< Aero >

My muscles tensed when I straightened up, standing proud and mighty with all my glory and nakedness. I looked at her. She was still not facing me, acting as if the pool's bleach-white tiles were interesting.

I scoffed at her inattention.

All two hundred and twenty pounds of my weight submerged under water when I entered the pool. I choose to sit on the lowest platform. My favorite spot. It had enough height for me to rest my head against the tiles and an enough depth to soak the lower half of my body.

"Tell me, woman, what is my brother up to?" I asked, breaking the terse silence enveloping us.

She cautiously glanced towards my way and when she noticed my decent-enough look, she fully turned her face to me and answered, "He is hiring me to straighten you up. Desensitize you from your fear of women."

"I don't fear women. I hate them. Those two words are entirely different." I gave her a cold look.

She rolled her eyes to the ceiling and mocked me, "Whatever."

Had she been close to my reach, I would have drowned her that instant for being so insolent, but I reminded myself I'm not a murderer��well, except for the judgment of death I passed on to a capital offense in my kingdom��but that's a different story. In addition, she could be useful in the future. Mayhap become the solution to my current problem. Elijah said so himself.

Damn him for putting this idea in my head.

"And in return for your services, what did he promise you?" I already knew the answer, but I asked anyway whilst I stared back at the dome ceiling.

"He promised to help me return to my own world." As expected. What a typical thing of my brother.

"You mean the Human Realm?" I gazed back at her and saw the crease on her forehead.

"If you wish to call it that, then yes, the human realm."

"I had the notion you were a human the first time we met. You reek of plainness and filth."

"Why would you say that?" Her voice became defensive.

I barely contained myself from grinning. "The Human Realm is too ordinary I considered it to be garbage, " I stated right on the dot.

Her expression changed to that of strong determination, of patriotism and of protectiveness. She must love her realm so much.

"Then I'm sorry to say this but you shouldn't judge that quickly. You haven't even been in my realm before, " she stated.

I flicked my wet finger mid air and looked at her, feeling bored.

"Oh, I have, woman, before the realms were established. All magic creatures coexisted with each other, the human species included. Garbage is quite a fitting name to your realm actually because it is full of garbage."

She seemed to second me there judging from the ashamed look on her face.

I grinned again, seeing that I was right.

She stayed silent for a moment, but then after a few seconds, remarked with her sharp eyes pointed at me. "For a King, you really know how to start a war."

"Start a war?" I parroted, taken aback, "with the Human Realm?" And then, for the first time ever since my father died, I had the loudest belly-aching laugh that resounded all over the bath.

I saw her frown, but I didn't care.

"That is the best joke I heard from a woman!" I stated once I stopped, mocking her deliberately.

"I have a name you know, " she said through clenched teeth. "I'm Serena McAllister."

"I didn't ask for your name and I have zero interest in using it, " I answered without hesitation.

That didn't silence her.

"Your brother told me your kingdom is having problems getting a queen. I didn't need to wonder why. Your atrocious attitude answers it."

"Curb your tongue, woman, or else..." I straightened from my laid-back position and glared at her. My beast wanted to take charge and shift, surprise her with how monstrous I looked and maybe even scare her to death. As a human, for sure she hasn't seen a real lycan before. Her reaction would be entertaining to watch. But, in the end, I managed to keep my beast at bay. "I'm a reasonable king. I forgive and forget, but push my buttons well and you'll find another side of me that's worth fearing."

I stood up, not caring how my cock dangled in front of her, and then walked out of the pool. It seems I wouldn't get a peaceful bath after all with her as my swimming companion.

"So, what happened?" Elijah waltzed inside my study as carefree as he always does. His princely white robe hit the marbled floor with a low-pitched sound as golden beads rubbed against each other.

I hated that sound. It always told me he only came to see me to share tales of his escapade with his mistresses.

I came to care for Elijah the moment he was born even though I knew we didn't share the same father. Honestly, it was the only good my whore of a mother did in her life. She gave me a brother that I could care and protect. But when Elijah came of age, it was evident enough we were different. He swooned over women, praised them and loved them while I did the opposite.

"Don't start with me, Elijah, " I groaned behind the map I was holding. "You know I am displeased with what you did."

