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I woke up extra early. It was a beautiful, warm, Sunday morning. I ordered many of the castle staff to take the day off so that I could spend a quiet day with my beloved husband.

I was currently in our small private kitchen, cooking us a simple breakfast. Chicken sandwiches, eggs and freshly baked biscuits.

"Your majesty. Why are you cooking?"

"I told you not to call me that when we're alone, Ms.Odelle," I eyed the woman.

"Okay then Aeval. What is the queen doing in the kitchen?"

"As you can see I'm preparing some delicious breakfast. You and Mr.Percival should join. There's enough food for the four of us." I smiled at her.

"Guess I can't really do anything to stop you. Anyway, thanks for the offer dear, but me and my husband will leave you two lovebirds alone." I blushed at her words.

"Well, at least take some of the food. You can still eat them with Mr.Percival."

"If you insist. I'll admit it. Even the smell is mouthwatering." She approved while she helped herself with the sandwiches and biscuits.

"Do tell me how they taste later."

"I will. You know, I never really thanked you for bringing us here."

"Oh, Ms.Odelle. It wasn't just me. Phoenix wanted the two of you here as well."

"Well, both of you somehow managed to convince the former King and Queen about our transfer. I never imagined myself leaving Red Kingdom. I thought I would spend the remainder of my life there and nowhere else. With Percival of course." She spoke in a daze.

"Do...do you like it here?" I asked fearful that maybe we forced them to come all this way and brought about an unwanted change in their lives.

"Are you kidding?! We love it here! It's like a breath of fresh air, dear. Life here is so different, so new. It's wonderful. The best part is I don't have to deal with slaves. I don't have to witness their constant suffering. Their deaths. Gloominess and guilt will no longer hover over me. I feel so free here and I can spend more time with my husband. This is all thanks to you and King Phoenix."

"I am so happy to hear this Ms.Odelle. Really. I want you and Mr.Percival to be happy."

"We are." She waved a hand.

"Red Kingdom isn't so bad now. At least since Zenas Everett sat on the throne. The kingdom is kinder to it's humans. Zenas really is a good king. He's slowly working towards abolishing slavery there." I said, leaning against the counter.

"Yes. As mischievous as he is, he is also responsible."

"I'm glad Princess Esmeralda became the new commander of the army. She's awesome."

"The strongest, yes. She certainly deserves it. Way more than that ignorant Octavius." Ms.Odelle grumbled.

"What has he been up to?"

"I think he's working under the pure blood princess. Speaking of her, she actually found a special somebody."

"Who?!" I asked excitedly.

"I heard he's another vampire. Not a pure blood of course but he's an excellent fighter."

"Ooohhhh. I wish them the best."

"Young love." She sighed dreamily. "I'm fortunate to witness so much of it in the recent days. First you, then King Alex and Beth, that girl Tonya and then there was India's engagement and now, our dear Valentina!" Excitement filled her voice.

"I wonder when Kylie Pie would find someone."

"Oh he will. Very soon. That Timothy and him are heartbreakers. Let them enjoy their single life." Ms.Odelle laughed.

"I'm glad India is there to watch over them. Hmmm, I haven't seen her in a while," I sighed. I've missed her and Rexamus. "She's getting married to Gabriel Wilde in two months time. Our general will soon be moving to Red Kingdom to be with her."

"We have many deserving people to replace him."

"Yeap. However, it would be hard to fill in his shoes. General Gabriel is outstanding when it comes to his job. Even Phoenix is satisfied with him around.

"He is but we'll manage to get someone to take his place."

"We will."

"How long more until you finish?"

"Oh maybe fifteen minutes? This is the last batch of biscuits."

"Alright then, I'll see you later. Enjoy your breakfast Queen Aeval." She made a playful face. Mr and Mrs Salvador have been more jovial since they left Red Kingdom. They were fun and often cracked jokes with the people around them. They were no longer bound by the impractical laws.

"You too." With that she left the kitchen.

I waited ten more minutes before the oven's timer went off. Wearing my mittens, I opened the oven door and took out the hot chocolate biscuits. Taking a whiff, I sighed in content. They smelled heavenly.

Carefully, I placed the hot tray on the small tray holder to let it cool. Feeling satisfied, I gingerly took off my mittens. Just then my body tingled as I felt a pair of strong arms circle around my waist. My body instantly warmed up as my husband kissed the side of my neck and inhaled my scent.

"Why are you up so early Little Flower?"

"I made us breakfast. Come eat. I hope you'll like it." I turned around to face him. His hair was wet and messy. Phoenix wore pants and a fitting T-shirt that showed off his muscular body. I loved his fresh, soapy, shower scent. How can anyone look so attractive? I mean he just showered. It's not like he had a make over.

