40. GOODBYES ARE FOREVER
Chapter forty
GOODBYES ARE FOREVER
I'm sorry, Mistress, but I cannot let you in."
Mistress Sinai gritted her teeth, barely holding back her irritation as she stood at the door of the kitchen, staring down the older human female who had dared to block her path.
She had painstakingly planned this moment, deciding the best way to execute her plan was to handle it personally. Carrying out an inspection in all the kitchens would give her access to the one she needed to be in. There would be no mistakes, no loose ends.
What she had not expected was the headmaid denying her access.
"I need to inspect this kitchen, just as I have with the others tonight.” Sinai glared, looking down her nose at the audacious human. “How dare you get in my way?"
"I'm really sorry, Mistress, but the grand king gave us strict instructions. No one is allowed in except authorized staff."
"What is your name, slave?"
"Livia, Mistress.” The woman kept her head in a respectful bow. “I am the headmaid."
"And I am the grand king’s bloodhost, Livia. There is not a single place in this fortress I cannot enter."
"I truly apologize, Mistress. But please understand, I am only following the grand king’s orders."
The mistress's jaw locked hard. Her carefully laid plans were failing before her eyes, all because of this obstacle of a human. Anger breathed within her.
Perhaps she should have used a human for this.
Huh. Why had she not thought of that sooner? A human could slip in and out unnoticed, making it much easier for Sinai to either eliminate them or ensure they take the blame.
But no matter. Tomorrow would bring a brand-new day.
Tomorrow, she would execute her plan properly. Perfectly .
Mistress Sinai turned on her heel, her cloak billowing as she stalked away.
The next morning, Aekeira was beside herself with worry as she stepped into the grand court alongside Emeriel. They had tried to be brave when they received the summons, dressing in their slave uniforms with unsteady hands. But now, standing before the imposing double doors of the court, her heart repeated somersaults.
As the doors creaked open, Em’s hand grabbed hers, her anxious eyes reflecting the same fear that gripped Aekeira.
Linking their fingers, Aekeria mouthed. “ It’s going to be fine.”
They stood at the center of the court, surrounded by lords, high-ranking officials, and nobles, their eyes heavy and assessing.
Aekeira’s gaze immediately found Grand Lord Vladya, seated at the right of the king. He was as stoic as ever, his attention solely on the parchment he was writing on, never once sparing her a glance.
Contrary to what Emeriel had said, Aekeira knew he had been avoiding her all week. She had felt it—the deliberate absence, the cold distance.
And it hurt.
Aekeira had thought they were making progress. After the day they spent together in his chambers, when he had shared a piece of himself with her, she had dared to hope. Maybe, just maybe, he was letting her in.
But now, it was clear. He wasn’t.
In fact, he had withdrawn from her completely.
Was it the feral madness yet again? Or had he decided a mere human wasn’t worth it?
Aekeira wished she could say it hadn’t bothered her, but the truth was, she had been downright obsessing over the reasons. Trying to justify his silence, his avoidance.
Maybe their paths simply had not crossed?
So why hasn’t he spared me a glance here? Not even once?
“We are gathered here today to make a decree." The grand king’s voice rang out over the court. "For too long, these two souls have been bound in chains, denied their freedom and dignity. Today, we acknowledge their dedication and service to Urai. By the power vested in me by this court and in the presence of these witnesses, I hereby declare that the bonds of their enslavement are broken.”
Aekeira heard the words, but their meaning didn’t sink in. Bonds of enslavements are broken. Bonds of enslavement… broken?
A quick glance at Emeriel confirmed her sister was just as confused.
“From this moment forth, you are free women, no longer subject to the will of another,” the grand king continued. “May you walk with your heads held high, knowing you are equal in the eyes of this land and its people. Go forth, live your lives as you choose, and may you find peace and happiness in your newfound freedom.”
We are free…?
Her throat clogged, tears stinging her eyes. Aekeira blinked franticly, struggling to process what she had just heard. Had she heard it right? Could it be real?
The room, the faces, the grand king—there was no way this was a dream. Emeriel pressed closer, squeezing Aekeira's hand.
We. Are. Free.
