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The Princess and the Emperor	By : senorita_finkelstein Category: +1 through F > Arthur and the Invisibles Views: 1466 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Nothing here belongs to me. “Arthur and the Invisibles” and its characters belong to Luc Besson, Celine Garcia and Europacorp respectively. I am making no profit off of this, nor do I intend to. Again, I own nothing.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
I walked across an empty land,
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand.
I felt the earth beneath my feet,
Sat by the river and it made me complete.
Oh simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on.
So tell me when you're gonna let me in,
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin.
Keane - "Somewhere Only We Know."
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Most mornings for Selenia started with the rays of light peering through the cracks of whatever place she was resting in, giving her a nice relaxing feeling as she woke up from a nice sleep. But this morning was different. No rays of light shone through the windows in her new chambers, no nice relaxing feeling overcame her as she woke up from a long, uneasy resting — no, there was only a faint darkness. She stretched her arms out, but quickly recoiled them soon after, shivering as she felt the cold air around her.
She looked around the room for any source of light, but found none. It all sunk in then and there that the days of autumn’s warmth were gone, and winter’s cold was drawing in. Her garden was no longer filled with sunflowers and daisies, but weeds and bugs crawling all over with her being the sole living lily. This was her new life, a life in the dark. This was how her mornings would start from now on, and her nights — well, she hoped they’d be better than the last.
Selenia looked down at her naked lower half and shuddered. She couldn’t believe that she actually almost lost her virginity to Maltazard, that he had touched her and grinded upon her, that she had stroked his cock until they both reached a climax — albeit, not all at once. But still, so many things happened that she could scarcely believe it. She could still scarcely believe that she was his wife, that she had really kissed him and cured him of his ailments… so much so that she looked to her right side just to make sure, and there he lay.
Maltazard looked peaceful for once, sleeping softly and soundly on the right side of the bed. A smile was on his face, lips parting to let out breaths and light snores while his ears twitched, his black hair having come loose from its green thread and splattered across the pillow. It was a bizarre sight to see for the princess. He was usually so angry and ill-tempered, anything but calm as he was now. Her eye twitched for a moment and for some odd reason, she felt a weird urge to run her fingers through his ebony locks, and she didn't know why. Perhaps to just make sure that this was real and not some dream caused by the Jack Fire she drank at Max's place? Yes, that was it — or at least, that's what she told herself.
So Selenia slowly reached her hand out to touch her husband’s hair, shocked to find that it was so smooth and silky like a fine fabric, or the petal of a black rose. She ran her fingers through it, soaking in that this was not a dream, but reality. She was his wife, his queen, and he was her king. Today was the start of their married life, and so many feelings washed over her — doubt, bitterness, some fears and more — but these feelings were soon ignored by the silky touch of his hair on her delicate skin.
She couldn’t understand how such a monster could be so handsome, so beautiful — it almost scared her. He was a gorgeous bastard, beautiful but bad. And she hated that she found him attractive, that she was betraying her knight constantly… but she couldn’t help it. Maltazard, the evil M, was a dark enigma — a puzzle that no one could solve. But hopefully, she would be able to crack this case, as well as sort out her feelings for him and get rid of her contradictions. And make sure that a new rule where peace reigned over the lands was established… somehow. She would figure it out eventually.
Selenia wanted it to be done soon too, for a part of her wanted to try and seek out her knight once everything was secure and peace and prosperity were guaranteed. She wanted to see him again, know what had happened to him and why he left. She wanted to finally get the closure she needed. She wanted to tell him that she loved him, for the first and last time…before she succumbed to her fate once and for all.
She felt tears spring to her eyes. It wasn’t fair. He should’ve been her husband. Why did he have to vanish? Why did everything have to be this way, where she was forced into this rough position for the sake of her people, her kingdom? She pulled her hand away from Maltazard’s hair, putting it to her mouth as she tried to stifle a sob. You’ll be returning home today, she reminded herself. You’ll see Papa again, Miro and even Mino. Arthur and Archibald will return home safely… and Betameche will be safe back with papa. It’ll be fine. But she didn’t feel too comforted by this, knowing she wouldn’t be able to stay in the First Kingdom for long, not unless M wanted to stay — and if M wanted to stay, well, she didn’t know if it would be for the better or not.
Speaking of Maltazard, the emperor’s blue and amber eyes opened. He yawned as he sat up in bed, stretching his arms out before wincing and hissing, rubbing his back. Regaining the ability to feel after so many years of numbness meant that all his back pains returned, especially the morning off. After rubbing his back until the pain mostly subsided, he glanced at his hands and smirked, knowing that last night hadn’t been a dream after all. All of it had been real, especially the little favor the princess bestowed upon him after so many difficulties from her.
He looked to his side, seeing his wife looking down at the sheets, one hand pressed to her mouth while the other balled up. Her amber eyes were filled with tears and quiet sobs escaped her lips. It seemed that she had woken up before him and something was troubling her. A part of him felt…concerned, while the other tried to be indifferent.
“What’s wrong?” Maltazard asked his wife, eyebrows knitting in a frown, lips set in a grim line. “You seem a bit upset.” That wasn’t the right wording, he knew, but what else could he say? He hadn’t really expected to see such a stubborn, fiery individual such as the princess turn into a crying mess, much less after such a turbulent wedding night. Maybe… maybe he pushed too far with last night’s request, he feared. Had his attempt to pluck the virgin lily and plant his seed into her unfertilized garden brought her turmoil? Had he hurt his— no, no, he couldn’t think like that. He couldn’t get soft, not even for her.
Selenia sniffled, wiping her eyes as she looked at her husband. For some reason, the concerned look in his eyes made her not only surprised, but her heart ached all the more she was reminded of the knight, for some reason. She could faintly remember that he once looked at her like that, when she had fallen from her perch as she tried to watch him spar, spraining her knee. She remembered how she cried, and how he looked at her so worriedly, just as M looked at her now. She remembered…
“Are you alright, my princess?” asked the knight, kneeling beside the crying girl. He looked at her knee, his eyes widening. “You’re hurt!” he gasped, picking her up.
“I – I wanted to watch you train,” the princess whimpered. “You look so brave and strong… I wish I could be like you.” She clutched his shirt, burying her face in it. “...I’m sorry, I…”
“Don’t apologize,” the knight said softly, stroking her red hair with one hand. He glanced at her sprained knee and shook his head. “But please, don’t do that again. If you wish to observe, just tell me and I will set down a small leaf patch for you to sit on.”
She nodded. “Alright…”
The knight kissed her forehead. “Good, because I don’t want you to get hurt,” he whispered to her. “I want you to be safe and happy…”
She looked up at him, smiling slightly as she wiped her eyes. “I’m feeling a bit happier now… with you.”
Selenia remembered that day as she faced a sort of deja vu with Maltazard now. But instead of explaining, she shook her head and said, “It’s nothing.” He wasn’t her knight, so why should she grace him with the truthful response? Yet it hurt to lie, to pretend the homesickness, the yearning for the knight, that all of her pain wasn't there when it was.
