These scenes of Emma's storyline were supposed to be included in the previous chapter, but I didn't want to divert from the main topic of Natalie and Nikolas in there, so I am adding it here as an extra, especially for the Emma-Roman shippers.

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"You were born a leader, no throne or crown is needed."

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Nikolas's POV

I paused by the doorway, my eyes fixated on Emma as she immersed herself in a workout routine. Stretching out on the inclined bench, she anchored her hands behind her head and propelled her upper body upwards repeatedly. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, beads of sweat glistened on her brow and stray stands of hair clung to her temples, dampened by the exertion of her intense regimen.

Her breath echoed in a rhythm of effort and determination that filled the air around her. Each movement was controlled and precise as she pushed herself to the limit with each repetition.

Her eyes met mine midway, causing her to pause momentarily. Gathering herself with a deep inhale, she propelled her body upright before she jumped to the ground, landing on two feet by the bench. She leaned down and picked up her water bottle, taking a few gulps as I stepped closer.

"Hey," She said, using the small towel around her neck to wipe at her forehead.

"Hey," I said back, my gaze flickering all over and taking notice of her apparent agitated state.

I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back, "I thought you'd go right back to London after Isaac meets his end."

It's been a month since that day and she is still here; something was holding her back for sure.

She shrugged, "I was planning to," She mumbled, resting her water bottle away, "I just haven't found the enough strength to go there and face everything else."

"You mean Vivian?" I asked and she shrugged, her lips curling up in annoyance, "Yeah, her, and everything," She mumbled, "Now that Isaac is dead, the Brits are out of control, questioning about what will happen, they're rioting, and causing so many problems. Roman went a couple of days ago and came back, it's chaotic there now."

I nodded, aware of that fact, things were spiraling out of control, which meant I had to take charge soon, "What about you," Emma asked, reaching for the close bench and sitting over it, "When do you plan on going to Italy?" She tilted her head up, her eyes on me, "They're asking for you."

I nodded my head, "I know, I was just trying to get my head back into the game," I answered.

"Is it back?" She asked and I shrugged, "Kind of."

She nodded, "I get it, there are these many contradictive thoughts in my head too and I am not quite sure of anything anymore," She mumbled lowly, reflecting her inner struggle; one I could relate to more than she knows.

I sucked into a deep breath and rushed a hand over my face, "Emma," I said, "I will ask you something and I need you to be honest with me," I started. Her eyebrows pulled closer at my serious tone and she nodded her head, urging me to carry on.

"I always saw it in your eyes, in the way you spoke and the way you acted, but I don't think we ever spoke of it out loud," I added, diving right into it, "But Emma —would you want to lead?"

Lines etched her forehead, her gaze trying to decipher every little expression on my own, "What do you mean?" She mumbled lowly.

"You know exactly what I mean," I said, "Isaac is dead now, and all these people, they need a leader."

Her throat bobbed and she looked away, her palms pressed over the bench, "And that person is you, it's what we planned from the start—"

I shook my head, "You know that I only went through with this to hit Isaac where it hurts," I interrupted, "This was never what I wanted, it was just part of the plan, Emma," I said, "You know how I always wanted to run away from this world, not dive right through into it," I added, and her eyes flickered up, meeting mine again, "But you were always so much different than me in this, somehow you feel a sense of belonging here, you feel comfortable and familiar with this world of ours, you know how to do it, much much better than I ever did," I spoke honestly, "And in you, I see a great leader, Emma, a powerful fair one."

"But that's only if you want to, of course," I shook my head, "I would never force anything on you."

But I saw it, in her eyes, in her body language, when Isaac brought her to the room of the higher table. Deep down, she wanted this, I just think she hasn't admitted it out loud yet.

She silently listened to my every word and after a short period of silence, she spoke, "Inside of me, there was always this...intense thirst for power and I tried so badly to suppress it and control it, scared that it would turn me into Isaac one day," She said honestly, "So, I never dared to think of this, not till he started speaking about it lately," She shook her head, "For some reason, he wanted me to do this, Nikolas, are you sure you want to give him what he wanted?"

I shook my head, "No, I am giving you what you want."

"He is dead, Emma," I added; It was a bit too surreal, "Sometimes, I too have a hard time accepting or believing it," I added, "But he is, and he doesn't control our lives anymore."