He pulled the map down and flashed a smile at me. I rewarded him a frown, shifted on my cushioned seat and began signing papers. The tinted glass behind me reflected a rainbow color against my desk, telling me that the afternoon sun had now began to set. It would be nighttime soon; meaning, I get to spend the rest of my evening either on the run outside the castle walls or on my cozy bed, pleasuring myself.

"Take it as my help, brother, " he answered, cutting me off from my thoughts. "I'm giving you an opportunity. Why not take it? If you use her, our problems will vanish in an instant."

"She's a human, " I pointed out, still looking at the papers.

"So what?" Elijah hit the sofa across my desk with a heavy sound. "She's a woman. Father didn't say you had to take a she-wolf as your bride. Plus, Serena will make a great Luna. I'm sure of it."

He looked at me and winked.

I frowned once more. No thanks to him, I am now stuck with her name in my head. I had honestly forgot about it the moment she mentioned it to me this morning.

"You actually had the gall to make a deal with her, " I stated.

Putting down the pen, I sat back and touched my jaw with my knuckles. My patience was wearing thin and my knuckles were turning white due to the pointless dilemma I'm in. I was itching to punch someone, maybe my brother would make for a good punching bag, or better yet, the mines southwest of my kingdom where its stones could withstand my claws.

"Hmmm, judging from the fact that she's still alive, it means that my plan is working, " he announced with a proud grin, not at all worried with incurring my wrath. "You are slowly desensitizing yourself with your hatred of women, brother. I'm so proud of you."

I growled at him.

"That's impossible, Elijah. My hatred for them runs deep. I'm just giving her the chance to live. She will return to her own world anyway. She won't bother me long. You are going to help her return right?"

"Yes, of course." He shifted on his seat and leaned forward towards me. "It's a promise, although��I didn't say ��when' I will return her." Then I saw the mischievous look on his eyes. "Think of it, Aero, how much I'm already giving you the opportunity. If you use her, you keep your throne. Once your problem is solved, she can return to her world. You hate women, so you don't need to keep her. You don't even need to uhmm...exercise your bedroom rights with her. Everybody is happy. End of story."

Although I didn't like his proposal, upon careful thought, I realized he actually made sense.

Damn him for being such a good royal advisor.

"I am not proposing marriage to her, " I voiced out. Just thinking about showing a gesture of love��kneeling on one knee for example��gave me chills.

Elijah shook his head and waved his hands. "You don't need to. Just make a deal with her, Aero. Treat it as business. As the Alpha King, you're skillful with that."

Silently, I considered his words and yes, he was right again. It was a full proof plan that had zero complications. Surely, she'd take the bait, especially if I use her realm as my leverage.

A slow grin formed on my lips at the thought of fooling my ministers. This was going to be a piece of cake.

"When will you return to the manor?" Elijah asked, seeing already the acceptance on my face.

"Tomorrow morning after my run, " I answered.

"Ok, good. I'll make the necessary preparations for your wedding then." He stood up and smiled widely.

< Serena >

Lesson number one duly noted. Don't assume or miscalculate anything when it came to this realm's creatures of the night.

Right when the prince hightailed out of the room, I remained dumbstruck, thinking of how fast the events were happening. He made a deal. I accepted. And now I couldn't leave this manor despite the looming arrival of the King.

Truth be told I didn't want to meet him again, but my desire to return to the 'human realm'��as what they called it��outweighed my dislike of this guy. I only needed to talk to him in a civil manner, keep my presence constant until he learns to respect women.

Or...until Elijah brings me back to my realm.

Never mind the King respecting women. With that ogre-like attitude, I highly doubt he'd change. Ever.

Blinking fast, I gathered back my composure and looked around. Out of all the things that caught my attention inside the enormous bathroom was the pool. It was rectangular in shape. Water was falling from a stone pipeline attached to the wall. The way its liquid shimmered against the sun's rays past the dome ceiling enticed me to test it. Elijah said so himself the water would feel comforting on my skin. I knew I just had to try it before the King arrives.

So, without hesitation, I undressed and neatly placed my chemise and underwear for later use on a table nearby.

The moment my legs submerged underwater, I was lost. The water was that enchanting and invigorating. The plan was to dip, swim a little and leave the pool, enough that the King wouldn't find me swimming naked. Surely, with how big this manor was and how numerous the rooms were, I doubt he'd come straight here.

