The wizard looked at me curiously, as if this was also his question.The narrative unfolded, weaving a tapestry of royal abandonment and a witch's scorn. Liam's lineage bore the weight of a dormant curse, frozen in time until the birth of his son, and... my son!The wizard's gaze held a peculiar curiosity, mirroring the uncertainty that shrouded the consequences of this impending awakening."Queen... that's the fun of it," he remarked, a sly glint in his eye. "None of us know what will happen, but we all fear." The words hung in the air, pregnant with the anticipation of an unpredictable fate, leaving me to grapple with the ominous shadows cast by the unknown."What if another woman bears Liam's child?" I inquired, my voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and unease."The ancient spirits told me that only the women most loved by the kings of that lineage could bear their children. In the case of the old king, the witch was his beloved. In Liam's case, you are," the wizard explained
A distant rustle in the underbrush caught our attention, and we tensed, our eyes scanning the shadows. The mystic energy in the clearing seemed to respond, the air pulsating with a subtle tension. In that moment, as the shadows clung to the ancient trees, a figure emerged from the depths of the woods — a cloaked silhouette that materialized from the very essence of the forest. The air seemed to thicken with an otherworldly tension as the mysterious presence advanced.With measured steps, the hooded figure approached, the cloak billowing in the breeze like a phantom's shroud. Every footfall echoed in the clearing, the sound reverberating with a haunting cadence that sent shivers down my spine. The folds of the cloak concealed much, creating an aura of suspense that hung in the air like a heavy mist.As the figure drew nearer, the hood cast a deep shadow over the face, leaving it shrouded in mystery. Only the glint of knowing eyes peeked through, catching the occasional flicker of sun
The flame burned bright, casting a warm and enchanting light across the clearing. Shadows danced in intricate patterns, and the air became charged with an almost tangible magic. The spirits, now embodied in the flickering flames, were poised to impart the wisdom sought from the depths of the ancestral realm.As I gazed into the mystical fire, the forest held its breath, and the hooded figure stood beside me, a guardian in the realm where the boundaries between truth and destiny blurred into an intricate dance of revelation.The flames, now alive with a mystical energy, swirled and danced in a mesmerizing display. Within the heart of the fire, an ethereal silhouette began to take form — a figure of a majestic wolf. Its eyes, gleaming with an otherworldly intelligence, fixed upon me as the voice resonated from the depths of the mystical blaze."King Liam, I have been awaiting your presence," the wolf figure declared, its voice echoing with a primal resonance that seemed to reverberate
MANY YEARS BEFORECirce moved gracefully through the ancient orchard, the scent of ripe apples permeating the air. The boughs bowed under the weight of the luscious fruit, a vibrant tapestry of red and green against the backdrop of the enchanting woods. Her movements, though deliberate, carried a certain tenderness as she selected each apple with a careful touch.Little Liam, still in the early years of his life, trailed behind her with wide-eyed wonder. His tiny hands reached out in curiosity, eager to grasp the bounty that hung temptingly from the branches. Circe turned to him with a soft smile, her gaze a mixture of maternal love and a profound sadness that lingered in the depths of her eyes."Look, my sweet Liam," she cooed, lifting a perfectly ripe apple from the tree. "This one is for you."She gently placed the apple in the small hands of the child, who held it with a mixture of innocence and fascination. Circe, in that tender moment, could not help but feel a surge of love fo
As we retreated from the courtyard, Liam's countenance revealed a mixture of exasperation and resolve. "Daliah, my love, I apologize for the intrusion." he said, his eyes locking onto mine with a reassurance that spoke of unwavering commitment.We moved in unison, a silent understanding passing between us. As the courtyard faded behind, the tumult of questions and skepticism dissolving into distant echoes, Liam and I found a secluded alcove where the sunlight filtered through stained glass, casting a warm and comforting glow.In that private moment, Liam and I found sanctuary from the prying eyes and relentless questions. The weight of our shared secrets, the enigmatic prophecy, and the looming curse hung in the air, but the connection between us served as a source of strength.With a tender glance, Liam's grip on my hand tightened, conveying a reassurance that transcended words. The world outside our shared cocoon blurred into insignificance as we turned towards each other.In the ha
My hands delicately trace the contours of her bare back with a mixture of affection and reverence, creating an intimate connection that transcends the physical embrace.She asked me for simple things, but that she knew would be pleasurable for the moment. I love this woman for showing me what she wants me to do, for making it clear that she learned how to teach.I rise, holding Daliah in my arms, and lay her on the canopy bed. Suddenly, I find myself above her, witnessing the delicate lace and billowing curtains of the canopy that frame the bed. While she keeps her arms wrapped around my neck, her eyes remain gently closed, as if every detail of the room dissolves into the shared moment between us.After a few seconds in this position, she opens her beautiful blue eyes, which are now dark with the excitement of the moment we have just experienced. I can not hide a smile when our eyes meet."Hi." I whisper.I tighten my arms around her waist and our bodies are necessarily closer. So I
I turn towards Liam's side, half-expecting to find him there, a mere figment of my imagination. But the emptiness prevails, and the hollow ache in my chest deepens.In the dimness, the room feels like a cocoon of solitude, and a sinking realization settles within me... I am alone.The moonlight casts eerie shadows across the floor, and the flickering candle flames seem to dance with a melancholic tune. A soft rustle of fabric catches my attention. The elaborate tapestries lining the walls, once vivid with tales of our shared journey, now hang motionless, telling a silent story of absence. The room, once filled with the warmth of shared moments, now echoes with the hollowness of solitude.I move across the room, my steps cautious as if not to disturb the lingering echoes of our connection. The door opens into the corridor, revealing a desolate stretch that seems to stretch infinitely. "Liam?" My voice breaks the silence, calling out Liam's name, but there's no answer.Seeking solace,
"I was too occupied at the time to discuss this agreement," Liam confessed, and I sensed the weight of responsibility in his words. "So, my beta, Daniel, went to Minerva in my place." The room seemed to hold its breath, each word carving a path through the shadows."The deal took longer than we anticipated," Liam's eyes conveyed a depth of complexity, "and Daniel had to stay in Minerva. It was during his absence that I found you. I got married."The confession hung in the air, a tapestry of emotions woven into the silence that followed – a revelation that stretched beyond the boundaries of politics and alliances.The words hung in the air, each one a sharp edge cutting through the tension in the room. Liam's confession echoed with a weight that seemed to alter the very atmosphere."About Vallen... Vallen was my scribe at the time, and she went with Daniel to Minerva," Liam admitted, his eyes holding mine in a moment of transparency.A wave of questions surged within me, demanding cla