If Gideon is really serious about treating me well, sending his concubines away is the bare minimum. I know that now, but if I were the same Serra as before, this piece of news would have made me feel especial. But now, it did nothing to quell my need for revenge.

"Children, huh..." I whisper. "We don't have one..."

"We can have one, if you like." He kneels before me and takes my hands in his again. "When I lost you, I needed to sire heirs, but now that you're back, we can try again."

It was not so long ago that I was desperate for a child, but now, every thought of it fills me with hatred, remembering how the child in my belly died due to all the stress and pain of being his wife.

"I can't... right now," I answer in a small voice. "I don't want my child to get embroiled in an inheritance war, especially with all your other concubines..."

He squeezes my hand. "They won't be!"

'They?' Don't tell me he plans to have more than one child with me?! The thought alone repulses me!

"Only your child and mine will be able to inherit the throne." He takes a deep breath and adds, "You are my only Luna, Serra. And soon, you will be my only Queen."

He presses his forehead on the back of my hand, and so my eyes harden as I look down at his crouching form between my knees.

"And what of your other children?" I ask, stopping myself to add if he will abandon them, now that he has no use for them - just as he did to me.

"They won't be forgotten," he says, inching closer to bury his face in my stomach. "But for our future children, whatever it takes, I will make sure that our child shall be yours and mine alone. They won't be used or manipulated by anyone, but they will still inherit my throne."

The sincerity in his words surprises me, but then again, this is the same man I once loved deeply. The man who once shattered my heart so completely that I am reduced to the person I am today.

And so, I push at his shoulders. I am becoming uncomfortable in the way he holds me close to him.

"Okay," I whisper. "Let's start anew, Gideon."

"Yes, Serra. A new beginning," he murmurs, lingering for a moment before he lifts himself up. His eyes find mine, his gaze burning with an intensity that I want him to hold as long as possible - all for the success of my plans.

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

I stand in front of the door of the grand dining hall, dressed in an elegant blue gown that Gideon had prepared for me. I touch the skirt of the gown. Before, Gideon never chooses my dresses for public functions. He only ensured that my dresser was full of dresses that I could choose from.

And it's not because he was giving me freedom... It was because he doesn't care enough if his poor wife embarrasses herself in social events. In fact, it will be advantageous to him. Putting me in a bad light is beneficial for his search for a new wife - someone who is voluptuous, flawless and beautiful.

The only one who cares enough is his mother, who teaches me all there is to know on how to face the Dunkerson nobles.

I take a deep breath, and now, I am invited for lunch with him and his mother, the current Queen Marinella Dunkerson, who is holding the position until her son finds a new Queen. And so, as I take a deep breath, I wonder what the Queen is thinking about my sudden return.

Gideon takes my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze, reminding me that I am beside him. I look up at him and smile. He smiles back and I almost frown at the way his happiness radiates from his entire being. It annoys me, and so I look away and focus my eyes on the door of the dining hall.

"This lunch is too formal," I comment.

Before, I can have lunch with Marinella even in our private rooms. It was all informal, too comfortable, and something that made me believe that she cared about me, too. Seems like that was never the case. She only cared for one thing - her precious son.

"You've been gone for a while," he defends. "And this will be the only time we will be formal about this. The next ones won't be like this."

Only time.

That's what it is. He had never enjoyed joining me and Marinella for our meals before.

The door opens and we walk inside. There is only one table in the room, but it is filled with an array of delicious dishes. Despite myself, the aroma makes my stomach grumble with hunger. Back in Liddicoat, I was never able to enjoy eating because I never grew used to their food. But then, what should I expect? Vampires don't share the same taste buds as Lycans or human mages.

As Gideon and I approach Queen Marinella, she greets me with a, "Welcome back, Serra." It is coupled with a smile that doesn't reach her eyes.

I smile back, hoping that my smile is more authentic than hers is. Now, I am certain that she is doubting the true intention of my return.

"It's good to see you again, Your Majesty," I reply politely as Gideon pulls out my chair for me - another unfamiliar gesture from him. He never once did it for me.

As we start our meal, Queen Marinella strikes up a conversation with me. She asks us about my trip from Liddicoat and how I am settling back into the Dunkerson palace. I answer her questions honestly, trying to keep a neutral tone and not reveal too much about my relationship with Caius Liddicoat - only painting him as a charitable second prince.

But as the conversation continues, Marinella suddenly asks, "Why did you come back to Dunkerson kingdom, Serra?" Her voice is gentle yet laced with suspicion. "And how did you really survive that tragedy?"

