CHAPTER 66

WHEN SOLLEL pushed the door open, her plan was to tour around the whole castle, to enjoy its design and see if it had similarities to her temple of Ignis. But her plan was forgotten when she saw who was standing near the door as if waiting for her.

A tall woman with long and wavy brown hair that was almost reaching her hips was standing meters away from her. Her prominent hazel brown eyes and gentle face. She wore a simple emerald armor and flower vines were wrapped from her wrist up to her elbow.

Sollel felt disoriented, with a little dizziness and euphoria combined. Then a shaky and slow smile appeared on her lips.

"G-Gatria...?" She knew it was Gatria, but in the back of her mind, she was afraid that it was only her imagination. She wanted to make sure that it was indeed Gatria.

Gatria's hazel brown eyes met Sollel's gaze. "Sollel."

A tear fell from Sollel's eyes when she heard that gentle, yet firm voice. "G-Gatria...!"

Without thinking, Sollel run towards Gatria, her arms ready to hug her when she saw the look Gatria was giving her making her changed her mind! Sollel knew too well what that look meant! Instead of hugging Gatria, without being told to, she kneeled in front of Gatria with her head down. "I'm so sorry..."

Before Gatria could voice out her reason for looking pissed at Sollel, Treven's friend, the warlord who helped saved her in the Hallowed Valley entered the castle and he looked stunned seeing Sollel kneeling.

Gatria felt indebted to warlord Hakkeran for saving her, but she already healed his wound that could've killed him, so in her mind, they're even.

Ergo, Gatria focused her eyes on Sollel who was still kneeling on the floor, head down.

"Do you even know why I'm mad, Sollel?" Gatria sounded like a mother scolding a mischievous child.

Sollel immediately nodded. "I trusted humans and in return, we were betrayed. It was my decision to bless them with elemental essence and it was all my fault. I'm so sorry, Gatria. I didn't mean to hurt us. I didn't mean for this to happen. I'm so sorry... I'm really sorry..."

Sollel looked up to take a peek on Gatria's reaction after her apology. Usually, Gatria always became soft after a heartfelt apology, but to her distressed, Gatria was still looking at her as if she did a horrible thing.

Sollel was ransacking her brain, thinking of things that she did that might've angered Gatria before, but she really couldn't think of anything other than the human's betrayal!

She and Aenwyn always caused mischief before, bur that was it. She didn't remember angering Gatria before they were betrayed.

Sollel pouted as she looked up at Gatria. "I will accept any punishment..."

Gatria clicked her tongue and Sollel visibly flinched at that, as if scared by the sound of a tongue clicking. "You're apologizing, but you have no idea what you're apologizing for— as usual. Classic Sollel as always."

Sollel bit her lip as she asked. "What... What did I do wrong then?" Sollel showed Gatria her pitiful face. "Could you please enlighten me, Gatria?"

Gatria glared at Sollel. "Trees have eyes, Sollel!" Gatria snapped. "How could you be so shameless?!"

Sollel flinched at Gatria's angry voice before she meekly asked since she didn't understand Gatria completely. "What do you mean? Trees has leaves and limbs, but I'm sure they have no eyes, Gatria."

Gatria let out a loud breath as if she was so done with Sollel. "To me, trees has eyes."

"Oh. Yes. I know that." Sollel tilted her head to the side and gave Gatria a quizzical look. "But what does it have to do with me?"

"It has everything to do with you!" Gatria's calm demeanor disappeared and pointed Hakkeran who was just silent in the corner. "I saw you kissing him so intimately! What were you thinking, huh, Sollel?! You may be the first blessed queen, but you are the youngest!"

Sollel's lips parted open in shock. "That's... all?"

"What do you mean that's all?!" Gatria was so close to exploding, only Sollel and Aenwyn could make her lose her composure like this.

"I thought you're mad at me because of what happened back then..."

"Why would I be?" Gatria went back to being calm. "It has been a long time and it was not your fault. But," Gatria became strict again, "you are our youngest, Sollel. I will not allow you to be intimate with him," she pointed Hakkeran who had wide eyes in shock and disagreement. "You're still a child!"

Gabin, who was listening, felt pity towards his lordship. Meanwhile, Treven looked like he was about to burst out laughing.

Sollel had always been hard headed, reckless and brave, but when it comes to Gatria and Astrid, Sollel knew that her hard headedness, recklessness and bravery wouldn't do her any good so she immediately nodded, not even thinking of opposing Gatria.

"Good." Gatria looked pleased at Sollel's answer. "Come on. Stand up." Gatria offered her hand at Sollel. "The room next to mine has been already ready for you. You should rest after unleashing your wrath like that. We will talk tomorrow."

Like a child, Sollel accepted Gatria's hand and let Gatria lead the way while Sollel kept glancing back at Hakkeran who was looking as if he wanted to stop her at the same time he didn't want to antagonize Queen Gatria in doing so.

But looked like Hakkeran decided to antagonize Gatria because he started running after them, but Sollel vigorously shook her head at Hakkeran, stopping him.

