The Enchanting Rapture (#1)

Chapter 39

Annika

     Annika was quiet for a moment as she lain her head on Inferno's lap. The two of them were sitting on the crisp, vibrant green lawn.

     Warmth beamed down, soaking beneath the thin cloth that lain against her skin. The material smelled of sweet oranges, a scent Annika found she liked much. 

     They decided to have lunch in the royal gardens. Tall, intimidating guards surrounded them from a distance. Annika knew their presence was more for Soren's reassurance than her own while he was away, planning their ceremony of union. 

     The floral scenery was accompanied by the sweet scent of nature. The moist dirt. Lovely roses. Healthy blades of grass. It was so serene with the addition of a simple blue and white sky. 

     Annika took in a deep breath, inhaling the placidity she needed. A thought popped into her head. "Inferno?"

     Her graceful fingers were twisting between and braiding her long inky strands. "Yes, Sweetcheeks?" 

     "Do you really believe in all of this?" Annika closed her eyes, soothed by the gentle tugs at her scalp. 

      "In all of what?" her low voice peaked with interest. 

     Annika shrugged. "You know, all of this. I am going to marry Soren. And then I will be queen. Life just seems so wonderful. I guess I am waiting for something to disrupt it." 

     Inferno added conviction in her tone. "Things are different now, Sweetcheeks. Don't you feel it? The air is not as heavy. This terrible war of your life ended when Zyhed and his daughter did. You have more than earned your happiness with Soren. Stop trying to convince yourself that you haven't." 

     Annika looked up at Inferno. Her features were so sharp and exotic, so delicate yet strong. Her orange eyes were less lustrous. Even her skin was more pale than usual. Something was off but she couldn't quite place where. "Thank you, Inferno. I don't know what I would do without you." 

     She seemed to wilt, raising Annika's concern. But Inferno shifted emotions in a split second. Seeming to catch herself, she attempted to grin ear to ear. "You would probably have some more naked dancing with Soren!" 

     Annika cringed and burrowed her head in Inferno's lap. 

     The fierce pixie barked out a genuine laugh. "I don't understand how you can be so innocent and a fucking nymph at the same time!" 

     She felt blood rush into her cheeks. "It's all his fault, Soren did this to me," Annika managed to get out. 

     Inferno patted her cheek and then gave a small kiss. "That is right. The male species is to blame for all of our problems. Annika, this is why we get along so well!" She knew the pixie was saying it loud enough for the guards to hear. 

     "Is that why you don't date them? Because you think they cause all of our problems?" Annika whispered with curiosity. Even women caused problems. Surely Inferno knew that?

     She sighed as though she were asked that question a million times. "I don't date much at all, to tell you the truth, Sweetcheeks. I trust you enough to confess that I am not really a lesbian, I just pretend I am so guys will get off my dick." 

     "Really? But why?" Annika wasn't sure she understood what Inferno was getting at.

     "Males never gave me the time of day before. So why should I now?" She answered. There was old bitterness set in her heart, most likely because of some stupid fool from the past that Annika would love to electrocute.