Page 5 of The Time Of Kings

“I am just tired.”

He granted me a soft smile before sweeping me up in his arms and making me gasp, despite it being done a thousand times before.

“Then I best get my Queen to bed.”

I couldn’t help but smile and tell him in a teasing tone,

“Yes, and as I keep reminding you, this queen does have legs.” I kicked them slightly as if to prove my point.

“Mmm, and what fine legs they are indeed… especially when wrapped around me,” he added after ducking his head so his lips were closer to my ear.

“Ah, so that’s why you want to get me to bed, is it?” I teased.

“Isn’t it always, Vixen?” he replied, making me giggle and relax into him. Just the smell of him centred my turbulent mind. That sandalwood scent of him was like breathing in a powerful elixir. But that was the power of Draven, as even after all this time spent together, I still felt those butterflies take flight in my stomach at just the sight of him. I still pinched myself, asking if this was really my life.

So many wonderful memories had come and gone, and each day offered so many more. It was like living in a dream, one that had started to take shape in my mind long before we even became a couple. Back when Draven purposely denied himself the temptation of having me and making me his. Of course, I understood it now, especially as all of his fears had come to fruition, with one kidnapping and attack after another. His enemies all lined up at the gates just waiting for their shot at me. The one he had declared to meaning more to his heart than any other.

It was why we had kept such a tight rein on our daughter, her upbringing being an unconventional one at best. We were guilty of trying to shield her from so much, that in the end, it hadn’t mattered. She had fallen victim to the Fates’ plan, regardless of our decisions and now it was happening once again.

Of course, now she was no longer mortal, I knew she could handle most things, having the strength of her father’s blood and now that of her husband’s also. So, we both knew she was morethan capable. But this was also where my greatest fear lay, as what if it was like it had been for me? What if we went back into the past and we both stepped into that ancient world as mortal as the day we had been destined to start life as?

Oh, who was I kidding, there was a million and one things that could go wrong here, and all I had to hold on to was that four-letter word that seemed to hold the most weight in our world…

Fate.

“Oh, we are here,” I said the moment I realised we were back in our bedroom, one that had greatly changed over the years. It now looked more like a homage of our time together. Pictures of our family, along with artwork that I had painted, had long ago replaced the tapestries. Antiques had also been replaced by pieces of furniture we had collected on our travels, replacing the old with the newly bought together.

Of course, our bed remained the same as I didn’t think Draven would have ever parted with the first place he had made love to me, and nearly every night since.

The sheets, however, looked far less gothic and no longer resembled something out of a Bram Stoker novel. No, instead they were slightly more feminine, with a light purple fleur-de-lis design intertwined with darker purple roses. Just like the outside space, no longer an empty balcony but one now filled with outdoor furniture. This was so we could enjoy the view with our morning tea or curled up in each other’s arms while watching the sunset.

Draven had also taken to reading the classics to me, while I snuggled by his side just listening to his deep voice and loving every word he read. It was an idyllic life, and one I would miss deeply every second I was parted from it. Because that was the danger of going back in time. What could only feel like minutes for those we left behind, for those of us forced to take that timetraveling leap, it was often far longer than we were willing to trade Fate for.

However, the biggest question of all wasn’t how long the past would keep me for this time. No, it was what type of Draven would be there to meet me?

And would history end up repeating itself…

With his bladeheld against my neck?

3

BEST LAID PAST PLANS

Fortunately, Draven didn’t even stir when I slipped from our bed. Something I did with a heavy enough heart that I was surprised he couldn’t hear its sombre beat. Once upon a time, I would have never been able to get away with this. Because after I was taken the first time, for the first five years, if I even stirred in bed, he would reach out, wrap his arms around me and pull me close. The same went for if I happened to get up in need of the bathroom. As if this was some natural reaction kicking in, one being fed by his fears of losing me again. And well, considering the ridiculous amount of times I had been kidnapped, then I couldn’t really blame him. I mean, who gets kidnapped while looking in a damn mirror?!

But thankfully, time had done wonders in easing his restless anxiety and, eventually, this meant that I could go to the toilet without the need to wake him up and explain what I was doing.

Looking back at him now, fast asleep, pulled at my heart, as I knew that I was no doubt undoing twenty-five years of peaceful sleep. Because as soon as he realized, I would once again ignite that fear in him.

Hence why I had to stop myself before giving in to temptation to touch him as a way of goodbye. To gently push back the hair from his face, just like I had done so many times before. And every time I did, it would always transport me to the memory of the first time I ever did it. How nervous I once had been… I chuckled at the thought. Knowing I was once again going to be stepping through the Janus Gate, I couldn’t help but reflect on the past.

Back to the beginning.

Because even decades of being his wife couldn’t erase those first years I spent fighting to be his. Couldn’t erase the uncertainty I felt and all the insecurities that rose up like bile stuck there ready to choke on. I had been so naive to his world and the power he commanded. The depth of a world I fell headfirst into and ended up tumbling my way through until what felt like the bittersweet end.

I remember wishing, praying, and wondering when normality would calm the turbulent seas of our entwined lives…if it ever would.Well, that ‘if’ ended up turning into a reality, albeit with a few hiccups along the way. And when I say hiccups… the kind the devil has that come with battles and loved ones nearly dying.

But for the majority of our lives together, it had been as normal as mortal life could offer an immortal King and Queen. But this, well this was once more stepping into the unknown. And in truth, just remembering what happened between a certain Persian King and I and it was no wonder I couldn’t help but feel slightly terrified.

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