Hakkeran shoulders fell and whispered as he stopped in the middle of the hallway, "there goes my happiness tonight."

Gabin patted his lordship's shoulder. "Better luck next time, Your Excellency."

"Do you want to die early, Gabin?"

Gabin immediately bowed his head. "Lord Xeke sent a message, he wanted me to tell you that he's on his way here with Princess Cira. I also sent word to the Dwarven Kingdom to send Lady Naya here. And that is all— I will take my leave now, Your Excellency."

At that moment, Hakkeran couldn't care less what Gabin said. He was just looking at his lady's retreating back.

My lady...

Hakkeran felt so down that he went to his room with a heavy feeling. He was not tired, but he felt like he was.

Hakkeran sighed as he entered his bedroom and continued to the next chamber where a small circular bathing pool was made for him to bath.

Taking off his clothes, he entered the pool and leaned on the edge while staring blankly at the ceiling, sighing heavily from time to time.

I should have sent Queen Gatria away. Yes. I should've done that. Maybe he should call General Kar. He was sure that Queen Gatria would throw a fit knowing how angry she was with the general, but Hakkeran didn't care if it meant being alone with his lady.

Nodding to himself, Hakkeran continued bathing as he thinks of more ideas to get rid of Queen Gatria.

♕♕♕

CONCURRENTLY, Sollel was taken to a room next to Gatria's. Gatria didn't unhand Sollel until they were inside the room.

"Where's Zassia and Grath, by the way?" Sollel asked, knowing how much they helped to get Gatria here.

"Zassia and Grath were both exhausted after helping me escape so I let them sleep in their own respective rooms, so don't bother them." Gatria said and motioned her hand at the bed where Sollel silently sat.

"I know you're thinking that I'm bad for stopping you from being with that warlord, but," Gatria sat on the bed beside Sollel and held Sollel's hand. "It's not that I'm against your relationship with him, I just want you to be fully sure of his character and intention before you become intimate with him. I've already been in your shoes, Sollel, and I regretted my actions greatly. I'm only looking out for you."

"I know..." Sollel replied and smiled.

Gatria smiled at Sollel before she gathered Sollel in her arms. "I'm happy to see you again, Sollel. It's been so long. Thank you for getting me out of there. Zassia and Grath told me about your travels. I can't thank you enough." Gatria hugged Sollel tightly when she remembered her guilt and resentment. Sollel, it's not your fault. It's their fault for betraying us. You didn't do anything wrong, okay? So don't blame yourself."

Sollel nodded and hugged Gatria back before she rested her head on Gatria's shoulder, feeling Gatria's warmth. "I missed you."

That put a warm smile on Gatria's lips. "I missed you too, Sollel. I missed everyone."

Sollel smiled when she smelled Gatria's familiar scent. "You still smell like freshly bloom flower."

"And you smell like burnt ashes," Gatria joked and flicked Sollel's ears. "Take a bath and then rest. We will talk tomorrow."

Sollel nodded obediently. "I will. I only used a little bit of my strength, but I'm indeed a bit tired. I think my body is still not used to taxing activities."

If Gatria would dissect Sollel's words, she would know that Sollel was not really telling the truth and just acting obediently. But when it comes to Sollel and Aenwyn, Gatria had always been soft when they act obedient and docile.

"I'll bet you're tired." Gatria smiled while combing Sollel's bright red hair. "I saw the hell you raze in that city. They deserved it."

Sollel match Gatria's smile. "Did you like it?"

Gatria nodded. "Very. Though I think you still showed mercy to those humans."

Sollel lost her smile. "I hate them. I really hate them so much. I know they showed no mercy on our people, but thinking that my flames would kill a child, even if it was human, it hurts, Gatria." Sollel played with the flower vine on Gatria's wrist. "I want revenge, I want to destroy them all, but killing children didn't sit well with me even how much I steeled myself... I'm not that heartless after all."

"Because you're not like them, Sollel." Gatria could feel Sollel's pain. "You have always been soft to humans. You adored them. You played with their children. I don't like that you showed them mercy, but I am not going to force you to do a thing that will hurt you."

If you couldn't, I will. Gatria thought as she sees Sollel struggle and hesitate. "But to me, I have no mercy for them. Those children will grow up just like them— greedy and selfish. They're destroying Azitera as we speak because of their greediness. Cutting the trees, destroying the forests, poisoning the water sources with their filth, polluting the air. If left to their own devices, they will kill Azitera and I can't allow that. They are not the only race in this world. Wiping them off Azitera will do everyone good and that is our responsibility, Sollel."

Sollel nodded. "I know."

"Keep in mind, Sollel, that compassion to your enemies is cruelty to yourself."

Sollel nodded earnestly at Gatria.

Gatria took a deep breath and cupped Sollel's face for their eyes to meet. "You may be the Queen of destruction, the terrifying Mistress of Flame, but really, you are the kindest of us four. You're carefree, caring, and loving, and because of that, I want to protect you."

That made Sollel's expression softened. "You don't have to worry about me, Gatria. I have someone who will not hesitate to kill anyone who would use and hurt me."

