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

WARNING: LEMON, OOC, LANGUAGE

Chapter 21: The Invisible Crack Stretches

"Heat, what did you want to speak to me about?" Serph asked as he crossed his arms, looking at his brother lazily.

Heat's red eyes burned with vigor, "Serph. What are we doing?"

"I'm sorry. What?" Serph asked with an arched eyebrow, not understanding Heat's questions.

Heat growled, "Why are we sitting on our asses and twiddling our thumbs? We're being too complacent!"

Serph tilted his chin upwards. Aa…Heat was right.

He turned his back on the redhead as he narrowed his eyes. Yes; they had been too complacent. Their country was at peace and their conquered provinces were all abiding…

Yet…he wasn't satisfied.

The warrior's spirit within him raged like a caged dragon waiting to be released. But of course, he held himself back as he had decided to start a family…He reasoned that there wasn't a need to wage war.

He turned back to Heat, "Don't tell me that you want to start a war with Radhakrishna just because you're bored Heat." he said lazily.

Heat gritted his teeth; Serph was missing the point.

"Why are we still letting the rebels go free Serph? Let us crush them!" he urged, balling his hand into a fist in front of him.

Serph nodded, "Aa…I've no problem with that." he said in congruence. He paused and then continued, "If only we could find them…" he trailed off disinterestedly.

Heat was beginning to lose his patience. Where was his friend who desired to feel the excitement of life at the face of death? Where was the man who coveted battles? Where was his brother who craved carnage?

"Had the queen tamed you this lamely?" he asked with sarcasm and poison lacing his words.

Serph turned around and as quick as a flash unsheathed his sword and pointed it at Heat's throat, "Would you care to test that theory Heat…?"

Heat said nothing but he smirked within. Serph had not changed after all. He was still this easy to provoke.

Serph, sensing his brother's submissiveness, withdrew the blade from its position and sheathed it once more; their eyes never leaving one another's, "Find them Heat. I want it done by the end of the week."

With those words, he left.

Heat smirked smugly; finally.

'Finally. Soon, I would find you.' he thought maliciously; his thoughts aimed at a certain man within the Resistance.

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Argilla stared at the wall in front of her with dead and dull eyes. She had been staring at it since her servants had bathed her and dressed her.

She just didn't feel like doing anything…

She couldn't bring herself to hate Serph for what he had done. No; it was only natural for him to do what he had done. What she really couldn't accept was the fact that it had been her fault that Roland had died.

She sniffed as she remembered their times together…

He would always be there…pervading her always as she roamed the castle…or as she sat perfectly still as she played her koto.

He was a man who…cared for her…and saw her what who she really was. He wasn't like Serph who controlled and restrained her either.

With Roland, she could be herself.

What she liked most about him was that…even if he knew her affections for him, he did not use it to his advantage. He had just let it be…

He even urged her to halt her feelings. He really cared for her. She frowned; that was the reason why she really hated herself.

It had been she who had instigated the whole thing. It had been she who had asked him to tell her that he loved her…

Granted, that he did not speak much…but his actions spoke even louder than any of his words ever could. Whenever he was with her, she would always feel the warm light of protection around her.

That was more than enough.

When he did speak, however, it had always been concise and direct to the point. He said what he thought; no more, no less.

And now, because of her selfishness, she had not only lost him, but Serph as well. She could just plainly recall the glint of bloody murder within his steely silver orbs as he saw the two of them within each other's arms.

She had destroyed whatever relationship she had with Serph. Granted, she felt strongly for Roland, but it had been Serph whom she had chosen…

Why couldn't Serph understand that…? Well, she supposed that if she found him within another woman's arms, she wouldn't understand anything he would say either…

At the moment, the perspective of her repairing her relationship with Serph seemed bleak. She further frowned; her cheeks drooping as she furrowed her eyebrows. He had let her live solely for the reason that she was with child.

She doubted he would have though if she weren't.

'Serph…'

As if the Gods had heard her silent contemplation, her husband appeared in front of her. She looked at him before casting her face down.

"Roland has told me that I am the father of the child within you." he stated as a-matter-of-factly.

She nodded, "There had been no one…but you…" she said gently, slowly, her eyes not daring to meet his.

Serph wanted to smirk and he did, within. But he would not let her see that. He merely looked at her blandly, "Come with me." he told her with a firm and commanding voice.

She immediately rose from the chair and looked at him as if he grew two heads, "Go milord?"

He nodded, "The sun is cheerful today…and I suppose that you can use the time outside these dull four walls…It's unhealthy for the child." he said cheerfully.

Argilla froze as she looked upon his overly cheerful face. It was only a few hours prior that he had been last in their chambers…And if she could recall it correctly, and she could, his face was the epitome of sheer fury.