"Even if I wanted this, how do you think the higher table will react, you heard them the last time—"

I shook my head, "Leave that to me and Giovanni, we'll take care of it," I said, "If I resign, they'd have no choice but to go for the next in line, and that's you, Emma, by blood or not, you are a Viarchi still," I said, "They'd have to give you a trial period at least till they get to make an election and try to pick up someone from another family but I am more than sure that you will prove yourself more than worthy within that short period."

"You will show them that you are the leader they need, you are fit for this, in every aspect," I added, edging closer and crouching down across from her, leveling our gazes, "I see so much potential in you, Emma."

"So, now answer me, honestly," I added, my hand resting over hers, "Do you want this, or not?"

"Whatever your answer is, you will have my full support, from start to end," I added, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Now, with the bigger battle behind us, we were left grappling with its aftermath, a challenge often more daunting than the war itself. Piece by piece, I needed to restore order. First, Natalie, and now Emma, and every other piece would fall into its right place, one by one.

I'll make sure of it.

A myriad of conflicted emotions danced in her eyes as she nodded, revealing a vulnerable side to me, "I do," She mumbled, "I won't lie to you, but I really do."

Then, she shook her head, "But I can't give you a definite answer now Nik," She added, "Not till I talk it with Roman, only if he is okay with this too, then I'd attempt to do it," She said, a wave of determination clouded her words, "Otherwise, I won't."

My eyebrows pulled closer, a bit taken aback by her response, "Since when do you let someone else dictate your choices?" I asked, genuinely curious at this shift in her personality.

That vulnerability cleared out of her gaze and something else took over, something more fierce, and stronger, "Nik, I've lived this life alone," She said, "I grew up alone and with one goal only, which is to survive," She added, "It's what Isaac branded into me, to do everything and anything to survive."

"Survival meant being selfish, being mean and cruel," She said, "Survival meant sacrificing others on the way, because it's the only way, sometimes," She mumbled, her head tilting slightly, looking at me fully as she let it out, "Every decision I ever made, was selfish, I only thought of myself, of how it affects me, of my survival," She shook her head, "I can't do that anymore."

"I am married, I have a husband and I care about him —I love him," She said, her tone never once wavering, "And every decision I make from now on, it not only affects me, but it affects him too, it affects us," She added, "So, yeah, this is a very big decision, a one I want to take alongside him."

A small smile lifted one corner of my lips when I realized that she owned what I wanted her to have since the very beginning. My gaze flickered from her and to the doorway, my eyes falling on Roman, who paused there, and probably heard every and each one of those words.

"So, wait for me to talk with him first, and then—"

I shook my head, "I don't think we have to wait," I said, straightening myself and Emma followed my gaze, falling on Roman by the entrance, prompting her to get up to her feet as well as he strode inside and closer to us.

He paused when he was right next to her, and a warm smile curved his lips, "Roman," She mumbled, a questioning edge to her tone. He shook his head instantly, clearing out all of her doubts, "I told you this before, Emma, and I meant it," He said, his hand reaching for her, "How one day you will make a very beautiful king."

Emma's lips twitched, probably recalling a previous conversation of theirs, "If you want to do this, I am with you, every step of the way," He said, assuringly, "And I have no doubt that you will be the greatest in this, no one will stand a chance against you."

His reassurance calmed down her expression, and her shoulders relaxed, leaning into him as he wrapped an arm around her back. He tipped his head down and spoke words into her ear, something only reserved for them, and she lifted her head, smiling softly and wholly, as if all of her worries got swept away and everything was right in the world once more.

Her eyebrow raised, playfulness in her tone as she said, "Let's say it all worked out and I actually got elected," She spoke, her eyes playfully narrowing at him, "Will it not be a bit emasculating for you?"

A low chuckle vibrated from him and he shook his head, "Are you kidding me; honey, I'd get to tell the whole world that my wife is the queen herself," He responded, leaning closer and dropping a kiss over her temple, "I don't see a thing more empowering than that."

She lightly slapped his chest, wholeheartedly smiling up at him, "Idiot," She mumbled lowly.

Roman kept her tucked so close to him before their gazes drifted back to me and I tried to cover up my smile immediately because I should keep pretending that I didn't like him and that he wasn't good for her, but he is, unfortunately.