I fucking miscalculated.

Minutes later, I was busily finger-combing my hair when I sensed a presence behind me. As expected, it was the King.

My first instinct was to leap onto the water, hide my whole body from his view and swim as far away from him as possible. When I resurfaced, I was well out of his reach.

Now, judging from the passive look on his face, he didn't seem surprised of my presence in his manor, but he looked totally pissed off that I was using his pool.

His pool.

And that only meant Prince Elijah placed me in the King's chamber. He didn't even inform me of that very important tidbit. Damn him.

I wanted to point out his rude attitude towards me but I was reminded by the prince's words and our deal. Maybe starting a civil conversation would help make my time with him bearable.

I was wrong.

Not only was his attitude defective, he was perverted too. I mean a man who's in his right mind wouldn't want to strip himself naked in front of a woman. Well, not unless that said woman was his lover or the like.

But I wasn't one. He should have comported himself properly yet he didn't, choosing to intimidate me with his...royal body and his massive appendage.

I couldn't deny it. I wanted to see more. I wanted to ogle at the hard planes of his abdomen, the sinews, the cuts, and the well-toned abs. Where most of the kings I knew on Earth had portly bodies and bulbous abdomen, this Phanteon King was checking all the right marks of an Armani model wannabe, and more. So much more.

He certainly didn't disappoint on the handsome department too. He was a whole package of a truly rightful, perfect king of a kingdom.

If only he didn't come to be such a prick.

During our conversation, the man continued with his prickly attitude, dared to call Earth garbage��which partly I'm ashamed of��and rudely told me he didn't want to know my name.

I couldn't control myself. I didn't care anymore if he was the king. I just had to make him see how rude he was with me.

In the end, I only fueled his fire more. He actually threatened me, speaking of a side of him that's worth fearing. He must have been talking about his monstrous side as a werewolf or lycan. It wasn't hard to decipher. Elijah himself told me they were that kind of creature.

But yeah, I admit it. With the way he looked murderously at me, I was scared. However, at that moment, I learned lesson number two:

I should never, ever show my fear. It would only inflate his already oversized ego.

Thirty minutes after that disastrous meeting happened, I decided to leave the pool. Cautiously, I raced to get my chemise and underwear and headed for the drying room. My plan was to leave the King's chamber and find another room far, far away as possible. Luckily, I didn't see him again on my way out.

In my quest to find a room that hit my specifications, I passed by hallways and stairs. The manor was big enough to actually house five football teams, plus their girlfriends or wives, whichever is applicable. It was as grand as I expected it to be. Like the Buckingham Palace but with better and bolder artisan craftsmanship.

I found one that suited to my taste. Not that small and not that big. It had a book nook next to a large living area and a hearth that housed impressive-looking neon red stones.

The bedchamber was separated in a next room that provided ceiling-high windows. I tested the bed and it was as soft as the one I used in the King's chamber. It had a four poster frame too but with sheer drapes of white instead of thick dark blue. Totally my kind of sleeping set-up if I were to go on a holiday in the Caribbean's.

I checked the bathroom and it was beautiful. Not as enormous as the King's with the pool, but I preferred it this way. A glass shower in the corner, a bath tub opposite it, and a countertop with an oval-shaped mirror decorated with delicate lines and curves��basically all the essentials were present and enough to keep my stay in this realm bearable.

There was one thing I'm worried though and it was my clothes. The wardrobe of this chamber didn't have ready dresses and I doubt the rest of the chambers would have one especially for a female such as myself.

I thought of the prince and a little bit of hope sparked inside me. Most likely he was intelligent enough to bring me clothes next time we meet. The problem with that was I'm clueless when he'd visit me again.

I hope though it would be soon.

After I settled on my chosen room, the next agenda on my list was to find food. Fortunately, I found the dining area and the kitchen after twenty minutes of searching. It was located on the second floor of the manor, right next to a music room and a gym.

Yes, there was actually a gym in this realm and it had a typical set-up like the ones I saw on Earth. A grin formed on my lips as I thought of using this in the duration of my stay here, the perfect way to while my time away.