What she wanted to know was…What had elevated his mood to such an extent that he was willing to spend time with her…?

She, who had betrayed him?

He walked up to her and held out his hand, "Come. There is much that we should discuss."

Not wanting to anger him, she took his hand without hesitation.

Half an hour later, she found herself by a grassy field. She inhaled the cool air around her deeply…The scenery was picturesque…

And her heart felt at ease as she breathed in the air with the fragrance of wild flowers within. But still, she could not allow the thought or the feeling to linger.

She looked at her husband who stood beside her, "Serph…Why did you bring me here?"

He looked at the horizon, "Did you know, that we have the custom of keeping our burial sites a secret?"

She still didn't understand what it was he wanted to impart, but nonetheless, she let him continue.

He nodded, "This is where my mother and father are buried. Within these lands…"

Argilla followed his gaze; it was indeed a beautiful place. Lush greenery everywhere…a vast grassland.

"My mother…always loved my father. She had never considered being with anyone else…Even if he hurt her." he paused there, as his silver eyes narrowed a bit, "Of course, I hated my father for that but it was my mother who told me to respect him; to love him because I was made from his own flesh and blood…"

He shook his head, "She's the only person I really loved…"

Serph then turned to her, "Do you know why I'm telling you this?"

She shook her head and cast her face downwards, not daring to meet his steely gaze. Serph touched her chin and made her look back at him, "I'm telling you this because…I do not want my family with you to be as it was with me and my parents."

Argilla's eyes widened but said nothing. What was he saying?

"What I feel for you had not changed." he told her firmly, "Although I must admit that I wished it did. I wish…that I didn't love you. That way, I could have killed you a long time ago." he told her icily with a mock smile on his face.

He felt her shiver but still she said nothing.

He continued, "I want you to be happy…with me." he told her seriously, "I want my children to love their parents…and not grow up resenting them…" He tore his gaze from her and looked at the horizon once more, "Look at that…Nothing but greenery…My kingdom was once like that…Your country as well…"

"All had begun from nothing…After you and I had long passed from this world, it would be our children and their children after them who would inherit what I had built…But, if the ties between parent and child is weak…then…there would be nothing but greed…and carnage within them…and the country that I had fought long and hard to build and sustain would eventually collapse."

Argilla frowned; how can he speak of such things? Things such as love and compassion…when he had none?

He looked back at her with a silly grin on his face, "I want our children to have…what I don't have. I want them to possess things that I never had as a child."

Argilla couldn't believe it. It was all lies! Why was he doing this? To toy with her feelings? Because he knew that she wanted the same thing?

"What you had done deserved nothing but the punishment of death." he told her icily, his voice low and dangerous, his eyes deadly-fixed on hers.

"But I won't do that…because I love you." he spoke softly, his eyes mellowing down as he touched her face, cupping her cheeks affectionately, as he leaned in towards her.

She froze where she stood and slowly parted her lips. She could feel his breath on her lips and he whispered against her lips, "Be mine…"

She gulped but forced herself to be ever steadfast and whispered, "I am yours…"

He closed his eyes and drew his head back, "No. You are not. Even when you said that you loved me, your heart was divided between he and I." He opened his eyes again, "I ask you now, to be mine, both body and mind…heart and soul."

She looked down, "There is no one else…Serph."

At that moment, his anger flared up and he seized her arms tightly, "Then why?! Tell me why?!"

She winced as he grabbed her. She, nonetheless gazed at him bravely, "I knew…that he and I could never be. He knew it as well…that was why he was to leave my services that day Serph…" she told him, her eyes searching his.

"But…we wanted to settle our feelings forever before we parted…That's why…" she finished as she sobbed now.

Serph snarled angrily, "Why do you weep? Is it because that you prefer him!?"

She growled, "No!! Roland was a good man! A good man Serph!! While you…you are an animal…! But I still love you! I've fallen for a man who has no compassion for other human beings! I love you! I love only you! And…" she paused, shaking, and glared at him, "I abhor you for it!"

It was confusing to some…but made perfect sense to others…It had been completely unfathomable to Argilla how she had come to love her husband the way she did…But she just did. She knew full-well what sort of a man he was…

He was bloodthirsty, greedy…arrogant…

But despite that, she had learnt to see past all that…She believed that there was still some good in him…And she thought, as they spent all those times together that she had seen a glimpse of it…

And because of that, she had fallen deeper…

But now…she began to see him for what he was once more; lustful…filled with carnage…She began to hate herself; could she had been mistaken?

Had all light within his heart been overtaken by darkness? Was she too late? She hated him…she hated herself.