I cleared my throat, throwing a nonchalant glare at him, to which he rolled his eyes back, "Anyway," I stressed out, "You will need to go to London soon, try and get things under control, it will work well on our sides when we present our case," I added and they nodded, agreeing, "I will go to Italy and work with Giovanni to get everything done, and we'll go forward from there."

"Okay, deal," Emma responded, her smile speaking volumes and I did not doubt that we would make this happen too. We accomplished the impossible till now, so this won't be a challenge.

Just then, my phone vibrated, and I pulled it up to see a message from Alex. He is been insisting on meeting up after I went to Natalie, always so damn curious about my love life for some reason. A low sigh pushed off my chest and I looked at Emma, questioning, "I am gonna meet up with Alex, wanna come with," I asked, she'd be a good buffer so I wouldn't lose my mind.

She nodded her head, "Yeah, sure," She said.

"And I'll sort out a few things here," Roman said to Emma, "So we can go back to London tomorrow if you want?"

She nodded her head, "Yeah, it's about time," She tiptoed and pecked his lips, prompting a low grumble from my side, "I don't need to see this."

To infuriate me more, Roman rested his hand over her neck and pulled her closer for a deeper kiss. I shook my head with a very loud sigh and turned around, "I will be waiting in the car," I shot out and I heard Emma chuckle from behind me. 

Moments later, she joined me in the car, and I drove off to meet Alex at the designated location. When we got there, I walked into the coffee shop, spotting Alex at a distance and I turned to Emma, "Hey, I am gonna do something, just go on with it, okay?" I said, a small idea clicking.

Her eyebrows pulled closer, curious, "Yeah sure, but what?"

I shook my head, "Just go on with my act, believe me, it'll be worth it," I added, "Try to look sad for now," I said and even confused, she nodded her head, excited to see where this was going.

We reached Alex's table and his gaze flickered up to us, a loud annoyed sigh pushed off his lips, "Why are you never punctual," He said as he casually took a sip of his coffee cup.

Silently, we sat down across from him and confusingly his gaze flickered between us too, lines etched between his brows, "What's up with the miserable mood?" He asked, "Your negativity is affecting my aura, shake it off," He grumbled, waving his hand at us.

Emma let out a low sad sigh and shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest, pulling on the act already as she looked away at a distance. Alex's confusion grew more and he turned to me, demanding answers, "What?"

I leaned back into my chair and rushed a hand over my face, "Something happened," I said, my serious tone enough to feed into his curiousness and worry.

"Yeah? What?" He asked, resting his cup away, no longer interested in it, "You're kind of scaring me, what happened?"

I sucked into a deep breath and when the silence persisted, Alex's eyes grew a bit wider, "Don't tell me Isaac is still alive or something—"

I shook my head, "No, that's not it, he is dead for sure, don't worry."

"Then, what is it?" He shot out, annoyed at how I was prolonging it.

I leaned forward, "So, you remember how I told you that I'll talk with the higher table," I started, my tone ever so serious and he nodded his head, "And, well, I told them about how I wanted to resign—"

"And they didn't accept?" Alex interjected, beating me up to the subject, his anxiousness taking over.

I shook my head, "No, actually, they did, but they said that the next person who should take over should be a Viarchi as well," I added and his eyes drifted to Emma, pointing ahead, "Yeah, her?"

Emma understood what I was doing and she shook her head, "Uh, no," She mumbled, "I am not a Viarchi by blood after all, so they didn't accept me," She said and Alex's confusion grew by the second.

"I don't understand," He mumbled, turning to me.

"You see, there are other Viarchi's in the family, but they're not a direct descendant from my grandfather's bloodline, you know, like me," I explained and he nodded, "And the higher table strictly said they will only appoint a direct descendant from my grandfather's, a real Viarchi by blood."

Alex nodded, "Yeah, so?"

Why was he so thick-headed?

"So," My eyebrow raised, "Who else is a Viarchi by blood, other than me?"

Alex's eyebrows pulled closer, his eyes flickering to Emma, "Well, not her, I guess," He mumbled, trying to figure it out but failing, "So, who else?" he asked, "You have any uncles or cousins or something?"

I resisted the urge to facepalm, "Alex," I stressed out again, on the verge of losing my patience, "I am a Viarchi by blood, because my mother is, right?" I tried to simplify it for him, "So, based on that, who else is a Viarchi by blood?"

