' bed manners. I for one aimed for better . So I left." She tossed back causing me to frown. Was she looking down on me ? Me ?! What the fuck was wrong with me ?! I was a king! A man with all the charm and looks any girl can ask for. What in the shadows was wrong with her?! Never mind that how the hell was I supposed to choose? Luna or my own life, fuck. Cause I wouldn't hesitate to kill her if it didn't mean I too would die. I do love my sister, but I love myself as well.

"So why now, why tell me this now? Why not run away again?" I asked, a little hurt that my own mate would leave me. I mean come on, she ran away from me! ME! I mean yes, I was a bit adventurous, but I was no ' brute'. I was no Wolf. I was an elegant charming beauty for God's sake!

"Unfortunately, I was chosen to be the new one in this life so I couldn't run away even if I wanted to. Fates deem I don't and, as I have mentioned, an oracle must perform her duties, no matter her personal feelings. Unlike your sister, I am a proper oracle, and fates’ deemed it that we get married. So here is my bargain: marry me, King of Blood and Fire, Lucarious Shula Julian Hathor Kek Ash Dragonfall Bloodworth Sphinx Phoenix , and I will aid you just as you will me in the future." The princess declared.

I was laughing hysterically by the time she was done as I just couldn't believe any of this, a girl who had been running from me in our previous life only just revealed herself, for what some prophecy? Fates! Fuck that!

"Why? Why would you tell me this then, what's your goal?" I demanded, feeling my anger towards this person I've only just met. True, I should have known her earlier for I have been staying in this castle for a month or so, yet she'd always avoided me.

Bending down until we were at eye level the princess smiled bitterly, her eyes going pure white, "Because I am an oracle, a beacon of justice and if I do not marry you, I can not guarantee this bargain would be fair, that this realm as we know it would not fall. All the courts will die, and this realm will forever rot. For the players at work are far more dire than we can ever hope for. The first life was a trial, a test, the second an attempt, and the third a war. You, my dear mate, can not fall to those beasts but your sister... your sister has long since been gone. Befallen to a man who had claimed her heart. Two beacons of light one dark one bright, if divided one shall conquer if untied all shall perish. So goes the tale of the twins born to oppose one another." My mate pronounced her voice like that of my little sister when she was reading some vision she had. Her eyes were milky white as if here but not here. It was then I knew this was no lie, my new mate was the oracle.

"But how- how did you hide yourself," I asked, referring to how she hid her magic from me. For if we were mates then my magic would have sensed hers the moment we met.

To that the Princess smiled pointing to her bare neck, "My necklace, the one I always wear. Didn't you find it odd how I had never changed my necklace despite all the jewelry lining my drawers? It hides my magic, thus, in turn, our bond."

"Now that I have told you everything Blood King, who would you choose? Your life or your sisters , for she will destroy everything, your kingdom, this entire realm, your own life. The choice is yours ." With her final warning, the little princess left leaving me with tears streaming down my face for the first time since... since my very first life when suddenly magic, more powerful than I had ever felt before coursed through the castle.