Maltazard’s eyes narrowed further. “You’re lying,” he said, a hint of hurt in his stern voice. He recalled back then, before he had been cursed, when she would tell him of her woes. He remembered the small princess, a delicate pod not yet ready to bloom, who would run to him with tears in her eyes, seeking his arms as a comfort and safe haven from all the pain in the world… even if it was a mere bruise. The fact that this pod bloomed into a lily with thorns who would lie to him, deny him the right to hold her and wipe her tears away like he had done centuries ago… it struck a chord in him, and he hated that.
"So?" she asked, eyes narrowing slightly at him. "It's none of your concern how I feel. You got your healing, and you'll get to see the First Kingdom again — isn't that more important to you than some insolent?" She sneered at him, a nasty taste on the tip of her tongue as she spat the words out. She didn't know why, but it only hurt more to act cold towards him, even as she tried to reason that he deserved it. It was more merciful in comparison to his harsh words and actions…and yet, the pain swept through. It made no sense for her.
"It is my concern," he shot back, eyes narrowing as he grabbed her hand, pulling her closer to him. "You are insolent, stubborn and many other things…but you are also my wife. Therefore, you're as much of a concern to me as our journey is. Without you, I wouldn't have gotten my healing." He looked away for a moment, his multicolored eyes darting around. His cheeks heated up as he then uttered, "Despite what's happened between us, I'm not lying when I say I'm grateful to you…" He looked back at her, seeing the surprised look in her amber eyes. "So tell me what's wrong."
She looked him in his blue and amber eyes, opening her mouth to say something yet no words left her lips. She felt her throat dry up, her free hand balling up, her heart pounding — and it all felt so wrong, especially when her cheeks heated up. He sounded sincere as he spoke, but it was hard for her to trust him when he had betrayed his word by throwing Betameche and Arthur into a prison cell, when he had her thrown and locked into their chambers. Even if he had proven to have some morals by agreeing to wait until she was ready to claim her remaining innocence, there was still mistrust. How could she believe she was important to him when he had yet to prove it? Sure, she hadn't been disposed of yet, but she assumed it was for his own gains. Besides, would she be worth it anymore if she told him of the knight? No, she knew she wouldn't. So she shook her head again.
"I can't tell you," she responded, her voice quiet but firm. "I'm sorry, but I just can't…"
A brief look of hurt flashed across Maltazard's features. He felt his chest clench, hearing her refuse him. The princess who once looked for comfort from him, now denying him the chance to steal her pain away, to hold her again like he did centuries ago… it pained him. And he didn't understand. He wished he could, but he didn't. So all he did was nod and say, "Fine, be that way." And he got up, grabbed a towel from the top of his drawer and wrapped it around him until his lower half was covered. Perhaps a morning bath would wash away the pain.
Selenia raised an eyebrow at her husband. "What are you doing?"
"Preparing for a bath," Maltazard replied simply, turning to his wife. "I suggest you do the same, as last night you got rather…dirty." He smirked as he saw her eyes widen, her cheeks flush red.
Selenia put her hands over her mouth, gasping. A nervous feeling washed over her, her body trembling as she looked down at the semen-covered sheets, even noticing her own dried up fluids. She looked down at her naked lower half, then back up at her husband. "I — I only got dirty because you begged for me to give you a sweet release!" she retorted.
Maltazard continued to smirk. "Yet you enjoyed it enough to climax," he pointed out. She opened her mouth to object, but he quickly said, "Don't bother trying to lie to me. I know you liked it. Now come, it's time we take a nice relaxing bath." He gestured for her to follow him as he left the room.
Selenia pouted, then sighed as she gave a small nod and removed her remaining clothes. It wasn't really a good idea to wear the same clothes all the time, she knew. Besides, she did need to bathe herself after what happened between them last night… she shuddered, even if she had enjoyed it a little, not that she would admit it aloud. She grabbed a towel nearby and wrapped it around herself, then followed her husband out the room.
"Is there a spare tub?" she asked him. She swore to the gods of the forest, if she had to share a bed and a tub with him…
"No, not a spare royal tub," he snorted. Heavens, she was so demanding. Would it really hurt to share with him? Had she not been taught manners? "You will have to either share with me again, or you could take it up with Darkos. I do warn you though, he's not exactly a pleasant bather." He sneered at her. "Your choice."
She glared at him. "Fine, I'll bathe with you," she conceded. She was reluctant to share with him again, but she figured this was how it would be from now on. She might as well get used to it. "But try to keep to your side, and I'll keep to mine."
Maltazard rolled his eyes. "Will do, dearest," he sighed. It hurt a little, having her act so cold towards him. He knew she didn't remember their past, but the fact she still kept this attitude even as they prepared to bathe? Why? Couldn't she just…not be stubborn for once? He shouldn't have cared — couldn't afford to care after what happened in the past, no thanks to her father and Archibald — but he did.
Once they got to the bathing chambers, Selenia watched as Maltazard opened the door, allowing the new empress to step inside and look around. Surprisingly, despite the dark and gloomy atmosphere — no different than most places in Necropolis — there was a nice heat. She figured it was due to the hot bath prepared in a nice large tub, fit for two. She smiled slightly, recalling the baths she took back at home — nice, hot and relaxing, erasing her mind of the previous day's woes. So she walked over to the tub before her and removed her towel slowly. But as she did so, she noticed Maltazard watching her, his multicolored eyes filled with a look of hunger and lust. Her amber eyes narrowed and she quickly got into the tub, resisting the urge to throw an insult at him.
Maltazard gulped, unable to take his eyes off his bride's body. She had grown so well…it astonished him to see her breasts, not too large and not too small — a perfect size. It astonished him to see her thighs, to get a better look at her nearly groomed crotch, to — oh god, what was wrong with him? This was the heiress of the first kingdom yet here he was lusting after her. Did he have no shame? Well, yes, but…he recalled their past. To think, he once watched over her so innocently, yet now his thoughts were anything but innocent… he felt sickened by himself yet also reasoned that she was grown up now. Not only that, but she was his wife. He was allowed to lust at least a little.
He shook his head and went to remove his own towel, before climbing into the tub as well. He always had a keen eye though and quickly noticed that his bride was observing his naked form, her eyes particularly fixated on his scarred chest and his cock. He smirked at this. How lewd. “Enjoying the view, my dear?” he teased her.
Selenia gulped and looked away quickly. “What view? I saw nothing,” she lied. Damn, was she that obvious? She cursed her interest, but could she be blamed when he was so bizarrely handsome? That scarred chest, those abs, his manhood — god, even if he was a scoundrel, at least she hit the jackpot in those aspects. Wait, what—?
