— Why wouldn't Airon be the one who attacked you yesterday? He was the only one who had the information. — Yurick asked after an intense session of intimacy. Even though my heat had subsided, we continued to soothe each other's bodies with quiet affection. I was lying on my stomach, the aftereffects of our union still pulsing gently through me. I had climaxed, yet my thoughts were slow, drifting, too tangled in the haze of pleasure to give his words proper thought. It took me a moment to respond — not until he handed me a glass of water. Only then did I realize how thirsty I'd become, drinking it down as if it were air.
Still aching, I returned to my position, head turned toward the alpha. I could see the mark I'd left on his neck — a sign that perhaps I wasn't as disposable as I once feared, especially after everything I had done. Yurick always managed to leave me unsure, wavering between doubt and something dangerously close to hope.
— Because Airon is an alpha. He likely told an ally or someone from the council, which leaves us with two possibilities: the remaining betas. When the masked man entered the temple chamber, he didn't seem to notice I was in heat — or, at the very least, wasn't affected by it. I know my scent is strong, nearly impossible to ignore. Two templars entered right after, trying to approach me, but they were stopped by the surprise of the hooded assassin. — I said, still half-asleep. Though it was nearly noon, the weight of the topic kept my mind anchored in the moment. — So we need to interrogate Airon, to lead us to the real suspect. It could be another alpha, or someone he confided in. That's it. — I waved a hand lazily. — I need sleep. If you want to do the questioning alone, go ahead — just tell Lara to stay with me.
I tugged the sheets over my body. Yurick leaned down, placing a kiss on my forehead. These gestures... they always left me reeling. My mind was too hazy, still lulled by the emotions and sensations of our night. After biting his neck, it was as if I had stepped into another world. I hoped for peaceful dreams at last — we were so close to uncovering the truth. That thought alone allowed my mind to finally rest, and I slipped into sleep.
Time passed. I dreamt quietly until I awoke to thin streaks of light seeping through the curtains. I let out a soft sigh, pushing myself upright. I was sore, but not enough to stop me from bathing. My neck still tingled from where I had marked him, but it wasn't a bad feeling. On the contrary, it held a quiet sense of significance. This bond might open new paths for us — to secure the people's trust in Yurick. At least, that was my plan for the coming weeks.
Lara had brought food earlier — it had gone cold, which meant she thought I would wake sooner. I left it untouched for now. I had to find Yurick. I didn't bother hiding the marks he left on me the night of the heat. A few guards turned to look, but when they noticed I met their gaze, they quickly looked away.
I noticed the meeting room door was open. Voices echoed from within. I approached casually.
— I never would've imagined Lenora to be the traitor. Who would have thought she was working for Akasia? What are you going to do about it? — It was General Arien's voice.
— I'll keep her in the dungeons for now. I plan to strategize with Seyrim — the plan was his in the end, and we may gain much from it. — Yurick's voice was firm, though gentler than usual when speaking of someone he trusted.
— Seems like you trust the boy. — Arien didn't sound fully convinced.
— Seyrim has given me more than enough reasons to trust him. But that's not the point. I fear we're taking too long to move on Akasia. I want to bring the campaign forward. That's why I'll be going to the front myself — I'll be more useful there than buried behind papers. —
So Yurick was planning to leave the kingdom? That was risky — the political atmosphere was far too fragile for the king to simply disappear. If Akasia learned of his absence, they would surely strike.
— And who do you plan on leaving in command? — Arien asked, intrigued. — Your relationship with the people is still fragile. A few weeks away could undo everything we've built in months. Roham is also exposed — my brother may not be enough to calm the elders.
— Roham doesn't worry me. With food, resources, and labor through the winter, the people will be content. Fewer deaths from hunger will calm the elders, and the criticism will quiet. I just need your brother to hold things together until the unification. — Yurick's reasoning made sense. A powerful presence was necessary to rule a place like Roham. — And I intend to leave Seyrim in charge of Neopolita. His public image is flawless. If I present him as king, there will be no unrest. The people love him, and the soldiers respect him. You'll stay here to assist him as general — nothing more.
My hand rose instinctively to my mouth. I hadn't expected that. Yurick... Did he truly understand what it meant to hand me the kingdom? I would never betray him — but how could he be certain of that? Even with Arien here, it wasn't the same. I was against his departure — not because I doubted myself. I had been raised my whole life to rule. But his absence carried far too many risks.
I raised my hand and knocked on the door twice to announce myself. Both turned to look at me as I entered the chamber. Arien offered Yurick a meaningful smile, squeezing his shoulder in a rare show of camaraderie.
— Your Majesty. — She greeted me briefly before taking her leave.
Claro, Lary. Aqui está a tradução para o inglês com todas as suas preferências respeitadas: travessões, itálico, formato original, e com a parte sensual reescrita em tom poético, delicado, elegante e emocional:
— General. — I returned the nod as the door closed behind her. I walked toward him, meeting his gaze in silence for a few long moments, stirring obvious doubt across his features.
— You can't go to Akasia. Are you insane? — I asked, trying to restrain the panic that threatened to rise in my voice.
