Ch. 521..530

Chapter 521 - My Sweet Mate

Those words and that wicked smile flashing across his handsome face made Vera feel something peculiar rising within her chest. And the look in his eyes right then… the complete surrender in them caused a wellspring of courage to surge within her and gripped her heart so strongly.

"Use me, Vera… use me…" he continued with a hoarse voice until she had no choice but to wrap her hands around his wrists. Then she directed his hands and placed them over her breasts before she started moving her hips. She circled her bottom, grinding into him before riding him, remembering all the things he had thought her that first night they had shared together in the castle. That night when she had thought that would be the first and last time that they would be intimately connected with each other. She had committed and memorised all and everything that had transpired between them and burned them into the very fibre of her being. She would not be able to forget even if she wanted to. Therefore, re-enacting the movements was not a hard thing for her to do.

She was so unbelievably horny that she could not stop her body from moving so greedily, from wanting to swallow him to the base, from wanting to milk him dry. And as she heard him groan out and lusted for her the same way she did for him, she felt more courageous in trying out more things with him.

"Yes, ugh! So good! You're so f*cking good Vera. Yes, like that, harder! Faster, love, please." Unlike that night, Gideon is allowing her to do all the work this time. This made Vera feel like she was in full control of him now. And she found herself loving it, this feeling of her being on top him, being in control as he laid there, looking up at her and… begging.

A surge of what felt like thrill blazed all through her vessels and she began to move and undulate even wilder, screaming his name every time he hit that sweet spot, deep within her moist depths. She felt as though she would be coming undone as he thrusted upward into her, but she was loving it, nonetheless.

"Ugh! Vera! Fast… faster… please…" he begged again, his hands now moving to hold onto her hips. But he did not do anything other than caressing her, then he grabbed onto the bed sheets hard. She could see his jaws and entire body taut with restraint, trying to hold himself back from taking over. She knew he was doing that just to stop himself from pouncing on her and snatching the reigns back from her.

"Vera. More please, f*ck, please… you're going to kill me, babe!" his groans and pleas continued but Vera found herself revelling from the sight of him writhing beneath her and the erotic sounds of him begging her for more. He looked so vulnerable to her right now.

And oh, did she love it ever so much! She loved that she could do this, to him… to this powerful man of all people. She loved that he was really letting her have her way with him even when he was clearly being tortured. If this was what power over him tasted like, then she was totally screwed because she just love the feeling… she loved it… so damn much. More than she could ever imagine.

"Gid…" she called his name as she picked up her pace, riding him wilder and harder to the best that she can. And she remembered that long ago, she was that one lady who loved riding stallions. Her mother had slapped her, telling her off and berating her that horse riding was unladylike. She had loved riding so much that she did not mind getting scolded and locked up because of it.

"Love this, ah! I love you, Gid! Gods, so good!" she began to scream as she rode him, getting faster and harder now. Beads of tears fell from the corners of her eyes as she closed her eyes. The pleasure was just so overwhelming!

"Vera! I'm… wait, f*ck!" Gideon began to come but she did not stop her frantic movements. She could not stop her body from wanting to reach the same heights Gideon had reached as well. And when she finally came, Gideon could only be forced to come all over again due to her extreme orgasm that had gripped him so damned hard. They both trembled violently in the wake of their intense release.

Vera's body became limp and toppled forward on top of him as they both panted away like they had just come out from underwater.

"F*cking gods…Vera… love…" Gideon cursed under his breath. He was unable to believe what his woman had just did. Gods… she was just freaking amazing! He had no words left to describe her.

After a while, Gideon caressed her hair and whispered naughtily into her ear. "See? I knew you'd love it… using me… you loved it, right?"

Vera blushed hard and just buried her face on his chest, intending to ignore his jab. Gideon chuckled and she felt the vibration of his sexy laugh.

"I loved it, Vera…" he continued, kissing the crown of her head. "…you, using me to pleasure yourself… I love it because it's giving me so much pleasure too. Though this is not the same with my offer, it's not that different for me. If you use me to protect yourself, that's the same as protecting myself too."

His words made Vera lift her face and looked down at him with a frown. "You… sly beast!" she told him as she playfully slapped his chest and his smile widened.

"I know." He said but his smile faded almost immediately and became serious. "But I want you to understand this, my sweet mate," he fiddled with the tips of her fiery red hair, before his eyes gleamed so beautifully, "if something happens to you…" he swallowed hard, "…if you bleed… I will bleed too… that's why… please consider my offer, Vera. That's the only way we can protect each other and be together, forever. I understand your worries, but please don't worry too much about it. Besides… you have seen it right? Felt it even…" his wicked smile was back, "…just how much I loved it when you took control and used me to pleasure yourself… I'd definitely feel the same too when you use me to protect yourself. That, I can promise you with all my heart.. I will never regret it."

Chapter 522 - Your Heart

Vera felt her eyes became hot. This was just unbelievable. This man… this prince… she could see it, feel it… he truly desired to submit himself to her and be subservient to her.

She could not help but tear up. This was just too much. Just too much. She never would have thought that someone… someone would love her to this extent. For so long, she had hated the world, she had hated how cruel fate was to her. She had suffered all too much, always alone and by herself. But now here she was, in the arms of the man who was willing to give his all to her – her mate. And it was not even metaphorically but… literally. He wanted her to be above him on top of that!

It was too unbelievable and unimaginable that this powerful man would do this all for the sake of protecting her. And she could not help but wonder if she even deserved him.

"No… shh… I'm sorry," his voice pulled her back to the present as she felt his fingers wiping her tears away, his voice worried now, "… f*ck, I'm such an ass! I told you I'm not going to force you. But here I am… I'm sorry, don't cry, please. I was just… I guess I'm just scared I can't stop myself from persuading you. I'm scared even right now, that I might suddenly …" he trailed off and gritted his teeth, looking mad at himself.