She hated him for making her feel the way she did. She hated herself for feeling what she felt.

Serph was happy though…She had admitted that she loved only him. Then…?

"And Roland?"

She continued to glare at him, "Roland…was the embodiment of all that I had dreamed of in a man." she stated boldly, "He was everything that you are not…!" she whispered, her voice coming out as a timid squeak as her eyes brimmed with tears, "I wanted to run away with him…But I just couldn't!!" she screamed, crying, "Because no matter what I did, I still chose you!! My foolish heart still chose you!! My soul screamed for you!!" she yelled angrily.

She hated herself…she had imprisoned herself. She did it to be with him…

She collapsed in his arms and he held her firmly. She cried in his arms, "I love you despite how grotesque and repulsive you are…! And I don't know why!" she sobbed uncontrollably.

Argilla felt disgusted. There she was, in the arms of her husband, the man she loved the most…But she felt dirty. How could she love someone who was so vile…?

But that wasn't what bothered her…

It had only been a few hours since she had known of Roland's death; she had mourned him…Yes…but what made her feel all the more dirty was the fact that she practically spat at his death and mocked his spirit as she proclaimed her love for Serph.

It had been as if she had moved on right from one man to another.

What was the difference between her and a whore then…?

There was no difference.

In the end, she knew. She realized it.

She was dirty…

And she liked it.

Serph frowned at her…quite surprised at her outburst. But all in all, he understood. He understood because he felt the same way.

There were times that he would have loved to snap her neck…to kill her or to make her suffer. But at other times, he would like nothing more than to hold her gently in his arms or to watch sunrises and sunsets with her…

And he just didn't know why.

Undoubtedly, she was crying now, within his arms, because she hated being in love with him. Because it went against every moral fiber within her being.

After all, how could a pure and chaste angel fall in love with a tainted and lustful demon?

That was why, he held her still…Slowly, he laid her on the soft grass, allowing her to catch her breath. He had been silent all the while. Soon, nothing was heard with the exception of the cool breeze…

He looked at the horizon again. The sun would be setting in another hour or two. They had best return to the castle. He looked back at his wife and saw that she had been exhausted and had cried herself to sleep.

He carried her and put her on her horse. A moment later, he joined her and made her lean back on his chest and held her tightly as he rode onwards…

All in all, he was happy…

No matter how confusing things were…They had hope…

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Gale sat alone at the War Room. He could not bear to look at Jenna at the moment. He sighed; all that he wanted was a family…

But it would seem that the gods had other plans…

He knew that it had not been a problem with him. No. He had impregnated quite a few women in his younger days. The problem was solely with Jenna.

He frowned; no…

That was not right. It wasn't a problem per se.

"She's just too stressed to conceive." he sighed; perhaps it was time to have her relocated.

Having her stay at the same castle as her sister was doing more harm than good.

She worried more for her sister rather than her own life. She constantly worried and feared for Amadeus…Not to mention that the place only reminded her of Princess Severina's death.

He sighed again.

"What's the matter? Didn't get enough from your wife?"

He narrowed his emerald eyes and turned around, seeing his brother, Heat. Gale's irritated look immediately dissipated as he gazed upon the unusual smiling face of the redhead, "What has happened?"

Heat chuckled, "Nothing."

"We're going to war."

Gale's eyes widened but he said nothing. A moment later, he spoke, "War? With Radhakrishna?"

Heat sighed, "Unfortunately no. I have been ordered to find the rebels and annihilate them."

Gale rolled his eyes, "We had been ordered that for months! But still there are no results!"

"Aa…but this is where you're wrong…" Heat spoke tauntingly, an eerie and twisted sort of cheerfulness within his face and voice, "As before, it hadn't been a priority…But now, it's at the top of our list…! Serph had authorized me to use whatever resources necessary to find those filthy scums!"

Gale said nothing, unfazed. So what? Vermin such as the rebels meant nothing to him. They were ragtag and weren't a state anyway. There was nothing to fear. The Arkanadaran army wouldn't even need to lift a finger to apprehend them.

So, why bother? For Gale, nothing had changed…But from the looks of Heat's behavior, the complete opposite could be said.

But Gale knew why.

Princess Severina.

Granted that Heat was normally hungry for battle, Gale knew that it wasn't that barbaric instinct that drove Heat's impetus to suddenly find the rebels. No. It had been because of his late wife.

She had joined the rebels…He probably wanted to know why. There were many questions about his late wife that only the rebels could answer.

That was why he was very eager to find them.

Well, as for him, he would do everything to make sure that the operation was a success. It was his job as a military strategist as well as his personal obligation as a friend and brother.

"When?"

