simply blessed

It was early morning with the sun was about to rise, but in a secluded part of the forest, the cracking sound of a falling tree filled the surrounding air. But the supposed crash that was meant to follow was stopped as a pair of hands caught the tree mid-fall and with an angered roar, threw the large tree a fair distance. His breath was heavy, filling the cold air with his warm breath as the voices returned to his memory.

“The house was empty sir” “Not only that but it has been sold as well” “Her aunt left Slyfort the same day she came to Vadan” “The last place she was seen was the port sir”

He scanned the forest for his axe, snorting as he was not impressed with the distance it had gone as it had also been thrown aside at some point. He walked over, picked his axe from the snow, and was about to cut down a larger tree when a voice rang out.

“Please don’t tell me you have been here all night,” an amused voice said, causing Maha’ra to turn towards it with an annoyed look.

“Then I won’t,” he said before swinging his axe. At this rate, the entire town would have firewood for the winter, spring, and even to sell.

“you’re upset cousin…why?” the voice said as it came close to Maha’ra who sighed deeply.

 “She fears me…I…I have failed her” he said as a large shadow emerged from the forest and approached him. He hadn’t seen her since the night of their discussion, which was over a week ago. Keeping himself busy with both personal and diplomatic affairs allowed him to leave their home before she woke up and return when she was asleep. He was about to head to bed the night before when the two scouts he sent to her old home returned with bad news, news upsetting enough that he chose to leave their home so she wouldn’t see or hear his anger…not after everything she had been through…

“Perhaps it is my own doing, I have gotten so used to things working out, either by my ability or strength but this situation has clearly negated both”.

Maha’ra sighed as the large shadow came to his side and bumped its head against him. Before he turned and tended to his beast companion, a huge lion-like beast with an impressive black mane, amber eyes and sabre-toothed, who was deeply chuffing as Mahana slowly stroked his mane.

Akilah watched him with a concerned look, he was an impressive young orc with silky black hair which he currently wore in a thick braid, that flowed down his strong back. He was tall, standing at seven foot three and muscular but was not as strong as his younger cousin who was also much taller than him at seven foot ten. His green skin only brought out his rare midnight-blue eyes and highlighted the black tattoos he had on his biceps. He wore a gold cuff over one of his tusks and had his left ear pierced with a matching gold ring.

“What happened is not your fault…”

“Yes, it is!”

Maha’ra snapped back at him with a snarl, his eyes narrowed and glowed red as he continued.

“Because I was impatient… because I wanted her here as soon as possible, I didn’t notice their tainted eagerness…I can’t even get revenge on her behalf as her aunt fled Slyfort as soon as she sent her here… Our fathers gave me prized furs to make the journey easy for her and I had to tell them both that they had been stolen…a debt I must now repay before the winter ends… on top of the fact that…my bride arrived here half frozen, and ill and now sees me as someone who I am not!...I…” Frustrated, he threw his axe with a roar which cut through the smaller tree it hit, falling into the surrounding snow with a crash.

“…I have never felt so humiliated!”

Akilah walked cautiously to his cousin’s side. Maha’ra was many things, an amazing fighter and a surprisingly good diplomat. But when it came to high emotions like anger and rage, the less rational side of him often came out and took control of his actions. Reaching his cousin’s side, he watched as Maha’ra slowly calmed himself with deep breaths, and his eyes returned to their normal red and gold appearance.

He gave a heavy sigh that was full of sadness as he spoke.

“I know I can’t change what has happened…we have met under the worst circumstances, and I doubt I can make another first impression” Mahana said, his hair was loose and wild from his overnight…work.

He was without a cape, instead wearing a black hooded vest made of leather and wool with dark fur around the hood and arms over a pair of black pants and his boots. Akilah wore a similar outfit but without the fur.

“Then how about instead of a first impression… spend the time making a lasting one that she can come to care for…” Akilah said.

Mahana silently thought about these words as Akilah continued.

“Leave the revenge for now, and focus on her…you have enough time before spring, and as much as I and both of our parents would to meet her soon, they understand the work you have to do to help her become ready for that moment, “Akilah said as he began to guide Maha’ra back to the town, huffing as the lion swiped at his feet playfully.

“I don’t want to overwhelm her any more than she already is, she's still recovering, and I don’t want her to suffer any more pain”

“... you’ll get through this brother… I feel that you both are more similar than you think and in time… you’ll grow to care for each other” Akilah said as he placed his hand on Maha’ra’s shoulder.