Then he let his head fall back on the bed before covering his eyes with the back of his hand. "I'm sorry…" his voice turned into whispers now. "I'm just… really scared right now, Vera. I think I'm becoming a coward when it comes to you… I'm too scared of losing you, of harming you that I can't even wait and make myself stop from convincing you on this despite knowing full well that you will need time to think about it…" he let out a shaky breath.

Vera suddenly kissed his mouth when he opened it again to speak, making him look at her in shock. When he saw her face, it was not one that was scared or angry, but one of a loving countenance, with gentle eyes staring at him.

"You're not a coward," she told him, smiling tenderly. "You're anything but a coward, Gid. You don't know how brave you are for offering yourself like this to me. You don't know how brave you are to want me to use you as my tool and become your owner who can control your life and even your will. Gideon… how could you think that you are a coward for being able to do that? No one… no one would ever subject themselves to this, yet you…"

As Vera struggled to speak more, Gideon flashed her a smile. A smile saying that he was not even feeling even an iota of doubt nor regret with his promise. "It's because you're my life now, Vera. As I have told you before… I will do anything and everything to protect you, to have you stay with me forever."

"Don't you feel scared or worried that one day, I might… abuse my powers on you? What if I…"

He shook his head, smiling. "Not you, Vera. You will never do such a thing."

"How can you be so sure? People change over time, Gid… I might…"

"Yes, that's true. Time can change anyone but there's one thing I am more sure of than anything else in this world. And that's you… your heart." He caressed the tattooed flower on her chest, symbolising their mated status. "This heart of yours will never… ever change no matter what happens, no matter how much time has passed… this heart of yours will forever love me. That's the only thing I'm sure of, and that's the only thing that matters."

Vera's tears fell again. She was utterly speechless at his words.

"I trust you and this heart of yours much more than myself, Vera. No, I don't even trust myself one bit anymore. Someone must take a hold of me, a tight grip of me and that someone is none other than you, my mate. No one is worthy but you. And…" he smiled again as he continued wiping away her tears, "… even if you do begin to act wickedly over me, I won't even mind it one bit. I'm allowing you to be wicked whenever you like. Just like what you did when you rode me, my sweet mate." His whispers became hoarse and devilishly mischievous. "I just found out I actually loved it… it turned me on so f*cking much when you dominate me like that… and you can't deny that it had turned you on too. I could feel it, love… you can do more of that to me, Vera. You can torture me like that again –"

In a swift move, Vera's hands covered his mouth, his erotic mouth that was spouting temptations again.

"E-enough," Vera's face was so red as she looked at him. "I am not… talking about that when I said I could abuse my power over you… you silly man!" she retorted, blushing hard as she was unable to deny the fact that she had imagined herself dominating him more when he was saying that and that she had actually felt an incredible thrill and desire to do just that. Gods in heaven above, what had happened to her?!

He licked her palm suggestively and her eyes widened as he chuckled again.

"I'm not worried about that. At all. I told you, I trust your heart more than anything else in this world. In fact, I am more worried, just a bit though, on what you'd do next to me in bed in the future." He smirked wickedly as he teased her, licking his lower lip, "I feel like my sweet mate here, despite all her innocence, is actually more of a dominant type."

Vera felt steam exploding from her face and she indignantly hit his chest, before covering her reddened face with both her hands.

"You're so adorable, my lovely mate…" he chuckled again, pulling her into his embrace. The sound of his happy laughter echoing in the small house.

Then he told her, "I love you… I love you, Vera. I will love all of you just how you love all of me. No, if I can, I would like to love you more, more… because right now, I still feel like I'm not loving you enough. I want to love you more… and more… forever."

Chapter 523 - About Him

After another round of intense love making, with Vera still the one being in control, Vera finally fell asleep in Gideon's arms, sated and fully spent without an ounce of extra energy left.

Gideon, after seeing her breathing deeply, fully asleep from fatigue, rose from the bed then took a wash basin filled with warm water and a soft towel and proceeded to silently wipe her clean. After changing the sheets with the help of his magic, he felt a presence approaching the house. Since the monsters did not make any commotion, Gideon knew it must be one of those who had been present at the scene when he had ordered the monsters not to attack them.

Grabbing the blanket and covering Vera fully, clothes materialized over his body as he approached the door. He could already sense who the person was behind the door.

Azrael was standing there, grinning happily at him. Somehow, his grin did not annoy Gideon as much as it usually did.

As soon as Gideon stepped out of the little house and shut the door quietly behind him, Azrael spoke. "I see that you have been having a great time, My Lord. Well, enjoy it as much as you can. I heard that this frenzy only happens once after mating is completed, so you might as well…" Azrael's teasing trailed off as Gideon stepped towards him and took the baskets of food out of his hands.

"Is everyone still at the castle?" Gideon asked, ignoring his friend's teasing jabs as though he did not hear a thing.

"Her Majesty, Gavrael and the light fae queen have already set off to the Great City. Kione and I will leave soon too after we escort all the vampire prisoners back to the surface." Azrael reported. "So, latest by tomorrow noon, Yryzia will be deserted. The queen had just gathered the citizens together and had given them the choice if they wanted to return with her to the Great City and become soldiers or continue to stay back in Yryzia. I don't know what the queen did, but everyone agreed just like that. Now everyone's packing to leave before journeying to the Great City."

Gideon leaned against the door. "Those dark faes had always wanted to go back. They've been exiled for far too long. No one wanted to reject such a good opportunity that would allow them to be able to leave a prison."

"They're going to be sent to the frontlines though." Azrael commented.

"Doesn't matter to them. Being imprisoned in Yryzia for too long have made them realised how purposeless their lives were. So being asked to fight for a purpose was definitely going to rile them up. Dark faes have always been much more patriotic to their land rather to their rulers. If the queen had mentioned the issue where the entire Under Lands is in danger, it would not be hard to have them all drop their grudges and return to fight for the land."

"Well, you're right. I also realised this was actually the queen's aim of coming here – aside from checking on you – to have all these outlaws to follow her. She had come here with the intentions of recruiting them back as additional forces to defend the Great City."