In the kitchen, I was lucky enough to have found food and not just any food, a serious variety of menu pre-made and stored in a neat refrigerator-like cabinet. I pulled out a plate of waffles and it magically turned hot and steaming right in front of me. I pulled out fresh cut fruits wishing they taste like those on Earth. They did and more. They were savory and rich with color and texture.

It seems like this realm had some magical qualities to their food. I didn't care. I didn't complain. As long as my tummy was filled, then I'm good.

Moving on, I spent most of my time touring the manor��its inner walls and the manicured gardens surrounding the building. I figured the King already left and I had the freedom to walk without worrying of bumping into him.

I had the entire place to myself. There were no guards like before and there were no servants also. It was my own piece of sanctum and I was finally enjoying myself since I was transported to this realm.

Until the next morning came...

And I realized I spoke too soon.

With the rising of the sun, the sour face of the King was the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes.

Dear me, I figured that instant I was about to get laid...

To my grave.

< Serena >

The cheers of the people around me were deafeaning. I wanted to cover my ears but I knew I couldn't. Standing tall on a raised platform near the King's throne, I realized I had to comport myself well in front of them as I was now their queen.

Me a queen...

Their queen...

A queen.

The word rang in my head over and over again.

How did it come to this again? I asked myself.

With a muddled head, I recollected everything that went down when I woke up that specific morning two days ago...

"Sleep well?" the King asked, his sharp voice cutting through the beautiful chirping of the birds outside my window.

My drowsy state vanished in an instant He was wearing a loose white shirt and partnered it with black trousers and black boots. His dark hair was messy in a sexy way. He probably just came from a bath with how fresh he looked.

God, he was handsome, I thought, but I quickly chastised myself. Don't let your mind get sidetracked!

He was sitting on the massive cushioned chair of my bedroom with his legs in a figure four position, looking obviously bored.

Instant goosebumps erupted on my arms. I didn't understand why he was here on my room and how he easily found me with all the number of rooms in the manor, but I knew his visit had a price.

A price like...my head. Maybe he had changed his mind and was now ready to execute me.

Pushing myself up from the bed and sensibly covering my body from the chest down with a bedsheet, I tossed him a frown and muttered, "I did. Why would you care?"

"Because I need you fit for today's agenda, " he snapped.

The hairs on the back of my nape stood on end. "I hope it doesn't concern me preparing for my grave."

He scoffed. "Depends on how you see it."

He looked at me as if he had a freeze gun. I was iced on the spot. This man here should join a socialization class. His conversation skills with me were just too one-sided.

"Why are you here, Your High��ness?" I asked when I realized he was holding back information. Well, either that or he was just too afraid to say it.

"I got a proposition for you. A business deal so to say." He finally let out, making sure to stress the harmless word. His aura was still that of a proud man. Never had I saw it change even for the slightest bit. On Earth, business deals were treated with importance, and both parties should show that they respect each other. I see no respect in this king's eyes, only arrogance.

"First your brother and now you?" I stated, looking at him with a raised brow.

He waved a hand in the hair and scrunched up his nose. "Forget about your deal with my brother. He doesn't know what he's doing."

"Oh really?" I questioned, not really believing his claim. "He said he knew people who can help me return to my world."

For a moment, there was slight recognition in his eyes and then he grinned.

"Hm, true, but I have a better deal."

I furrowed my brows. Well, come to think of it, he was a king, and if I was to base it on Earth traditions, kings always had a better offer on their plate.

"Once upon a time, the realms were created to attain order and peace, " he started. I had to arch my brow again, not expecting I'd get a crash course on their history.

"It is an absolute rule that only can a person cross between realms if it is a must. Like say, royal meetings, official gatherings of the courts, commercial exports, imports and life-threatening events. There is a bridge to each realm guarded by certain individuals. Elijah intends to reach out to one of the guardians to help you return, but this isn't a convincing plan."

"Where are you going with this?" I asked, wanting to skip the history lesson.

The muscle on his jaw visibly ticked.

"Hold your tongue, woman, and wait, " he grounded and then released a long, controlled sigh while sharply looking at me.

I was sure I had just tested his patience right there.

"The bridges are the main mechanism of travel between realms, but there's an exception to this, " he continued. "There are gifted, powerful individuals who have the ability to hop between realms. Luckily for you, I'm one of them."

Slowly, an idea formed in my head. Was he offering me his services?