“Right, so you weren’t staring at my naked body?” Maltazard asked, pressing further on the subject as he scooched closer to her in the tub. “Your eyes weren’t scouring my chest?” He took one of her hands, guiding it over his chest as he spoke, running the hand over his abs, his scars from past battles during his knighthood. “You weren’t staring at the battle scars I obtained from my water campaign?” He lowered her hand to his thighs, making her gasp as it drew near his most private area. “You weren’t taking a glance at my cock, which you spent last night stroking?” His eyes narrowed, his smirk growing. “Tell me the truth now.”
Selenia breathed in, then out, glancing him up and down. Despite the tub being filled with hot water that produced steam, it was not enough to cover their bodies, their private areas. So she saw everything, including her husband’s most sacred area — and her face heated up, flushing. Her ears twitched, her lower areas tingling with arousal, her upper half trembling, her nipples growing erect. Her hand shook as she jerked it away, shaking her head profusely. “N-no! I wasn’t… I wasn’t staring…” she objected, her voice growing quiet and meek as she looked into her husband’s eyes. She shrunk under his gaze, her posture tensing.
“You know I don’t like being lied to,” Maltazard teased his wife, brushing his hand on her thigh. He relished in her gasping, her small moans as he began stroking her thighs. “Especially not by my own spouse. Do I need to punish you again?” He was partially teasing the idea of spanking her again, but also not all too serious about it. Not that he wouldn’t like to but alas, they were to be travelling to the first kingdom, so there wouldn’t be time for any fun activities — at least, not of that vulgar nature. However, there was time for a quick… carnal relief.
Selenia hated herself for moaning, for finding pleasure in her enemy’s touch. She shouldn’t be enjoying this. She shouldn’t be enjoying the feeling of M’s hand on her thigh, shouldn’t be taking pleasure in the emperor’s strokes, but she was. And she loathed both of them for it. It should’ve been her knight touching her, caressing her skin with his gentle hands — and yet it was Maltazard’s cold, calloused hands that stroked her flesh. Damn.
It took her a few seconds to register his words and once she did, she quickly said: “No, don’t bring out the belt. There’s no need for it.”
“Alright,” Maltazard said, briefly shrugging his shoulders. Then, a devilish look flashed across his face, lust shining in his eyes. “But… I do believe I should be allowed a small taste.”
Selenia stared at him for a moment, confused. “What do you mean by—?”
She was cut off as he lunged forward, smashing his lips onto hers like he had the previous night. Except this time, he was able to slip his tongue into her mouth without having to touch her, not that he didn’t retract his hands though. On the contrary, he had his hands all over her, one stroking her thighs and the other grabbing at her chest, massaging her left breast. She moaned into the kiss, multiple waves of pleasure washing over her body, her figure shuddering as it was touched and caressed by her husband. Goddamn it, she thought. Why are you so good?
Selenia’s cunt throbbed, and she found herself wanting more from Maltazard. It boggled her mind to no end, lusting for someone who was so vile, so evil… but in the heat of the moment, she craved him. So she began to kiss back just as passionately and touched him as well, using one hand to stroke his chest and the other to massage his cock as she had done the previous night. This time, she had some experience though. She got to work with her fingers, pumping his cock, feeling some pre-cum even in the water. It seemed he couldn't resist her. She didn't know whether to feel flattered or not, but ah, she was too aroused to care.
Now it was Maltazard’s turn to moan, waves of pleasure going down his spine, making him shudder. The feeling of their tongues clashing, of her hands stroking his abs and pumping his cock — it was so sensational, so hot, so… perfect. She was a gift — a stubborn gift, but a gift nonetheless. She was getting better at pleasuring him, it seemed. Good. He liked it. He liked her very much.
He rubbed his thumb over Selenia’s nipples, then pinched one just hard enough to make his wife cry out in shock. The sound made him shudder a second time, and he did it again.
Selenia’s hand moved from her husband’s chest to gripping his shoulder as he cupped her breast and kneaded it. She gripped his cock harder and felt her cunt throb even more, feeling pressure build up inside her already. It was too much and a feeling settled in her stomach that she would be climaxing soon, and it wouldn’t be the first. No, the emperor of Necropolis wasn’t going to stop just as it was getting started.
By the time he pulled away from the kiss, she was left breathless and sweating. Once that ended, he moved his hand from her thighs to between her legs, and her cries grew louder as he touched her even more than he had before — in the place she hadn’t even touched herself.
Here’s the thing: Selenia de Matradoy didn’t scream easily. All of her past defeats combined with the grief of her mother’s passing had toughened her skin, made her stronger than any minimoy her age should be. But when one of Maltazard’s fingers pushed insistently up into her, the frightening newness of the feeling forced a shriek into her throat. She tried to hold it back, but he barely gave her any time to adjust before a second finger joined the first, probing into her enthusiastically, and she broke.
She screamed loudly, her throat immediately feeling scratched and sore. Maltazard’s head jerked up to look at her, expression stricken.
“No, no no no,” he pleaded. “Don’t scream! Please, my flower, don’t ruin your voice… please don’t cry…” His voice was soft, soothing, and it distracted her from the initial pain she felt. “I should’ve been more careful… I should have asked first,” he went on, a look of guilt in his eyes. It shocked her to see him care so much. Why? Why did he care? “I’m sorry. Do you – do you wish to stop? If so, I will—”
“No,” she cut him off. She didn’t want him to stop. It wasn’t that she hadn’t wanted it, it was just the sudden feeling had been a shock…and painful too, considering she hadn’t had anything inserted to her before. “I—I want this. It’s just, it hurts and I’m not used to the feeling.”
It wasn’t a lie. Selenia did want it. But she felt filthy for wanting it. She felt like a whore for wanting Maltazard to touch her like this, especially when her heart belong to the knight. Her sweet knight whose heart was pure, who should have been the one fucking her, inserting himself inside her—but he wasn’t. By a cruel twist of fate, he wasn’t.
Maltazard sighed in relief. “Don’t worry, it’ll stop hurting soon,” he assured her. “The pain will fade and you’ll feel pleasure. Just trust me, flower.”
Selenia felt a strange sense of deja vu as she nodded along to his words, trying to relax. For some reason, her mind soon conjured memories of her knight. The emperor’s soothing voice, it reminded her of her knight’s… but why? They were two completely different men. One good, one evil — the only things they had in common were plausible age and their looks, even if the image of the knight was foggy to her. She could remember he had black hair, long and neatly kept… his eyes, she couldn’t recall though. In the memory she had earlier, they’d been blue, but in the one she was conjuring now, they were amber. She wished her mind wasn’t so fragmented regarding her love. Why did this have to be so complicated?
But to her relief, Maltazard slowed down his movements. He didn’t stop them though.
She bit her lip and tried to hold back the cries of pleasure that escaped her hurting throat. She steadied her breathing as best as she could, which only worked slightly. Each time his fingers pumped in and out of her, another gasp is torn from her throat.
“There,” Maltazard said as he used a thumb to caress his bride’s cheek. “There we go. You’re doing so well, Selenia.”
She didn’t know how much time passes before he finally took his fingers away, but all she knew next was that the throbbing in her nether regions finally ended with a climax, her cum squirting into the water. Both husband and wife let out satisfied sighs.
