Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

Forged In The Flames By Karima Sa’ad Usman

Chapter 97 Busy and Fruitful (Nikolas’s POV)

After the speech, I walked back into the room with Aliana, and I could see the tremor of emotions still affecting her. Stepping into our bedroom, she suddenly broke away from me, her eyes filled with hurt and confusion.

“Why, Nikolas? Why didn’t you tell me?” Her voice quivered, and I found myself at a loss for words. Beyond wanting our relationship to be founded on genuine love rather than the binding force of a mate bond, I had no other explanation.

“Was that the reason you took me away from my father?” Her question hung in the air, and I couldn’t provide a straightforward answer, for it was both yes and no.

“I fought against it, Aliana. I tried with every fibre of my being. Still, I couldn’t resist its overpowering hold,” I confessed, watching as she wiped away her tears.

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“Why can’t I feel it?” Her voice trembled with concern as she looked at me, searching for answers.

“I’m certain you can feel it, my love; perhaps you haven’t fully comprehended the sensation.

It’s why you calm me in moments of rage, why I could never bring myself to harm you, and why I desired you so intensely, even before truly knowing you. I want you to understand that what we share is not solely based on the bond but on the depth of our feelings for one another.

The more I discovered about you, the more determined I became to spend the rest of my life with you. I thank the heavens that our destinies intertwined, so I needn’t worry about anyone else taking you away from me. You are mine to love and cherish, Aliana,” I poured my heart out, and she rushed into my arms, holding onto me with all her might. Her tears dampened my chest as she rested her head against it, and we clung to each other tightly.

“I love you, Aliana, and my love is not merely a product of our bond,” I murmured, and she held onto me, her grip unwavering.

“I love you too, Nikolas. I love you with all my heart, and I appreciate everything you’re doing for us,” she whispered, and I k*issed the top of her head, holding her close.

We remained secluded for the rest of the day, revelling in each other’s presence. I made love to her, trying to compensate for the times I had been absent due to my demanding schedule. Now that she knew the truth, her response to my t*ouch differed. There was a sense of belonging, and the fear of being torn apart had dissipated. I was grateful that I had chosen to forge ahead despite the challenges. As I lay beside Aliana, I knew that love would be my ultimate reward once all was said and done.

I woke and went to the office in the morning, three days after I had addressed the crowd. I was waiting for a message from Piotr to inform me of Fredrick’s plans.

Ingham and Grant said they were working on something, and because of that, they were scarce. I was tired of sitting in the office, so I asked Abraham to join me on a stroll.

Qusack wasn’t in the office, and I didn’t need to guess where he was. I knew he was with Ania. I did not know what had changed, but I was sure they were together now. I hoped my friend would not mess it up.

Stepping outside, I saw Ingham and Grant walking towards the palace, dragging a man they had chained in silver and beaten bloody.

smiles, and anyone looking at them would think they were psychos, but I knew the

where I was and stood. The man could bearly open his swollen

asked them, and Grant looked at Ingham, who beamed at me. “Your majesty, meet Aski Claus, aka Isaac Luis,” he said, and Abraham and I were stunned. How did they pull this off? I had no idea how to catch

to our interrogation room at the back of the palace. Once they had secured the prisoner

gathering evidence of his involvement

need supervision because they

a cabin in Riverdale. The man was living like a hermit.

had focused on Fredrick and figured Isaac could be dealt with later. I was indeed impressed with these two. I could see

was dimly

confronted Isaac, who was bound to a chair. The atmosphere crackled with tension as they prepared to use any means necessary to make

and I could see it from his resilience; he sneered defiantly at us even though he was severely

clearly had a death wish, even though

him, how he

we would make him beg for

his stern demeanour, leaned in

can spare yourself the agony, Isaac,” he growled. “We know about your alliances with Fredrick and Leon. We know about the crimes you’ve

of uncertainty creeping into his expression. He knew his carefully constructed facade was slowly crumbling, and we had unveiled the depths of

to his involvement, spilling the details of their plans and misdeeds. All that we already

was supposed to be King, but a stupid law disqualified him. All I was guilty of

letters chose to use is not my fault,” he said, and I punched him in the face. I

father would be alive

not help them kill my father, but her silence about their intentions left my father vulnerable. I growled,

finally confessed to his

he got in with the help of my mother’s recommendation. He said my mother believed he was from Hill and King Aleksander had

but he and Fredrick

by then, so they had a

poisoning of the officers that led to my father

to avenge

He said she believed that Giles and the werewolves did not mean well; Gabriel’s rejection did not help matters

me wonder why she was fixated

listed their crimes, I felt sorry

heinous murder of Olive and

extent of their manipulation of affairs, weaving a sinister