Heat beamed and grinned evilly, "In a week. I had already started to assemble the army."

Gale shook his head, "Do not pull up the reserves."

Heat nodded, "Of course not. They'd know we're on the move. The strike force would have to be cohesive and quiet but large enough to contain them."

Gale nodded, "That's right. First, we need to know where they are."

Heat bared his teeth at his evil grin, "I have a way to find out."

"Good. Inform me as soon as it's known. We need that vital point in order to plan this carefully."

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"Tell me where they are." Serph spoke softly.

The night had rolled in, and again he found himself within the presence of his informant; the woman who was his whore…Nothing more than a pawn to his game.

The woman shook her head, "I am here to strike a bargain."

"Name your price."

The woman was taken aback; the king was not flexing his muscles. He was actually entertaining her. Why?

"I want the crown." she stated plainly.

Serph wanted to burst out laughing at hearing such a ridiculous request. But he knew he must keep his calm. This despicable creature of a woman was the only link that they had to finding the Resistance.

The townspeople were probably very loyal to them as none of them had admitted to knowing the base's location. Not a single rebel had been caught either; it was either they were killed or were in hiding.

Because of this woman's information, the rebels' raids' had all been thwarted hence, they now lived in the defensive.

They were probably taking their time and planning their next move.

But still, getting back to the matter at hand, he had best played his cards right.

There was no way in hell that the king was going to find his way around this. Once he had promised, he was obliged to fulfill it. That was what she loved about him. He had never lied.

Her request was simple enough…

She was sure he would be able to accommodate her.

"I want to be your queen."

Serph nodded, "So you shall. I can give you whatever you desire, even the crown. Just tell me what I need to know."

She was skeptic though…

"What of the queen?" she asked spitefully.

"I could have her killed at any given time. Do not concern yourself with her." Serph replied calmly, leaning back on his chair, "Tell me where they are."

She smiled, "I'm glad that you've accepted me Serph…" she said affectionately as she walked over to him, sitting on his lap, wrapping her arms around him. She leaned in and there, kissed him…

Serph remained perfectly still, disgusted. He pushed her off of him, "Tell me or the bargain is void." he stated venomously as he stood, looking at her undignified stature on the floor.

The woman stood, "Are you lying to me Shailendra?" she asked icily, still quite skeptic that he accepted her offer so easily without mediation…

Serph narrowed his eyes, "I don't care. I need to find those rebels. No. I am not being untruthful."

She smiled, "I'm glad."

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Argilla awoke to find herself on their bed. She sat up carefully and looked around. The candles within the room had all been lit. The sun had long set and the night had rolled in.

She got off the bed, clutching her belly carefully.

Where was Serph?

What had happened?

Before she could ponder her silent question further, the doors to the room opened, revealing to her the smugly grinning face of her husband. He had a talent of doing that hasn't he?

But still, why was he grinning?

Knowing him, it was because of something twisted.

Serph walked in, feeling refreshed. Everything had gone smoothly today…First, he had killed Roland, he had fooled his informant, he had gained the location of the rebels…and most importantly, he had gained insight pertaining his wife's true feelings…

"I am yours…"

Yes…he could still remember her words…They were like melodious music and soothing voices in his ears.

He had considered executing more of her people for her act of betrayal but had decided against it. With the offensive going about against the rebels, he needed his country to be united.

It would only hurt him and their cause should he execute them. People craved for "equality" and "fair treatment". He laughed at that.

For the moment, he would give them that. The people needed to believe that the king was not their enemy, but their savior.

And besides, there wasn't a need to publicize the whole incident either. No one knew anyway; with the exception of Gale, Junia and Heat.

"Serph…"

He was roused from his thoughts as he heard her speak. He raised an eyebrow and turned away, walking over to the window.

Argilla felt a lump in her throat. Though he did not hurt her, it wouldn't mean that he wouldn't find another outlet for his pent-up frustration and anger…

And she could only guess that Roland wasn't enough…

'At this rate, he'd condemn more of my people!' she thought frantically.

"Serph…Please…"

He was beginning to feel irritated at her voice, "What?"

She forced herself not to crumble before his intense gaze. She stood there, in front of him with a dignified posture, her voice never faltering, "I beg of you…Do not punish my people for my crime."

Serph laughed, "Do not concern yourself with that, wife. I have not done anything…"

Argilla could have sworn that she heard him wrong…If he didn't…then…?

He looked at her sourly, his grin disappearing, "Believe me, I have not forgotten about your indiscretion. But as of now, I have more pertinent issues to address and hence I cannot waste my time in such trivial matters…"

Argilla raised an eyebrow; he was planning something…

"I've discovered where the rats are breeding…" he told her cryptically.