"You should've known that the queen will never leave empty handed whenever she has set her mind to something that she wants." Gideon commented offhandedly, knowing the personality and how his own queen mother works.

"So you saw this coming too?" Azrael lifted his brow.

"Kind of. I was sure that mother will take interest in the Yryzians once she saw them. They're a force to be reckoned with and once she sees their real numbers, she'd definitely think it'd be such a waste to let them stay here, being of no use and rotting, when they should be at the front lines." Gideon shrugged as he said that.

"I see… so she's just decided to take them after seeing their numbers. Our sly queen is at it again, I see. I can't help but wonder how the king's face will look like when he sees his wife coming home with an army of outlaws trooping behind her." Azrael laughed then abruptly, he became serious. "By the way, just a question before I go, Gideon. What is the matter with Gavrael? Has the devil sprout been reduced to becoming just a vampire now like the queen? What exactly has happened to his dark magic? I don't know why everyone seems unbothered by this. Even the queen seems to be turning a blind eye to it. But I can't help but think more into this. This seems to feel as though the prince had gone back to that time when he was the weakest dark fae in the entire land again."

Gideon looked down and his gaze just settled at the baskets near his feet for a long while.

"You don't need to be bothered about him." was all her said, causing Azrael to crease his brows. Then he picked the baskets up before turning to the door.

"Wait, Gideon, what do you even mean by that? I'm just a bit worried that he feels so powerless right now. If something happens and the monsters strikes us again, I don't think his raw vampire abilities will be enough to protect himself. That's why I was wondering if you were going to tell me and Kione to look out for him while you're here." Azrael said and Gideon just stood there, still and unmoving. "Even if you act like you don't care, I know you still care for your brother like you used to when we're children so if you –"

"Azrael." Gideon cut him off as he looked over his shoulder. There was a peculiar look in his eyes now. "If I say you don't need to bother about him, then don't. Gav's the very last person in this realm that you should be worrying about." He said mysteriously and then he entered the house, closing the door firmly behind him. He left Azrael standing there, speechless.. That was the first time he had heard Gideon calling his brother using that nickname in a very long time since that day he started to become cold to him.

Chapter 524 - Once You Wake Up

Azrael returned to the castle still mulling over about what Gideon had told him. Still caught up in his own thoughts, he did not realise himself sighing out aloud and that someone had approached him.

"What's with that long sigh? Did Gideon scold you or something?" Kione asked at the sight of his friend sighing hard.

"No. Actually, he talked a lot when I spoke to him earlier. I am still shocked right now." Azrael replied as Kione leaned on his shoulder, ready to hear more about the details. "I'm glad to see him looking quite relaxed now. Might be the effect of the mating bond…?but nevertheless, I think he's more than fine now."

"Good for him," Kione commented in a perfunctory manner, earning a raised brow from Azrael at him. But then he went and draped his arm around his friend's shoulders.

"Want to go drinking with me? The queen's not here anymore so we can drink to our heart's content. No one is going to be here to nag us or chase us off to bed." Kione suddenly suggested, voice pitched a little higher than his normal range and Azrael looked at him long and hard.

"We can't. Our task is not done yet, you idiot." Azrael rolled his eyes.

"But I feel bad for you, my friend. You may not know this… but broken-hearted ones need this, or you might die from holding in too much and experiencing this pain."

"The hell you're talking about. I'm not planning to die nor am I in too much pain right now. So don't use me just because you want to get drunk you, ass."

"Tch! How come you're still like this right now? You should be sobbing your eyes out and dragging me to accompany you, so we can get drunk together until we pass out."

Kione pinched the skin between his brows, feeling a headache coming on courtesy of his bumbling friend Azrael. "I'm heart-broken, yes… But my mind is still clearer than any crystals out there. We need to finish this mess and send these vampires back first. We'll drop by in my castle after this before heading off to the Great City. We'll get drunk in my hall of pleasure, not here."

"Oh, that's sounds much better." And Azrael could only flash Kione a thumb's up.

…

Back in the Monster's forest, Gideon was still awake as he laid next to Vera, hugging her in his arms.

He planted a soft kiss on Vera's forehead before a gentle smile curved across his lips. Carefully brushing the curly red strands of hair away from her face, Gideon's smile slowly died down and his thoughts returned to that issue again. He needed to get her to accept him no matter what. That was the only way for him to feel at ease.

He understood her reluctance. He could tell she had immediately realized the extent of the powers she would receive once she accepts him. It would literally make her one of the most powerful beings in existence once he is contracted under her. He knew she had grasped that full well and that was why she was in disbelief and unable to accept the offer. He also knew that it was truly a massive responsibility being put on her shoulders.

But this woman… he had a strong faith that she would be able to handle him. No one will ever handle him except her. Once she receives the absolute power to control of him, he believes that the monsters will have no choice but bow down to her as well. They will protect her because once she accepts him, his life will be irrevocably linked with hers. Her life would translate to becoming his life. Even though Gideon had a strong feeling that they already have the life-bond, there was no sure fire way to prove it unless one of them dies. But this, if Vera accepts him, it will be known to everyone. Even his darkness and the monsters would know that his life was now linked with hers.

Once that happens, the monster would have no choice but protect her too. So, that way, he would stay alive. That was what they have always been doing ever since he was born anyway. It was just that now, there was his mate as well to think about.

Gideon was determined to make her agree. And he wanted her to accept him before they leave this house. Or else, he would never feel as though he has any peace while out there.

He must make her accept him, but how? Should he reveal to her the truth about herself? Would it help her accept him once she found out about everything that she did for him in the past? Would she accept him once she found he had indirectly killed her in the past without even realizing it?

He thought that if she finds out what he had done to her in the past, she will definitely see how dangerous he actually was. She would then know why she needed to take control of him completely.

