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.

a lot before coming to bed. I wondered what was bothering him so much that

and he wasn’t depressed. I doubted he would want to share his problems with me, and I dared not ask, so I

and I was nervous to see him. I got to

know how I would feel seeing and talking to

able to communicate genuinely. I trusted Ania and Lisa to keep whatever

was shocked to see me. “Princess,” he said, and tears streamed down my face. He

Nikolas wanted my father

reeked of Nikolas, but I could do nothing. He had marked me with his scent, and we

have been fine, and you?” I asked him, and he nodded. I frowned at him, and he looked at Ania and Lisa. He already knew them, but I

won’t tell,” I said, and Lisa

but I guess he needed to be sure of Lisa. My father sighed and led me towards his

sat at the foot of his bed, and he sat beside me. “I am so happy to see you, Aliana. I wondered if I would ever see

is very caring, Father. Almost as if he loves me, but I know it is an illusion. I also know he isn’t as bad as we

I sighed.

care of her daily/’ I

you ?” He asked, and I

day. She is docile now since we feed her well, but her senses refuse to

time. He just has a need to blame someone for it. Maybe it makes him feel better,” my father said, and I shrugged because Nikolas had never told me what happened. I was also afraid to ask because he is emotional about the

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

you, Father, he treats me well. We even sleep in the same room,” I said, and

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

made my heart beat in a certain way that I could not explain. There was no way that I could tell him that I fantasised about spending the rest of my life with Nikolas and having his children. There was no

you?” I asked him, wanting to change the topic and pamper him a bit

not want you to take what I am about to tell you to heart. I just want you to know what is going on out here,” he said, and I knew what he had to say would

sell in the market. So some of us have resulted in growing our food. I have a vegetable garden at the back, but there is only so much I can grow there. Isreal sold two egg layers last

I was appalled by what I heard. “But Werewolves are supposed to be able to buy and sell in the market,” I

wages whenever they like. The free groceries that we are supposed to get are limited. They give the first hundred

been cooperative, and we share the free groceries among ourselves, but life is hard here right now,”

believe they were starving my people, and Nikolas said he would make their lives easier. Was this the easiest he meant? I fed and cared

a way to solve this

to have some,” My father said, and I shook my head. I did not want to

together, and soon it was time

know when Nikolas would let me see him again, but I hoped this wouldn’t be a one-off

to the palace, and I went