“Thank you, Maltazard,” Selenia said, and she meant it. She needed the carnal pleasure to relieve her from last night’s turmoil, even if she still felt slightly dirty. At least she could say he was good with his fingers and be content with that, which kept some of the guilt from building up.
“You’re welcome.” Maltazard grinned, then guided his consort’s hand back to his cock. “Now, I believe it’s your turn?”
“Ah yes,” she said, recalling how she had been stroking him earlier. “I haven’t finished with you yet.” And so she began to pump his cock again, running her fingers over the tip and massaging carefully. She knew what he liked now, how to please him— a new sexual advantage. This was both a blessing and a curse of sorts. But if it got him to moan, she was content.
And oh how he moaned. He moved his hands to pull her closer, to dig his fingers into her red hair, all while burying his face into her neck. “Yes… yes, flower, that’s it. You’re doing so good,” he praised her between his gasps and moans. “Such a good girl…”
She blushed. “Th-thank you,” she murmured quickly, not used to praise from him. Or anybody in general, really. A strange feeling built up in her chest… and in the heat of the moment, she welcomed the strangeness.
The princess picked up her pace, stimulating the emperor faster and faster, until she felt him ejaculate into her hand again. He sighed contently, pulling her for a brief kiss. She tensed up, but relaxed into the kiss— their third kiss, she realized— and welcomed the bizarre feeling, even the scratch of his unshaven chin against her clean chin.
When Maltazard pulled away from the kiss, he grinned. “Thank you, my dear,” he whispered, nearly breathless. He cupped her cheek. “You’ve been so good… and for that, a bit of work will be taken off your shoulders. Allow me to clean us both up.”
Selenia thought of objecting to his hands scrubbing her body, but then realized he’d already stuck a finger inside her, so what was the point? She decided to keep her mouth shut then, nodding and laying back as he brought out a washing rag and began to scrub her chest. She kept silent, ignoring the brief sensations she felt as his hands cleaned her… as they moved down between her legs, again. So eager, he seemed, as he scrubbed her down there, so softly — so tenderly. It hurt her inside, the attention. So much attention in the last two days for a place that’s been mostly ignored her whole life.
A place that should’ve only been invaded by the man she loved. But no, she willingly gave herself to someone else.
Disgusting, a voice in her head scolded her. You’re as beastly as M, if not more. Unfaithful, selfish, stupid—
Eventually, the emperor stood, one hand holding onto his wife’s thigh. His other hand came up to her chin, tilting her face to look up at him. Through teary eyes, she did, gulping around her shaky breaths. “I expect more obedience like this in the future,” he told her calmly. “It suits you better.”
Her amber eyes narrowed as they looked into his multicolored orbs. “You’ll get obedience when you’re good,” she replied, blunt in tone. “I was only good this time because I wanted a bath without any quarrels.”
Maltazard's eyes narrowed, his blue one twitching. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing left. His teeth gritted. Still stubborn as ever, he cursed inwardly. Damn, this one will drive me insane. He let go of his wife’s chin, giving her thigh a quick pat followed by a brief slap, one that made her jolt.
Selenia watched as her husband went to grab his towel, drying himself up before leaving for their chambers to get dressed. She sat in the tub for a few moments, hugging her legs close to her and sighing.
One thought crossed her mind: she could never be clean. Not after she gave herself to him, allowed him to touch her, to fuck her hand — to make love to her, even if he hadn’t taken her virginity. She wasn’t clean after she allowed him to kiss her the first time, to shove his tongue in her mouth… and she had willingly accepted all of his touches and kisses.
She was forever tainted the moment he plucked the lily from her stem. And she wouldn’t be clean ever again, especially not in the eyes of her father when she’d return home. She could just imagine his anger, his disappointment, his scorn — the look of disgust he would give her, knowing his daughter laid with the evil M.
And she wouldn’t be clean enough for the knight either. Never. This, perhaps, pained the young empress consort the most.
Selenia stood up and got out of the tub. She grabbed her towel and dried herself, before going to join her husband in their chambers. She only prayed that the shame would dissipate as she dressed.
.
.
.
But it didn't.
Arthur sat on the steps of the little greenhouse he and his fellow former prisoners were arranged to sleep in as he tiredly read over the map. He barely had any sleep last night and he didn't even bother to eat breakfast this morning. Not that he wanted to, considering the food consisted of small insects. He nearly vomited at the sight, especially seeing his grandfather wince while reluctantly taking in a 'morsel.'
All he did was focus on the fact that soon, they would be returning to the first kingdom. His grandfather, Betameche, Darkos, Maltazard, Selenia and him would be returning to the place where it all began. Not only would he be leaving empty handed, without the jewels that would secure his grandparents' house and keep it from falling into Davido's hands, but also…he would be leaving Selenia in the hands of the evil M.
The boy gulped, fear nearly swallowing him as his mind swam with so many possibilities as to what Maltazard might have been doing to Selenia last night. Poor, sweet, lovely Selenia...
Would Maltazard have her thrown into a prison cell like he had with Arthur's grandfather? Would he simply torture her through his barbaric ways and cause her unrest and unhappiness?
Suddenly, a dark, scary thought came to the child's mind as his pupils nearly dilated at that thought.

What if M tries to…to force her to submit? Against her will?

No! Arthur's mind shouted, although that image never escaped his mind.
This was the land of the Minimoys, not his town nor any of the other towns where regular humans lived! These creatures — they couldn't be as barbaric as humans could be, right? Sure, Betameche had told him more of M last night, of all the slaughtering and pillaging… but M couldn't stoop that low, right? No, he was just some mischievous bastard who liked to mess with everyone…especially his own bride.
His bride who he would spend the wedding night with.
Arthur shuddered. He shouldn't have known about this at his age, he knew, but it wasn't his fault. He had overheard his parents speaking vulgarly as they had driven him to his grandmother's house for the summer. His mother had brought up his father's magazines — filthy, dirty magazines with the lewdest images. Images that would make his very religious grandfather faint, if he'd been around at that time.
“Armand, I’ve seen you jacking it to your stash, you bastard! What, am I not enough? Am I too loose for you?”
“It’s nothing like that, Rose, it’s just—”
“What? What is it? Because there’s no reason for you, a married man, to be stroking yourself to images of other—”
“I was in need of a quick release! You couldn’t give that to me! Your hands… they’re not…”
“Oh, so my massages aren’t good enough for you anymore? Because last time I checked, you were begging for me to—”
And all Arthur could do was listen to all the details, slowly piecing it together. He learned of how adults would ‘make love’, and that this was what must have happened on wedding nights. To think, Selenia would have to… with Maltazard… the boy’s heart ached.
