A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.

WARNING: LEMON, NON-CON LEMON, SLIGHT VIOLENCE, SADISM, OOC, LANGUAGE

Chapter 15: Counterbalance

The two sat in silence. It had been half an hour now since they had been engulfed by this pregnant silence. It had been half an hour now since he had brought her home.

He laughed at that.

Home?

This wasn't her home…

And now that the most recent addendum about her life had finally been revealed, she would most probably never consider this place as her home now…

As surprised as he may be about it…he actually felt a pang of pain sting his heart as he thought of it.

''Tis utter foolishness…' he told himself as he continued to glower at the wooden floor.

With the child on the way, she would most probably be thinking about her husband and her family…

He sighed.

Selfish as it may be…but…he wanted her to stay with him…

And when asked as to why?

'I'm not certain…'

"Cielo?" his companion asked.

Cielo looked at her, "Sera? What's wrong?" he asked worriedly, as he immediately stood and walked over to her, sitting right in front of her, "Is there anything that I could get you?"

She shook her head and giggled, "No…Silly. I was just asking if you were alright…You looked too serious…And it worries me."

He raised a curious eyebrow, "You're worried that I'm too serious?"

She nodded, "Yes. You're never too serious Cielo." she giggled.

Cielo felt the stab of a dull knife as he listened to her words. Although they may be truthful, sincere and did not mean to cause harm, he felt hurt.

'A jester. That's all she is ever going to see me as…' he thought bitterly.

Sera saw his eyes and there draped a hand on his shoulder, rousing him from his bitter thoughts, letting their eyes meet, "Cielo…you're doing it again. What's wrong?"

"Sera. What do you plan to do? What are you going to do about the child?" he asked her seriously, hiding the tone of desperation and anxiousness in his voice.

She immediately fell silent and then, smiled sadly, "It's my child Cielo…what else is there to plan? I'm going to have it Cielo…and I'm going to raise it." she said; warm emotions dancing in her eyes.

That wasn't the answer to Cielo's question.

He shook his head, "What I'm asking is…Are you planning to return to your husband?" It had taken all of his willpower not to sound bitter as he uttered the word "husband". He did it though…for her.

So that she would not suspect.

Suspect what?

Suspect that he…

"…No…" her answer was simple.

He blinked, "No?"

She shook her head, "If you are contemplating that I return to him and raise the child with him and tell him of your location…you're wrong…"

He glared at her and she leaned back. He had never glared at her before.

"That's not what I meant Sera." She was completely missing the point. He sighed, "I know you won't betray us…What I'm saying is that…I mean…" he stuttered, "Do you plan to return to your husband and raise the child with him?"

"Do you still love him?"

He couldn't believe what he had just asked her. And so, he recoiled, "I apologize." he said, cutting her off should she had chosen to speak, "It was not my place…"

Sera was not blind…

She was not deaf either.

She smiled weakly as she looked at his aloof and stuttering countenance. She had only turned a bind eye to him and his behavior. But she knew…

She knew that Cielo was quite fond of her.

And perhaps, even more so.

She draped a hand over his. That had his eyes fly up to hers, fright and desperation within them. She shook her head lightly, "Heat…is a person that I would always love…"

His heart sank.

Sera sighed and continued, "But…I do believe that…at this moment in my life…that we are no longer made for one another. We might be again in a later point in time…but as of now, we're not supposed to be together. That is what hurts…" her voice cracked and her silver eyes began to brim with tears, "A child is supposed to be the symbol of our love…But…it would seem that I love him more than he loves me."

Cielo felt for her; his heart screamed for love just as hers did. Seeing as how she was hurting, his other hand came up to hers and intertwined their fingers.

Sera smiled at his caring gesture and looked at him in the eyes, "I had made up my mind the moment I left the castle Cielo…I will stay with you…" she then turned away, "But…"

Cielo's heart was swimming with happiness; she had decided to remain with him after all.

But…she said but…

"But," she said, blushing lightly, "I would only remain here…with your blessings…"

He smiled at her and touched her chin, tugging it so that their eyes met. She did as he persuaded and there, as their eyes locked one another in each other's gazes, he smiled, "I would love nothing more than for you to stay."

She smiled, "Thank you…"

He suddenly grinned, "That is becoming a cliché nowadays, no?"

Sera giggled.

Cielo then frowned, "What of the child? What about its father? Wouldn't you want to raise it with a father?"

Sera sighed, "I would have loved to Cielo…but I cannot return to Arkanadara…I cannot return to a man who does not love me. He would only hurt the child…"

Cielo squeezed her hand, "You won't have to raise it alone Sera. I'm here."

Sera's heart skipped a beat as she heard his words. What did he mean?

He smiled tightly, "Sera…I promised you I'd protect you…and now that there's life within you, I'd protect it too. You don't have to be alone. I'll help you raise it."

Sera's throat felt very dry…

What was he saying…?

His hand then went up to her face and cupped it affectionately, "Marry me."

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Jenna's hand grasped Gale's tightly as the priest read to them. She stole a glance at him and saw a hint of a smile on his lips. She sighed; so this was what it felt to be…

In love.

Gale stole a glance at Jenna. She wore a crimson sari with golden stitches and embroidery. It was elegant on her and not overly lavish.

Her crimson transparent veil matched her sari and on her head stood golden ornaments.

The wedding was conducted as he had specified.

With having only the king and queen as their witnesses, the nuptials were conducted within the temple within Arkanadara's castle itself.

The two drank from the same chalice and said their vows…and there, the remainder of the chalice's contents were tossed over to the fire…symbolizing their unity.

They held each other's hands and locked their gazes as they were pronounced as husband and wife.

Argilla held onto Serph's hand as they watched the wedding from afar. Serph draped a hand over her shoulders and pulled her tighter; he could feel and hear her sigh.

