Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

Aliana POV

I sat on Nikolas’s lap in his mother’s room, waiting for her to wake up I wasn’t happy that day because I realised my father was made to work long hours.

His health wasn’t good, but I dared not bring it up with Nikolas.

I felt like a failure.

I felt like I was betraying my father, but there was just so much I could do in a temporary relationship.

What if I say or request something that would annoy him?

I did not want my people to be worse off than they already were. I was tom.

I cared about Nikolas a lot, but I also knew it would end one day.

Discussing the birth control pill with him was very important because I doubted he would understand if I got pregnant, and I did not want to bring a child that would be rejected into the world.

I was yet to ask Ania and Lisa why they were referred to as halfbreeds. Still, I somehow knew it had much to do with why they were maids and why Lisa always warned me to be cautious. Could it be possible that they were rejected because they were half-werewolves? If that was the case, what quality of life would my child have?

Going on birth control was for the best. Nikolas had bent so much already, I did not want to push it.

If he was going to make any change, it should be because he wanted to and not because I pressured him

The physician entered the queen’s room and handed me a packet of pills. He told me when to start taking it and how I should take it. He also warned me not to stop taking it, or it would be ineffective.

Nikolas was there for it, and he did not say anything. I collected the medication, and the doctor left.

There was an awkward silence between us for about five minutes long before Nikolas finally spoke.

“I will figure something out, Aliana. Do not write what we have off.” He said, rubbing my back gently, and I smiled at him.

“I am not sad, Nikolas . I am happy that I wouldn’t have to resort to drinking that painful tea. Thank you,” I said and got off his lap to place the medication in my pocket. His eyes said he did not believe what I was saying, but he let it rest. Honestly, it would have been nice to have a family with him. Ruthless or not, he was a loving and responsible man. He would have been a wonderful husband and father. I took comfort in knowing we would have a good king.

We cared for the queen when she woke up, and as always, he left me to attend to pack matters while I returned to the room.

I slept early that night. I did not bother staying up for him or looking out the window to see what he was doing in the garden. It had become a routine, and I wanted to break it.

I felt him in the night when he came to bed and pulled me close to his b*ody.

smelled of alcohol, so I knew he must have drunk a lot before coming to

want to share his problems with me, and

evening the following day. Lisa and Ania accompanied me, and I was nervous to see him. I got

not know how I would feel seeing and talking to

will be able to communicate genuinely. I trusted Ania and Lisa

and tears streamed down my face. He looked tired, and I did not need

as if Nikolas wanted my father to

in. We hugged the moment I stepped in. I knew I reeked of Nikolas, but I could do nothing. He had marked me with his scent, and we slept in the same bed together. “How have you been?” My father asked me, breaking the

and he nodded. I frowned at him, and he looked at Ania and Lisa. He already knew them, but I guess

friends, Daddy, they won’t tell,”

guess he needed to be sure

so I sat at the foot of his bed, and he sat beside me. “I am so happy to see

me, but I know it is an illusion. I also know he isn’t as bad as we thought he was,” I said,

hateful, and I wonder why,” my father said, and I sighed. I knew that part

take care of her daily/’ I said, and my

you ?” He asked,

somehow blames werewolves for her predicament. I take care of her every day. She is docile now since we feed her well, but her senses refuse to return,” I said, and he

because Nikolas had never told me what happened. I was also afraid to ask because he is emotional about the things that concern his mother. I did not want things to go back to the

the truth, Aliana. How are things in that place?” he asked

swear to you, Father, he treats me well. We even sleep in

be careful, Aliana. Do not fall in love with him. Lycans never mate with werewolves. Remember what he said when he took you. He said you would have no honour and would never wear his mark. I do not know what he is playing at, but you need to be careful and watch

was no way I could tell him that I was head over heels for Nikolas, and he made my heart beat in a certain way that I could not explain. There was no way that I could tell him that I

you eaten, Father? Should I cook for you?” I asked him, wanting to change the topic and pamper him a bit

you to know what is going on out here,”

wages whenever they like, and we cannot buy or sell in the market. So some of us have resulted in growing our food. I have a vegetable garden at the back, but there

have been of good support. I have new chicks, and hopefully, they continue to multiply.” He said, and I was appalled by what I heard. “But Werewolves are supposed to be able to buy and sell in

rent. They also cut our wages whenever they like. The free groceries that we are supposed to get are limited. They give the first

we share the free groceries among ourselves, but life is

easier. Was this the easiest he meant? I fed and cared

down, Aliana, we will find a way to solve

would like to have some,” My father said, and I shook my head.

and I spent much time together, and soon it was time to return to

let me see him again,

the palace, and I