The dilemma he was facing right now was so strong that it had actually managed to overpower his lust driven by the mating bond. And at this moment, it might turn out to be a good thing because he knew Vera needed more rest as she was still asleep. Despite the temptation that he needed to just spill and tell her everything about their past, he could not help but feel worried as well about her reaction once she knew everything. He did not want to give her anything else to fill her mind other than his love now. But…

A long sigh escaped his lips. If him revealing everything to her was the only way to make her accept his offer, he was going to go ahead and take the plunge.

Shutting his eyes as he lay down beside his sleeping mate, he took another deep breath and mumbled to himself. "Once you wake up and still are not willing to accept my offer, I will reveal everything to you, Vera."

Chapter 525: Dinner

In the Great City…

King Belial who had just rushed out of the palace, eager to welcome his wife's return had stopped in his tracks when he was greeted with an unexpected view. He was rendered speechless at the sight of the huge army of dark fae outlaws that had arrived along with her. But after blinking a few times, a playful smile then flashed across his face as he moved closer to them, unable to wait to grab a hold of his wife again. He had really missed her the entire time she had gone off to visit their eldest son.

The king was speechless, but he was not that shocked. This queen of his would never fail to find some way to drive him speechless every time.

As soon as he reached her, the king and queen run into each other's arms and kissed and hugged each other in front of so many dark faes. Their fervour and passion might not even lose out to most newlyweds. And the most amazing thing was that none of the dark faes seemed to be bothered at all by all that public display of affections from their very own king and queen. It was obvious that everyone was already used to and were numbed at the sight of their king and queen's antics.

"Your parents really are the sweetest," Evie whispered to Gav, covering her mouth and giggling behind it softly.

"Our parents…" Gav corrected as he possessively wrapped his arm around Evie's waist and pulled her closer to him. "And… were the sweetest too. I am just holding back right now because I don't want to take the spotlight away from them. This is their kingdom, after all."

Evie chuckled, playfully slapping Gav's chest.

"You're finally here as well, my dearest daughter-in-law, Queen Evielyn." King Belial, who was finished with his lovey-dovey actions with the queen, was now smiling wide at Evie as he acknowledged her presence.

"My pleasure meeting you again, King Belial." Evie replied and the king gave her a welcoming hug.

After that, the king had addressed the outlaws the queen had brought back with her before sending them all to the warrior's camp just outside the city's walls. He had instructed them to report to the generals who were at the camp and told them to get settled and familiarise themselves with the rest of the army.

"It's amazing how these dark faes are so willing to follow their rulers." Samuel had commented as they entered the city, following the royal family ahead of them. "The king and queen didn't even need to use physical or emotional force to make them obey their instructions."

"They understand what is at stake at the moment and that is why they are more willing to follow along. All these dark faes here wields dark magic, so they can certainly feel the uneasy and heavy pressure that is lingering in the air. I believe all of them have a very strong sense of danger. I noticed they all seemed pretty surprised as soon as we crossed the Monster's forest," Zolan explained, "I can only think that they had already felt that a huge change is occurring and it's a change that is not for the better but the exact opposite. They must have truly felt deep within themselves how their land is now truly in danger. So no one even bothered to question anything when the queen had spoken to them and just followed along as all of them realized the gravity of the situation."

"Indeed." Samuel nodded. "Even us vampires could feel it. This pulsating and dangerous darkness, so how much more for them since they were all born in this land? I am sure they have some sort of connection to the land. Still, I want to know what our king's personal stand in this is. Seems to me that we're all going to join in on the war with the dark faes this time."

"There's no question of that. Knowing our King and Queen Evie as well, they'll definitely help out as much as possible in this war. But you are right, we need to first hear of His Majesty's decision and plans as soon as possible before we can work around what the dark faes are planning and complement their moves. Since we literally know little to almost nothing about what is even going on, much less about this dangerous war that is coming."

"I hope His Majesty will have the time to meet us tonight. Despite the fact that time passes slower in this realm, His Majesty is still pretty occupied."

"Well, I think there is no real need to be in such a hurry… at least for now. The atmosphere is pretty tense but the fact that the dark fae king and everyone else is still not in a panic means everything is still good and at least under control. Our king is also refraining from speaking too much about the matters of the Under Lands, so there is really no need for us to meet him tonight. However, as always, we only need to trust him and wait for his orders. Our king's up to something. That's the only thing I'm sure of right now." Zolan muttered softly, causing Samuel to stare at him. But the big man didn't ask anymore and just nodded.

…

A few hours later, the family had their very first dinner together again, with Evie, the new member of the family this time.

They did not speak about the very serious matter in the dining hall and just chatted about the more pleasant matters to catch up on. It was one blissful night for the four of them.

Though Evie and Beatrice pretty much did most of the talking while the two kings just sat and listened and smiled silently, there was nothing but happiness shining forth from their eyes.

It also did not escape Evie's notice the way Gavriel looked at his parents. She saw a hint of gladness and longing in his eyes and Evie's heart just swelled with happiness for him, knowing that Gav's more than happy to finally reunite and meet with his parents once again. The parents who had continued thinking of him and loving him even when he had decided to leave them for her.

Chapter 526: Wedding plan

"I can't wait for the moment when Gid and Vera arrives!" Queen Beatrice exclaimed with a little happy clap as they were finishing their dinner.

"Your wish will soon be granted, my darling," King Belial told her indulgently as he patted the back of her hands and Beatrice's smile widened.

"Right. And we still have some time, right? Husband of mine?"

"Time…?" King Belial was wondering what time his wife wanted to do something for.

"For Gideon and Vera's wedding, of course!"

Evie and Gav focused their gazes at the king who was now looking a bit taken aback. He obviously did not see that coming.

"I will tell you everything about it later. But for now, I'm curious if hosting a wedding in this situation is still possible." The queen's face became a little sullen now. Even though she told Gideon to prepare himself for the wedding once he comes home, the tension she felt as soon as she arrived in the great city made her realise that the situation in the Great City had already worsened since she left. And it was only a few days since then.

