Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

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.

before coming to bed. I

want to share his problems with me, and I dared not ask, so I just prayed

to see him. I got to his house, and my heart

I would feel seeing and talking

genuinely. I trusted Ania and Lisa

and was shocked to see me. “Princess,” he said, and tears streamed down my face. He looked tired, and

wanted my father to

He had marked me with his scent, and we

nodded. I frowned at him, and he looked at Ania and Lisa. He

Daddy, they won’t tell,”

trusted Ania, but I guess he needed to be sure of Lisa. My father

asked me to sit, so I sat at the foot 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

Father. Almost as if he loves me, but I know it is an illusion. I also

and I wonder why,” my father said, and I sighed. I knew that part of Nikolas

is feral. I take care of her daily/’ I said, and my father

with you ?” He asked, and I

he somehow blames werewolves for her predicament. I take care of her every day. She is docile now since we feed her well, but her senses refuse to return,” I said, and he

for it. Maybe it makes him feel better,” my father said, and I shrugged because Nikolas had never told me

How are things in that place?” he asked me, and

well. We even sleep in the same room,” I said,

need to be careful, Aliana. Do not fall in love with him. Lycans never mate with werewolves. Remember what he said when he took you. He said you would have no honour and would never wear his mark. I do not know what he is playing at, but you need to be careful and watch him. Guard your

There was no way that I could tell him that

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

tell you to heart. I just want you to know what is going on out here,” he said, and I knew what he had to say would be

our wages whenever they like, and we cannot buy or sell in the market. So some of us have resulted in growing our food.

said, and I was appalled by what I heard. “But

can’t afford the rent. They also cut our wages whenever they like. The free groceries that we are supposed to get are limited. They give the first

cooperative, and we share the free groceries among ourselves, but life

people, and Nikolas said he would make their lives easier. Was this the easiest he meant? I fed and cared for his mother daily, meanwhile, my father

we will find a way to solve this issue,’ Raven said, and I was

like to have some,” My father said, and I shook my head. I did

and I spent much time together, and soon it was time to return to

would let me see him again, but I hoped this wouldn’t be

to the palace, and I went to Nikolas’s