"I love it when you look at me like that." He cupped my face and kissed my lips. "And you don't have to hope. You know I love your cooking my beautiful queen." I gave him a shy smile. No matter how close I get to him, he could always make me blush. He had that effect on me and he knows it.

I took some time preparing all the culinary item on the table. After filling our plates with everything I prepared, I turned to take my seat on the chair opposite of him. That of course didn't go my way. The moment I turned around, Phoenix grabbed my wrist and pulled me back, making me fall on his lap.

"What-"

"You can sit right here," he nuzzled the side of my neck.

"Phoenix-"

"Sshh, let's eat." I rolled my eyes at him and took one of my biscuits. The frustration instantly vanished, as I took a huge bite out of my sugary goodness. The tiny chocolate chunks melted in my mouth leaving my taste buds craving for more.

"Mhmmmm." I closed my eyes and enjoyed the satisfaction. Looking at my husband I wanted to ask if the food was to his liking but as our eyes met, my words got stuck in my throat.

Phoenix's eyes were pitch black and I suddenly felt his hand stroking my thigh.

"Phoenix?"

"I'm not so hungry for the food anymore, Little Flower," he said lowly. His voice alone gave me goosebumps. It took some time for me to process what he said but after I got it, I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Do you know how much time I spent on this meal?! I made all this for you! The additional ingredients were love and wonderful, happy memories!" I threw my hands up and rambled on. "I woke up so early so that-"

"It's not my fault that I'm no longer hungry for the food. You do things to me, my little wife." His grip on me tightened while he grumbled against my cheek. I stilled on his lap as warmth spread all over me.

"Wh...what?"

"You just had to make me listen to that. Now you're more appealing than the food." He said, kissing me along my jawline. There is was again! The tingling sensation in my womanhood.

"Phoenix....st...stop."

"I don't want to," he mumbled as he continued kissing the top part of my breasts. His eyes were still black and his dark blue veins were visible all over his arms and the area around his eyes. "You taste heavenly, Little Flower."

"Thank you. Now please eat your breakfast before Mr or Mrs Salvador walks in," I stammered. I knew I was already flushed. He just couldn't behave himself for once. Sometimes, I hate it when my body would immediately react to his touch. He looked at me smugly knowing full well that he had the upper hand.

"No wonder they still call you by your famous title." Crossing my arms, I muttered under my breath.

"I take it as a title upgrade. Don't you think so too?" It was true. The people called him the Dark King now.

"So you're proud of it?" I couldn't wipe out the smile on my face.

"I will wear my title like an armour," he declared.

"Be a good flower and feed me." He kissed my lips again. I shook my head and smiled at his morning antiques. Picking up one of the sandwiches from his plate I brought it close to his lips.

"There." Staring directly into my eyes, he took a large bite out of it. His eyes never left mine even while he chewed. I could feel my cheeks heating up again. I knew my face was red and he confirmed it by laughing at me heartily.

"Hmmm. This is good food. Really good." My face brightened up at once. Leaning closer to him, I kissed all over his face.

"I'm happy you like it." I said softly.

"I love it, feed me some more."

After we were done with breakfast, which consisted of mostly me feeding my husband, I moved to get up. Phoenix immediately held me closer to him to prevent that from happening.

"We're done eating."

"Let's just sit for a while. We don't have anything important to do today." As he spoke, I noticed a little bread crumb at the corner of his lips. Licking my thumb, I used it to wipe away the tiny crumb. Before I could pull away my hand, he grabbed it and kissed my thumb lovingly.

I couldn't turn away from him as he gazed down at me. Feeling nervous all of a sudden, I swallowed hard.

He brought his face closer to mine and captured my lips once again. Slowly, I brought my hands up and ran my fingers through his soft hair. His arm tightened around my waist while his other hand stroked my thigh. His kiss became more intense and I tried to keep up with him.

I couldn't do it for very long of course. Soon, we both needed air.

"Your kisses are sweet and you always manage to make me crave for more. Almost like chocolates." I shyly said to him.

"Almost?" he raised a brow.

"Almost." I blushed.

"Are you still sore from last night, Little Flower? Did it hurt?"

"Nope." I blurted out top quickly. Damn you Aeval!

"Aeval Florentine." He grumbled in a warning tone. I hated it when he called me by my full name. That usually meant a warning or he figured out whatever I didn't want him to figure out.

"So, you remember my name?"

"Stop trying to change the subject and yes I know the name of my wife and queen."

"Did you practice saying my name?" I continued to tease him.

"A little bit. After we got married but enough of that! Answer the question or I will tickle you until you throw up." I glared at his smug face.

"Alright! I just feel a tiny bit sore but it didn't hurt that much, I promise." I recalled our heated love making session last night. His toned body looked too damn sexy without clothing.