Rats…?

He laughed and there made for her…He felt as though he hadn't touched her in a long time…Hearing Roland's admittance that nothing physical had transpired between them only aroused his feelings of lust for his wife further…

She backed away from him as he steadily advanced towards her. She was lightly startled as the back of her knees hit the mattress, forcing her to sit.

Serph walked over to where she sat and there pressed his hands on her shoulders, motioning for her to lie on her back.

Once she complied, he completely undressed himself. He then came over to her again and there undressed her as well. He could feel her shiver in his touch and he chuckled, "Cold…?"

She shook her head.

Serph let his eyes meander over her nude body, still marveling at the sight of her swollen belly.

He was quite well aware of his wife's state…but he just couldn't help but feel the need, the want to make love to her.

Her confession today had warranted that she proved it…And what better way would it be for her to do that than submitting to his desires…?

He pulled her into a sitting position and there, threaded his hands on her pink hair as he leaned in, kissing her fully on the lips. She returned his kiss arduously, her arms wrapping themselves around his neck, pulling him as close to her as possible…

His tongue intermingled with hers amorously…while she moaned helplessly against his persistent lips…

His hands then found her enlarged breasts and massaged them carefully…still relishing in their smooth feel…

'This is all mine…!' he thought possessively…Every part of her…belonged to him and him alone.

No man had ever seen her in such a fashion…and no man other than he would ever will.

His lips left hers as he dove for her neck…Argilla threw her head back and groaned as he bit her, hard.

"Serph…! Serph…" she moaned over and over again as his tongue, lips and hands drove her crazy and needy with desire…and lust…

His member twitched awake at her sounds…His blood furiously pumped through his veins and then down towards his manhood. His manhood twitched uncontrollably…and he gritted his teeth as he fought himself for control.

Feeling his frustration reach a new high, he squeezed her breasts and bit her jugular, tearing the skin and drawing blood.

She yelped out his name.

Aa…Didn't she know that her voice was driving him mad? Didn't she know that it was those sounds that she made that furthered his desire for her…?

Having enough of this game, he pulled back. He looked at her with a grin on his face and he whispered, "You are mine…Everything of you…I own."

She swallowed a lump in her throat as she beheld his drunken appearance…

Suddenly, she found herself gently pushed on her back once more. Serph then turned her to her left side and he chuckled, "Be still. This is most comfortable for you…seeing that you are in the state in which you are in."

She trusted him. And so, she said nothing.

He then touched her right leg and moved it forward, moving it away so that her core might be revealed to him from the side. He smirked as he saw that she was already wet…

Another factor that made him believe her…She wanted him. That much was obvious…

He positioned himself just before her with his legs on either side of her left one, the one on the bed, while his hand held the right leg. And so, being on his knees on the bed, her leg still on his hand, he entered her fluidly from the side. She yelped at the contact while he breathed comfortably, closing his eyes…She still felt quite tight against him…

Soon after, he began to move within her, holding himself back…It wasn't a secret that pregnant women needed gentle lovers…

Of course, he had never really been gentle with her…He didn't want to. But now, he just had to. The life of his unborn child depended on it.

Argilla pressed the side of her face further against the sheets, her hands clawing the blankets as Serph dove deeper within her still…

She was feeling nothing but bliss…He was gentle tonight. It wasn't what she expected. But nonetheless, she was grateful.

Serph fought with all of his willpower to overcome the alluring caress of the desire for him to set a barrage of frantic thrusts within her.

He went to and fro from her in a deadly slow pace. His manhood, although buried deep within her, screamed at him for fulfillment. But his hands were tied. This was the best he could do at the moment.

After what seemed to be an eternity of thrusts, groans and moans, nirvana had finally arrived to claim the two lovers…

And they accepted.

Serph released his seed in her in a hot fury while she had her walls cling onto his member tightly…possessively.

Closing his eyes to catch his breath, he slowly withdrew from her. He was disappointed though.

His manhood was still quite awake.

Withdrawing from her completely, he stood to appraise her tired and sweaty body.

Argilla raised her head from the bed and sat up. She stole a glance at his member and saw it twitch attentively. She knew that he was far from exhausted…

She slowly stood and he raised his eyebrow, "You should get some rest." he told her firmly; his voice low and husky.

She shook her head and made her way towards him, stopping right in front of him and knelt down. Serph looked down at her and opened his mouth to speak but was cut off as he felt her mouth on his manhood.

He sucked in a sharp intake of air as she moved to and fro from his member, her tongue caressing his sensitive flesh gently yet firmly. Her lips latched themselves around his manhood tightly.