“I…I can only hope”

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Meanwhile, to Golka's relief, Lillia was much better than when she arrived three weeks ago, she was still under constant watch by the older woman, but she was allowed to walk around the home as much as she wanted.

During her recovery, Lillia came to learn that the home she was in was built as her and Maha’ra’s matrimonial home and that he had been sleeping in a room on the other side of the house so that they wouldn’t have to see each other before she was ready. Lillia was grateful during those times as Golka would also answer her questions about the town, the people and their culture but would say nothing personal about Maha’ra or his family.

Unfortunately, Golka had been sent on an errand by the chieftain’s wife that morning so she would be alone for the day. Being alone in such a large, still unfamiliar home was quite daunting for Lillia, so after much thought…she decided to go outside.

Even though her room was still quite bare of necessities, she had graciously been given some warm clothes courtesy of the chieftain’s wife, to hold her over until she could have clothes made to fill her empty wardrobe.

From said clothes, Lillia decided on a grey wool dress that came to her ankles, under it, she put on a pair of fur-lined pants which she had to roll up a few times before tucking them into a pair of warm boots that were a little big for her, but still wearable. With her locs pulled up into a bun, she quickly looked in the mirror, happy that she did not look as bad as when she first arrived, but she knew she still had more recovering to do.

Once dressed, she stepped through and closed her bedroom door, before she went down the stairs and through the large doors of the cabin before she began to walk in the direction of the town. The path was cleared from the snow, giving her a secure boost to her curiosity to leave the cabin and explore.

A few curious gazes came her way as she continued to walk. She was by no means a small woman but the fact that most of the young adults she saw were nearly the same height or even taller than her, was a very unfamiliar feeling.

But her mood quickly changed as she started to receive a few friendly waves, nods and smiles as she walked past, taking in the atmosphere. Lillia was quite impressed at the fact that such a large town could exist in the mountains. Vadan as she had come to learn from Golka, was much larger than the trading town of Slyfort which sat on the bottom of the mountains. Here, she could see homes and buildings in the valley in the near distance. But despite its size, she easily noticed the warm sense of community and family here that she wasn’t used to in Slyfort.

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As she continued walking, she looked ahead and saw a group of children playing in front of a building that she believed to be their schoolhouse. The boys roughhoused under an adult's watchful eye while the girls played with a ball and each other’s hair. With a soft smile, she continued her walk as she passed the building but couldn’t go far before she was mobbed by the group of children who quickly surrounded her. Apart from their green skin and a few of them having their tusk just beginning to peek out of their lips, they looked just like…children.

“HI! “Said a young orc boy with short dark hair and brown eyes as he stood before her as the rest continued to look at her with curious eyes.

“Oh… hello” she politely replied causing him to smile.

“you’re human!”

“… yes, I am “

“that’s so cool… I’ve never seen one of you so close before” his innocent comment made her smile softly.

“The same goes for you, little one”

“I’m not little, I’m Zuka “

“Well then…” she smiled as she offered him her hand to shake “… I’m Lillia “she said as he shook her hand, smiling as she heard the girls curiously repeat her name as they whispered.

“What are you doing here Miss Lillia?” “Are you lost?” “It’s not a trading day, is it?” “There’s no trading during winter!” “Then how did she get here?” “Maybe she is lost!”

Their questions made her blink for a moment as she looked at them but then came a new voice.

“Children! What are you doing? “She heard as she turned to see an orc lady run up to them, as the children hid behind Lillia with guilty looks. Dressed in a leather and fur dress with her black hair braided out of her yellow eyes, the woman looked at Lillia with distrusting eyes.

“Miss Rhua! This is Miss Lillia, she’s human! “Zuka smiled as he introduced the two women, Lillia giving a worried look as she saw the women’s eyes suddenly widen as she looked at her.

“You! … You’re lord Maha’ra’s…. My lady, I am so sorry about this and not recognising you!” Rhua said as she began to bow but Lillia quickly stopped her.

“No please, none of that is needed and…it's just Lillia” she replied as they looked at each other, seeing that they were nearly the same height. She looked down at the children who were still hiding from their presumed teacher.

“I apologise if my presence had distracted the children from their lessons with you” she said to which Rhua quickly corrected.

