Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

Chapter 20

Aliana POV

I sat on Nikolas’s lap in his mother’s room, waiting for her to wake up I wasn’t happy that day because I realised my father was made to work long hours.

His health wasn’t good, but I dared not bring it up with Nikolas.

I felt like a failure.

I felt like I was betraying my father, but there was just so much I could do in a temporary relationship.

What if I say or request something that would annoy him?

I did not want my people to be worse off than they already were. I was tom.

I cared about Nikolas a lot, but I also knew it would end one day.

Discussing the birth control pill with him was very important because I doubted he would understand if I got pregnant, and I did not want to bring a child that would be rejected into the world.

I was yet to ask Ania and Lisa why they were referred to as halfbreeds. Still, I somehow knew it had much to do with why they were maids and why Lisa always warned me to be cautious. Could it be possible that they were rejected because they were half-werewolves? If that was the case, what quality of life would my child have?

Going on birth control was for the best. Nikolas had bent so much already, I did not want to push it.

If he was going to make any change, it should be because he wanted to and not because I pressured him

The physician entered the queen’s room and handed me a packet of pills. He told me when to start taking it and how I should take it. He also warned me not to stop taking it, or it would be ineffective.

Nikolas was there for it, and he did not say anything. I collected the medication, and the doctor left.

There was an awkward silence between us for about five minutes long before Nikolas finally spoke.

“I will figure something out, Aliana. Do not write what we have off.” He said, rubbing my back gently, and I smiled at him.

“I am not sad, Nikolas . I am happy that I wouldn’t have to resort to drinking that painful tea. Thank you,” I said and got off his lap to place the medication in my pocket. His eyes said he did not believe what I was saying, but he let it rest. Honestly, it would have been nice to have a family with him. Ruthless or not, he was a loving and responsible man. He would have been a wonderful husband and father. I took comfort in knowing we would have a good king.

We cared for the queen when she woke up, and as always, he left me to attend to pack matters while I returned to the room.

I slept early that night. I did not bother staying up for him or looking out the window to see what he was doing in the garden. It had become a routine, and I wanted to break it.

I felt him in the night when he came to bed and pulled me close to his b*ody.

I knew he must have drunk a lot before coming to

depressed. I doubted he would want to share his problems with me, and I dared

went to see my father in the evening the following day. Lisa and Ania accompanied me, and I was nervous to see him. I got to his house, and my heart was pounding in my chest just

not know how I would feel seeing

to communicate genuinely. I trusted Ania and Lisa to keep

the door, and my father answered. He opened it and was shocked to see me. “Princess,” he said, and tears streamed down my face. He looked tired, and I

Nikolas wanted my father to suffer

I stepped in. I knew I reeked of Nikolas, but I could do nothing. He had marked me with his scent, and

nodded. I frowned at him, and

Daddy, they won’t tell,” I said, and

Ania, but I guess he needed to be sure of Lisa. My father sighed and led me

of his bed, and he sat beside me. “I am so happy to see you, Aliana. I wondered if I would ever see you again, knowing he keeps you locked up in that place. How is he treating you?” He asked

as if he loves me, but I know it is an illusion. I also know he isn’t as bad as we thought he was,” I said, and

he is hateful, and I wonder why,” my father said, and I sighed. I knew that part of

care of her daily/’ I said, and my father

is in there with you

She is docile now since we feed her well,

me what happened. I was also afraid to ask because he is emotional about the

things in that place?” he asked

he treats me well. We even sleep

what he said when he took you. He said you would have no honour and would

that I could not explain. There was no way that I could tell him that I fantasised about spending the rest of my life with Nikolas and having

asked him, wanting to change the topic and pamper him a bit before I left. He bowed his head and sighed, and

to take what I am about to tell you to heart. I just want you to know what

us have resulted in growing our food. I have a vegetable

I have new chicks, and hopefully, they continue to multiply.” He said, and I was appalled by what I heard. “But Werewolves are supposed to be able to buy

won’t sell to us, and the place allocated for us in the market is too expensive. We can’t afford the rent. They also cut our wages whenever they

we share the free groceries among ourselves, but life is hard here right now,” He said

they were starving my people, and Nikolas said he would make their lives easier. Was this the easiest he meant? I

find a way to solve this issue,’

cabbage soup if you would like to have some,” My father said, and I shook my head. I did not

and

Nikolas would let me see him again,

and I

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255