But it wasn't out of regret.

He could tell…she was happy.

And, as he said before, her happiness meant more to him than kingdoms and treasures…He had also been surprised at himself…but as he found himself smiling, he realized that it had been that something that he had needed all along.

He had hidden behind the mask of cruelty and false strength for far too long…when all he needed was just the knowledge of being loved…and loving that person in return…

His eyes narrowed.

That was why…

No matter what happened, he'd never let go of her. She was his as much as he was hers…And if any man was foolish enough to fall under her spell, his punishment would be swift.

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Gale and Jenna sat within the darkened room, side by side, staring blankly at the wall. Jenna's heart was racing…but she kept silent. She wanted to know what the man beside her was thinking…but she was afraid to look at him.

What was more was that she was afraid to ask him.

What now?

Gale, noticing her apprehension, turned to her and held her hand in his. Jenna turned to him with uncertain eyes.

Gale stared at her with firm eyes, "We don't have to do anything you don't want to Jenna." He shook his head, "I won't force you to do anything."

Jenna's silver eyes widened but held her tongue, feeling all the more nervous.

Gale stood and Jenna unexpectedly followed him. He raised an eyebrow, "Jenna…?"

Now, Jenna's eyes, no longer filled with nervousness…but of desperate need. It confused Gale. What was she doing?

"Gale," she began, her eyes searching his, "do you…" she suddenly stopped, and turned away from him sharply, as if she had been burned.

Gale touched her shoulder and spun her carefully around, "Jenna…what is it?"

Jenna cast her face down, not meeting his gaze, "Gale…"

"What?"

"Do you think me a woman?" she asked frankly, mustering all of her will and dignity; her chin pulled up high.

Gale did not know how to answer her question. He knew that it wasn't a mere question. It was deep; it was…subversive.

Jenna read his confusion and bemusement and so rephrased her question, "Do you…not think me to be attractive enough?"

What kind of a question was that?

Gale shook his head, "What? Why are you asking me this?"

Jenna blushed; she had just made a complete fool of herself. She snarled impatiently and turned away sharply, walking over to the window, with her arms crossed, "Forget I said anything Gale. Goodnight. If you wish to leave, then do so."

Gale was confused; what just happened? He sighed; Jenna was being in one of her moods again.

But still…

Had he hurt her?

Had he offended her in some way?

He walked over to her and touched her shoulder, "Jenna, please. I do not understand what this is all about."

Jenna growled; was he really this stupid?

She shrugged her shoulders and walked away again, ignoring him, "It's nothing. Forget it."

Gale was beginning to feel irritated. Up to how long will she keep this up? It felt as if she were leading him on…leading him on until his curiosity had all but consumed his very being enough so that he crawled over to her and begged.

Feeling his masculinity threatened, he turned her around forcibly and grasped her arms, "What is the matter with you?" he asked with slightly narrowed eyes.

Jenna said nothing; she did not wish to expose her bungling any further than she already did. She squirmed in his arms but he held her still, making her motions futile.

"No. I demand to know what is irking you!" he hissed; irritated.

She frowned at him and ceased her movements, "It's a woman's problem milord. You need not concern yourself…" she finished, turning her face to the side.

Suddenly, Gale's eyes softened. He could see how this "female problem" affected his wife. What was it that bothered her so? Why won't she tell him?

He sighed and embraced her, "You asked me if I thought you a woman…Why?"

Jenna sighed deeply…her silver eyes closing as she felt only the warmth of his embrace. She slowly opened her mouth to speak; she so badly wanted to tell him…

"Gale…" she opened her eyes again and narrowed them as she grabbed fistfuls of his robe, "You always asked for my insights in battle…I want to know…don't you consider me as a woman? As part of the feminine race?"

Gale blinked; that was what she wanted to know.

He understood now. Before, when they had been affianced, it bothered her not. She was as she was before he had forcibly entered her life. She was carefree and headstrong…and he…mattered not. Then, as they began to get accustomed to one another's presences, she began to change.

He had earned her respect and she had earned his.

She had become a vital asset to his tactical team. She was quick-witted and impudently bold. But now…as they married, they weren't merely colleagues planning the next assault, they were also man and woman, husband and wife.

At the present moment, she was having difficulty as to how he distinguished her from the rest of his tactical team…if he did at all, that is. She wanted to know her place in his world now that she had also become his wife.

What was she to him?

Was she a mere colleague? A friend? A kindred spirit?

"Am I not as attractive as my sisters…?" she asked once more. That was true; another thing that Jenna noticed. She wasn't as regal or as beautiful as Argilla…nor had she possessed Sera's charms, or her alluring innocence…No; Jenna paled by comparison. Before them, she was lackluster, substandard…

Gale understood now. It was another reason why Jenna behaved strongly…so adverse about the opposite sex.

It was her insecurity as a woman…

She felt that in order to compensate for her "shortcomings" physically, she needed to hone her other skills; the other aspects of her being. Her mind.

Gale sighed; didn't she know that she needed not do that?

Didn't she realize that she was beautiful?

Didn't she know she was the most beautiful woman in his eyes…? Her sisters mattered not to him. She was the one that he wanted. She was the woman that he had married. She was the woman who would bear him his heir.

She was the only woman that he would ever want. It was just a pity…that she didn't realize it. But still…he would try. He would do everything to make her comprehend her worth…her value…

Her strength…her beauty…

Without saying anything, he pulled away and looked deeply within her eyes. Without saying another word, he slowly leaned down and closed his eyes. Jenna felt herself doing the same and a moment later, their lips were sealed in a gentle kiss.