"I missed this place," I say without hesitation, skipping her last question, and hoping she would believe the lie. I also glance at Gideon and smile shyly. "And my life is here," I add.

Queen Marinella raises an eyebrow at my response before turning her gaze towards Gideon, who pauses from eating and is smiling so brightly. I feel like I will get blinded by him soon if he doesn't stop feeling this happy. His emotions are so open that I wonder how I was never able to notice his cheating before.

I look down at my food as a terrible answer crosses my mind - I was so deeply infatuated and in love with him, that is why I was so blinded. I was so foolish to give all my love to the wrong person.

But before I can dwell on these thoughts any longer, Gideon interjects, "I am surprised at her return as well, but I am very pleased to see you again, Serra, my wife."

Gideon's voice breaks me out of my trance and I glance up at him with a small smile. "Thank you, Gideon," I say.

Queen Marinella looks between the two of us with a doubtful expression on her face. "It seems like there is more to your story than meets the eye."

Gideon chuckles lightly and reaches for his glass of wine. "There's nothing more to say, mother," he says smoothly.

But Queen Marinella doesn't look convinced. "Well then, how about we play a little game?" she suggests.

I feel a knot form in my stomach as I turn to look at her. What kind of game is she talking about? And why does it sound so ominous?

"What kind of game?" Gideon asks.

"A truth or dare game," Queen Marinella declares, her eyes still fixed on mine.

The thought of the childish game almost makes my heart leap - that is, in its stupidity. Was I really this gullible that she thinks I will reveal all my secrets in such a foolish game?

"Okay..." I answer, as soft as possible.

Queen Marinella claps her hands together and orders for a bottle of wine to be brought out.

"Gideon?"

"Actually, mother," he begins in a serious tone. "I don't think this game is appropriate for Serra at this time. She needs some time to adjust and settle back into her life here."

I stop my brows from lifting. At least, he can already say NO to his mother. Before, whenever Marinella asks him to treat me better, he will grumble like a spoiled brat, but he will still do it.

"Come on, my dear child. A glass of wine and some harmless fun won't hurt, right?" she asks no one in particular. "Besides, wine is the color of blood, which I am pretty sure Serra had been familiar with when she was in Liddicoat."

Gideon looks taken aback by his mother's words, but quickly regains his composure. "Mother, you know that she wasn't turned into a vampire," he says. "I am certain you can sense that."

Queen Marinella shrugs. "Serra, what do you say?"

"It's alright, Gideon," I say with a small smile. "I don't mind playing a harmless game."

Queen Marinella's eyes light up and she pours each of us a glass of wine. "Excellent! Let the game begin," she declares.

"No, mother," he insists. "Why don't you just ask your questions to her directly?"

The tension in the room is thick as Queen Marinella looks between Gideon and I. I can tell that she's not used to her son defying her.

Then Marinella takes a deep breath and says, "Fine, you spoilsport of a son." She shifts her attention to me and asks, "Tell me, what was your time like in Liddicoat? Did you make any friends?"

I take a small sip on the wine and answer, "I was injured and sick the entire time, and when I was healthy enough, it was difficult to befriend the citizens there."

"And how about that Prince Caius?"

"He helped me adjust to my life there and he also showed me kindness," I tentatively say. "But he is still a prince. He was very busy and wasn't able to spend as much time with me. Besides, I am just a guest in Liddicoat kingdom. In fact, I stay in a separate house from the castle."

"Are you certain? Nothing happened between the two of you?" she insists.

"I am certain, my Queen," I reply calmly, as I feel Gideon's growing frustration.

"But before, I know for a fact that Prince Caius was infatuated with you. I thought that he-"

Gideon suddenly slams his glass on the table. It was a bit too hard that the wine glass almost shattered. Marinella and the servants turn to look at him in surprise.

"Serra and I will need to excuse ourselves," he says through gritted teeth.

Without waiting for a response from his mother, Gideon stands up and takes hold of my hand, pulling me up from my seat as well. He leaves the room in large strides, dragging me along behind him. As we exit the room, I cast a final glance towards Marinella. Her eyes are wide in shock, her fingers clutched tightly around her wineglass.

We stride down the corridor, my hand still firmly in Gideon's. When we reach a quiet corner, he finally lets go of my hand and leans against the wall with his eyes closed.

"I apologize for my mother's behavior," he says after a few moments of silence. "She can be quite persistent."

"It's alright," I say with a small smile. "I understand that she is just concerned for her son."

"I should have put a stop to it earlier."

"It's fine, Gideon," I assure him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. I can feel the tautness in his muscles, like an uncoiled spring ready to snap at any moment. "I am really fine."