He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth as he felt the seeds of pleasure budding and growing within his body. Heat began to reign his body…and he felt warm all over. Sweat began to form on their skin once more…

He opened his eyes suddenly. He was about to…

He gripped her head tightly and pulled her from him. Without further words, he grabbed her and pulled her to her feet and turned her around. He forced her to be on her knees, her palms on the bed and there, without warning, he entered her from behind.

Argilla squealed, "Oh God…!"

Serph groaned and there held himself back from coming too soon. He wanted to relish in this feeling. This feeling of absolute warmth…and love…

He moved within her firmly, yet gently…He had not forgotten…He had to be as gentle as he could.

Then, like a passing daydream…he was gone. She was gone.

He growled as again, he spilled his seed within her.

Seeing that she was about to collapse, he quickly recovered her in his arms and deposited her on their bed gently. He stood and gathered her robes once more, pulling her into a sitting position, draping it over her shoulders.

She looked at him questioningly, "Serph…?"

He looked back at her nonchalantly, "You'd be cold. It's not advisable…"

She shook her head, "That's not what I meant…"

He raised an eyebrow and she continued, "That's not all that I meant." She sighed as she paused, "How can you be so calm…?"

"Hm…?"

"You…you've killed a man today…and yet…you made love to me…so gently…" she whispered in disbelief.

Serph grinned at her, baring his teeth, "Roland wasn't just a man Argilla. He was my elusive rival for your affections. Killing him was almost as gratifying as making love to you…"

Argilla's eyes widened but said nothing.

He chuckled, "Yes…seeing him die before my eyes…is a memory that I would treasure for years to come. Knowing that he died slowly and painfully the way he did…It felt so good…Almost as if I were making love with you…"

He chuckled as he paused, and then continued, "Almost…But not quite the best feeling."

He leaned in closer to her and gave her a chaste kiss on her lips, "There's nothing better than making you mine at night…" he whispered seductively.

Argilla glared at him, feeling her anger return and turned away, feeling sickened at his twisted and macabre justification for his actions.

It was sickening to know how he compared killing someone, committing cold-blooded murder, to making love!

There wasn't a doubt about it. Her husband…was a sick man.

But…what was more sickening and disturbing of all…was that…

Despite this knowledge…she still loved him.

She frowned, cursing herself; she was still hopelessly in love with a sick man. What did that make her? A very sick woman.

"And what about you my darling wife?" he asked, sneering, "What are you doing mourning him in the morning, mourning your lost love and then making love to me now…?" he asked, scowling, his chin tilted upwards in a condescending look.

He was right…

What was she doing…?

But it mattered not.

"What have you done with the body…?" she asked lowly. She had wanted to see Roland…for one last time. She had wanted to say goodbye…She had wanted to say…that she was sorry.

Serph moved behind her and embraced her from there, his chin resting on her shoulder, "You'll know in the morning." he spoke convivially.

A cold shiver ran down her spine as she heard him speak. He was truly a repulsive man…He was the complete opposite of Roland. Roland was gentle and honorable…while Serph was rough and sly…

He then kissed her cheek, "You had made me the happiest once more this night…I thank you…I thank you that despite your disgust for me, I am still the one in your heart…"

He turned her around and looked deeply into her eyes, "Now…it'll just be me in there…won't it?"

Argilla could feel herself get lost in his silver eyes, "Serph…"

He leaned in and kissed her passionately, making her forget all about Roland. Minutes later, he pulled back with a grin on his face, "I want us to be a family Argilla…A happy one. Fulfill my dream…"

She blinked and turned away; their conversation was rapidly taking a macabre turn.

"Rats…Serph?" she asked, distracting him. The Serph that she had just made love to, seemed different. This Serph was…morbid…while the first one she met was arrogant and sarcastic. She would take the latter any day.

Serph snapped out of his train of thought, "Yes. The Resistance. We'll have them soon enough."

Argilla nodded; so that was what he meant.

He chuckled, "Do not be concerned with them Argilla. You just focus on being my wife and lover…That's all you're good for anyway."

Her heart felt constricted that she couldn't breathe as he spoke his cruel words. But still, she held her tongue.

He motioned for her to lie back down on the bed. A moment later, she found a warm blanket on her and his voice on her ear, lulling her to sleep.

"Pleasant dreams my love…" he whispered, grinning from ear to ear.

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Heat cackled, "Ilvika Forest…aah…!"

Gale narrowed his eyes, "Aah…It is not such a huge forest…So, it is here…" he pointed on the map, on the western part of the thick forest near the waterfalls, "Then…we should attack them from the three directions…North, South and West. That would drive them to escape from the East, in which the main force would be waiting…"

Heat grumbled as he crossed his arms, "What for!? Burn the entire forest to the ground!"