He seemed to be deeply thinking about it then his eyes grew a bit wide, "Wait, you mean Max?" He asked, "Hey, he is a kid!" He shot out in bewilderment.

I rushed a hand over my face, "No, of course not Max," I grated out, glaring at him, he was making this harder than it was supposed to, "No one knows about him, you know that."

"Well, then who?" He shot out, getting frustrated.

I let out a very loud sigh and Emma beside me was trying her best not to burst into laughter at his stupidity, "Alex," I said again, ready to punch his face, "I am a Viarchi because of my mother, who is also—" I paused, waiting for him to figure it out.

He stared at me for a very long moment, trying to absorb each word and then it finally clicked, his eyes widening, "Who is also my mother," He mumbled lowly in realization, "I always seem to forget that," he added, "Holy crap, you mean me?"

I nodded my head, "Yeah, you," Finally.

The color drained from his face instantly, "Wait, I am a...a Viarchi by blood?" He mumbled in shock, "Jesus, I never thought of that before," He added, and then the rest of my words clicked and his eyes grew even wider, "Wait, wait, hold the fuck on, they want me to take over? Me?" He squeaked out, "Me me?"

I nodded, "Yeah."

He shook his head, "No, no, hell no, how do they even know about me, what the hell?"

I shrugged, "I am not sure, I guess Isaac knew this would happen and told them—"

"No, no, not happening, no," He interrupted me, redness rushing over his neck and I resisted the urge to smile now, "I don't care what you've done, you need to fix this, don't resign then, I don't care, you got yourself into this mess, you figure it out, the hell will I lead a fucking mafia, are you insane? I have two kids, I...I am a businessman, I have no fucking clue what you guys do, fix this Nik or I will swear to god I will fucking kill you!"

I shook my head, "I tried, I told them that I wouldn't resign then but they didn't accept," I mumbled, pulling on the defeated role, "They said if you don't go to Italy in the next couple of days, they'll come for you."

His eyes widened even further, a look of incredulity spreading across his face. He appeared to struggle for breath, his panic palpable; oh this is really fun, I am finally getting my revenge, "Wha...what do you mean they'll come for me?" He asked, "Nikolas, do something, are you shitting me right now," He grumbled out, ready to flip the table over, "Take care of this, I don't care how, but do it—"

Emma couldn't contain herself any longer; laughter burst forth uncontrollably, "Oh god, you were right, his expression was so worth it," She said and a smile broke over my face as well and I leaned into my seat, relishing the moment as he struggled to come to terms with what we had just done.

"You fucking assholes!" He grated out, his jaw ticking as his eyes flickered between us, hardly glaring like he wanted to bury us ten feet under. Now, I get why he does it, it's really enjoyable to push his buttons.

With a swift motion, he removed the cap from his cartoon cup and hurled it in my direction. Anticipating his move, I dodged just in time, watching as the liquid splattered harmlessly onto the floor. My gaze flickered back to Alex, my eyebrow raising, "It was hot," I commented.

He nodded, still glaring at me, "Yeah, I wanted to burn you," He grumbled, "You piece of shit," He added, still so bitter.

My amused smile grew wider, "See, it doesn't feel so good to taste your own medicine, does it?"

His eyes narrowed at me, "When did you grow a playful bone in your very unpleasant self?" He grumbled.

I leaned forward and casually tapped a hand over his arm, "I have you in my life, that ought to answer your question."

He pulled his arm out of my reach, glaring, "I don't like this Nikolas," he turned to Emma, "Take him away from me," he mumbled, crossing his arms over his chest, pouting like a kid, "I want the Nikolas who loves me, this is not cool."

Emma's smile spread wide and she leaned forward and tapped her hand over his head, ruffling his hair, "Aww you little cutie pie," She said ever so adorably. He grumbled something, cursing her and me as he pushed her hand away. He looked back at me and I threw him a wink. He rolled his eyes at me and looked away, not willing to forgive us anytime soon.

"Anyways," Emma interjected, trying to bury the hatchet, "Now let us tell you what will really happen," She added, excited as she gushed out about our actual plan, and finally Alex listened, calming down and interacting with us as well.

Yeah, I am so going to do this to him again.

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One day later...

England, UK

Emma's POV

Noah's hand clung tightly to mine as we stepped into the mansion, my eyes darting around the grandeur of the surroundings with a weird sense of tranquility. A sigh escaped my lips as the reality sank in—this was my first time back here since Isaac's death.