"You want to return right? If you agree to my terms, I can get you back to your realm in just a flick of a finger. Safe and sound. Not a scratch on your skin."

My mouth gaped. I was right. He was offering his services. But, it had conditions. I wonder what they are?

"Could you give me a moment then?" I stated, realizing this talk of ours would likely cover a good amount of time. "Obviously, I just woke up. I needed to freshen myself and answer the call of nature."

"No, I'm a busy man, " he snapped. "I don't want you wasting my time, so listen to me now."

Inwardly, I sighed. This king really needed to learn to be more accommodating to women.

"I'm listening then, " I answered, submitting myself despite not liking it.

"Like I said, this is just purely business. I'm offering you a quick way to return home if you agree on marrying me and becoming my queen."

Instantly, dread washed all over me.

"What?!" My eyes rounded.

How could marrying him help me on my dilemma? As I understood, marrying him and becoming his queen meant I'd stay in this werewolf-infested world forever. Forever!

"Are the screws in your head loose?" I blurted out. "I thought you want me to leave? Marrying you and becoming your queen would do the opposite!"

"Don't worry about that. I have a plan, " he calmly stated as if it was just the weather he was talking about.

I held my temper at bay. God it was so damned difficult.

"Let me guess, you want me to die after we get married?"

"Hm, thanks for giving me an idea, " he smirked, "but no, that's not my plan. However, I'd be more inclined to do that as a backup."

I gritted my teeth. He was too insufferable!

"Know that I am offering you this because I didn't have a choice. As you may know, thanks to my brother, I am having a hard time procuring a queen."

"Because you hate women, " I burst out.

He ignored this and continued with barely contained rage, "The late King, my father, created an absolute decree for me to marry and produce a queen for my kingdom. If I couldn't fulfill this, I'd be stripped of my position as the ruler of Phanteon. Obviously, I don't want that to happen. It's a blow to my pride."

"Well, that wouldn't have been an issue if you didn't hate women from the start, " I remarked.

He scowled at me. "Quit with reminding me that!"

I shrugged my shoulders, silently laughing on the inside seeing how nasty his fate was. Ha! Serves you right. "Apologies Your High��ness. I can't help it."

He sighed and relaxed on his chair again.

"Good thing the decree was only just to marry and get a queen. It didn't state anything about producing an heir."

He looked at me with an incredibly smug face. I rolled my eyes heavenward.

Yeah, that was supposed to be my next question. If I was to accept his proposal, I had to make sure we won't be sharing a bed.

"Right, " I muttered. "That's reassuring to hear."

"Very reassuring, " he added confidently whilst giving me a cold glare.

For a moment there, it was my pride as a woman that was hit. It crazily felt like he didn't see me as a desirable woman, a good partner in bed, or even one that was kissable. It hurt.

Ugh.

I shook my wandering thoughts away. Damn it. Where did that come from?

He was using me as a tool. That��I knew for certain. But well, I was the same. We're both using each other for our own gains.

"So, " he stood up and righted his shirt into position. "I assume you're in. I expect you inside the castle dressed in a wedding attire in two days."

"Two days?!" I shouted, not knowing exactly what to feel. Should I be happy or sad? The sooner I wed him, the sooner I could return to my home, but the sooner I wed him, the sooner I'd become his uhhh...wife, and despite that may just be in paper only, I'd be expected to live with him inside the castle, act lovey-dovey in front of his subjects, and even share his chamber just to keep up appearances.

Maybe this was a bad idea after all.

But, I couldn't back down on his offer. He was my easiest way out of this realm.

"Yes, in two days, " he clarified. "I want to fulfill my father's decree on the day of my birthday. Two occasions in one. Bigger party, lesser expenses."

I scoffed. This king hates women and a penny-pincher. Or in this realm's case, a gold hoarder.

"See you in two days then, " I replied, avoiding the topic about any preparations during these two days. I knew for certain he had that all covered. He was the king of this kingdom after all and he'd likely prepare a grand wedding to show to his subjects he wasn't afraid of a woman.

Ha! What a grand ruse it would be indeed.

Anyway, if these two days meant I'd be staying in this manor alone and in peace, then I'd take it wholeheartedly. As the saying goes, 'Calm before the storm.'

So I would take this 'calm' before the shit storm happens.