King Belial leaned his back against his chair. "I just went and surveyed the abyss again before your arrival and so far, there are still no signs of the monsters. It just kept emitting a heavy darkness as steadily as before. That thing coming out is what is making the atmosphere around the city feel heavier and it's spreading out as time passes."

"That thing?" Evie was the one who spoke.

"We don't know what it is exactly. We figured it's not any type of magic that anyone can absorb. It's more similar to a miasma and so far, until now, it doesn't seem to have any effects on anyone despite them being exposed to it."

Gavriel creased his brows. "So for now… this thing is still deemed harmless?"

"Yes, son. But I've ordered the men near the abyss to take extra precaution. It's a given that something that ominous shouldn't be ignored no matter how harmless it seems to look right now. No one other than military personnel are allowed to approach the blocked off area."

"Is there no other way to stop that miasma from coming out or spreading yet?" Gav asked again and Belial nodded.

"Unfortunately, we have yet to find any solution for that too. We tried to absorb it and store it somewhere to stop its spread. But so far, nothing seems to be working for now. The only thing I could see in stopping it is to seal the abyss, which is something still impossible to do right now." Belial explained and when Gav stopped asking any more questions, he continued. "I have a theory that perhaps, something would happen once that dark thing coming out from the abyss is done spreading out to the entire land. So if I am right, perhaps, nothing will happen yet. If we based this theory from how fast it took for it to spread and reach the Great City, I believe it will still take a few more days or even a week or more before the whole land is covered. So yes, there might still be some time."

"I see…" The queen's expression became slightly better. "I know this really is not the best time for this and that's why I am planning for a secret wedding where only their closest friends and family can attend. Since it will not take that much time, I think it won't be much of a difference. I just feel like those two needed to be married as soon as possible. Before any war or major disturbance comes to us, I'd like for them to be officially tied together as husband and wife."

Silence reigned in the hall at what Beatrice said. And as if the queen understood the questions behind the silence, she continued. "I am worried. About those two. About Gideon most specially. Though I'm quite relieved because he has Vera now, I still can't help but feel a bit uneasy. We need Gideon and Vera back in our family Belial. And when I say that, I meant him, really coming back to us and not isolating himself anymore. He needs to start opening up to us, his family, again. This wedding, if he comes home with Vera and wed her here in our presence… that'd be amazing! That only means he's finally making a decision to live and fight for his life and his loved one, right? He had gone through the mating bond and completed it because he basically doesn't have a choice and most probably because he didn't want Vera to suffer the consequence. So right now, I'm still not sure if he had finally decided to change his mind about whatever it is that he's aiming for before Vera came to his life. But if he's going to go through this wedding, it'd be purely his decision without any external forces that compel him to feel as though he had no choice, right?"

Everyone understood what the queen was trying to say. And they could not deny her point.

King Belial nodded. "Alright, we shall speak to him about this very soon." The king agreed and Beatrice's smile widened.

She looked at Evie with an excited smile and the two ladies already began excitedly discussing about the wedding plan, until both kings could take it no longer and interrupted them.

"My queen darling…" King Belial whispered behind her, "I think you should let your daughter-in-law rest now."

"I also think you should go rest now too, mother." Gavriel added, "the journey from Yryzia had been quite long and challenging."

Evie and Beatrice could only blink at each other and when they both turned to look at their husbands, they could only force a laugh and began to hug each other goodbye. Who knows what these father and son duo would do if they continued on with their chats?

After the king and queen accompanied Evie and Gav to their room and bid them goodnight, Evie and Gavriel were finally left alone.

Gavriel immediately pinned Evie against the door as soon as it was closed behind them, laughing and breathless. "God damn, Evie… we're finally alone!" he breathed as he kissed her, and Evie chuckled back. Knowing that since they had reunited, they did not really have any time alone together at all. "Damn! I missed you so much… I so badly missed being inside you again too, my love…" Gav whispered hotly into Evie's ear.

Chapter 527 - I Love It

After one long hungry kiss, Gavriel whispered to Evie in a husky voice. "Did you miss me too huh? My darling wife?"

"Of course, is that even a question –" Evie rolled her eyes playfully.

"Of course I know you missed me so badly. What I meant was… me, being inside of you… Evie. Did you –"

"Oh gods, Gav!" Evie could not help but blush hard and at the same time chuckle out helplessly. This husband of hers really was getting naughtier the longer they were together!

"Tell me, my wife. Did you miss this?" he continued asking as he pulled her body flush against his lower areas. She could clearly feel the outline of his hardness pressing into her. "I've missed you so badly. I keep on dreaming about you every night since we got separated. Hating the fact that you're so far from me and I couldn't hold you in bed, couldn't kiss you whenever I wanted to, couldn't do naughty things to you. What I miss the most is that I couldn't make love to you. And when I finally saw you again, I had to unfortunately hold myself back and not snatch you away and hide you in some secret corner and… damn… I've been thinking a lot of naughty things lately, wife. Things that I want to do you again once I got a hold of you like this. I want to take you right here, by the door."

He continued with his erotic and sensual whispers and then he turned her around to face the door. Evie could only rest her hands against the door, not expecting him to turn her around like this so suddenly. And when she was about to speak, she felt him already in place and positioned behind her before bending over to shower her with kisses from her neck down to her exposed shoulders.

Then he started to rub his hardness against her causing Evie to bite her lips helplessly at the erotic sensation. Her body just could not help responding to him. "I want to pin you against the door like this Evie," he continued whispering so damned sensually as his mouth continued their teasing on her earlobe and his hips kept grinding into her from behind. "I want to take you right here, enter you again and make you cum for me, convulse for me, scream for me, beg for me to fill you up to the brim…"

"Ah… Gav…" Evie could not help but moan out with gasping breath. The naughty words he had poured into her ears, the ministrations of his wicked mouth, his skilful and naughty hands and his rock hard rod grinding against her… he was making her moan and becoming so horny now even though they were still fully dressed.

"I want to do more than that, my wife. I want to kneel down right here and hide under your skirt and suck and kiss your flower until you cum."