"Like rats out of their den?" came a voice from behind them.

The two turned and saw the other member of their triumvirate. It had been late in the night when the three had decided to hold a meeting.

"Serph." Gale said, bowing. Heat did the same and grinned at his friend, "You read my mind."

Gale touched his forehead as he thought for a moment, his eyes never leaving the map. Then, a moment later, he broke the thin line of silence, "Yes. Orchestrating a fire would be advantageous for us…It would be like flushing rats out of their den…The keyword in this operation is 'orchestrate'."

He paused again, discarding his previous plan. Well, not discarding it, but, refining it.

"It would mean that a small force would ignite flames here, around the base of the Resistance, backed by two platoons on the respective directions, namely, at the northern, southern and western sides. The fires on the eastern side however, would be the least fortified. The rebels would have no choice but to flee their base to the east…in which our forces would be lying in wait…outside the forest."

Serph cackled, "Aa Gale…you never cease to amaze me."

Gale looked at him stoically, nodding before resuming his talk, "The fires must be started in the dead of the night. No one is to know. It would be prudent if we are to deploy the members of the Sanada Clan in our army to start the fires and take out rebel sentries. They are the best suited for this job."

Heat's blood boiled at the sound of the name "Sanada" but remained calm.

His rebel would be there. He would find him. Being the best skilled, he would live through the ambush and would most likely meet him at the battlefield.

And that moment would be his most awaited…

Serph crossed his arms, "When will this occur? The following week?"

Heat nodded, "Six days."

Serph nodded and turned to Gale, "Anything else?"

Gale shook his head, "That is all…unless there is more information that we need and there is new information that had just come in."

Serph blinked, "As yet, no. I've just been informed that the rebels are planning their next move as well. They are still on the defensive. They are disoriented due to the fact that we have evaded them effectively and had thwarted their plans."

He laughed as he paused, "They are aware of a filthy sewer rat amongst their midst and are doing whatever it takes to catch it…"

Heat grinned, "Perfect."

Gale concurred, "Indeed."

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The sun was bright and sunny the next day.

Sera held with her a basket filled with vegetables, making her way through their small town.

"Sera, you know you shouldn't be carrying that much load! You have to be careful!" a woman's voice said from beside her.

Sera turned and smiled, "Good morning Priya! Oh, and don't worry about me! This is nothing!" she finished giggling, "Besides, I want to make soup today…a special one from my country. I want Cielo to taste it."

Priya laughed, "That's good! You're getting better at this I bet."

Sera blushed, "I've been…practicing…" she trailed off cryptically.

Of course she had been practicing! That was why Cielo had to put out fire after fire in their kitchen for days on end.

She had burnt quite a lot of their utensils…

But she justified that she had just been "practicing". Just like when she was practicing her archery. There was no harm in missing the targets in the beginning.

So there.

She was roused from her thoughts as she felt a tug at her basket. It was Priya.

"Let me carry that for you Sera."

She blushed, "Ooh! Please! I'll do that! I can handle it!"

Priya laughed and firmly held the basket as they walked, "It's alright. I don't want you to miscarry your child because of this Sera. Besides, I'm going that way as well anyway."

Sera nodded, "Alright. Thank you for your assistance."

"So, what's new with you?" asked Priya brightly.

Sera giggled, "Oh! Didn't I tell you! Cielo is taking me to Arkanadara!"

Priya stopped and peered at her companion questioningly, "But Sera…isn't that place dangerous?"

Sera nodded, "Yes…I've considered that…but…It would just be like Angara anyway. No one knows that I'm still alive. No one would be looking at me."

Priya thought about for a while and then, finally, she nodded, "I suppose so." The two resumed their walk, "But…why would you want to go? You're just asking for trouble if you go there without a valid reason…!"

Sera pursed her lips together and licked them, deep in thought. She then turned to Priya after a moment's silent deliberation, "I…I don't really know…I suppose…I miss that place. If…If I go there…even if just for a while, there's a chance that I might see my sisters again…"

Priya's eyes softened and draped a warm hand on her shoulder, giving her an equally warm smile, "I'm sure you will…" she paused, and then continued, "What about…him?"

Him?

Sera knew of whom Priya spoke.

Heat.

Sera swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked her eyes, "Ah…Heat…Well…aah…No. I mean, I'm married now…I…I don't think about him anymore…"

Priya arched an eyebrow, noticing how her friend quite stammered her words. But she understood though and not questioned any further. One's first love…was difficult to forget…No matter how far one had moved on within his or her life, a secluded, hidden part of his or her heart would always be for that first love…Forever.

"So, when do you plan to go?" Priya asked, rousing Sera from her apparent daze.

