Chapter 3

3.

Lucian had been gone for two days. When he returned, he was covered in blood.

He hid his hands behind his back. Then, he pulled out a bright red flower.

"Aria, I got this Fire-Bloom just for you. Do you like it?"

I almost laughed at his lie. The Fire-Bloom grows on the edge of the Mystic Isles.

If he only went for a flower, he would not be this injured. He must have gone deeper into the islands.

He went there for the Dragon-Heart Fruit. That fruit is the only way to help a mortal like Elara use my son's soul-essence.

He risked his life for Elara. Then he picked a random flower on the way back to trick me.

I smiled coldly. "Thank you, my King."

Lucian stared at me. "Aria, why don't you look happy?"

I looked away. "I am happy because you gave it to me."

The room went silent. Lucian sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"Are you mad because I haven't been around? I've been busy. Tell me what you want, and I will make it up to you."

He looked so caring. It was the same look he gave me when we were "happy."

But we could never go back. I pulled my hand away from his.

"I don't want anything, Lucian."

His face darkened. "What is wrong with you today? Stop acting like this!"

"I told you I was busy. Stop being so petty. You are a Queen, act like it!"

He grabbed my arm and shoved me. I was so weak that I fell and coughed up blood.

Lucian looked shocked and rushed to me. "Aria! Why are you bleeding so much?"

He tried to check my pulse again. But then, his guard burst into the room.

The guard whispered in his ear. Lucian hesitated for a second, then looked at Lila.

"Take care of the Queen. I have to go."

He didn't even look back as he left me on the floor.

Lucian stayed away for two days. The Shadow Court was in a mess.

The ministers begged me to find him. I agreed and went to the Silver Citadel.

That is where Caleb's palace is. That is where Elara lives.

The side palace was very quiet. It was the perfect place for a secret meeting.

I heard Lucian's voice from inside. "Elara, stop being stubborn! Caleb says he loves you, but he's marrying someone else now."

"You are just a human. Once he has a real wife, she will ruin you. You won't be safe here!"

Elara started crying. "I want to leave with you, Lucian. But you have Aria. Neither of you can make me your only one!"

Lucian yelled back, "You know I don't love Aria! I only married her for you!"

"I had to pretend to love her to get the soul-essence for you. I will divorce her right now if you say yes!"

I couldn't listen anymore. I pushed the door open.

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