Chapter 26

Soft fingers slowly drawing circles on my back wake me from my sleep, from the dream of Alekai and I confessing our love for each other and him setting me free as his slave. It was a great dream, but reality crashed around me as soon as I opened my eyes. I sigh, snuggling closer to the warm body, a deep chuckle filling my ears.

“Good morning Lyra.” Alekai’s voice calls out gently, a kiss placed on my temple.

“Morning, Kai.” I yawn, opening my eyes to see a gentle smile on his face. My hand moves to adjust the necklace on my neck, feeling nothing but my skin under my fingertips instead. I jolt upright, realizing we were not in our usual room as I look around, spotting the chain I grew accustomed to around my neck sitting on the nightstand beside the bed.

“It wasn’t a dream?” I ask, tears forming in my eyes.

“It wasn’t a dream, Lyra. You’re free.” Alekai proclaims, sitting up beside me and pulling me into his lap. I cry, realizing my blissful dream is reality. Alekai and I are in love with each other, and I no longer have the status of a sex slave. Alekai just holds me, allowing me to cry my heart out as the emotions of finally being his equal and finding someone who loves me unconditionally run their course until I am left breathless, leaning against the man I love.

“You okay, beautiful?” He asks, wiping stray tears from my cheeks.

“I am,” I answer, meaning it with every fibre of my being. I am loved by a man who has shown he cares about me time and time again after our rough start. We lay in bed, Alekai cuddling me close to his body as we just talk. I learn that Alekai was a troublemaker as a child, and he tells the story of him filling the fountain with dish soap from the kitchen until bubbles filled the garden, causing me to laugh until my sides hurt.

“You were a menace. I hope any children we have aren’t like you,” I giggle, my statement gaining me an eye roll.

“Well, what was your childhood like?” He rebuts, and I frown.

“Not one I want to relive,” I whisper quietly, taking a deep breath as I recount the abuse my father threw my way before I was accepted into boarding school. My decision to become a baker was based on countless nights of going to bed hungry because women and booze were more important to the man who was supposed to raise me.

“The reason Jaida and Aime are so important to me is because those two saved me. I was the poor scholarship girl with no money for luxuries. They became my friends, then sisters, and their parents became family to me.” I end with, Alekai once again drawing soothing circles on my skin.

“Well, I will be your family now, and you will never go hungry again. That’s a promise.” His words reassure me as I know that Alekai will keep this promise. The thought of living with him in the Palace for the rest of our lives and continuing to get to know the man who holds me securely in his arms is something I look forward to waking up to every day.

“Can we change the subject?” I ask.

“Sure, anything you want to talk about?”

“Yes, why did you bring me to the Manor? The one where your family first started to rule?” I look up to see Alekai staring at me in shock and surprise but also a hint of pride and amazement. I guess he never thought I would figure out where we are.

“You never cease to amaze me, Songbird,” He whispers incredulously, planting a swift kiss on my lips.

“Answer the question, mister.” I mock scold, gaining a chuckle.

“Okay, okay. There is the tradition that before a Prince takes the throne, he brings the woman he wishes to be his Queen here to confess their love and, well, enjoy some adult fun like we did last night.” I blush at the mention of our lovemaking, realizing I was like an animal in heat.

“So this means I will be Queen?” I ask.

“Of course. Why do you think Mother has been having you help her with planning the coronation? She is seeing just how capable you are. I also told her you’re the one that came up with names for my school and the idea of training farmers. She already approves of you as her replacement.” I never thought I could burst with happiness but his words and knowing that Arabess approves of me cause more tears to flow. Alekai allows me to cry once more, and I apologize, not being one to cry easily. I feel embarrassed, but he holds me tighter, reassuring me that his shoulder will always be for me to cry, sleep, and lean on.

Our stay in the Manor is short. Alekai shows me the rich history of where Symphrain first began and takes me swimming in the lake. The gardens have become my favourite place to sit, eat, and stroll with Alekai, talking about everything and nothing. Three days later and feeling very refreshed after a long time, Nick arrives in the limousine, and we soon drive away from the fairytale-like place.

“Will we be able to visit here again?” I ask, watching the trees of the dense forest pass by.

“Of course, Lyra. Just let me know when and I will make sure to have one full week for us to relax here.” Alekai assures me, pressing a kiss to my temple before turning to focus on the file Elisa sent for Alekai to review before we return home.