The Tainted Earth (Royals of the Realm Series #3)

Chapter 16

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed." - Carl Jung

Earth Kingdom
Chrysanthemum Estate
The Library

Cara's POV

Days passed and I spent most of my time sifting through the library books here in Alex's estate, trying to find any useful information about the twin deities. So far they, we, were only mentioned in passing. I have not yet come across a book dedicated for us two solely, or atleast about deities.

Alexander's been busy too, he receives calls and invitations of huge volume everyday. Mostly from the nobles and the council of the earth kingdom. He's finally being included in meetings and conventions for the betterment of the kingdom, and he wasted no time pushing forward the rights of the freemen and equality above all. Of course, most denied his requests, but atleast he's voicing it out and some approve of his plans. His parents and brother were the main villains, constantly rebutting Alex's propositions. He would arrive every afternoon spent yet satisfied with the slow but gradual improvement of his purpose.

If only there is something I can do to help him.

Earth elves started moving out as well, building their own home accross the vast plains and the forests spread throughout the land with the help of Alex and his men. They still work here everyday, some spent their time taking care of the plantations in the fields. The main thing is that they're happy now, more than satisfied with what we can offer.

Regarding Ahba, well, let's just say he visits everyday as well. It's like he made it possible to fit in his schedule visiting us first for any news about the fruitless research I've been doing and then going straight to my sister in the Immortal Tree to keep her company. I frankly told him it might take me years to find out how to free Lana but he is patient. He admitted that he can wait, and hope in time Lana would trust him enough to tell him what he needs to do in order to free her.

I do hope someday their feelings for each other will grow, that one day Lana will come to her senses and will want to be with him. Her will to be free and her willingness to help us will tip the scales undoubtedly.

"The servants told me you haven't left this room all day." I didn't notice Alexander was already standing behind the couch I was in, making me feel guilty.

"I-I'm sorry," I stood, closing the book I was reading and placing it on top of the books I finished reading. "I didn't notice you were there, I was too engrossed in reading." I studied his posture and expression, noting the bags under his eyes and his hair in disarray. My heart weighed heavily in my chest at the sight of him, plus the fact that I mostly spent most of my time researching rather than motivating him. I took his hand in mine, stood on my toes and kissed him hungrily. "How about you tell me how was your day while we dine in our room?" I suggested.

He smiled softly, "I would love that, baby."

We walked to our chamber and the servants prepared our meal. We ate while he narrated what happened in the council meeting. It was like any other day, propositions and arguments. The thing is, Eldrin's starting to convince more council members to be on his side. That wouldn't be a problem according to Alex, because he is the true heir by blood and inheritance. He's prepared to take his place, but he's just waiting for the right time.

Soon the servants cleared the table and we stayed in the balcony to watch the moon and the stars, appreciating the chilly night air.

I felt it before he even touched me. His desire, longing and love for me. His arms encircled my waist from behind, the earth stone fueled both our bodies with warmth.

"I missed you, so much. We sleep on the same bed and yet it feels like I'm not near you. I don't like this feeling, the earth stone hates it." He said, trailing kisses on my collarbone.

I breathed a sigh, grasping his forearm embracing me. "I'm sorry, I should've known you'll feel neglected. How do I make it up to you, my king?" I whispered seductively in his ear, making him growl.

"Be mine," he growled out. "Your body, your soul, your beautiful personality. Will you accept me? Will you be with me forever? Will you be my queen, Cara D'Angelo?"

I turned to face him slowly, hands caressing his broad chest and pulling him down to level his face with mine. "I'm already yours, my king. I'll accept you even if you are not destined to run a kingdom, I'll be with you for the rest of my life, mighty Leon. I'll be your queen, King Alexander Erthe."

His eyes sparkled with possessiveness, love and desire. The earth stone channeled every single thing he's feeling towards me and I can't help but kiss him passionately. He responded, carrying me towards our bed now covered with flowers and vines. Every kiss, every caress, a new flower blossoms in and out of our room. I can feel heaven and earth being one as we both united into one soul. His growls of pleasure mixed with mine and I'm sure the seventh mountain heard us.

"I love you, Alex." I whispered in his ear right before he bit my neck with another mark, indicating I'm his and will always be. He growled in approval, lifting me on his lap as my wings unfurled pair by pair.

When the adrenaline simmered he kissed me deeply, "I love you more, my queen."

I smiled, laying my head over his broad chest as he pulled me to lay down above him. My wings felt so much heavier than the last time, so I knew I grew another pair.

"I grew another pair, didn't I?"

He chuckled, caressing my bare back softly. "Six pairs, actually." He said in awe.

The hell?

"You mean to say I have now six pairs or I grew another six pairs of wings??"

"The latter, baby. They're quite mesmerizing, like the sunrise with specks of stars."

I sat, extending them with disbelief. My wingspan is larger, and the wide room can't even accommodate its full wingspread. My wings made the room crowded so I decided to hide them, even how beautiful they are.

"What are you doing, baby? Don't hide them, they're a part of you. I like you raw and real. I'll be the last person to judge you for who you are." Alexander pulled me closer, urging me to let them out again. I did and he rewarded me with a kiss.

I smiled slyly, "You shouldn't hide my favorite Mighty Leon too, you know. I love you in that form as much as I love you in this form."

He smirked, eye color changing and the next thing I know I'm on top of the mighty lion. He was sitting proudly, deep green eyes staring at me intensely but he seemed satisfied already.

Atleast for now.

I embraced him, covering us with my shimmering new sets of golden wings. I can feel his heart beating in synch with mine and the way his stone kept pushing every raw feeling towards my soul made me feel complete. I'll trade anything to be like this forever, if I have to.

But I know I don't need to, because he'll never let anything keep us apart.