Page 51 of Kingdom of Lies

As I reach out and clasp Grandma's delicate hands, then Draknir's strong ones, a wave of joy overwhelms me. My family, finally reunited after so much strife, stands together in this moment, stronger than ever. I feel a sense of peace wash over me, knowing that we can weather anything life brings our way.

"Oh, Grandma, how I have missed you!" I cry out, unable to hold back tears as I cling to her.

Standing before Grandma, her wrinkled hand gently pats my tear-streaked cheek. Her warm smile fills me with a deep sense of love and pride. "My darling girl," she says with genuine admiration, "look at the fine husband you have found." In that moment, surrounded by my loved ones, I feel truly blessed and content.

I can't help but laugh through my tears, nodding in agreement. "Yes, he is truly wonderful." My gaze drifts back to Draknir, who gazes back at me with a soft, adoring expression.

Grandma takes both of our hands in hers, bringing them together in a symbol of unity and love. "This house is filled with such love," she declares, her voice filled with emotion.

"We have so much joy ahead of us. If only your grandfather was here to see this." The warmth and love in her words surround us like a comforting embrace.

As the months pass by, each day seems to blend into the next with a sense of joy and eagerness. My belly swells with our unborn child, a physical manifestation of the miracle taking place inside me.

As my swollen belly nears its full term, Draknir's apprehension about becoming a father becomes palpable. One night, while our bodies lay entwined in bed, he finally finds the courage to confess his fears to me.

With his arms wrapped tightly around me, his voice quivers with emotion as he whispers against my neck, "I want to be the best father for our child."

I turn to face him and place my hand on his warm cheek. The soft light of the setting sun casts a golden glow on his strong features. His eyes, usually fierce and determined, now reflect a rare moment of vulnerability and uncertainty.

My heart swells with love for this man beside me.

"Draknir," I say sincerely, "you already are an incredible partner and I have no doubt that you will be an amazing father. And the fact that you are even worrying about it, thinking about the best man you could be says everything. Your past doesn't matter, only your future."

He smiles at me, his eyes sparkling with love and determination. He pulls me even closer, wrapping his strong arms around me. "Thank you for believing in me," he says softly before placing a tender kiss on my forehead.

The next week, Draknir surprises me with a romantic babymoon at the beach. As we wander along the shore, the rhythmic sound of waves breaking against the sandy shoreline serenades us. The warm sun beams down on our skin and the soft, powdery sand cushions our steps. We walk in contented silence for a while, drinking in each other's presence and the tranquil atmosphere of the beach. Sea birds call out overhead, adding to the symphony of nature surrounding us.

It feels like time has slowed down just for us, as we bask in this idyllic moment together.

Draknir suddenly halts and swiftly draws me towards him, a mischievous glint twinkling in his eyes. "Do you recall the day we first crossed paths?" he asks, his voice laced with amusement.

A fond smile spreads across my face as I reminisce on that fateful day, when this man had swooped in and saved my life. "How could I ever forget? You were my gallant knight in glistening armor."

His lips pull up into a gentle smile, revealing his dimples as he leans in closer to me. His warm forehead presses against mine, and I can feel his breath on my skin. "And soon, we'll be bringing a new life into this world," he whispers, his voice filled with awe and excitement.

Tears spring to my eyes, blurring my vision as I look up at him. The love and happiness radiating from his words fills my heart to the brim. "I never would have thought this would become my reality," I confess, overwhelmed with gratitude and joy.

Gently, he reaches up and brushes away a single tear that trails down my cheek with the pad of his thumb. His eyes are soft and full of love as he speaks to me. "I know it hasn't been easy, but I wouldn't change a thing," he says sincerely. "You have been worth every struggle and moment of uncertainty."

As we near a lively row of brightly-colored shades, Draknir suggests we take a break and rest for a bit.

I never thought this would be my life.

The dripir caretaker living like royalty.

I'm madly in love and our little family is only just starting.

I don't know what I did right to deserve this, but every day I come to terms with it a little more, the lifestyle of the upper echelons of society very much agreeing with me.

30

KARUL

"Darling Karul!" a voice lilts through the air, as sickly sweet as venom laced with honey. "You're looking absolutely dashing tonight!"

Oh, for fucks sake, anyone but her.

I turn to Lady Sylthia, her gown an elaborate confection of silk and lies. Her breasts heave, threatening to pop out of her dress at any given breath. "One must dress the part when attending the comedy of the court," I reply.

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