Crouching down beside Noah, I gently brushed his hair back, smiling at him, "How about you go with Roman? He can tuck you into bed; you look exhausted," I suggested softly. Noah nodded, barely able to keep his eyes open, a yawn threatening to escape past his little mouth.

Leaning in, I planted a kiss on his cheek, "Goodnight," I whispered. A faint lazy smile tugged at his lips. "Goodnight," he murmured before joining Roman's side, who picked him up into his arms.

I straightened myself, sharing a silent understanding look with Roman as they ascended the stairs. Meanwhile, I made my way around, heading towards the room where I knew she was staying. When I reached the door, I took a deep breath and knocked gently.

After a few moments, I heard footsteps approaching and the door creaked open. Vivian's eyes fell on mine and a wave of shock hit her in the face, taken aback by my sudden presence, especially after I avoided her since I learned the truth.

I gulped down, "Are you available?" I asked, "Can I come in?"

She nodded her head, "Yeah, yeah, sure," She mumbled, stepping aside to let me enter her room.

My heartbeats quickened, especially when my eyes fell on the two suitcases she had resting aside, next to them a couple of boxes took place. I whirled around, my eyes falling back on her, "You're leaving?" I questioned.

Hesitantly, she nodded her head, "Yeah," She said, her throat bobbing, "I only stayed around all this time, just so I can see you, even from far away," She mumbled, "Now, that Isaac is gone," She shook her head, "And," Her eyes dropped down, "And I don't want to make you uncomfortable more than I did, so I will just leave," She said, her eyes flickering back and looking at me, "You are okay, Emma, you don't need me, to be honest, you never did."

My chest tightened for some fucked up reason, and I bit at the inside of my cheek. My jaw tightened and I reached for the edge of her bed, sitting down on it, trying to gather my thoughts and words, "Uh, I...I know you think that I was avoiding you," I said, my fingers fidgeting with her sheets, "In a way, I was, but only because these things, feelings, emotions, family, it's all too foreign for me, it's all so new and I don't exactly know how to deal with them."

When our gazes met, hers softened instantly, her brows creasing as she gazed at me with something unexplainable, "And I was trying to gather my strength to face you because —to be honest," I mumbled, "There are so many things that I want to ask you about."

She stepped closer, settling down on the spot right next to me, her gaze warm yet tinged with heartache as it roamed over me, "You can ask me anything you want, Emma."

Raising my hand, I tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear, my gaze dropping to my lap. My heart pounded erratically, a wayward beat after another. Turning to her, I whispered, "What was she like?" A myriad of desires churned within me; I longed to see her, just once, to feel her presence, hear her voice, touch her skin, and understand who she was.

Vivian's lips twitched slightly into a somber smile, nostalgia hitting her where it hurts, "I don't know if you'd believe me, but you have so much of her in you, both outside and inside," She said, each word tearing at my heart but weirdly restoring it back together, "You have her wild wondrous eyes," She added while softly gazing at me.

"She wanted to do everything, to go everywhere, god, she was untamed, I couldn't ever control that side of hers," She mumbled, "She was so beautiful," She added, and I could imagine her, somehow, in some way, the fractured images of her in my mind started to become whole as Vivian spoke further, "She was so curious, and sometimes very reckless, which is what easily made her fall into Isaac's trap."

"Leya wasn't around at that time, words spread they were separated, and no one knew the actual truth back then," She said, "He lied to her, played the heartbroken wounded lover who got cheated on and lured her further into his trap. I got so angry at her, we fought a lot, I warned her so many times," Vivian added, shaking her head, wishing she did more, "But she never listened, she believed him only, he got her under his spell somehow," She added and I nodded, "Yeah, that's my dear father," I mumbled aware of the strength of his mental shackles.

Even on his deathbed, he made me admit it; how despite everything, that little broken girl in me longed for him, loved him in a twisted, very toxic way.

Vivian nodded, "When she learned she was pregnant with you, she was over the moon," She said and my chest tightened, "I still fought her on it, I was ready to take her and leave everything behind, run away, but she never listened, she still trusted Isaac, he was playing his charming role very well until—"

"Until he knew that I was a girl," I added on her behalf.

Vivian nodded, "Only then, the mirage broke," She said, "Only then, your mother understood his true intentions," She said, shaking her hand, "But it was too late."