— It's impolite to listen at doors, Seyrim. — Yurick didn't sound angry. After all, he would have had to tell me eventually about his brilliant idea to throw himself into enemy territory. — How long have you been listening?
— Since you mentioned Lenora's in the dungeons. — I softened my tone a little. — Yurick, I understand the urgency of invading Akasia, but we could plan for two months from now. What matters most is minimizing risk over a shorter time span. You're the King of Neopolita now. It's essential that your presence here becomes stable, reliable. If you leave now, it will only open the door for whispers and conspiracies. My grandfather would seize the opportunity — I'm certain there are spies among the discontent who believe Akasia should intervene.
— I know all that, Seyrim, but I must go to the front. There's something I have to stop before it threatens everything I've built. They lost sight of my brother. Jamal was spotted farther ahead on a road toward Akasia, but the scout who followed him was impaled and hung by the roadside — one of my best men. That was a declaration of war. Jamal knew he was being followed. He's planning something. I should have ended him when I had the chance. Now I'll subdue him for his crimes against our nation.
I didn't know how powerful Makal could be, but I understood that Yurick had a particular sensitivity where the other alpha was concerned. There was a blood tie between them, one destined for inevitable collapse. But to me, his brother was just one thread in an avalanche of dangers that could topple the king's fragile position in Neopolita. I couldn't understand how someone could be so dangerous or influential as to jeopardize our entire plan just by aligning with my grandfather.
— What exactly is your brother capable of? — I asked, my throat slightly dry. A flicker of fear stirred as I stepped out of ignorance and into something deeper. I had to know what we were up against. If this man haunted Yurick's sleep, if he was willing to risk everything just to stop him, then the threat had to be real. Yurick was not a man who gambled for petty vengeance — he'd exact it on the battlefield when the time was right.
— I've never met anyone as manipulative as Jamal. And it's not just natural charisma — do you understand? People would die for him to reach his goals. Loyal people, trusted people, all falling under his sweet-spoken spell. They obeyed without question and later claimed they couldn't even remember why. When he betrayed us, there were endless trials. Everyone said the same thing: his velvet voice, the way he spoke, compelled them to obey.
— Jamal knows Roham. He was a war strategist, even if his combat style wasn't exactly... noble. He preferred the tools he had — a rat hiding, striking from shadows. But he's gathered rare knowledge over the years. He could slip into Roham unseen. And if your grandfather falls under his influence... I don't fear for Neopolita, Seyrim. I fear for my own country, currently governed only by a representative. With our army split, I'm sure not a single soldier would be left. That's why we must move while we still have an idea of his location — to stop him from crossing the border. You've already given me the necessary coordinates for a possible invasion. I'll scout the terrain myself and return. That's the plan.
The shock of his words left me speechless. It was like believing in fairies or dragons — some claimed they existed in enchanted forests, but how could someone wield such power? Still, Yurick was serious, visibly shaken. And it was easy to believe that he might have just handed over Roham's secrets to a man who would soon become our greatest enemy. I sighed deeply.
— How much time do you need? I can try to smooth things over — I'll hold rallies, show them the mark. It's important that you display yours publicly before leaving, and deliver a few speeches. I'll write them for you — you'll speak as if they were your own. Tie your hair high in a topknot so the mark is visible, so everyone sees you've formed a permanent bond. That will help ease the public's fears. Hire scholars to write about you in the castle — most of Neopolita's people are literate. They'll read about your good nature. Things will shift slowly. But I can't promise you won't face attacks. — I tried to strategize. We could work on this for a few weeks, enough to soften the opposition and use our influence.
— Three weeks, at most. I'll go with a small group. They'll suspect my absence, but I know you'll take care of things, won't you? — Yurick seemed pleased with the plan, pulling me into his arms. — I'll return. And when I do, I'll adorn your body with more jewels. — His fingers slid across my chest, finding the piercings through the thick fabric, tugging gently. I let out a soft sigh, flushed and breathless even as I stopped his hand. — And you'll think about what to do with our little prisoner. Airon is under surveillance too — he's being watched closely.
— Yes. I'll handle it. Three weeks, Yurick. Not a day more. I may have to reinstate some noble titles you revoked, place some of my own in the castle to shift public perception. — I caressed his face for a moment, letting my fingers drift along the curve of his beard. Was I truly willing to make Yurick emperor? Yes, I was.
— I trust you. I know you'll do well here. Arien will protect you while I'm gone. Don't hesitate to ask for help or advice, all right? — The taller man inhaled my scent after a firm, warm hug.
— When will you leave? — The question dried my throat. I felt lost after everything. So close to reclaiming the kingdom, and all I could think about now was whether Yurick would come back alive. I was afraid — afraid of what might happen, of what might not. He could be attacked. Roham could fall. I had to be a leader and carry all of this alone while the alpha was gone.
— I'll gather the soldiers by nightfall. Orders will be given after lunch. It's urgent. Arien is handling supplies. After midnight, I'll be on the secondary road. — It really was urgent. There was nothing else to do but wait. I had just escaped one storm only to be thrown into another.