Jenna shivered and Gale held her closer. Her lips were soft and moist against his own…He groaned lightly; he had never before felt the curious sensation that remained afloat within his chest…

His lips were warm against her own…This was the first time she had ever had an experience such as this…She had to admit…that while it felt blissful and serene, it had also scared her.

His hand cupped and caressed her cheek lovingly as he felt her shudder within his touch; he could tell. She was inexperienced with these things…He himself was not as he had known Serph and Heat for far too long. His friends had insatiable lustful appetites and had taken him, in more than one occasion with them to brothels.

But he had never really felt…that particular spark whenever he would take a woman there…

Never.

Until tonight, that is.

He pulled back and gazed at her face. Her eyes were still closed and she visibly trembled. He let his fingers lightly trace her face, starting with her forehead then down to her nose, then her cheeks…and finally her full lips.

Jenna slowly opened her eyes; unable to contain herself from his electrifying touches and caresses. Again, she gazed upon his eyes with uncertainty. Although his kiss had given her a warm feeling within, he had not answered her question.

"Gale…" she uttered gently, softly.

Gale could feel nothing but glee and gratefulness within his whole being. He was gleeful that she had finally realized within herself her true feelings…and he felt grateful…that those feelings had been solely for him and not anyone else.

He felt grateful that she had chosen him and him alone. He felt grateful that she had finally accepted him in her life.

Smiling tightly, he kissed her again, this time, more sensuously. His tongue licked her bottom lip gently, wordlessly asking her permission to enter her cavern…Shyly, she parted her lips and granted him entry.

His tongue slowly entered and there, expertly explored her mouth, as slow and gentle as possible…making sure not to scare her away. He sighed in gladness. She had had her lips parted still and had not pulled away…

A moment later, his tongue found hers and there, slowly flicked on it, daring her to join him. Knowing her, she wasn't one to turn down a challenge. And so, mimicking his tongue's movements and strokes, her tongue lashed at his…

He chuckled within her mouth as he continued to kiss her. Feeling all the more confident, her meek little hands that clung to his robes desperately, now grabbed fistfuls of the aforesaid fabric and kissed him harder…arduously, pouring all of her mixed emotions…

What emotions…?

She wanted to be his equal…

It was because that as he kissed her, it was he who had known about it; not her. For the first time in her life, she had found something that she did not know how to handle. For the first time, she felt ignorant…

'I hate that word…' she internally growled as she kissed him harder.

Gale was taken aback. No longer timid and meek, Jenna seemed to be outdoing him in his own game as well. He chuckled; she could be such a child at times…

He figured that he would let her have her way…for now.

Jenna slanted her face and pressed herself tighter against him, kissing him hungrily. Feeling the lack of oxygen, she pulled back and stared at him, wide-eyed, surprised at herself for acting in such a manner…

Brutish…and crude.

Mortified, she turned away from.

Gale had always thought that she had a raging spirit within…It was just waiting to be unleashed.

Watching her walk away from him tortured him. Didn't she know that? He followed her and embraced her from behind, his strong arms, wrapping themselves around her waist securely, his face on the crook of her neck, "Why did you turn away…?"

She stiffened as she felt him embrace her. She stiffened as she felt his breath on her skin. She stiffened as she heard his question.

Why indeed?

Simple.

Being with him, as she now realized, released a part of herself that she swore didn't exist…And a part of her…the conscious and rational part of her did not wish to entertain such a beast.

She said nothing and he spoke again, "You asked me…whether or not I thought of you a woman…and yet…now, as we have the opportunity to consummate our marriage, you turn away…Why?"

Her throat felt very dry.

Yes; he had a point. Her words and actions were contradictory…

But…what was she to say? Was she to say that although she had meant what she told him earlier, that she had also did not wish to lose to him in the matters of intimacy? And what was more, did he want her to admit that she feared herself…? That in the end…she was nothing more than a…

Than a…

'Don't even want to finish that sentence…' she thought bitterly.

Gale pulled back and touched her shoulders lightly and turned her around. He saw the fright in her eyes…but this fright was of a different sort. She wasn't afraid of what will happen…She was afraid of what she might become when the sun would rise.

Would she change? If so, by how much? She was afraid of being someone that she hated the most…being a useless woman; a woman who lived on love and foolish emotion, foolhardy sentiment and frivolous affection.

She didn't want to be like that…That was why, she stood there, in front of the invisible line that separated the strong and the weak. She was afraid that should she continue with Gale and consummate the marriage that she would transgress that line…and become…

'Weak…' she thought with a small choke.

A part of him wanted to laugh at that and at the same time, he wanted to comfort her and sympathize. This was a turning point in her life and she…was afraid of the change.

His emerald pools searched her eyes even deeper and there, he found something else that surprised him.

He then smiled; she didn't want to admit it herself. That was the problem. She was too caught up in the Jenna that she was "supposed" to be…and not the Jenna that she actually "was".

And knowing her, no words from his lips would convince her…

So, there was only one way to do it. He had to show her. Without warning, he kissed her once more, his lips and tongue devouring hers greedily…selfishly…

She gasped but he didn't care. He as well as she knew that it wasn't a gasp of pain or of surprise; it was a gasp of irritation.

She was irritated that he was no longer being gentle…She was irritated to know that he knew about her knowing.

It was the simple truth; passion and need burned brightly within both of their souls. There was only the need to release it…

His hands gripped her arms tightly and backed her towards the wall.

Jenna cursed inwardly; no…he would not best her again. But by the way he was kissing her, it was as if to tell her that he rose to her challenge.

She whimpered as her back hit the wall; but she immediately recovered and growled within his mouth, biting him. He immediately pulled back and assessed her coolly, licking his bleeding lips, "Spitfire Jenna…?" he asked sultrily.