Gatria raised her eyebrow. "That warlord?"

Sollel nodded. "He spent his three lifetimes planning to get me out and keep me safe and happy. He sacrificed and endured so much for me— without asking anything in return. My warlord will kill anyone who dared insult me, hurt me and used me. My happiness is his happiness. My comfort is his comfort. So you don't have to worry about me anymore, Gatria. Because he's much, much more overprotective than you when it comes to me."

"You love him?"

"I don't know," Sollel cheeks were tinted red. "I like him though. I like him a lot."

"You say you only like him, but you kissed him like there is no tomorrow. You even want to bind him to you."

"Gatria!" Sollel narrowed her eyes on Gatria. "How could you spy on us!"

"Trees has eyes." Gatria simple answered.

Sollel pouted. "Then tell them to close their eyes."

"I can't. They're always open."

"Argh! Gatria!" Sollel was like a child, stomping her feet, and that was the first time she did it ever since she escaped her moonrite prison. Gatria's presence made her feel like she could act like how she always act in the past. "Don't spy on me and Hakkeran."

"I didn't mean to." Gatria was as calm as ever.

"Of course, you mean it!"

Gatria look away subtly. "I would never."

"I don't believe you."

Gatria shrugged. "I can't do anything about it then."

"Gatria!"

"Stop shouting, Sollel."

Sollel immediately shut up, but she was glaring her eyes at Gatria.

"And stop glaring."

Immediately, Sollel stopped glaring and looked down, making Gatria smile inwardly. Sollel may be hard headed and always making trouble, but she always listens to her. Thought she'll only listen for a while and then she will make trouble again.

"You should rest now," Gatria stood up and kissed the top of Sollel's head. "But you should bath first."

Sollel nodded and just watched Gatria leave her room. Moments later after Gatria left, Sollel got up and went to the inner chamber in her room where the bath was.

While soaking in the bath, Sollel sigh in pure bliss as the water wrapped around her body. It felt good to clean herself. Though her full power was back which meant she could clean herself with her flame, still, nothing beats water when it comes to cleaning.

But as blissful as bathing was, Sollel didn't take her time. She cleaned her self fast and then left the bath and dried herself using her essence.

Now walking naked in the room, Sollel opened the closet to look for clothes and she was surprised to see a lot of red dress inside, and the size was clearly tailored for her.

Sollel could only think that this was Hakkeran's doing, so with a smile, she picked the most revealing sheath red dress in the closet and wore it.

After making herself beautiful, Sollel sat on the edge of the bed and closed her eyes to feel her essence in Solaris'. After feeling where it was, she stayed in her room and only stepped out when the castle became silent.

Like a naughty child, Sollel sneak out of her room and run towards where Solaris was. She was running with bated breath, praying that Gatria wouldn't catch her.

Relief flooded her when she finally reached the room where her Solaris was and Gatria was nowhere to be seen. Sollel immediately pushed the door open and enter without consent.

"Hakke—" Sollel stilled and her eyes widened when she saw the man who had her Solaris in his wrist in the middle of the room— wet and naked.

Though it was not only Sollel who was shocked, Hakkeran was just as shocked as she was bur he didn't move to cover his nakedness.

"Sollel..." Hakkeran's lips parted seeing the dress his lady was wearing. "What... What are you doing here? I thought Queen Gatria didn't want you to be close to me."

"Yes," Sollel cleared her throat to wake herself up, but her eyes remained between Hakkeran's thighs. "She didn't want us to be intimate, so," Sollel licked her lips, "um, I sneaked out."

Hakkeran couldn't help smiling at that. "What a naughty queen you are, my lady."

"Yes... I am."

Hakkeran shamelessly walked towards his lady who seemed rooted in place and just looking at his thing between his thighs and stood in front of her. "Are you here to continue what we started in the spiral staircase?"

Sollel nodded.

"Look at me, my lady."

Sollel finally looked up at Hakkeran. "Hmm?"

"Can I express my love for you in my bed now?" Hakkeran asked and Sollel swore, her throat went dry. "You said you'll accept it, but I still want to hear it again. Would you, please, tell me to take you to bed and express my love for you?"

Sollel had always been straightforward, but Hakkeran was still stunned when her dress caught fire and burned, leaving Sollel naked in all her glory.

"Is this enough to answer your question?"

Hakkeran's mind went blank seeing his lady's nakedness. It was too much for him who waited three lifetimes for this— too much that he didn't realize that he pushed his queen against the wall and devoured her lips as if he wanted to own them. Hakkeran only realized it when he felt the same hunger from his lady who was literally burning hot.

The two were too lost from each other's kissed and caressed that they didn't even know how they ended up from against the wall to the large bed in the room.

They were too enamored with each other, too hungry for one another, too focused to express their love for each other that they didn't realize nor care that the whole room was literally in flames.

CECELIB | C.C.

SHOUT OUT TO TIFFANY, KEIRA AND MICAY 💕

SHOUT OUT ALSO TO MAJUURI AND MITCH SOTELO. LOVE YOUR ARTS AS ALWAYS ❤️