"Let this act serve as a reminder that good deeds can be rewarded, and this court stands in support of new beginnings. Once done from here, a troop awaits to safely take them back home.” The grand king finally stared at them. “The future is yours to shape. Be free, be strong, and may you find joy in the days ahead."
Happiness surged through Aekeira, so powerful it held no bounds.
She could feel it radiating from Emeriel as well. Her sister’s face broke into a wide smile, and before she knew it, Emeriel was in her arms, and they were hugging passionately.
"We’re free, Keira!" Emeriel mumbled into her shoulder.
"Yes, we are, Em." Unreal. Ten months of slavery. Was it really over?
No more back-breaking chores, slavemasters with their spiked whips, barely edible food, nights of starvation, mistresses attacking them, being naked before lords on the roundtable. Was it truly over?
"I never thought this day would come," Emeriel choked out, pulling back to glance around the room. "How is this day even possible?"
Aekeira shook her head. "I don’t know."
As the grand king scribbled on a scroll, passing it around to the high lords for their signatures, Aekeira watched their freedom become more tangible with each mark.
With every stroke of the quill, their chains unraveled.
Then, the words the grand king said, came back to her. A troop awaits to safely take you back home.
Aekeira stilled. Her breath, her heart, everything inside her froze.
They were going back home. Back to Navia.
Emeriel tensed too. In her eyes, Aekeira saw the realization as clear as water.
Aekeira looked at the podium where Lord Vladya and King Daemonikai were scrutinizing the scrolls, focused solely on the formalities. Same ironclad control, same poker face and eyes that revealed nothing. Both males, so different yet so alike in many ways. She wished desperately that she could see what was going through Lord Vladya’s mind.
Why hadn’t he looked at her? Not even a glance.
But she knew why. They were being sent away.
These two impossibly stubborn males were getting rid of them the only way they knew how. Millions of miles across the universe, far enough they would never return.
They want us gone so badly they are willing to set us free for it.
"It h-hurts." Emeriel’s broken whisper made Aekeira's eyes water.
"I know, Em," Aekeira’s hand clenched into the fabric of her skirt. “I know.”
Being free was exhilarating, but at what cost?
Freedom, it seemed, came with its own kind of pain.
Standing at the gates of Ravenshadow with Emeriel, they gazed back at the towering castle that had been their home and doom for nearly a year. Its magnificent pillars stretched high, almost reaching the sky.
Aekeira noticed the glares from the Urekai people passing by, their hatred directed squarely at Emeriel. The strength of their disdain made her stomach churn.
If it weren’t for the protective troop of soldiers surrounding them, Em would surely have been attacked.
Moving toward the carriage, she asked Em. "Are you ready to go?"
Em did not respond immediately, her eyes lingering on the stone walls, tracing every corner of the fortress as if to carve it into memory.
Finally, she turned to Aekeira. "Yes, I’m ready."
Just as they were about to step in, a voice called out. "Wait!"
Both Aekeira and Emeriel paused, glancing toward the source. A female Urekai hurried toward them, and the troop parted to allow her through.
Aekeira raised an eyebrow. The soldiers had been ordered to block anyone from approaching them—friends or foes. She had seen them turn away Amie, Madam Livia, and others, but now they stepped aside with ease. The woman must be someone of importance.
A mistress or a lady of considerable rank, judging by her attire and the presence of soldiers behind her. She was a bit on the thick side, her face strikingly pretty, with an air of confidence that demanded attention. Aekeira hadn’t seen her before.
"Emeriel?" The woman glanced at Aekeira before her gaze settled on Emeriel.
Em stepped forward. "I am Emeriel."
The woman’s eyes lingered on Emeriel for a moment, studying her intently before she said. "I am Lady Morina."
Morina. Where had Aekeira heard that name before?
"The fourth ruler's bondmate." The female added.
Ah.
Aekeira inclined her head, and Emeriel followed suit. Grand Lord Ottai’s bondmate had barely left the eastern wings in recent years.
Aekeira knew they lost their only son. Could that be why Lady Morina had secluded herself in their domain?
The lady reached for Emeriel’s hand. "I know we were never acquainted, but I have heard so much about you—both of you. I wish we had more time to get to know each other. Unfortunately, over the years, I have barely left Mabblewood." Her eyes turned sad.