"He wanted a boy, an heir, but too bad for him, he got me, I guess he wasn't so happy with that," I added and Vivian shook her head, "When your mother learned his plans for you, she lost her mind, you were so little, barely months old and we planned it together; how we'll escape, get away from here, but if Leya herself couldn't escape from him, we stood zero chances."

"He caught us," Tears glistened her eyes, "And even then, she still fought him, she fought him with everything she had in her," Her hand reached forward and gently rested over my own, "And she kept fighting him till he —silenced her once and for all."

And there it was, that cry of despair trapped somewhere within me, it was clawing its way to the surface, pushing at my nerves and I felt them fill my eyes, one after the other, at the mere thought of what she went through at my father's hands.

Vivian wiped a hand over her cheek, kicking the tears away, "She loved you so much, Emma," She whispered, her hand curling over mine, softly squeezing it, "She placed you above everything, even above her own life," She added, and I felt the first hot tear trickle down my cheek, "I don't want you to ever doubt that."

My lower lip quivered slightly and I pulled it under my teeth, shaking my head as I tried to get a grip, "I wish I knew her," I mumbled.

Is it normal; to love someone you never met? To hurt for them? To miss them?

Vivian rested her hand over my cheek, tenderly wiping my tears away, "In a way, you do," She mumbled, "She would be so proud of you, Emma," She added, a small smile curving her lips, "For the way you fought him, for standing still and so strong after everything, god, she'd be so proud of you." 

"Please, don't go," I whispered, she was my only connection to her, "Don't leave, stay here."

My words seemed to deepen the ache in her heart, and she enveloped me in her arms, drawing me into her embrace. It was warm and tender, unlike anything I had ever experienced before. "Oh sweetie, I won't go anywhere," she whispered through her tears, her arm cradling my back and her hand gently stroking my head, "You have no idea how long I've waited to hold you like this."

I nestled into her embrace, my head resting against her chest as I tried to control my own tears, "So," I murmured softly, pulling back slightly to look at her, "What do grandmas usually do?"

My question made her smile widen, "They usually spoil you," she replied, her touch affectionate as she caressed my face. "They let you do all the things your parents never let you do," she continued playfully, "They shower you with gifts and feed you until you can't eat anymore," she added, and I chuckled softly, brushing away my tears with my hand.

"I like that," I mumbled, "We can start with the food?" I suggested and she nodded her head, smiling wholeheartedly at me, "I will make you anything and everything you want," She said and I nodded my head, feeling that empty little spot at the corner of my heart get fulfilled.

It was a strange sensation, but in that moment, I felt a sudden warmth enveloping me—not just from Vivian's presence, but from something else, something almost ethereal and otherworldly. It was like a presence I couldn't see or touch, but I could feel it there, as if it were watching over me, guiding me, giving me the strength to rise each time I stumbled.

Maybe, she was always there, watching over me, maybe she was the hand that pulled me up every time I fell down. Maybe, she was always there, and I just never knew.

*******************

One month later...

Sicily, Italy

Nikolas kept his word, and he made it happen somehow.

When he puts his mind on something, my brother more than often, accomplishes it. He is something else alright.

His smile was warm and so proud, giving me a wink as we stood in the higher table room, surrounded by all these people, but this time the situation was the exact opposite, as he edged closer and passed the mantle to me. The decades-old tradition followed by announcing the new supreme leader —me.

Some didn't agree, and many opposed us for too many viable reasons, but they would get it in time, and they would witness it firsthand, how I'd be better than Isaac ever was. I have to. It will take blood, sweat, and tears, but I will do it. The fate of these people now rested squarely on my shoulders.

Amidst the exchange of words, promises, and future plans, I shook hands with the influential figures present. Some offered words of encouragement, while others issued warnings. But nothing could dampen my spirits on this day.

As the ceremony concluded and we stepped outside, I leaped onto Nikolas, jumping and my arms wrapping around his neck. With a low chuckle, he stumbled backward, steadying himself as he held me close, "You crazy girl," he mumbled, and I tightened my embrace, filled with gratitude and excitement for what was to come.

"Thank you," I mumbled into his shoulder.

"I didn't do anything," He said and I pulled back, shaking my head, "This would've never been possible without you."

He shrugged, brushing it off, "Still, Emma, my part ends here, and yours starts," He said and I nodded, willing to take full responsibility.