She narrowed her eyes, "Just what you deserve milord…"

He smiled tightly, and without taking his eyes off her, grabbed the part of her sari that was slung on her shoulders and tore it from her. He knew that he should probably be gentle, but her eyes told him, assured him that he needed not be gentle.

Growling, Jenna returned the gesture by slapping him and then grabbing his cloak, pulling at it roughly, only to let it fall on the floor.

Her eyes were defiant. But one thing was for sure; she wanted him in the way he wanted her. But…it was just that Jenna didn't want to be treated as a lesser counterpart; she wanted to be an equal.

A partner.

Gale chuckled and shook his head. Jenna growled, "What is the meaning of this milord? Am I not good enough for your tastes?"

Gale's head snapped up and he grabbed her face firmly, sighing, "When are you going to realize that I do not think less of you…? When are you going to understand that I do want you…? I want you Jenna…" he said firmly, need filling his voice.

Jenna immediately felt a lump in her throat and she could not speak…He…he spoke the truth; she could see it in his eyes…

"There's no need for this charade." he told her. She cast her face down and he pulled it back up with the gentlest manner that he was capable, "There's no need to be strong…No need. It is just I Jenna…It is just I."

Jenna's heart raced and her eyes widened slightly and there, she pressed herself against him, her head resting on his chest, breathing evenly.

Gale retuned her embrace and then, pulled back. He then proceeded to scoop her in his arms. He lifted her off the ground and carried her over to the bed where he set her sitting up. He sat beside her and there, gazed affectionately within her eyes. His fingers brushed her wavy ebony locks and there, slowly removed the veil from her head…and along with it, the golden ornaments that glamorized her forehead.

She closed her eyes and let him do what he pleased, feeling all the more heated as his fingers made soft contact with her scalp.

When it was off, next came her sari. The skirt was quite long…but Gale took his time. He slowly and deliberately unwrapped her from the shackles of false modesty…

Yes…it was sheer false modesty…She wanted him the way he did her…

Being the gentleman that he was known for, he did not grab or tear her apparel. He slowly rolled it off of her, neatly. Jenna's heart raced as she forced herself to remain perfectly still.

After a few minutes of painful gentleness, she was finally free from the bounds of her apparel and now had bared to him her full femininity.

She blushed; he was still fully clothed. But he seemed to have not noticed her growing irritation as his eyes were not on her eyes, but on her body. Her arms immediately crossed themselves in front of her chest and she crossed her legs, hindering his hungry looks.

Gale blinked and looked at her, "Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Keep me hanging." he replied curtly.

She turned away, "It would seem to me that it is unfair that I would bare to you everything when you yourself hide everything."

Gale chuckled; that was all?

He stood and there, began to undress himself in front of her, earning him gasps and stolen glances from her. He knew it. She was still trying to be as modest as possible…But he knew; the truth was irrefutable as it was undeniable.

She was curious. She was curious about him. He could tell by the hidden and quick glances that she directed his way as he slowly undressed himself. A moment later, he was done and now took a step closer to her, "Jenna. I'm hiding nothing."

She looked at him and saw that he was not lying.

Gale got on the bed once more and pulled her to him. She didn't object. Gale looked at her and touched her face, "There's no need to pretend. It's just you and me."

She nodded in full concurrence.

Gale smiled; he saw in her eyes…that she trusted him. She had entrusted herself to him. That was more than he could ask for. He kissed her again, gently this time…and in this kiss…she returned it as gently as she could…

He was right; there was no need to pretend…

No need to pretend that she had to be strong…

With him, she could be herself.

His hands wandered all over her body, stroking her thighs soothingly as his lips lefts hers only to find her neck.

Jenna turned her head to the side, to give him a better angle as he kissed and suckled on her skin, all the while moaning as his hands touched her chest and her leg.

Her eyes immediately shot up as she felt his hand meander to her womanhood and she jerked up, consequently pressing herself tighter against him.

"What's wrong?" he asked as his hands continued to do as they pleased. Jenna's hand intercepted his and she looked at him questioningly.

He nodded, "Do you trust me?"

She nodded; not trusting her voice.

"Aa…then…hush," he soothed her, kissing her chastely on the lips, "do not worry…"

At that precise second, she pressed her head on the crook of his neck as she felt an intruder wedge itself in between her legs and within her inner lips. Her breathing became erratic as the aforesaid intruder, now intruders, move within her.

Her hands gripped his arms tightly as his fingers moved fluidly within her, caressing her sensitive flesh within in a continuous "come hither" fashion, driving her mad.

Gale looked at her as she writhed in ecstasy beneath him. He had never seen her in such a fashion…and again, he felt his heart skip a beat as he knew that it had been him that brought such a face upon her usually stiff countenance…

"Aahh!! Gale…!!" she screamed openly as her oblivion came into being…

The hands that gripped his arms tightly, fell on the bed, lifeless…She was exhausted. Chuckling a bit, he withdrew his fingers and saw that she was indeed, prepared.

Kissing her again for but a moment, he pulled back and whispered, "You're ready…" he said silkily, his voice low and husky. Jenna shivered as she felt electrical jolts travel within her whole body as he spoke his words…

He had a profound effect on her…

And he was the only one that had so.

Then again, she found him on her once more, his hands parting her legs. Gale positioned himself above her and looked within her eyes and spoke, "Trust me."

She nodded, "I do."

There, he entered her tight passage. Her hands once more gripped his arms tightly and her face buried itself on his neck once more as she felt herself being broken.

In her attempt to relieve the pain, she bit his neck…hard.

Gale sucked in the air deeply as he felt nothing but unfathomable ecstasy…Finally, she had crossed her barriers and trusted him…

After a moment of brief realization about his wife, he slowly moved within her. On instinct, Jenna moved right along with him, matching his thrusts.

Jenna felt the pain dissipate and be subdued in a matter of seconds…and there, she moved in a rhythm right with him.