Arthur’s face became pale at the mental image of Maltazard gazing into Selenia’s tearful eyes as he held her down, looking at her with an evil grin as she gazed at him in complete fear…
“M’s just the stupid emperor of Necropolis,” he told himself repeatedly, digging his fingers into his unruly white hair. As a human, it had been a brownish-blonde and not as wild, but when he turned into a minimoy, it seemed it changed to look like a dandelion. He wondered, what was it with these little people and flowers? But his thoughts were more occupied with a horrifying image of one of his friends, who became like family to him, being taken advantage of in the worst way possible. Treated like an object, no different than how his father would’ve liked to treat those models in his magazines if given the chance. “He wouldn't dream of taking her body…”
“Uh, Arthur, are you okay? You look constipated.”
The boy flinched before turning to see that it was just Betameche, who had chose to go with him when he excused himself from breakfast. His grandfather now stood beside them, a small bag in his hand — probably filled with food for the journey back to the village.
“No, Betameche, Arthur’s just having it rough right now,” Archibald told the prince. “Why don’t you go wait with that osmate Bruce over there? I’ll talk to him for a bit. Family business.”
Betameche looked like he wanted to object, but one glance between the grandfather and grandson was enough to keep him quiet. So he left them alone, heading to join Bruce, who had come to collect the three. The osmate seemed still shaken up from his experience with the new empress, and therefore wasn’t snappy towards the brother of the new queen. A blessing, really.
“Hey, you didn’t eat anything today,” Archibald told his grandson gently. “And…” He cringed as he held his nose. “Oh, my god! You reek of insects, alcohol and dirt!”
“Well, sorry,” Arthur retorted sarcastically as he looked back down at the map. He knew it was rude to act this way to his grandfather, but he wasn’t in a good mood at the moment. “Maybe later I’ll bathe for His Majesty, our new king.”
Archibald sighed as he stood close by him. He knew the toll of the emperor’s marriage had taken quite a lot on the boy, having noticed his grandson’s affections for Selenia. They weren’t a lot, but they were still there and noticeable. The old man had gone through his own puppy love in the past before he met Daisy, so he understood the boy’s plights and worries. “Arthur…” he began. “I know Selenia marrying M has really gotten to you—”
“Grandfather, I’m scared!” Arthur cried, standing up. “Maltazard has married Selenia, and we don’t know what’s going on between them behind closed doors!” He tightened his fists as he glared at the ground. “I just hope M’s not defiling her…”
Archibald’s eyes widened and he gasped upon hearing this. “Arthur Montgomery! Where did you learn of such things?” He grabbed his grandson’s shoulders, even more concerned now. Where could a kid like him have learned of such lewd acts? He was too young to have been told this by Daisy, and he certainly couldn’t have heard of this from his parents. They had the decency to preserve his innocence, even if they couldn’t be bothered to properly care for him… right? “You’re only ten years old, for heaven’s sake. Kids like you shouldn’t know about…adult activities.”
Arthur frowned, rubbing his arm. “When mom and dad drove me over to you and grandma’s for this summer, I overheard them talking about dad’s magazine stash…” He shifted uncomfortably as he recalled seeing his mother holding up said magazine. “Apparently, dad was… touching himself to it, and mom wasn’t happy. They went on in detail and, well, now I know how babies are made and what married couples do behind locked doors at night.” He shrugged, his lip quivering as he looked up at his grandfather. He winced, seeing the mixture of anger, shock and disgust in his face.
But none of that anger, disgust, and shock were directed to the boy. No, Archibald’s disdain was directed solely towards his daughter and son-in-law. How could they be so careless and speak of such things in front of a child, especially their own son? It made his blood boil, his fist nearly balling up. He never liked Armand, finding the young man too stuck up and dismissive of other people’s feelings. He disliked how willingly he would shove his son off to any adult willing to babysit, not bothering to put any effort into being a father. He had the same gripe about his daughter Rosie, who he wished would try to be a decent mother. It seemed once she was introduced to a somewhat wealthy man, she forgot her homely roots and treated her parents like they were insane, just as her husband did, and somehow… treated her son like he was a burden. But he never thought they’d stoop this low and act so vulgar around him.
Now he understood Arthur’s fears more. If he knew of sex, he knew of — oh no. So that’s why he was so antsy, because he was thinking that the emperor would defile his queen’s garden with his thorns and weeds.
Archibald hugged his grandson close, having seen him wince. The boy was too used to scolding, from rejection — no thanks to his parents. He needed assurance, something secure. Especially from a relative that had been lost for three years. There were a lot of hugs to make up for. “Arthur, I’m not mad at you,” he reassured him. “So don’t think I am. I’m mad at your parents. They should have known better, especially Armand.” The name was uttered with even more disgust than M’s. He was going to give that man a stern talk when they returned to the surface. “But… since you are aware of how adults spend their alone time, I want to assure you Maltazard’s not going to lay a hand on Selenia. She’s strong, feisty — he doesn’t stand a chance in breaking her.”
Arthur’s eyes watered a bit as he returned the hug, overwhelmed by his emotions. So many thoughts swam through his mind. The treasure, his parents, Davido, home, grandmother, Selenia and M — but the hug was enough to ease his worries, even if just a little. “I’m going to pray you’re right,” he murmured, burying his face in his grandfather’s coat.
“Pray for a miracle, my boy,” Archibald murmured, patting his back. He sighed, knowing that it was the only thing they could do now. Because when they returned, they wouldn’t be able to visit for another ten moons — ten human months. He prayed Selenia could hold out until then. “Pray…”
Soon, their moment was interrupted by another osmate yelling out to them. “Hey! The emperor and his bride have gathered to leave now! Are you coming or not?”
Both grandfather and grandson pulled away from the hug, turning to the osmate. Arthur glared, fists balling up angrily—
But Archibald held his grandson back and looked at the osmate, nodding. “We are.”
Arthur bit his lip as he and his grandfather followed the osmate to a clearing, where several soldiers were lined up and saddled on mosquitos. The two humans were shoved towards a mosquito which had an empty saddle. On their left was Betameche, on top his own mosquito, looking anxious.
“I hate these things,” he complained. “They’ll terrorize my mul-muls—”
“That’s the least of our concerns,” Arthur cut him off as he boarded his own. He helped his grandfather up onto it. The boy squinted his eyes, looking ahead and that’s when he saw Maltazard and Selenia on their own mosquito. The new queen wore a black dress made from what appeared to be the skin of a bat, while the emperor wore a military like uniform, reminiscent of old royals from the Far East during the war that the boy had read up on.
Selenia looked anxious, frightened, irritated — so many emotions all at once. And Maltazard? He was smug. It made the boy’s blood boil. He tried to understand the choice made, but couldn’t. He just couldn’t.
And it pained him, made him start to wonder… was it worth going back home? Sure, he would love to see his grandmother again, but that meant that he would soon go back into the arms of his father and mother, who didn’t care for him at all. They would either enlist him in a military school or have him sent to live in a convent in France, anything to get him out of their hairs. And the legalities — he didn’t know much of laws, but he knew the state and police wouldn’t be able to grant his grandfather any right to permanently take care of him. And he couldn’t leave Selenia behind. She needed to be protected… just like he did.