— Let's go to the room. We still have some time before lunch. — I rose from his arms and reached out to him. Yurick looked surprised, but then that smug smile took over his face — while mine was flushed deep red.
I was thrown onto the bed with ease. I knew I needed to write his speech before he left, prepare the rally, arrange everything. There was so much to do. And yet, all of it slipped from my mind the moment his lips found mine with hungry warmth.
He undressed me like a man possessed — not with violence, but with urgency born of longing. And I wanted it that way. I wanted to be claimed in a way that would leave his imprint on my skin for the next three weeks.
And Yurick delivered.
He moved over me with fervent devotion, his presence consuming every breath I took. There was nothing rushed, nothing careless — only intensity woven with intimacy, like a storm crashing over silk. His mouth traced fire across my neck, and when he bit down — deeper, harder — my body trembled, overwhelmed by the wave of release it summoned. I moaned his name, no longer able to restrain myself.
I straddled him then, guided by hunger and need, letting him fill me once again as I moved rhythmically above him. There was pain, yes — the pressure of his grip, the heat of his hands on my waist, the stinging echo of his dominance. But it didn't frighten me.
It undid me.
Every gasp, every press of skin to skin, was a reminder of what I was surrendering to — and what I was holding onto.
And for those brief moments, we forgot the world that waited outside the bedroom door.
That act lasted the entire morning. My body, sore and heavy, could no longer even lift itself. Even at the end, Yurick continued to kiss me — a breath-stealing kind of kiss, erotic in its hunger, leaving me utterly dazed. My mind was sluggish, adrift in a haze of aftermath, but there was no time to rest. I gently pushed him away.
— There's work to be done. We can't rest. Go announce a rally — come on. — I gave him a few soft pats on the shoulder. The alpha only sighed in frustration. — And ask them to bring my lunch. I'll eat in the room — I'm not in any condition to go out.
— Can't we lie in each other's arms for just a few minutes? — The alpha began rising, searching for his clothes. Deep scratch marks and bites ran along his back like painted reminders of our time together.
— No. If you intend to leave immediately, then we must act now. — I admit, I didn't want to let him go. But I couldn't afford the luxury of more pleasure and delight. I reached for paper and pen to begin writing. I sat quietly for a few moments before starting the speech. The truth was, it was hard to focus. I wasn't dependent on Yurick — I had no need for him, even if he now stood beside me in this effort to change the tide of war. Still, despite all my reasoning, I couldn't stop worrying about his fate. Or the fate of my kingdom, should something slip out of control.
Even though I understood the importance of intercepting Jamal, I didn't want the alpha to go with only his private guard. I was so tangled in thoughts of frustration, tangled in the lingering warmth of our union, that I could barely hold a coherent sentence. My bath came only after finishing the speech — long and slow, as if rinsing both fear and desire from my skin.
We met again after lunch. I made him read the speech ten times as we sat in the carriage. I styled Yurick's hair into a high knot so that it wouldn't hide his mark. I did the same with mine, making sure our bond appeared firm and undeniable. As we walked through the city, a group of paid writers, bards, and minstrels followed closely, crafting a favorable image of the king. People began to pause and whisper, curious gazes tracking our movements — and though not all believed the words of gossipers, the idea would cling to the public's mind.
The speech was perfect, even if the alpha added his own personal touch to make it sound more like his words than mine. I was tense the entire time, mostly concerned about how the people would respond. But once it was over, the seed had been planted. Now, we had to nurture it over the coming weeks. It would spread to other cities beyond the capital. Ideally, Yurick himself would travel to those places and repeat the process — but we'd deal with that once he returned. He had to return.
— Seyrim, you don't need to worry. I'll be back in three weeks — otherwise, the country's yours again. — That weak attempt at humor only earned an irritated sigh from me. After a long and exhausting day of handling every detail, I stood before him, ready to say goodbye. Soldiers stood nearby, waiting. Yurick had his spear slung over his back, a thick winter armor protecting him, his sword at his side, and other weapons hidden strategically among his garments. Snow already covered the courtyard — it was a particularly cold night. White gathered in the trees and blanketed the castle roof. I reached up to his face, my cold palm brushing his cheek.
— Just come back alive, Yurick. Don't you dare leave your plan for continental domination on my shoulders. You started this story. Now you'll have to finish it. — I was upset to see him go. That's why I kissed him — just for a moment, in front of those who could witness our affection. I bit his lower lip lightly, then pulled away. I had to rise on my toes to reach his mouth with ease.
I soon watched Yurick leave through the castle's side gates. I didn't feel right — it was a constant nausea of nerves. The king departed, leaving a bitter taste lodged in my throat. The general stood beside me, watching with a more confident expression. I bit the inside of my lip hard. One thought flickered across my mind: How will I survive three weeks without sex? I was already irritated before the trial even began. Two weeks had been hard enough.
No. There were more important matters I needed to resolve.
— Let's go. We have a few problems to deal with. — I said to Arien as the gates closed behind me. I walked across the courtyard with countless possibilities unfurling before me.