Gale moved even faster within her, diving harder to and fro of her tight passage…Jenna moaned and writhed beneath him as she embraced him to her.

Time and space froze as the two only comprehended their own existence and nothing else. The rest had vanished…melted and faded away into nothingness.

He could feel that he was getting close…and from the way she held him close, from the way that she tightened herself around him, almost making it impossible for him to move…that she was getting close as well…

He grabbed her hips and there, dove faster still. She accommodated him to the best of her abilities and clung to him for dear life as they now stood in front of nirvana's gates…waiting on one another to take that last step…

That last step that would propel them into a world of pure and unadulterated bliss…

He thrust into her as hard as he could…and there…

There…she and he took that last step…

"J-jenna…!" he groaned as he felt nothing but bliss within her folds…

"Gale…!!!" she screamed.

He took a look at her and saw nothing but pleasure engulf her features…He felt his masculinity soar as pride invaded his body. Finally…he had taken her…No! Taken wasn't the word…No. She had given herself to him.

He had tamed the mighty and ferocious beast within her. He had soothed the venomous serpent that was her sharp tongue.

He released his seed within her. He groaned and there collapsed on her, totally spent. He panted and so did she.

They lay there for a few more moments, unspeaking.

Finally, finding his strength return, he pulled out of her and sat up, looking down at her.

He lay back down and looked at her again, "In answer to your first question…I do know that you are a woman Jenna…"

His eyes searched her deeply, seeking the hidden doubt, the seething insecurity, "You are of no comparison to your sisters…"

She was taken aback; so he had taken her question seriously.

"You and your sisters are bound by blood…but not by your souls. They are as different from you as you from them. They are not you and you are not them. Your beauty is different from theirs…But it isn't to say that yours is lesser and theirs is greater…You three are unique." he paused, and then chuckled, "But…if you want my honest opinion…then…I would have to say that you are the most beautiful among the three of you. You…are a rarity Jenna."

She blushed; she wanted to ask him whether or not he meant it…but she held her tongue.

He smiled at her as he touched a loose strand of her ebony black hair and brushed it aside from her face, "You are beautiful Jenna…Don't ever think any less…You are my woman…"

Her spirit felt lightened and uplifted as she listened to him. She penetrated his cool gaze and there, beneath the veil of secrecy, laid his true emotions.

Truth.

There was nothing but truth…She felt her heart melt; something that she swore that she would never feel…Something that she hoped she would never feel…

Her hand cupped his face which he kissed and she smirked, "And you are my man…"

The two embraced each other again. Jenna rested her head on his chest. She was now a woman; a true woman…and he had made her into one.

She was happy; he had not been just like the other men of this country. No. He had accepted her as an equal…

For that, she was happy.

And now…she was no longer in denial; no longer in doubt. She had finally accepted…wholeheartedly what she felt for this man, her husband.

Not just that…He was her colleague, her friend and confidante…her lover and most importantly, her equal.

And he had been right.

It was alright to feel what she felt. It was alright to lay down her arms and just be herself. It wasn't weakness to him and his charms that she had displayed the previous hour when she made love with him.

It was just her…It was just her in her purest form.

She smiled; it had been him who had drawn that out from herself. She sighed softly as she held him closer to her.

Gale embraced her just as tightly, "You are mine…as I am yours…" he whispered.

Jenna inhaled his masculine scent and sighed, "Gale…"

Now, she no longer feared the sunrise…She no longer feared the change…She was in love; that was all that mattered. Even now, as she still felt the afterglow of their lovemaking, she neither felt diminished nor weak…

She felt just as strong as she had always been…Even stronger. And now, she knew why. It was because of Gale; he had made her feel stronger. He had made her feel beautiful, worthy of love, of respect…He had made her feel human; with no pretenses…no façades…

It was Gale who made her stronger…

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Cielo blushed and immediately stood up, "Ah! I apologize Sera…I…I didn't mean to…" he stuttered, darting his eyes to and fro, looking at everywhere and nowhere.

Sera's shocked silver eyes remained glued on Cielo as he paced back and forth within the small living room.

Blood rushed to her face as she pondered over his offer. But still, despite that, she couldn't help but giggle; he was stuttering and felt overly uncomfortable…

But the question remained; would she consider his offer?

She sighed, "Cielo…" she said, interrupting his idle banter.

Cielo immediately turned his gaze towards her and sat back down, worry in his eyes, "Eh? What is it Sera? Do you need something?"

Sera shook her head, "No…Cielo…"

Cielo cast his face down and sighed, "I know. I shouldn't have said that. It's…not my place…"

He stopped his act of utter stupidity as he felt a warm hand on his.

He gazed at Sera, puzzled.

She smiled at him, "Thank you for your concern Cielo…"

Thank you?

He laughed humorlessly; he knew what it meant. She was turning him down. Well, he shouldn't really make a fool of himself more than he already did. So, he wouldn't question it any further.

She sighed, "I'm grateful that you would protect my child and I…And…when he or she is born…" she paused, and then flashed him a breathtaking smile, "I would be eternally grateful if you could be its father."

Cielo's sapphire eyes sparkled but said nothing.

She blinked and turned away, showing him her profile, giving only a hint of a tinge of her blushing cheeks, "But…it is still too early for me to marry once more…"

He nodded, "I understand."

She looked back at him and stroked her still flat stomach and smiled tightly, her eyes never leaving his, "If there was a choice of who the best father was for my child…it would be you."

Cielo blinked, "S-sera…"

She laughed mirthfully, "I see a good person in you Cielo…You would never abandon your family…"

Cielo sighed and held her hand tightly, "You are my family now…"

Sera returned his smile, and squeezed his hand, "And you are mine."