For a moment, just a brief moment, he could see the roles blurring between — minimoys, humans, what did it matter? It was almost the same: a story of a young soul being trapped in the hands of someone who couldn’t care for their life.
Maybe, he thought. Maybe I should stay.
At least then, his parents couldn’t reach him.
Maltazard boarded the mosquito with ease, having ridden one many times before. He loved to fly on mosquitos — the feeling that rushed through as he soared through the air, it was incredible. In his younger years as a knight, he would often look up and watch as the winged insects flew high above, and wondered what it’d be like to fly. In the air, no one could judge. In the air, there was no class separations, no competitions, no division — he could exist, and no one would object. Not Sifrat, not the council, no one — he could be free.
He looked to Selenia who hesitated to board the mosquito. “What’s wrong? Never ridden before?” he asked, tilting his head at her.
“No,” Selenia replied, shaking her head. “Never rode any living creature but a mouse that served as a parade float, and that was when I was four hundred and ninety-nine moons old.” It was true, she had never ridden anything that lived. Nor had she taken steps outside her kingdom… at least, not that she knew of. Sometimes, there were flashes — a group of hunters, a blind ruler, a monster looming over her, and her mother shouting for her to take her brother and run. Run and never look back, tears in the queen mother’s eyes as her voice raised and —
She tensed up, fists balling up upon the memory of her mother. She was married to the very being responsible for the loss of her mother. She didn’t know if her father’s words were true, that he killed the former queen, but either way… her mother had disappeared when she was little, supposedly taken by M in her place, so it was all his fault regardless.
Maltazard frowned, seeing his wife tense up. “Well, let me be your wings then,” he offered softly, holding a hand out to her.
Selenia hesitated for a moment, thinking of how she could have been riding alongside her love. How she could have been riding on a butterfly, or any creature but a vile mosquito, alongside the evil M. But she didn’t dwell long, knowing that at least she would be headed home, so she took his hand and allowed him to help her board the mosquito.
"How long have you ridden these things?" she asked him, curious. She had know if she was riding with an experienced driver or a reckless fool.
"Since I was 1,001 moons old," he replied to her, smirking slightly.
Her eyes widened. "Since you were my age?"
He nodded. "Correct."
She looked down, sighing. She recalled how she wanted to explore the world and ride on insects when she was little, but of course, being a royal meant she had no time for such 'rowdy endeavors'. So she could only watch from afar as soldiers and incorrigible teenagers rode butterflies and rolie polies, and more creatures. "This is the first time I've been on the back of an insect. Father used to say I couldn't ride one because it's too unladylike, now here I am," she laughed a little. "It's kind of ironic, isn't it?"
"Yes, it's quite ironic that I, a supposed tyrant, have given you more freedom than your dearest father ever did," Maltazard agreed, chuckling while also feeling sour. He felt a frown tug more at the corners of his lips hearing this. Sifrat was never a good ruler in his eyes, but even worse, he was a lousy father even to this day. He recalled all the times in the past the former emperor would get competitive towards him, jealous because Tarsirion favored the younger over his own son. So they clashed often and even after many times of Fantine — the former queen mother — breaking up their fights, quarrels and competitions, the feud still burned on. Especially when Selenia came into the picture.
Maltazard met Selenia weeks prior to her 500th birthday. The first time he saw her, she was dancing in a grassy meadow. Her body moved with such grace and languid, like a lily drifting down a pond. It was then he wished to protect her, shield her from the world's cruelty, and learn from her — learn to dance amongst the flowers. It was never to be, of course, but he still tried nonetheless. And after her birthday, they had become friends. Close friends, which didn't sit well with Sifrat. The king tried to prevent him from seeing the girl, saying he wasn't good enough, or that he'd taint her — even went so far as to imply he was using her for his own gains, as if the knight's intentions were to have her since he couldn't have her mother. Which was ridiculous.
It was true, Maltazard had a bond with the queen mother, but it was never romantic. Fantine was his caretaker after his parents had died during a hunting trip, slaughtered by a wild insect. The queen to be had looked after him, and he cared for her like a child cared for a guardian. So it hurt him when he reached young adulthood and had to witness her being married off to Sifrat, albeit arranged but still…it stung. So excuse him for being a bit competitive and eagerly partaking in such competitions, but to assume he was preying on the beautiful flower simply because he had some complex for the mother? It was absurd.
Yet that's what drove Sifrat to be controlling over his daughter, and judging from Selenia's words, it was in more ways than one. M frowned and felt his fist ball up around the reigns of the mosquito.
"My father — okay, he is controlling, but he has reasons," Selenia tried to speak defensively, but was hesitant. It was hard to justify her father's control over her. He never let her go out alone without a guard to accompany her, so she often snuck out. He never let her try to practice fencing despite her passion for it, because she might cut herself. He was adamant she didn't train until she was 999 moons old, and she only trained earlier thanks to Miro's persuasions towards the king, who reluctantly agreed to let a former knight train her. A knight who had known M's parents.
She tried to reason his controlling behavior was to protect her from M, so she wouldn't end up like her mother had. Except no one really knew what happened to her mother. Only M did. And she was married to him now.
She wanted to let out a dry, bittersweet laugh. How the tables turned. But she kept silent after her poor defense.
"Like what?" Maltazard snorted. "Did daddy dearest think I'd go over there and snatch you up in my filthy claws?" A part of him felt like being condescending and crude, while another part— the remaining inner nobility— scolded him for this taunting. Of course he did. You took her mother, after all. Fantine died because of you. So of course Selenia was guarded more, one voice in his head hissed at him.
But then another half hissed back, I didn't kill Fantine though. I'd never hurt her, even if I hadn't listened to her in her final days. She gave herself up. She made the sacrifice, not me. I honored her last wishes, I waited for Selenia to grow of age, I didn't attack the first kingdom until recently — I've been as saintly as I could be! Why is it that I'm seen as so barbaric that Selenia must be so guarded? We were friends once. And they could have been more too… had Sifrat not ruined everything.
Suddenly, his chest pained and Maltazard winced, groaning as he clutched his other hand on it. Whatever snarky comment Selenia had stayed on the tip of her tongue, as she felt a sudden jolt of worry towards her husband. "Are you alright?" she asked him, gently brushing her hand on his shoulder.
"I—I will be fine," he lied. He didn't know if he was alright, or where that sudden pain had come from. Could it be that he was paining because of her? No, that was preposterous. He got what he wanted. Why cry over what could've been, even if it seemed promising? "I think it's a side effect of the healing. I can feel now, so of course there's some pains that are returning. I am a little over two thousand years old anyhow." He was younger than Sifrat and Miro, but still older than her by a bit… having paid a bit of attention to Archibald's ravings while the human had been prisoner, the emperor learned of human ages. According to human logic, he would be forty-five by now, and Selenia would be twenty-one. Twenty-four human years apart. That was even more moons apart. "It was bound to happen." I'm so old, he realized. Sure, he was still handsome, thank heavens, but… dear gods, he was past his prime now. So many years lost because of the curse, because of those damned—
His thoughts were interrupted by Selenia wrapping her arms around his chest gently, like a hug of sorts. Then, her hands carefully massaged the area that felt sore— the area around his heart. The emperor blushed, his ears twitching slightly. "I think this will calm the pain for now," said his wife, and in the corner of his eye, he saw a slight smile.