Evie moaned for him again, moving her hips against him as well. She could not wait for him to start doing the exact same things he had been whispering to her. She wanted him to execute them all now, gods, she was feeling so incredibly horny. It might be because this was the longest time that she had been separated from him and it truly was quite a while since they had sex. She could not quite believe that she would be lusting for him this much to the point she could not wait for him to be inside her again!

But Gavriel just continued rubbing against her, kissing her ears, neck and shoulders. His naughty hand did not even move to undress her. It seems as though he was just happy enough caressing her breast through her dress. Ah, this wicked husband of hers… enough with the teasing already! And his words… oh gods… he was going to make her come for him just like this!

"Gav –"

"After that, I want to penetrate you right here, just with us standing." He continued, cutting her off and Evie groaned and moaned, biting her lips hard because she knew she was going to beg him very soon at the rate that he was going. "I will lift you up Evie and press your back against the wall, make your lovely legs wrap around my hips and suspend you in the air and thrust into you again and again –"

"Oh god!" Evie finally shouted and grabbed at his hair. "Enough with that! Just take me, ugh! All the things you just said. Do them all to me now! Now Gav! I can't wait anymore! Make love to me now."

A sexy chuckle echoed in her ears and Gavriel tilted her head and captured her mouth. "You sounded so lewd right now my queen, and I love it. Love it so -"

"Gav… please…" she desperately reached out for his hardness and Gavriel chuckled again.

"Good god… this is why I love teasing you, my wife." He said and in the next instant, he was under her dress and doing all the things he had told her he would do to her, until Evie almost came on the spot.

"No, gods! Don't stop, I'm so close, you devil!" she cried when Gavriel stopped just as she was about to hit her high.

He looked up and licked his wet lips that was slick with her love juices. His steel grey eyes seemed to be burning as he smiled and rose, freeing his thick and raging hardness from his pants. "I want you to come with this. Don't you miss this being inside you, my love?"

"Yes!" Evie didn't even hesitate and grabbed at his length. "Oh yes, I miss you… miss the feel of you inside me. Now come, my king… take your queen now!"

"Your wish is my command, my queen…" he smiled and he lift her up, kissed her mouth as he thrust deep into her, doing exactly the things he had told her he would and oh gods… Evie was in heaven again.. The two of them were rejoicing in each other's embrace and drowning each other in so much pleasure until stars seemed to explode before their eyes.

Chapter 528 - Questions

Fully sated now after few more rounds of love making, Evie was contentedly resting her head against Gav's chest while he leaned back on the cushioned headboard and was fondly caressing her hair. Despite their long hours of exercise, neither of them looked sleepy or tired yet. Instead, they seemed to be more refreshed than ever.

"Gav…" Evie called his name softly, running her fingers in little circles on his toned muscles.

"Hmm…?" He replied indulgently.

"How did you enter the portal?" she asked, and the room went silent. She had been meaning to ask him about this ever since he appeared before her. And now, after the more important matters between them had been dealt with, it was the perfect time to ask him.

"Honestly, I'm not quite sure how it happened as well. The portal was already opened when I arrived there, and I didn't even have to do anything to have it allow me to enter." Gavriel explained. His voice sounded neutral. "I didn't feel any effects on me at all even after I had crossed it. I believe, perhaps the magic that is holding the portals steady are now wearing out and the barrier that separates the dark fae's land and the light fae's land is now crumbling."

"Do you have a theory why it is crumbling only now?" Evie asked, wanting to know Gav's thoughts though she herself had some suspicions on it once hearing him say the portals were affected.

"I've thought of two reasons. The first reason is that the dark fae king and the light fae queen who had created the barrier in the past must have set a time limit for these portals to exist. Maybe they had made it such so that the barrier will dissolve on its own after a certain amount of time had already passed. Or perhaps the magic that they had bound the portal with wasn't meant to last forever. My second guess is, it might have something to do with that current problem that the Under Lands are facing right now, that mysterious Abyss of Darkness. And I am leaning more along the second guess."

Evie nodded at that. "I too am suspecting that it could be more along the lines of having to do with that abyss." Gavriel only hummed at her comment and his brows creased a little.

"Did you already talk to your father about this issue?" Evie asked again and Gav nodded.

"Yes, I have already told him about it when we went and surveyed the abyss."

"I wanted to go see the abyss too…"

"If possible, I don't want you going to such a place, Evie." Gavriel's voice became a little weak and worried. Evie noticed that Gav's tone, whenever he tells her not to go or do something was always weaker now. Unlike before, that he would insist on what he thinks was the best way to keep her safe. "It's very risky and the place is like a very dangerous volcano. It is obvious that it might erupt anytime soon, but we just can't tell exactly when. All we know is that it will erupt sooner or later."

"Are you going to stop me if I still want to go and have a look?" she asked carefully and Gavriel was quiet for a moment.

"No," he eventually said. "I will respect your wishes no matter how hard it is for me. However, if you still insist on going to have a look, I will be coming along with you as well."

Evie rose and looked into his eyes, thankful for having a husband that supported her in her personal endeavours. She knew how hard it was for him to supress his natural instincts to bar her from going anywhere that might be even remotely dangerous, much less to the abyss. However, out of love for her, he would willingly supress his instincts and consent to her requests.

He smiled slightly at her and caressed her face lovingly. His eyes gleaming in the dark with a quiet and calm yet seemingly dangerous intensity.

"I will protect you and our child, Evie… with everything that I have." He said and he pulled her to him and kissed her forehead. "In this war, I have a feeling that we can't do much about it but fight it head on. This isn't just a war for the dark faes… this is a war that could destroy the entire land of Lirea."

"I am thinking the same way too. We must all work together to stop my vision from coming true. I believe that if we all work together, including Gideon, we will be able to seal that abyss."

Gavriel went quiet again at the mention of Gideon that Evie could not help but feel curious at what he was thinking. "A penny for your thoughts?" she finally prodded him after he kept silent for a long while.