Besides, worrying about me this late of a game in our relationship, is just laughable.

He looks at me with a grateful expression. "You..." he whispers. "You have always been forgiving... I... Thank you, Serra, for understanding..."

I almost blow up at that. How can he say that I am forgiving?! After all the pain he caused me, is there really any woman alive who would still forgive this bastard?!

Thankfully, he thinks that there is... He thinks that the previous Serra still exists in this world.

"But Gideon, you cannot shield me from every line of inquiry," I say. "I also understand where all the questions are coming from."

He looks at me, his body getting more relaxed.

"Besides, if it becomes worse, I can just leave and not cause you any of my problems," I continue. "It's mine to begin with, anyway."

He suddenly feels apprehensive. "That's not the solution, Serra," he says quickly, alarm clear in his tone. "You leaving... It won't solve anything."

I look away from him. Intentionally, I bite my lip as I consider his words. "Gideon, I-" I begin, but he cuts me off.

"Serra, listen to me. Yes, my mother can be overbearing - she's had her way for too long and doesn't really know when to stop. But you are not the problem here."

His hands reach out and gently cup my face, guiding my eyes back to meet his. "Please don't think that you're causing me any trouble. You're not. And believe me, I can handle my mother now. You don't have to leave."

I stare into his eyes, searching for any hint of insincerity or hesitation. "And if it gets worse?" I ask.

Gideon shrugs confidently. "It won't, so please, Serra," he pleads softly. "Don't leave."

A small smile forms on my lips as I lean into him. "I have a request though," I say, looking up at him through my lashes.

"Anything," he replies.

"Yesterday, I embraced you," I say, increasing my body temperature so heat will rise to my cheeks. "Can I do that again?"

Gideon's lips twitch into a smile as he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close to his chest. "Of course," he says, his voice deep.

I tuck myself into his embrace. I can smell his familiar scent that I learned to hate. It's been awhile.

"I missed this too," Gideon murmurs against my hair, pressing a soft kiss on top of my head.

At his words, I know that he still wants me, even after we separated. Or maybe he only wants me because I was gone for a long time. But honestly, I think it's my talent in magic that he missed the most.

"I missed you too," I whisper back, resting my head against his chest.

And soon, he will really fall for me and when that time comes, it will be too late before he realizes that he lost everything to me - just as he stolen everything from me before.

I roam the once-familiar corridors and grand halls of the palace. Gideon has sent me an assistant named Claire. She is mid-thirties and is supposed to help me acclimatize to the castle's inner workings. This castle, the same place where I felt both unimaginable happiness and pain, will be mine soon - or sold, or destroyed. Anything. As long as in the end, Gideon and his family will live like slaves amidst every piece of rock and stone of this castle.

As I pass through the different offices and rooms, Gideon's closest kin watch me as if I am some kind of apparition. Their glances are a mix of curiosity and disdain.

Claire then leads me into a room filled with luxurious furniture and paintings adorning the walls. "This is where the King and his Council members hold important meetings and negotiations," she explains, gesturing towards a large mahogany table in the center of the room.

I nod, taking it all in. "These paintings weren't here before," I say, pointing at one depicting a stern-faced man in royal garb.

"King Gideon commissioned a couple of painters the past few years. You will notice new artworks in the rooms that we'll be in."

We then move on to another area of the castle - the concubines' section. It's filled with lavish bedrooms, each one occupied by a young woman dressed in luxurious clothing.

"These are Gideon's concubines rooms," Claire explains as we walk through.

My jaw tightens at the sight of them, maintaining an expression that seems as if I am jealous of the concubines. "How many does he have?"

Claire clears her throat nervously before answering. "Five at the moment," she says. "But only three remains because of your return."

"Did they..." I start, trying to gauge Claire's reaction. "... agree to it?"

"They got compensation for it, but I don't know the exact situation," she answers cautiously.

As we continue our tour of the castle, my mind is working overtime, strategizing and planning my next moves.

Finally, we make our way to the prepared nursery for the future children of Gideon and his concubines. The room is filled with toys and pastel-colored furniture, ready for a little prince or princess to inhabit it.

"Everything looks lovely," I praise.

"Queen Marinella was the one who designed this," Claire informs me proudly. "She has always been very involved in the welfare of her son's concubines and their children."

I raise an eyebrow at this information, and seeing my reaction, she adds, "I hope I didn't offend you with that information?"

"It's fine. I am well-aware that kings need to procreate." I take a deep breath and add, "What about King Gideon? How did he treat his concubines these past few years?"

Claire hesitates before answering. "He is good to them..." she answers. "He treats them well and provides for their needs."