He gulped. "Thank you, flower."
"It's nothing, really," she said, waving her hand in dismissal. "Can't have my husband getting chest pains during flight now, can we?" She didn't know why she cared, but she did. She told herself it was because she didn't want the flight to crash, but knew that wasn't the only reason. She just didn't want to dwell on it.
Maltazard gave a quick nod, then cleared his throat. "Right, well… let us return home now." With that, he pulled the reigns of the mosquito and took off into the air.
Home… soon, he would be returning to the place where he was born. The place where he grew up. The kingdom that had given nothing in return after all of his sacrifices, and instead betrayed him. The kingdom where his pain and sorrow all began. And now, that kingdom was his.
Let's go, then. Take what is rightfully mine. What should've been mine years ago.
He heard Darkos shout orders for the osmates to follow suit, before joining the royal couple in flight. Somewhere, he could also hear his brother-in-law's shrieks as his own mosquito took off, followed by laughter from the two humans.
Maltazard gave a kick to his mosquito, and it sped off faster despite Selenia's cries.
.
.
.
Selenia tried to sit steady, but regardless, she didn't feel afraid. Bands of mist, cold, thin and transparent, flew past her as she soared in the air. If she were to reach out, she could touch the sky. Far below her was a thick, green meadow full of flowers, so calm that she couldn't make out any signs of disturbance from foxes or other wild creatures that roamed the grass. All she saw were the roses and daises, and the flowers she was named after.
Even though she was sitting on the back of a mosquito, unprotected by anything at such a high altitude, she didn't feel any fear. There was nothing that could enter Selenia's mind now. What was filling her heart to its brim was the dancing of the insect in the summer sky, dominating its theatrical stage. All steered by Maltazard.
Transparent wings cruised along the blue canopy of the sky.
Taking advantage of the power output of the gravity and strength of its wings, it quickly paced left and right, like it was stepping through the sky, and it charged forward, and it drew a circle in the sky using its ‘tail’ as a pivot. As it did a roll, it stopped, quickly and precisely, like the hands of a clock, and now it was doing somersaults while rolling sideways. When it was almost done somersaulting, it suddenly turned on its back, then plummeted toward the ocean. Selenia was about to cry out when the mosquito, far below its own fellow mosquitoes, stabilized itself like nothing had happened, and began dancing left and right like a baby cockroach chasing a butterfly, and began drawing circles in the summer sky, a symphony of movement. All of this was thanks to Maltazard, who guided his steed in this strange dance.
Selenia gulped as she looked at Maltazard, mesmerized by the aerial dancing her husband had shown her. If she had been a fragile girl, she would have lost consciousness out of dizziness. It was that elegant, that beautiful a flight, so free and controlled. Even butterflies in the sky couldn’t dance like this.
Were lowly mosquitoes supposed to be able to draw such complex patterns in the sky? Was Maltazard really supposed to be able to dance, so softly, so violently, so beautifully even in the air? She forgot time as she let her heart flow with the gentle curves and straight lines he shaped for her.
Memories flooded of her 500th birthday and the knight that danced for her. Somehow, Maltazard’s aerial performance struck strange similarities. She didn’t know why, but it did.
She realized that Darkos and the osmates were not too far behind them, watching Maltazard’s aerial show, applauding and cheering. They had all been stressed out by the events of yesterday, the constant battles and all, but the sudden gift from the sky filled them with joy. Cheers and whistles were echoed every time a big stunt was performed. Smiles donned each rider of the remaining winged insects. Eventually, they slowed down, and began observing Maltazard’s dancing. It was probably from Darkos’ shouting. For the second time, Selenia thanked her stepson, and with the osmates, began cheering.
“This is amazing!” she exclaimed, for once filled with joy. “How did you learn to dance so well in the sky?”
He turned to her, and she was able to see his expression. He was laughing too, and then he grinned and winked. “I’ve learned to dance on the ground before, from a graceful teacher. It is thanks to this learning that I’ve carried this dance into the air.”
Selenia wondered who this teacher was, but had no time to dwindle on it for long as they ascended high up into the air. “For being the malevolent M, you are such a magnificent dancer!” she shouted. Then she cheered as they tumbled, freewheeling through the seemingly endless sky.
Maltazard turned to look ahead, a seemingly bittersweet smile on his face. He whispered something, but she couldn’t hear what exactly, the sound of his voice drowned out by the loud winds that blew past.
And suddenly, Selenia felt a pain in her chest now. But she didn’t understand. What could cause such pain? All she knew was, as she masked it to try and keep enjoying the aerial waltz, it had something to do with M.
But what exactly?
I came across a fallen tree,
I felt the branches of it looking at me.
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I’ve been dreaming of?

Oh simple thing, where have you gone?
I’m getting old and I need something to rely on.
So tell me when you’re gonna let me in,
I’m getting tired and I need somewhere to begin.

And if you have a minute, why don’t we go,
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything,
So why don’t we go somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know…
Sifrat nervously put his hand to his mouth as he looked at the gates. The guards had peered through the peeking hole several times, and there was still no sign of Selenia, Betameche or Arthur. To say the king was worried was an understatement. He feared that M might have gotten his clutches on his eldest daughter and — no, no, he couldn't afford to think like that. Not now.
He looked to his advisor. "What time is it, my dear Miro?" he asked him. They couldn't be late.
The mole looked at his hourglass. "Right around noon, my good king," he answered.
Sifrat let out an anxious groan. "Oh, only five minutes left, and the only news we've gotten is Mino's return!" he fretted. "And the only thing Mino has told us so far was that Selenia was the one to free him. Nothing else." Though he had noticed the little mole had seemed rather exhausted and frightened, as if there was more to the story, but of course he hadn't pressed on. His advisor's son needed rest, so they let him sleep for the night, and even now allowed him some rest. Being a prisoner of M must have drained the poor thing. Now, he could only pray his daughter and son hadn't fallen prisoners of M, and were far from the forbidden city by now along with Arthur.
"Have faith in them, my good king," Miro tried to reassure him. "I'm sure they've succeeded by now. After all, my Mino has returned safe and sound, thanks to Selenia. I am sure she's defeated M and found the treasure." He tried to hide the uneasy burden he felt as he mentioned his old friend. It was hard, knowing that someone he was once close to would imprison his own son — and he dare not even go into detail of the other things M had done. To think, the water campaign had changed his old friend from a hero to a fiend… along with a curse, a curse that could only be cured by the king's eldest child. And the advisor could only pray that the heiress found a husband before entering the forbidden city.