"Yes, you're right. We all need to work together." He said eventually while nodding, but in a seemingly absentminded tone.

"Gav… what do you think about Gideon's role in this?"

"I'm… I'm not certain yet. He's a mysterious being. And I still can't figure out what could have triggered the war that you saw in your dreams when Gideon can control and command those monsters so easily."

"Actually, Gideon's friend, Lord Kione, had earlier on told me his theory about what Gideon was aiming for.?Kione had informed me back then that Gideon had planned it such that he wanted you to kill him. And that was why we tried to stop him."

"That's why you said all those things in that letter."

"Yes. We had thought that if you somehow managed to kill him or something happens to him, his death might have caused the monsters to wreak havoc since they seem to be protecting him."

Gavriel fell silent for a while before shaking his head. "I don't think that's what he's aiming for. As in for me to kill him."

"Well, right now, I think his aim has already changed because of Vera being here. I believe he has gotten rid of his wish to die now."

"That might be true… but I don't think he had wanted me to kill him anyway. He knew that no one could kill him and that his monsters will destroy anyone who even tries to attack him. I just don't think that's what he's planning all this time."

Evie had also realized that. The longer she encountered Gideon, the more she realized that Gideon was just too complicated to be figured out like that.

"But… why then had he wanted you to come here? He had told me himself that he kidnapped me to lure you –"

Evie bit down on her lip at the realization of what she had just said.

"I already know about him abducting you." Gavriel just said and Evie grinned apologetically.

"He's very careful of me when he kidnapped me, don't worry." Evie explained and Gavriel sighed.

"I still want to punch him hard when there's a chance."

"You still didn't answer my question."

"I am not sure. I am planning to interrogate him once he's back here."

"Really? You have no theory why?" Evie lifted a brow. Knowing her husband, he must have one or two theories about the reason why.

"Enough with the theories for now, my dear wife. They're just theories anyway."

"Your theories mostly end up being facts though." Evie grumbled a little, not believing for a moment that Gav had no idea on the matter.

"It's hard to figure out Gideon. I'm sure you know that. I'll definitely tell you more once I'm sure of it. So just rest now, my love. You need it." his voice reduced to a whisper at the end as he moved to scoop her into his arms again.

"Alright, alright. But I have one more question. The last one. After this, I'll sleep." Evie grinned mischievously as she said that.

"Alright. The last one, okay?" Gavriel sighed in surrender?and Evie smiled. But she became serious almost immediately.

"How did you find that other portal you crossed to come here?"

Chapter 529 - I Am Him

"How did you manage to find that other portal in order for you to cross over to the Under Lands?" Evie asked and once again, Gavriel had quite a long pause where he did not say anything.

Evie patiently waited but his pause made her heart raced a little. She could not help it. She had the feeling as though he was not quite willing to tell her what was going on in his heart.

"I remembered it," he finally answered, his voice heavy and she could sense a little hesitancy in it. Evie abruptly rose and looked at him. His reply had shocked her thoroughly. Was this not supposed to happen?!

Her eyes went wide with surprise. "You… you remember?! Does this mean…"

Seeing the look on her face made Gavriel remember that night the both of them had talked about Gavrael in Raven's castle. Back then, he was so crazily jealous of Gavrael that he could barely contain himself. He had to abandon their talks halfway and seduce her to hide his emotions. If not, she would definitely find out how desperately jealous he was of Gavrael. He just could not accept the fact that his Evie had also fallen in love with Gavrael too. No matter how much she explains and reassures him that she loves Gavrael as well, only because he is also Gavriel, Gavriel still could not get rid of the wild jealousy that kept rearing its head within his heart like a poisonous viper. He had felt so bitter to the point that he had even regretted his last-minute decision that he had made at that time. He should have just allowed Gavrael and everything related to him to just completely disappear from existence and from the current timeline during that very last time he had spoken to Gavrael.

However, since the very moment he laid eyes on the portal, he had started to see memories. Gavrael's memories to be exact. He was him, felt all his pain, saw through his thoughts as well as he crossed through the portal. Gavrael was smiling despite all the pain because all he could think about was seeing Evie again. Gavriel could feel the way Gavrael's heart beat for Evie, and he realized that it was exactly the same as his own. And when he began to see Evie in his mind, Gavriel felt his heartbeat racing too.

The Evie that he saw, that was the Evie before Gavrael turned back time. She was Gavrael's Evie. But the moment Gavriel saw her, his heart just skipped a beat and started to beat for her as well. Even though he only saw her through Gavrael's memory, it did not stop him from having the same reactions as he did for his current Evie. He could not even stop it. It was as though the past Evie and the current one, were one and the same, and his heart instinctively beat for her helplessly.

Gavriel did not even see anything more other than a few flashes of her smiling face and yet… his heart just recognized her as the very same woman he loved – Evie.

He had always insisted that even though his and Gavrael's body were one and the same, their souls were different. He stood to the point that they were actually two different souls who lived in two different times but using only one body. He always had a hard time accepting it when Evie told him he is Gavrael and that Gavrael is him. But lately, since that moment when he had found his own heart beating for the Evie of the past, he had started to understand better what she had meant.

Now he knew just why Evie had also fallen in love with Gavrael and insisted that he is him. She had always maintained the fact that he is not someone else but himself. Gavriel began to realize a lot of things – many truths – the more he experiences the flashes of Gavrael's memories in his mind.

He realized that his jealousy and possessiveness towards Evie had blinded him to the truth in not accepting that he and Gavrael were truly one and the same person, be it their heart, their body or their soul. It was only their memories and experiences that were different. And due to those two completely different sets of memories and experiences, it had then created two distinct and different identities.

It was then that it finally dawned unto Gavriel that Gavrael and himself were not two separate souls, but actually just two identities. Now he understood the reason why that sacrifice Gavrael had made back then did not actually work.

He was an idiot for not seeing all these facts earlier, and Gavrael had also equally been an idiot for thinking the same. Well… that just means they were the same, right? Since they both were idiots. And Gavriel chuckled to himself when he thought of that.