"Why are you becoming red?" He whispered in my ear.

"Wh...what? Nothing." I pulled away.

"You sure it didn't hurt too much?" Phoenix asked, more serious this time.

"No and if it ever does, I will tell you okay?" kissing his cheek, I rested my head on his chest. Sex definitely didn't hurt as much as the first time Phoenix and I had done it. I winched as I recalled the night we agreed on making love for the first time.

"Last night was great. Way better than the first time." I smiled.

"I'm so sorry for that."

"Not your fault Phoenix. That night, you actually helped me to come out of my dark hell. The pain was worth it." I confessed my feelings and kissed his warm lips. He was a remarkably understanding being. Phoenix waited four months before our first night.

I remember the anxiety I felt and I couldn't stop hyperventilating as my husband undressed me. I remember crying the moment he entered me. I remember drifting off into what seemed like an inescapable void that night. Phoenix was gentle and sweet but my mind brought me back to the dreadful, dark dungeons. Flashes of the unwanted memories played in my head. Even the faces of the guards who raped me came into view that night.

My husband helped me back into reality by holding me close to him and by uttering words of support. When I finally came to, there was a great amount of hurt in Phoenix's eyes but he managed to kiss my pain away. He made passionate love to me that night. One filled with fire, protectiveness and love. It was painful but as I gazed into his eyes, I knew I needed it.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Our first night."

"I thought you said it hurt."

"The pain was necessary, Phoenix. I had to overcome that block, that giant wall of fear, shame and insecurity. I thought I will never be able to heal that part of me but because of you, I somewhat did. Not completely but I'm on my way to recovery."

"You're the strongest woman I've ever met in all my years of existence." He cupped my face. "You will only become stronger after this."

"Thank you." I whispered to him.

~~~~~~

Phoenix had some paperwork and a meeting to attend to with General Gabriel so I kissed him goodbye and proceeded to clean the kitchen.

Once I was done, I went up to the fifth floor of the castle. Up there, the spacious hall was turned into a peaceful indoor garden. My personal sanctuary. It was filled with various plants and little creatures like butterflies, snails, a few owls and more.

Not to mention my dear friends. The pixies. They help keep everything healthy in there.

As I walked deeper into the tranquil place, I came to my favourite part. The marble fountain that was specifically built for this place.

It held the life giving purity. The golden water from the core of life itself.

With me using my gifts to restore and inspirit the fullness of her power, the enchanting water will survive forever, bringing it's goodness and nourishing the whole of Silver Heights. Since we are connected, both the golden water and I will always be needing each other. I'm hoping that one day, when Phoenix and I have children, they will continue to use their gifts and keep this place as it is now.

I mean if they have gifts.

"Good morning Grendon!" I chirped at the startled pixie. He almost had a mini heart attack.

"Morning Your Majesty! You scared me. What's the plan for today?"

"Hmmm, I want to relax. Nothing heavy for today. Unless anyone needs healing."

"Well, so far nobody's dying, my queen. In here or outside."

"That's good. Maybe I'll be visiting some people in the village area tomorrow. Do you wish to come along?"

"Of course! That could be fun. I want to meet the children, my queen."

"I'm sure they'll be happy to see you. There's quite a big number of them so you're free to bring anyone with you."

"Great! I already have ten names!"

Whoa. Okay then.

I spent some time there feeding the animals and speaking to some of the pixies. About an hour later I moved to the outdoor gardens. My wings wanted to be free so I had to give in to their wish.

I briefly wondered why Phoenix had such a long meeting with the general. It was supposed to be a free day for us. Maybe he was giving poor Gabriel a hard time again. My husband can be both ruthless and fierce when it came to ruling. That's why I attend as many meetings as I can. I have to be by his side. To balance out our perspective of things and to make good judgement.

I understand that it wasn't an easy thing. To rule and have an entire kingdom under your protection. It can get extremely stressful and those who do not carry out their responsibilities like they should will have to face the Dark King.

Bottom line. All the ministers and the advisors do their jobs quite well. A few problems and disagreements here and there but nothing too big.

So far out kingdom is in safe hands. It has improved in wealth, security and daily lifestyle. I am proud to admit it was all because of the choices Phoenix and I took together.

~~~~~~~~~

"Do not forget to give your queen the list of families who are in dire need of financial assistance. Those who are unable to deal with their monthly food expenses."

Of course Your Majesty. Will that be all?"

"Improve combat training for the soldiers. I want them stronger and they need to be more agile on the field. I see that kid Robbie is getting better but he needs more training."

"Yes, my King. However, Robbie is doing his best. It won't be wise to push the boy too much. Give him more time and he'll be as good as the rest. I have faith in him." I stared at Gabriel and considered his words.

"Fine. I'll trust you regarding the boy. That will be all. You are dismissed."