"May the gods hear you, Miro," Sifrat prayed. "May the gods hear you!" He clasped his hands together and wished for a miracle. He wanted his children back, safe and sound. He wanted Arthur to return, treasure in hand, so he could return to his world and make sure that the vile man from above— this 'Ernest Davido'— wouldn't uproot their underground home. And he wanted M to no longer pose a threat to his family, especially his daughter. After so many years of that bastard trying to take everything from him, Sifrat wished for one simple victory— anything would suffice, even his daughter choosing a Koolomassai for a husband at this point. Just as long as M didn't—
Suddenly, there was a sound of buzzing.
"What?" Sifrat turned to look back at the gates, a chill running up his spine. "What is that noise?" Another fear came to mind: what if it was the osmates? Had his daughter failed in her mission? Had the soldiers of the seventh kingdom come to raid again?
"I have no idea, sire," Miro replied, then shuddered. "But I have a terrible foreboding."
If it was truly buzzing, then it had to be a mosquito, and the only ones who rode mosquitos were the osmates. If it was the osmates, then that meant—
A knock on the gates. "Father!" a familiar voice called out. "It's me, Selenia!"
A wave of relief washed over Sifrat and Miro. They were fine. Selenia, Betameche and Arthur were alright. They had returned, safe and sound. All was well. Nothing to worry about. "My daughter," sighed the king, happy to hear his little girl's voice. "They returned!"
"Let us in," a soft but firm order sounded from Selenia.
Sifrat marched to the guard who stood by the gates. "Open the gate, now!" he ordered.
The guard nodded and pulled the lever, opening the door. Once it opened, Sifrat was greeted by the sight of his two children, both of whom were quick to embrace their father. "Oh, my children!"
"Papa!" Betameche cried, hugging his father's torso. "We missed you, papa."
"Oh my children," Sifrat cried as he squeezed them both tightly in his arms. "You're this old king's most prized possessions."
"We know, father," Selenia whispered, hugging her father's neck. "We know."
Sifrat opened his eyes and was surprised to see his daughter's change in clothes, especially the change from leafy materials to what appeared to be a dead bat's skin. "Selenia, what on earth are you wearing?" he asked incredulously. "Your dress — it's made of an animal's skin!"
"I know, father," said Selenia, rubbing her arm as she looked down. "But I had to change clothes, and my husband insisted it was best I wear this." She rolled her eyes briefly. "So I—"
"Husband?" Sifrat interrupted, a small smile forming on his face. Atrocious choice in outfits aside, he was elated to know he had a son-in-law and that the throne would thankfully be passed down to a worthy man. "So you found a suitor! Wonderful!"
Selenia shifted awkwardly. "So I did…" She seemed to flinch as Betameche glared at her, which was a bit surprising to the king. Usually, she didn't so much as budge when her younger brother would glare.
The king's gaze soon shifted to Arthur and Archibald, who had stood by with their own smiles, the former appearing rather sad. "Archibald, you've returned!" He went to shake the old man's hand. "It's been a long time since we've last seen each other."
"It has," Archibald agreed.
"I can't imagine what it was like being a prisoner of that vile beast," the king spat the last words out with disdain. "Thank heavens your grandson here is quite the hero—"
"Actually, your majesty, it is Selenia who is the true hero," Arthur interrupted, a sad smile on his face. "She took a big leap of faith in order to secure the first kingdom's well-being."
Sifrat looked at the boy, confused. "What do you mean by that?" He looked to the boy's grandfather. "Archibald, what does he—"
"We're not the only ones who returned," Archibald said, his voice in a grim tone now. "There's also…"
Miro gasped and pointed ahead into the tunnels. "It's M — he's here!"
Gasps and screams erupted from the villagers as some fled to their homes, while others remained cowering and petrified with fright. Sifrat gasped, eyes narrowing as he looked ahead… and his eyes widened once he saw Maltazard emerge from the shadowy tunnels, his body no longer disfigured but healed, looking almost exactly as he had before the curse, only older and somehow taller. Behind him, there was Darkos and the osmates, flocking behind as if they were guards escorting a king.
The healed appearance of M could only mean one thing: he had gotten the first kiss of a princess. Emperor Maltazard of Necropolis had wed Princess Selenia de Matradoy.
Sifrat's fist balled up while he pointed his other hand at the scoundrel. "You bastard!" he shouted. "Terrorizing my kingdom, slaughtering thousands and imprisoning innocent people wasn't enough for you — oh no, you had to go and force my daughter to marry you!" He stomped forward, forgetting his lower size for a moment. He didn't care if this was practically suicide at this point, as he only cared about taking down the bastard who had undoubtedly forced himself onto his precious girl. "Why couldn't you leave our family alone? You sick, twisted, vile, uncouth—"
“Now Sifrat, is that any way to talk to your son-in-law?” Maltazard asked condescendingly, feigning hurt in his tone. “I’ll have you know I would never stoop so low as to force myself on any creature.” He gestured to his wife. “Contrary to your own false beliefs, your daughter willingly gave me her first kiss.” He sneered. “And through this kiss, I am part of your family as well. Not only that, but the first kingdom is mine. I am now the ruler of this land.” He gestured around the place. “Every single nook and cranny? It all belongs to me.” He knelt to Sifrat’s level, grinning widely. “And it’s all thanks to your precious little girl.”
“That’s not true!” Sifrat argued, eyes filled with hatred. “My daughter would never —”
“It’s true.”
The two turned to Selenia, who looked forward, her expression blank. “I gave my first kiss to M,” she said firmly, loud enough for onlookers to hear.
“No…” Sifrat walked towards his daughter, reaching out to grab her hand. “Selenia, you – you didn’t…”
Selenia pulled her hand away. “I did, father. For my kingdom, my own people, I married Maltazard.” She breathed in, preparing herself for the outrage that was sure to follow as she went on, “You said that vengeance would do me no good, that it only makes me impure. So, I didn’t take vengeance. I gave M what he wanted, and he’ll give me what I want.” I pray.
Maltazard gave a smug look at his father-in-law. “You heard her,” he spoke cockily. “She willingly—”
“Silence, you fiend!” Sifrat snapped, glaring daggers at his enemy. He looked at his daughter, eyes narrowed, and said in a surprisingly cold, harsh tone: “And you, young lady… you and I are going to have a long talk about this.” He looked back to M. “And you… it’s been a while since our last verbal confrontation. Well, I suppose it’s back to the old days, isn’t it?”
Selenia’s lip quivered. She knew this was coming a mile away, but it still made her afraid, hurt, and overall guilty. This was going to be a long day, that was certain.
However, she felt confused as she processed her father’s words to her husband. What did he mean by last verbal confrontation? Did he mean the day M left the kingdom? But according to Miro’s teachings, Maltazard had left silently, without a word to the king of the minimoys or the advisor. Was there more to the story than she had been told? What if… Maltazard wasn’t entirely fabricating things?
There was only one way to find out, and it would be through the toughest talk she’d have yet.
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The Princess and the Emperor