“Oh no I’m not their teacher, the children come to the schoolhouse during winter to play and I watch over them as their carer” she replied, “While they could learn, I'm sure you see that they would rather explore and run off than read,” Rhua said causing Lillia to smile.  “If anything, I hope they are not disturbing you”

“Oh, not at all, they’ve been quite kind towards me and their curiosity is refreshing” she replied, but then felt a tug on her sleeve as she looked down to see a young girl looking up at her with bright green eyes.

“Miss Lillia are you heading to the council house,” she asked causing Lillia to look at her curiously.

“The council house?”

“Yeah… that's where lord Maha’ra would be right now” she replied causing her to blink as she realised what they were asking.

“Oh no…I’m just taking a walk and looking around” she quickly responded causing the young girl to pout. It was a cute sight but then another tug got her attention.

“Miss Lillia…I like your hair”

“Oh, thank you”

“But why don’t you have any beads?” Zuka asked as he looked at her locks.

“Beads?“ she curiously asked, why would she have beads?

But before the children replied, the sound of a clap got their attention as they turned to Miss Rhua.

“Children, how about we invite Lady Lillia to come inside and then you can continue to ask your questions?” she said to them before turning to Lillia “If you wouldn’t mind, my lady?”

“Not at all” she replied, smiling as the children guided her to the building, eager to ask her their questions.

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They were a curious bunch for sure, asking her anything about her hair, her favourite food, whether she liked meat or fish, her hobbies and her relationship with…him. But the questions were welcoming as they didn’t make her feel out of place due to her appearance or height, how strange that she felt more comfortable with their questions than when children in Slyfort would ask blunt questions such as why she was tall like a man or why her hair looked like vines?

But she had enjoyed herself to the point that it took Rhua letting the children know that it was time to go home, for her to realise that it was evening. Smiling as she heard the children complain, she offered a compromise of walking with them until she returned home, to which they agreed.

The walk was much more enjoyable with the children pointing out parts of the town and different paths that led to the town’s gates, the river, the market square and the hot springs in the mountains. But one after another they ran to their homes where their mothers let them into the homes as they walked towards her cabin.

“I'll take the rest of the children home my lady,” Rhua said with a smile as the cabin came into view,

“Thank you Rhua,” Lillia said with a smile before she looked at the children “Bye children”

“Bye Lady” the trio cutely called which warmed her heart.

“Have a good evening Rhua” she smiled.

“Same to you my lady” Rhua smiled as they went separate ways, Lillia walked to the cabin with the cold wind beginning to pick up as night began to fall.

She had just entered and closed the doors when she heard.

“Lillia!?”

She turned to see Golka rushed down the stairs to her side as she looked her over.

“Are you alright? Where were you?”

“I…went into town?” she managed to reply as Golka fused over her.

“You what! “

“I wanted to see the town…was I not allowed to leave?” she asked as she realised that she did leave without telling anyone, what if she had broken some tradition or rule?

“What?” Golka said as she looked at the younger woman “Oh no, I'm sorry my dear for fussing, I was worried about your health, what if you taxed yourself too hard.”

Lillia softly sighed before she smiled “I’m alright Golka, I already promised you not to push myself too hard”

“I'm glad to hear that…but you’re still my patient and under my care, and even though I would rather you rest…I am glad to see you moving and I'm proud that you were brave enough to go out by yourself “ Golka said with a smile “But right now, I would rather you soak in a warm bath while I make dinner”

Lillia smiled as she heard that “Alright” she smiled as the pair made her way to her room, while she told Golka about her day with the children.

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It was nearly midnight when Maha’ra returned to the cabin. After spending the day making sure that the wood was allocated properly and receiving a few lectures from his father and uncle. It was no wonder that he was tired, especially after missing a night of sleep.

He got off the back of his companion, who chuffed as he stroked his mane before allowing the beast to bolt into the forest to hunt. He walked up to the door and opened it, greeted by the darkness as he entered. But thankful for his ability to see in the dark, he skilfully and quietly made his way up the stairs to the second floor. But he didn’t head to his room, rather he took a moment and listened, using the darkness as a perfect cover.

Slow and steady breathing came to his ears, which gave him the chance to quietly creep towards the door as he slowly opened it before entering.

He knew it would be jarring and frightening to his bride if she knew about this but…he couldn’t help it. Ever since she arrived, he had quickly developed a habit of coming into her room while she slept to check on her. He heard how ordeals less severe than what she had experienced, could rob a man of their sleep. So even if he couldn’t do anything else, he just had to know she hadn’t lost her slumber.