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It was early in the morning. Argilla stared at the cup of tea in front of her with dead eyes. She sighed; the mix of the herbs that would kill any child within her womb stared back at her.

She took a deep breath and slowly brought the cup closer to her lips. Reminding herself of why she must do it, she closed her eyes and slowly, soundlessly sipped it.

Repeating her justification within her mind like a mantra, she drank the entire content and set the cup down on the table gently.

Well, that was that.

She sighed.

"Milady?" a voice snapped her back to reality.

She raised her head and cast it back down as her eyes met his. It was Roland. She hadn't forgotten about him.

She may be in love with Serph…but her feelings for Roland had not disappeared. They had merely been suppressed.

And now, she found them to be openly exposed once more. She needed to leave. No. That wasn't the answer. She needed to be in the presence of other people.

But Jenna was out of the question; she had just been married and would most probably be spending her days and nights with Gale.

And Serph…

Her stomach churned as she thought of him. Serph had important things to do today…It would actually be easier if she could dismiss Roland but…if she did, Serph would ask why. And she couldn't use the excuse of him being mediocre in his performance.

Everyone knew that he was the best.

She suddenly missed Priya. When she was still there, with her and Roland, the air never seemed so stiff. The air around them would be calm and did not contain that much tension…The tension was appropriately concealed.

But now…

Priya was a good person. She was loyal to her and did her no wrong. Although Argilla understood why she had been dismissed by her husband, she couldn't help but miss the girl.

She frowned; she could only wonder as to how she was doing…

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Serph crossed his arms and chuckled, "Why am I even keeping you alive? You have not told me a single useful thing. Princess Severina is still missing…the rebels had not been found…What use do I have for you?"

The woman laughed, "If you only knew what I know, you wouldn't be saying that My King."

Serph growled and snatched her arm roughly and whispered darkly, his eyes piercing hers, "Then tell me now. I grow weary of your games."

The woman snatched her arm back and stumbled backwards, "I know about your wife."

Serph raised an eyebrow, "My wife? What about her?"

His heart thumped loudly and rapidly as the second had gone ever so slowly. What did this wench mean? What did she mean that she knew something about Argilla that he didn't know?

His eyes narrowed and took slow breaths, "What about Amadeus?"

The woman circled him and chuckled tauntingly. Serph snarled and grabbed her, slamming her on the wall roughly, "Tell me!!" he yelled. He leaned down, "Tell me or I swear to God I shall strike you where you stand…"

The woman winced from his tight grip and frowned. She met his deadly gaze and sneered, "Tell me My King, is the Queen expecting?"

Serph's heart skipped a beat as he heard her question…The answer was simple; no.

He gripped her tighter and slammed her on the wall, "Enough of this nonsense. Tell me what you know." he whispered menacingly.

The woman tilted her chin up high, haughtily, "She is killing your children."

Serph's heart stopped. So…that was what his wife had been doing. That was the reason why she continued to have no child within her womb…

Serph's breathing suddenly became erratic. His whole being was consumed in nothing but the searing flames of anger…and fury.

She laughed as she saw the priceless look in his face. She sneered, "You love her this much My King?"

Her eyes searched his and she smirked smugly, "A pity…Your strength is being replaced by nothing but weakness…Weakness for her." she said, raising her eyebrow condescendingly.

"Tell me why I shouldn't kill you now…" he growled furiously.

Her grin widened and she bore her teeth at him, "The limit to my knowledge has yet to be reached My King."

He immediately let go of the woman and stalked off.

The woman smirked as she watched him go, shaking her head. He was furious and livid…That was clear…But beneath that, she knew that he was insulted…and much more, he was hurt.

She sighed; it would seem that he indeed loved the queen.

Well…she hated to see him this way…

But, it was necessary if her plan was to come into being.

'By the time this is over…I would be queen…' she thought dreamily.

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Argilla opened her mouth to speak when suddenly the chamber doors were thrown open and there marched her husband; his face the epitome of sheer fury.

She immediately stood up, her whole body shaking in fear.

Serph's eyes saw red as he gazed upon his wife's face. He stomped over to where she stood angrily and he turned to Roland, "Get out!"

He reached her and there, grabbed her tightly. She yelped, "Serph!"

Roland's heart hardened and his eyes narrowed. The king was hurting the queen. That, he could not allow. He stepped closer to them and took a defensive stance.

Serph turned his head to his direction slowly and grinned at him, "Are you disobeying me Roland?"

"No Your Highness…I just think that…"

"I did not hire you to think Roland. Either get out or I'll kill you." he promised darkly.

Argilla's heart quickened its pace as she regarded the different countenances of both her husband and her guard. She still didn't know what Serph was angry about.

Although she may have an idea, she doubted that he knew about it.

But still, now at the present, she feared for Roland. She eyed him pleadingly, 'Roland…please…just go…' she thought sadly.

Roland kept his sights on the king but saw the queen's face from the corner of his eye. He understood. He gritted his teeth; he didn't want to but…he had no choice. If the king suspected…the queen would be condemned.

Thinking that to be his justification, he left accordingly, gritting his teeth.

Seeing that Roland was gone, Serph turned to look at his wife. He glared daggers at her, "What have you done?!" he yelled furiously.

Argilla winced, "I've done nothing Your Grace!" she squealed as she struggled against him.

Serph gritted his teeth; he didn't appreciate being made a fool! Much less, a fool of his own wife!

He backed her towards the stone wall and there slammed her against it roughly. She whimpered as she hit her back as well as the back of her head.

He leaned in and whispered against her ear, "You stupid wench!" he hissed; his voice laced with disgust.

He pulled back to glower at her menacingly, "You think I wouldn't find out huh?" he growled, tightening his grip on her arms, "You think I wouldn't find out?!" he repeated, thundering angrily by the second as she refused to answer.