"Not that you will, but if you ever need me, I will leave everything behind and come back here, okay?" He added in reassurance and I nodded my head, my heart and mind on cloud-nine.

"I know," I said, then my eyebrows pulled closer, "What will you do now, anyway," I questioned, curious, "Now that you are free of this, what's next?"

"I have a plan," He said, his words so vague, already setting his mind on something.

My eyebrows narrowed at him, "There is always a plan with you, isn't it?"

He nodded, "What can I do, I am a man with a plan."

I smiled, "Well, big bro, I hope this plan of yours makes you happy."

We exchanged a knowing look and he nodded his head, returning my smile, "Likewise, little sister."

Someone cleared his throat and I whirled around, my eyes falling on my man, standing there, waiting for my confirmation. Flashing him a proud look, I nodded my head with a smile I couldn't shake off.

Roman gave me an extravagant bow, "All hail my queen," He said, being so silly. I chuckled and playfully slapped his arm, "Don't be an idiot," I mumbled and he curled his hand over my arm, pulling me to him, crashing my body into his as she quickly pecked my lips.

Without glancing at Nikolas, Roman's eyes stayed glued on my own, "I am gonna steal her for a bit," he said and Nikolas grumbled something that sounded like, "I don't care."

I shook my head, "Never mind him, he is bitter because he is so single," I said, and Nikolas grumbled out, "Emma."

"Love you, Nicky," I said loudly as Roman clasped my hand in his and pulled me alongside him up the stairs and to somewhere unknown. 

"Where are we?" I asked, my gaze curiously flickering around, especially when Roman pulled the keys from his pocket and unlocked one of the rooms.

"I have a small gift for you," He said, dragging me alongside him and switching on the lights.

Before I could glimpse inside, Roman swiftly turned me around, diverting my attention from the room's interior. "Hold on," he said with a playful raise of his eyebrow, "I need to give you your gift first." With that, he reached for a rectangular dark-blue velvet box placed nearby.

My brow furrowed in curiosity as I murmured, "What's that?" When he opened the box, my eyes widened and flickered up to him, "You got me a tiara? Are you crazy?" I said in disbelief.

"Of course, I did," He said, ever so casually before he pulled it from inside its box and edged closer to me, "I know we say it metaphorically, and even though you don't need it, but honey, you deserve a crown too," He said and I eyed the beautiful elegant piece.

The centerpiece sparkled with a focal diamond, surrounded by smaller stones that shimmered like a constellation. Delicate filigree work adorned the tiara, adding an ethereal beauty and sophistication to the piece.

With a gentle touch, Roman secured it above my head, tucking it safely among the strands of my hair. His smile widened as he gazed at me, before turning me around to face the mirror positioned across the room.

As I gazed at my reflection, my hand instinctively reached for the tiara, tracing its flawless edges with gentle caresses. A sense of overwhelming emotion swept over me. I felt like a little girl, lost in a fairytale fantasy, imagining herself as a beautiful princess. But the truth was far from that romanticized image.

No, the situation was so different, far from normal and so much darker.

This was no fairytale, no, it was a bit of a tragedy that brought us here. I was no normal princess, no, our story was twisted from the very start. I had clawed my way here through blood and tears, my path marred by sin and wrongs. My eyes found Roman's in the mirror and involuntarily, I sank into his embrace, relaxing down as my back pressed into his front.

And suddenly, I felt things fall into their right places once more.

Everything I had to go through, from the very start, it made me reach here, this, with him.

In a way, it was a fairytale, just not the one you tell to little kids before bed. This was twisted and bloody, but it was our very own version of happily ever after, and to be honest, I would do it all over again.

I turned my head to look at him, our faces a breath away, "I love you," I mumbled, my heart taking control of my thoughts.

My words gave me that beautiful smile that I'd die for, "I'll never get tired of hearing those words from you," He said, his arms wrapping around my body, turning it around so it could be fully enveloped by him.

His hand was on my face, touching me like I was this precious thing he never wanted to let go of, "You know, I asked Nikolas about something, and turns out, way back in the past, back in the royal era, there really was a throne and a crown," He said, brushing a few strands of my hair away, "It wasn't all just metaphorical."

A smile tugged at my lips, "Well, you've certainly given me my crown," I teased lightly.