I scoff at this response, knowing that Gideon is far from being "good" in terms of treating his women.

And so, trying to read between the lines, I ask, "So, he never really spends time with them?"

Claire shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact. "Well...you know how he is. He's always busy with his duties as king."

"Hmmm..." I mutter.

"He never... really spends that much time with them," she adds. "The past year seems to be the most difficult for him."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Claire covering up for her king's neglectful behavior is laughable. It's the same thing I've done before, and see where it leads me.

"I see," I say calmly, though inside I am seething with anger.

We continued our tour of the offices including introductions, before making our way back to my chambers. By then, it was close to evening.

"Is there anything else you need, Mage Serra?" Claire asks politely. "Luna? Ahm, Your Highness Serra?" she asks, not knowing how to address me.

I shake my head, dismissing her for now and ignoring her confusion on how to address me. "That will be all for today, thank you."

She bows and leaves me alone. Once she was gone, I let out a frustrated sigh and pace around the room. I need another few days to understand all the changes and to re-insert myself into the political play of the castle.

So, I sit down at the desk and start writing down a list of magical devices I have created for Dunkerson before. I also need to know what happened to them. Those items might be due for some much needed maintenance... and a little tinkering. It will be a way to solidify my position as Luna and Queen and gain influence in the entire Dunkerson. Not to mention how far the military has fallen since I left.

Second on the list is getting to know the court members and familiarizing myself with their alliances and agendas.

Third, I need to start earning the trust and loyalty of the people in this kingdom. They are just as important as the courtiers and hold great influence over public opinion. They may see me as only a human mage, and thus, unfit to become the Ruler of a Lycan Kingdom, but that can change too.

Lastly, I need to figure out a way to gain control over Gideon himself, and then Queen Marinella will follow right after. He might seem in love with me now, but I know better than to think it will last. And when his affection ends, I must be ready.

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. It's Gideon, looking as ruggedly handsome as ever with his unruly hair and piercing eyes. As much as I loathe admitting it, seeing him still stirs something inside me.

"Serra..." he greets.

"Gideon," I greet back with a polite nod.

"I wanted to check if everything was... alright?"

"Everything is fine," I reply with a smile. "I'm just trying to get used to things here."

"It might be disconcerting, but don't push yourself too hard," he says, looking around the room like a lost puppy. He looks at me with those concerned eyes, as if he really thinks I'm here to mend old wounds. The thought almost makes me laugh.

"I will adjust," I assure him. "It's not the first time that I am new here."

"I remember," he reminisces. "You were overwhelmed at first, but got acclimatized to the grandeur soon."

And I remember too. I also remember when I told him that it's easier to get familiar because he was here, and his presence makes everything all the more easier.

Oh, my gullible, stupid, love-blind, past self.

And I know that I need to say the same words to him now, to make him feel a connection, and yet, I keep mum.

Silence stretches out between us before he finally speaks again. "Actually, Serra..." he starts.

I lean my head to the side, waiting.

"I actually got something for you..."

I watch as he pulls out a delicate flower from his coat. It's a beautiful white rose with a tinge of blue at the edges, reminding me of the sky just before it turns dark.

"For me?" I ask, my voice betraying my surprise.

"Yes," he nods, holding out the flower for me to take. "I know you like flowers."

I hesitantly reach out and take the flower from him. He is wrong, though. I have a platonic love for flowers. However, because he gave me flowers before, I start to love them. Later on, I learned that Marinella had been forcing him to give me flowers.

"It's beautiful," I say, hiding how I really feel about it. "I don't know what to say..."

"You don't have to say anything," he replies, stepping closer to me. "Just keep it in your room always."

I look up at him, and our eyes meet. He seems lost and is trying to find himself in my eyes. Unfortunately, it's not home that he will ever find in me, but hell.

"Serra..." he starts, but is interrupted by a knock on the door.

We both turn towards it as Queen Marinella enters the room with a bright smile on her face.

"Am I interrupting something?" she asks playfully, raising an eyebrow at us.

Gideon quickly steps away from me and clears his throat. "No, mother. I am just checking up on Serra. In case there's anything she needed."

"That's good to hear," she says as she walks over to us. "I hope everything is to your liking?"

"It's perfect," I reply.

"I'm glad." She then turns to Gideon. "Now, invite her for dinner, will you? I want to talk more with the two of you."

Gideon looks at me. I nod and give him a reassuring smile. "It sounds lovely," I say.

"Great!" Queen Marinella claps her hands together. "Gideon, take Serra to the dining hall and I'll join you both shortly."