Argilla turned her head to the side and whimpered.

Serph let her arm go and there, struck her on her face. Argilla's hand flew up to the injured cheek and her eyes brimmed with tears. But she said nothing.

Letting his soul be consumed by the fires of murder, lust and wrath, he immediately tore her sari from her. Argilla whimpered and had her arms on her chest defensively. Openly crying now, she sobbed, "Stop! Serph!"

She twisted her body left and right, hoping to evade his hands but to no avail. Her skirt was torn from her.

Serph had had enough of her games. He had had enough of her charade. She had sinned against him…And now, it was time for retribution.

She would bleed for him…and so would her people.

Serph ceased his activity at the moment and there, gripped her jaw roughly and drew her close to him. He inspected her crying face feeling his anger steadily rise as he regarded her beauty.

This was the beauty that had long entranced him. This was the beauty that had been deceiving him for weeks…for months now.

His hand drifted lower down to her neck and there squeezed it. Argilla's neck felt tight and she couldn't breathe as Serph's hand strangled her slowly.

Serph saw red. There was nothing more that he wanted to do at the moment than to make her suffer…That and perhaps, kill her.

He wanted her to feel the life seep out of her body. He wanted her to feel the feeling of utter desperation for the breath of life. He wanted her to realize that it would only be through his grace and his forgiveness that she would be allowed back to the land of the living.

Seeing the utter fright in her and feeling her tears flow onto his hand, made him soften and there, he dropped her on the floor.

She collapsed on the floor, coughing, her hand on her neck. She panted and coughed as she regained her regular breathing space.

She was scared.

But still, Serph had not done anything yet.

Was it over?

Her answer was swift as she felt herself pulled up to her feet roughly by his strong hand gripping her bruised arm like a vice.

Once she was on her feet, he slammed her on the wall once more and there looked at her dangerously, "You will bear me my heir…" he told her firmly, "And then, many more shall follow."

Argilla's pink eyes widened and before she knew it, she felt herself being shoved on the floor. She fell on her palms and gasped.

Serph quickly stripped himself and there saw that she had not moved from where he had shoved her. She continued to cry and sob on the floor, her face buried on her arms.

He looked at her with cold eyes; he didn't feel a shred of sympathy for her. He may have hurt her but it was nothing in comparison to what he had done to others.

Or to other women for that matter.

Now totally bare, walked over to her and there, he kicked her on her stomach. Argilla coughed as she felt a sharp pain on her stomach. She immediately curled herself up in a ball. Serph frowned and there, he set his foot on her shoulder, stepping on her, pressing his weight on her.

Argilla moaned in pain as she continued to nurse her sore belly and now, with his foot on her chest, it was especially difficult to do so.

Serph sneered, "That is where you belong…proud queen of Flavius Adeodatus…Beneath my feet."

Argilla's heart wanted to burst as she heard his words…They were like knives stabbing her.

Gone was the gentle man who had taken her back to her home country. Gone was the man who had given her peace of mind and comforting words. Gone was the man who had made love to her ever so gently…

Now, she stared upon the face of the king. She stared upon the face, of not her husband, but of a tyrant; cold and cruel.

Serph removed his foot from her chest and then kneeled down and there, pried her hands from her chest, ignoring her crying form and then pressed her on the cold stone floor, on her back. His hand grabbed her pesky wrists and there pinned them above her head, as he continued to look at her coldly.

His other hand reached for her bodice and tore it from her, ripping the flimsy material into shreds.

She yelped, "Stop it!" as she continued to cry, turning her body side to side.

Serph narrowed his eyes to slits; how dare she…?

His free hand, having done away with her bodice, roughly grabbed her ample breast and squeezed it greedily, earning him another yelp from his distressed wife.

Her legs began to kick at him madly and he quickly subdued her, straddling her, his legs encasing hers effectively.

Argilla gritted her teeth, "G-get away from me!!" she screamed.

Serph's tolerance had been hanging on a thin thread ever since he entered their chambers…but now, that thin thread had been severed. He gritted his teeth and sheer anger at her and there, struck her on the jaw once more, making her hit the back of her head on the floor.

Argilla's vision blurred and her face burned with pain as he struck her mercilessly. She could feel him ripping the rest of her apparel. She wanted to stop him so badly…but she could do nothing. Her body felt so weak…so drained of energy…

She felt so tired.

Serph smirked as he felt her give up. Her body was no longer tense…

There, he easily parted her legs and without warning, plunged within her world. He gritted his teeth as he found her to be excruciatingly tight. She had not been ready to receive him.

He didn't care though.

He grabbed her thighs and sent a barrage of mad and frenzied thrusts within her body. She writhed in sheer pain beneath him. Her hands clung to his arms, letting her fingernails dig into his skin as she quelled the pain within.

Her hips bucked to meet his thrusts…but it had not been enough…She couldn't keep up with him…He left her behind…He left only pain in his thrusts' wake.

Serph panted heavily as he continued pummel her mercilessly, inconsiderately. Her cries filled his ears…A distant part of him wanted to stop and tell her that he would never hurt her again…But the other part of him, the one that now reigned his body drove him only to go faster and harder, telling him that his act of monstrosity against her was not monstrosity at all but a form of just retribution…

This other part of him was the part that cackled as her screams, yelps and gasps filled not only his ears but his whole being as well.

He could feel his end nearing…

And there, he hooked her legs on his elbows and continued to thrust, his body leaning closer to hers, her legs bending with accordance to his movements.

His eyes met hers and he narrowed them to slits. He saw the disbelief in her eyes…that and fright…and contempt.

He didn't care though.

It was she who had wronged him. It was she who should beg him for forgiveness; not the other way around.