He nodded, "Yeah," He said, "Now, honey, turn around and behold your throne," he added, confusing me at first but when I turned around, my gaze finally took notice of every little detail this room encompassed.

The room exuded an antique royal vibe, each piece of furniture and ornamentation hinting at a bygone era of regal splendor. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries depicting scenes of valor and nobility, while gilded accents added a touch of opulence to the surroundings.

But it was the throne he spoke of that truly captured my attention. Positioned prominently at the center of the room, it stood there, big and wide, a symbol of authority and power. Crafted from polished wood and adorned with intricate carvings, it emanated an aura of grandeur and majesty.

As I gazed upon it, a sense of awe and anxiousness washed over me, realizing the weight of the responsibility that now rested upon my shoulders.

Softly, Roman guided me toward it, and in a haze, I walked closer. God, this was really some type of a twisted fairytale.

"Emma, you never needed a crown or throne, you were born a leader," Roman spoke, "And I know this won't be easy, no, the exact opposite, it will be hard, dark, and bloody," He shook his head, "But I can't think of anyone better to do it."

I turned to him, "We'll do it together," I said and he nodded, "We definitely will."

"Now, go and sit on that throne, let me see you," He added with a soft proud smile.

I gave him a small twirl before I moved forward, giving him a wink as I gracefully lowered myself onto the throne. I placed one leg on top of the other, comfortably leaning backward, and flipped my hair ever so proudly and playfully. Roman watched me with amusement and my playful teasing expressions and movements prompted a low chuckle out of him.

"How do I look?" I asked.

"Majestic," He breathed into the word, gazing at me like I only existed in his world.

I bit at my lower lip, and his gaze flickered there before they met my eyes again. An edge in his gaze, a bit darker now and consuming as he moved forward, and without introductions, he lowered himself, crouching across from me. My eyes widened and I leaned forward, "What are you doing?"

He rested his hand over my legs, pulling them apart, and looked up at me with a wolfish grin, "Serving my queen," he said with a wink, moving his fingers, those damned fingers, ever so softly and teasingly into my inner thigh.

I sucked into a stuttered breath, his mere touch crashing down all of my walls, and eluding all of my senses. My dress had a slit going from my thighs down, which gave him better access as his fingers traveled closer and teased me, "Take off your dress," He said, his tone flipping into one of commanding and need, his gaze went back to my face, "I want you naked, with nothing on," His lips twisted into a small dark smirk, "Nothing but that tiara on," He added and my heart flipped and stumbled.

Swallowing past my dry throat, I tried to act strong, not like I was about to melt under his touch, "That's not a tone to use with your queen, is it?" I said, only triggering him more. His palm pressed over my thigh, pulling himself upward, caging me between him and the seat before his hand wrapped the side of my neck, tilting my head up right as his lips crashed into my own, brutally, like he wanted to eat me alive.

I kissed him back, the same fervent need spreading over my chest and dripping down to my stomach. I moaned into his warm mouth when he bit and took, "Emma, outside, I will always bow to you," He said, his voice a dangerous mix of lust and possessiveness, "But inside closed doors, in this, you will be a good girl and listen to every word I say," He added, his fingers wrapping around my chin, his thumb edging and caressing my lower lip, our faces so close.

"Or else?"

"Or else, I will flip you over and spank that beautiful ass of yours," He grumbled and I pulled him from his collar, slamming my lips into the heavens of his as he said, "And fuck you till you can't walk anymore." 

"You are so infuriating, I want to kill you sometimes," I mumbled into his torturous kiss.

"Yeah, but you love me too sometimes," he pointed out.

I nodded, "Yeah, true," I breathed out in between kisses, "But I also want to push you off a cliff sometimes," I added.

His lips spread into a small smile, "You are crazy," He said, edging back and looking down at me, "Now stop talking and take off that dress," He said, his voice low and with an edge, warning me to obey and I did.

Oh, he was my torturous twisted form of heaven.

Our bond, the one that brought us together the first time, is so different now. It wasn't about vengeance anymore.

No, it was so much bigger now, much stronger, and so damn powerful.

A bond, vigorous enough to rule a whole kingdom.

To build an empire from ashes.

A one, so intense, so mettlesome; it was our very own version of a bloody happily ever after.

*****************************

The next and (last) chapter is almost done. I only have one small part left.
So, it will be up later tonight; stay tuned :)