Sera sighed, "In a few days…I'm not sure yet…Cielo is still arranging it. Hm…so, how is that situation with you 'mystery man' coming along?" Sera asked playfully.

Priya blushed and held the basket closer to her chest, "Well… I told him that I love him…

He said that…he just needed more time…"

Sera smiled tightly, "Well, just give it to him Priya. I'm sure he'll come around."

The girl smiled at her, "Thank you for your concern Sera…I really appreciate it."

Sera smiled as she stopped, "Don't mention it Priya. Well, here's my stop. Thanks again Priya."

Priya handed Sera the basket and waved, "Take care Sera! I'll see you in a little while!"

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Jenna stared at the performing dancers in front of her with enthusiasm that one would have when watching paint dry.

Her thoughts were elsewhere.

She had awoken to find Gale gone.

He had come back a few hours later, late in the morning, telling her that he had urgent business to attend to and hence, cannot spend time with her.

She understood though.

He held an important post within the kingdom.

Of course, there would be other issues that would require his attention…

'Then why don't I believe it…?' she asked herself as she gritted her teeth in annoyance.

She sighed; she just couldn't help but feel insecure once more. She frowned; she was happy for her sister…She was happy that she had everything going for her.

She had heard from Gale earlier that morning that the king and her sister were on better terms. That was a relief.

She was happy that Argilla was still successfully carrying her child.

This was where she frowned; all the luck seemed to befall her sister. Argilla was with child while she was not.

Argilla didn't even try and she succeeded while she tried and tried, but to no avail. It had always been Argilla who had been auspiciously lucky.

Jenna was happy for her sister that she had been thus far successful in her life…But at the same time, she couldn't help but feel envious.

Yes.

She was envious of Argilla. She didn't even have to lift a finger for things to happen to her. She knew that she should be happy for her, or even a bit worried for her safety, considering her crime and her predisposition with the king…

But at the moment, she couldn't bring herself to feel those things…

All that she felt at the moment was pure envy…and she just couldn't help it, despite the knowledge that it was wrong for her to feel so.

She then remembered her talk with Gale about gods…

She believed in gods as well…That was why she couldn't help but question them.

'Is this another test in my life? A test of faith? Or a test of my patience?' she thought, growling, seething angrily.

It just wasn't fair. But then again, nothing in life was fair. If she was to speak of unfairness, she would have said that it wasn't fair that she hadn't been born first to inherit the crown. It wasn't fair that their father had died. It wasn't fair that their country had fallen so easily. It wasn't fair that she had been given to Gale as if she were some exotic trinket.

Hell, it wasn't fair that women were owned!

Where would it end?!

Where?!

"It would never end…" she said to herself, shaking her head.

That was the reason why…she must stop her idle banter and focus on the problem ahead.

Problem?

Gale.

He was her problem at the moment. She didn't want him to feel that she was mediocre as a woman…for if he did…

She didn't want to finish that sentence…

She just wanted to have what he desired. He wanted a family…She did as well. But still, he had told her that the problem was stress…

"Just like what I'm having right now…" she said to herself, sighing.

She closed her eyes and forced herself to smile, thinking optimistically, "I'll just have to try again. There's no rush. Gale and I would have a family when things are more stable."

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Argilla took a deep breath and approached Serph, "Serph."

He turned to her, "What is it Argilla? Would you like to explore the gardens? They've been improved with accordance to your specifications." he said cheerfully.

Argilla blinked; the Serph that she was facing now was completely different from the one she had been with the previous night…

Frankly, she didn't know who the real one was and which one was the impostor…

Or was it that they were both him?

She had told him months prior that she wanted the entire garden remodeled so that it resembled those that they had at Flavius Adeodatus. To her surprise, he had allowed her to do as she wished…

And now, he was as cheerful as before, as if nothing had happened…

Why?

"Why don't you go there and inspect it hm?" he asked her.

She blinked, "Are you sending me away milord?"

It was Serph's turn to be taken aback, "Send you away? Argilla, no. I am merely telling you…that you are free to do what you want once more. I am restoring your power."

Argilla narrowed her eyes, "Why?"

Serph's smile vanished, "Three reasons. One. It is unhealthy for my child if you were to remain within our chambers all day. Two. You told me that you need to see what had happened to Roland's corpse, am I right? Then, this is your chance." he said icily.

"Finally, I have other matters to attend do, hence, I cannot come with you. I would be sending female servants with you. Now, if that's all," he said, walking up to her, tilting her chin upwards, "then, I bid you farewell for now." And with that, he kissed her chastely on the lips and turned away, leaving her alone.

She frowned; but like he said, this was her chance to say goodbye…

"Roland…"

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