He wasn't some dog who would beg her to forgive him if he had hurt her. No; for her fiendish acts, to suffer by his hand physically and emotionally, was its just reward.

Serph groaned and thrust into her one last time, burying himself up to the hilt, and propelled his hot and rushing seed within her womb.

He didn't let go of her legs; no, not yet. He didn't pull out of her or made any sort of movement either. Not until her body accommodated the very last drop of his essence.

He panted as he caught his breath. Drops of his sweat dropped onto her chest and he abruptly got off from her. He stood and appraised the woman on the floor.

She was still crying, spread-eagled in front of him. She made no movement to pick herself up from the floor but her eyes were shut tight. Argilla shut them as tight as she could; she was afraid that when she would open them, she would not see a man, but the devil himself.

Serph sneered and there, he knelt down once more and grabbed her neck and forced her to stand along with him. Her eyes immediately shot open and she followed his forceful albeit suffocating tug.

With his superior strength, he lifted her off the ground with just one hand; the one that gripped her neck and looked at her with eyes full of contempt, "You had just experienced the tip of my punishment My Queen…"

She began to choke in his death-grip and so, he released her, letting her fall on the floor once more. He looked at her coldly, "There would be other addendums to your punishment. Rest assured. Did you really think that I would never find out Argilla…? Hm…? Did you really think that you could fool me?"

Argilla said nothing but continued to pant, catching her breath.

Serph clenched his hands into fists as he resisted another urge to hit her again. No…if he did that again, he might damage her beyond repair. And if that happened, she would never be able to foster him children.

No.

For that sole purpose, he held himself back. Although nothing more would give him pleasure than for him to break every bone that she had in her body. He wanted to make her bleed; he wanted to make sure that every drop of blood that left her body did so from an excruciatingly painful wound.

He wanted her to know…that he was the person that she should never, ever, displease. She seemed to have forgotten even the most rudimentary of lessons…

She seemed to have forgotten that…

"You are mine Argilla. You are nothing; you understand? You are what you are because of my wishes. The moment I leave you, you revert back to being nothing. I am your master…and you are my slave."

His words hit her like bitter slaps…She wanted to be deaf at that moment.

Serph set his lips on a grim line, his eyes impassive. He paused and then continued, "For the murder of my children, I condemn your countrymen."

Argilla's heart stopped and she immediately sat up, "Serph…!" she gasped, "No…!"

Serph narrowed his eyes at her as they locked gazes, "First thing tomorrow, I will order the beheading of fifty of your people."

Argilla's eyes brimmed with tears as she heard him and she let out a strangled cry, "Please don't!" she begged.

"I'll do anything! Please spare them!"

Serph felt nothing within his heart even as she poured out her heart and calmly spoke, "You are to do my bidding, wife, regardless of the circumstance."

She let her tears cascade down her face and she sniffed pitiably, "Please…They have done nothing…! They don't deserve this!"

"My children didn't deserve what you've done either Argilla. This is mere retribution for your sins." he said coldly.

And then, his cold eyes suddenly burned with malice, "I want your people to know, that this is the price for you, their queen, to pay should you cross me." He laughed evilly, as his eyes penetrated hers, seeing the disbelief and bemusement in them, "Once they had learnt of the cause of their condemnation, they would hate you…They would spurn the very ground that you walk on."

Serph grinned evilly within. Yes. He wanted everyone to hate her…That way, she would look only to him. He would be her sole protector; the one she would cling to when the whole world was against her…

It was selfish of him to drive her to being this way…But he didn't care.

He wanted her; he wanted the very fiber of her being. He wanted to possess her; he wanted all of her…He wanted her body, her mind, her emotions…he wanted her soul…her consciousness. And he would burn everything to the ground just to get it.

Argilla's heart stopped; yes. When Serph announced that it had been because of her that their family or their family member had been sent to the gallows, she would lose their loyalty and their trust. It was ironic.

The very people that she had done nothing but love would hate her. The very people for whom she had endured Serph's demands would spew nothing but bitterness and utter hatred for her.

At this realization, she buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

Serph knew how much her people meant to her…but perhaps it was time that she realized how much his children and heir meant to him. He looked at her with unfeeling indifference. At the moment, he couldn't care any less about what sort of pain she was going through.

He blinked, "I will give you a specific timeframe Argilla."

Her head snapped in attention and blinked, looking at him with expectant eyes, her tears still rolling down her cheeks effortlessly. Serph continued to regard her calmly, coldly. His eyes mirrored his voice, unfeeling, and accordingly spoke, "I expect you to be with child within the coming fortnight. I will be sending the physicians to you at that time."

"I suggest that you give it your all to make your pregnancy a success." he paused and there, his once calm eyes once more became deadly, "Because the moment I have heard of failure, more of your countrymen would die."

Argilla looked at him sadly but said nothing…There was nothing that she could do; if she did not comply, her people would suffer. And so, casting her face on the floor once more, she nodded weakly.

Serph smiled, "I'm pleased to know that you understand."

With that, he made his way to his fallen clothes and retrieved them. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow and she, in turn looked at him questioningly.

He blinked, "Aren't you going to assist me?"

Argilla wanted nothing more than to slit his throat…but not wanting to anger him further, she rose from her position slowly, quelling the pain and made her way towards him, assisting him as he dressed.

Serph was pleased as he gained total obedience from her. Submissiveness completely overwhelmed her.

Good.

It was time that she knew her place.

After a pregnant silence, they were done. Serph walked over to her torn sari and there, hurled it at her, letting it hit her in the face and chest.

He laughed as he looked at her compromisingly humiliating stature, "I shall see you later Argilla. I have urgent business to attend to."

With that, he was gone.

Argilla watched him go…Finding herself alone, she allowed herself to crumble, her willpower waning and her spirit faltering. She finally broke down on the floor, crying.

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