"Tell me… what do you mean when you said you 'remembered'?" Evie probed more and Gavriel was glad that the jealousy he was feeling now when every time Evie remembers and misses Gavrael was no longer that severe. It was still there – just a shadow of it. But he could close an eye to it. He was still a jealous ass despite all the realization that he had, but it was not that kind of a painful jealousy anymore. And that in itself, was such a relief to him.

"I don't remember everything. But… some scenes – past memories – from Gavrael's past life simply flashed into my mind when I saw that portal you crossed. That memory flash led me to the main portal." Gavriel answered and Evie blinked before her fine brows creased a little.

"Does this mean… Gavrael's…" Evie kept pausing as if she was unsure or she just did not know how to say what she wanted to say. Was she being cautious of trying to not hurt his feelings?

Gavriel bit his lower lip at the thought that Evie was hesitating like this just for his sake. It seemed that she had clearly noticed his jealous streak before this.

Reaching out to touch her face, Gavriel smiled tenderly at her. "It's alright now, love. I finally understand everything. I truly accept now that Gavrael is me and we are not separate souls. I am him and he is me. Knowing my jealous ass, I would still feel jealous but from now on it would be a healthy kind of jealousy. Or else I would look too much like a fool for being jealous of myself." He said and Evie's mouth parted slightly, speechless and obviously confused as to why he was saying all this so suddenly.

A sweet smile curved on Gavriel's face next and he said, "From now on, if you miss him, just call for his name and he'll come out."

Chapter 530 - Sides Of You

"W-what? What did you just…" Evie stammered, never expecting to hear those words coming from her husband's own lips. "I'm not understanding all of this Gav… I need you to explain to me. Clearly."

Gavriel rose as well and leaned against the headboard, sighing with a soft smile on his gorgeous looking face. "What happened to just one question, hmm, my dearest wife?" he teased, and Evie crawled before him and grabbed onto the collar of his robe, giving him a pretend angry look.

"You think I can still sleep after all the things you have just told me? I need you to explain to me from square one Gav or else, I won't be able to sleep at all!" she said seriously and Gavriel faked a helpless smile before his face became serious.

"Would you believe me if I tell you that Gavrael's still with me?"

His question rendered Evie dumbstruck, and she was unable to speak for a while.

"R-really?" she stammered then she took a deep breath to calm down. "Wait… tell me, how? What exactly are you hiding from me? I knew… I knew you were hiding something from me since you woke up that day in Raven's castle and returned to me as Gavriel again."

Gavriel half bit his lip before reaching out for Evie and caressed her face lightly, looking at her apologetically. "I'm sorry I lied and hid this from you. I was blinded with jealousy that I tried to hide the fact that he… that Gavrael was still with me. Gavrael had failed in his attempt to sacrifice his soul. At that time, we didn't know the reason why it wasn't working. But now I understand why. It's all because our soul is actually one and the same. And since I had been against him sacrificing his soul, it didn't work. That was why Gavrael didn't disappear. He's still within me."

Utterly speechless, Evie just sat there, looking at him for a long while. She had cried so heartbrokenly that time when she had thought Gavrael was gone. But now it seems he is still here? Return to her all her tears!

"But I understand everything now, Evie. And from now on, I won't be cruel to him anymore." Gavriel's voice weakened.

"What… cruel? You're not…"

"I have been cruel to him, Evie. I treated him as some kind of tool, my invincible weapon. I had kept him locked within me for so long, ignoring his agony, and thought of him as a monster I needed to cage at all costs. Then I let him out only when I needed his help to protect myself and you. And after all his sacrifices were made, I had then become jealous of him and even regretted not letting everything about him completely disappear." He confessed, staring at Evie's shoulder now. "Now he's back in his cage deep within me since I forced him to stay there that moment before he swallowed Galleous' dark magic."

"Forced… him?"

"Yes. I forced him to stay when he already decided to completely disappear."

Evie fell silent as she tried to process everything that she was hearing.

"You're not… cruel Gav," was what Evie had said in a weak voice.

"Just cruel to myself…" he smiled apologetically then let out a sigh, looking away again. "But from here on, I will make up to him and be fair to him. I've already accepted the fact that he's always been a part of me. That without him, I wouldn't even be here, right now, in your arms. I have taken his powers for granted for too long, just because I can suppress him easily. So I'm not going to be greedy and keep him in that cage this time. This time, I'll let him out not only when I need him." There was a gentle smile in his eyes as he said that. Then he kissed Evie's forehead. "I also just want to tell you, my wife… that I'm beyond thankful that you just loved all of me, in whatever form I may appear in or whatever side of me I'd show you."

Evie remained speechless even as Gavriel hugged her tightly and she automatically responded by hugging him back. She could feel that he is genuine with his words, but she could still feel him struggling a little no matter how he tried to appear cool about it. He was trying his best to come to terms with this issue about himself. And she knew it must be hard. This was one thing that she could not help but wonder how well she could deal with something this complicated if she was the one being in his shoes.

"I have already told you Gav, I'll always love all sides of you. What kind of love would it be if I can only love the good and beautiful side of you? And if I can only love the present you and not the past or the future you? I want you to know everything about you, the bad and the good, the past and the present that made who you are right now. I believe if I'm the one in your shoes, you will also love me regardless of what I've become or whether I'm the past or present version of myself, right?"

Gavriel smiled, his eyes gleaming as he looked at her. "You're right. Now that you've mention it, thinking of it this way is making these feelings less complicated. I can't imagine myself not falling for whatever version of you that you'd show me." He let out a deep sigh, shaking his head a little ruefully. "Damn… I feel much better now. I should have talked to you about this sooner. Thank you, my love." He pulled her close and embraced her hard.

The next moment, Evie felt the air around him changed. A familiar darkness suddenly seeped out of him. Wait a moment...

Slowly, she pulled away and the moment she lifted her eyes and looked into Gav's own, vivid and intense blue orbs gazed longingly at her.