"I won’t take up much of your time," Morina reached into the folds of her gown, retrieving three small bottles. "Take this, Emeriel." She pressed the bottles into Emeriel’s hands.
Emeriel stared down at the bottles in confusion. "What…?"
“It’s a herbal mixture. These three bottles should last you anywhere from five to ten years."
"What’s it for?" She looked from the bottles to Lady Morina.
"You don’t need it, but I’d like you to have it anyway. I can’t imagine how difficult this must have been for you, being his Soulbond . I wish he would see your departure for the horrible mistake it really is." Lady Morina took Aekeira’s hand, squeezing it too. "Both of your males are blind to what is right in front of them."
Aekeira felt a lump rising in her throat. Hades, she was going to cry again, wasn’t she?
Lady Morina turned her focus back to Emeriel, gesturing to the bottles in her hand. "Those are heat suppressors. A spoonful every month will suppress your heat for as long as you take them. They are rarely used because they cost an arm and a leg, but they are highly effective."
Emeriel stared wordlessly at the bottles.
"I know the rational choice would be to move on. Find a suitable human male, settle down, and live your own life." Lady Morina's eyes softened. "But the selfish, hopeful Urekai in me couldn’t just stay silent and do nothing. So, I am giving you the choice. You can throw the suppressors away and live your life fully, or use them."
Lady Morina released their hands, stepping back. "If you do not wish to spend your heat with others, and you wish to wait for him... you may take them. I wish both of you happiness. Heaven knows you deserve it after everything you have endured."
Turning to leave, she stopped mid-step, her eyes once again on Emeriel. "There’s something else you need to know—another reason suppressors are not widely used. They have dangerous aftereffects. The longer you take them, the more they wreak havoc on your system.”
Emeriel looked down at the bottles in her hand.
“The longest I’ve heard of anyone using them is six months, and even then, it disrupted their hormones so badly their next heat became life-threatening.” Lady Morina continued. “So, be certain of your choice, dear Emeriel. But if you decide to go this route, never use them for more than six months.”
The lady walked away.
“No way. Do not use it, Em.” Aekeira voiced her displeasure instantly. “Your heat is already too intense, this is beyond dangerous. When we are on the road, throw it out the carriage window.”
Grand Lord Zaiper stood at the window of the highest tower, gazing down at the world far beneath his feet. He was happy.
No, that word was not enough. He was elated.
In fact, his joy was a torrent he couldn’t hope to put into mere words.
Why hadn’t he seen it sooner? The girls' departure was the best thing that had happened since Daemonikai's return.
Why had he ever doubted fate's favor? That fickle bitch had, in fact, stood by his side all along, extending her blessed hands like a lover’s caress. Those females were gone, and with them, whatever remained of those two males.
Everyone had been too blind to see that Emeriel had been all that stood between Daemonikai and his descent into mad grief, while Aekeira had kept Vladya from tipping into insanity. With both females gone...
Zaiper grinned as he watched the scene below. Maids and soldiers danced around the bonfire, their laughter and cheers drifting up to his ears. The courtyard was alight with celebration.
Today marked the start of a new era. A rewriting of history. His history.
He would be the winner, after all.
It was only a matter of time before Daemonikai and Vladya were gone for good. And then? Everything he had ever desired would be within his grasp. He would become the sole ruler of Urai.
"Oh, fate. You have always been with me, have you not? You were with me five hundred years ago, just as you are now." He clicked his tongue. "I apologize for ever doubting you, my love."
All he had to do now was wait. Daemonikai’s guilt would be his undoing, his soul lost forever.
And Daemonikai would never know the part Zaiper had played in that eclipse moon night.
No, his secrets were buried deep. Locked away under layers of shadows, hidden under the rock as though they had never existed.
Zaiper still remembered Myka's fierce resistance. The look of sheer betrayal and horror as Zaiper's sword pierced the boy’s flesh.
And how could he forget Evielyn's anguished screams as she watched life drain from her son, only to meet the same fate by his blade?
Yes, it was him. All this , was all him .
But Daemonikai would die, and Vladya would descend into madness, and neither would ever know the truth.
And he, Zaiper, would stand victorious in the end. The ultimate ruler.
Grand Lord Zaiper laughed.
WATCH OUT FOR PART 3
[THE PRINCESS AND HER GRAND KING}