Standing a safe distance from her, his eyes softly glowed as he watched her sleep peacefully in her bed. Though she looked warm and safe…this was not what he wanted, this plain room was not what he had prepared for her.

This was originally based on a prompt from @terato-romance and @the-socially-awkward-cat, which i saw and thought to rewrite enjoy

Her head was throbbing, her heart racing in her sore chest and her stomach was uneasy as she groaned in pain, everything hurt even though she was lying down. She whimpered as she slowly turned in the bed before she felt a cold towel press against her forehead causing her to shiver at the feeling. Her eyes forced closed as she was too tired to try to open them, but she could hear voices around her. First came a female voice, gently speaking to her as they tried to ease her pain, then came a few other voices that she could not make out as the sound of their footsteps became quieter. Leading her to guess that they had left the room before she heard a pair of heavy footsteps enter the room and come towards her.

“How is she?” a sudden deep rumble asked causing the female voice to sigh as the towel on her forehead was removed.

“Not good my lord… it has been three days, and she has not awoken even once. Her fever is persisting, and she is still unable to keep anything but water down “

A deep growl fills the room “I don’t understand… why would they let her travel through the mountains, knowing that she was ill and without any comforts?”

“that’s something I’m still trying to understand myself… humans can be quite strange “the female voice replied.

“Strange?... this act was nothing but cruel! “The male voice thundered, causing her to softly groan at the noise. But a soft hand gently grazed her cheek in a bid to calm her.

“These are all questions that will be answered when she feels better… but for now, we can only do our best to help her heal” the female voice said as she moved, and her light footsteps told as she left the room.

The silence would have been welcoming but she knew she wasn’t alone, as the heavy footsteps came closer to her and then there was a heavy, yet gentle touch on her cheek that caused her to whimper.

He said something in a language she did not recognise but, had no time to think it over as she felt herself begin to lose consciousness.

Her body ached as the carriage, continued up the mountain pass…despite it being quite roomy, the air around her was quite cold and she barely had enough to cover herself with. It was one thing for her family to tell her that she was being married off to a stranger, but then to send her away knowing that she was ill with a fever on such a 3-day journey alone was just wicked.

She shivered with a groan as she pulled the thin blanket around her body, hoping that she got to her destination soon…or else.

Soon she heard a noise as the carriage stopped and she heard the driver hop off the carriage as he spoke to someone outside, she tried to look outside through the crack in the covered window but the bright light from the snow hurt her eyes causing her to hold her head in pain before the carriage began to move again, but caught sight of the former driver leaving as the carriage was driven into the town on the other side of the mountain. She could hear sounds outside the carriage as she hoped it wouldn’t be too late for her as she began to wheeze.

The carriage soon stopped as she heard the new driver knock on the door.

“Miss are you ready?” a voice called on the other side as she tried to reply but couldn’t stop wheezing as she reached for the door.

“Miss?”

“What’s wrong?” a new voice called, it was deep and full of authority but also held concern.

“The lady inside isn’t responding sir…maybe she’s asleep?”

There was a deep sound after that before there was a knock again. She tried to lean on the door, but it suddenly opened, causing her to yelp as she fell out of the tall carriage, into a stranger’s strong grasp.

“My lady !?!” a voice said causing her to weakly open her eyes, but all she could see was white.

“Help….me” she managed to say before passing out in his arms, the last thing she heard was a voice roaring for a healer.

“Please, be strong my lady… even though I have much to explain… know that I did not mean for anything to harm you in any way…but those that did will pay” the voice rumbled before she fell into a dreamless sleep.

Seeing that her breathing had evened out and she relaxed into the bed. he left her room and walked through the barely lit hallway and came to a balcony that went before a flight of stairs where two younger ones were waiting below.

“Your orders sir?” they asked with their heads bowed once they saw him.

“Find out what happened to her and bring me whoever is involved in doing her harm” he responded as he watched them leave, through the door and into the snowy night with cold red eyes.

The next morning, she woke up with a whimper, slowly opening her eyes before she felt a sharp pain in her belly. Causing her to turn as she threw up in a bowl placed beside her bed, slowly breathing as she finished and surprised that her body had something to give after she hadn’t eaten in a while.

Seeing a small cup of water, she managed to sit up to sip on some water, quickly finishing the cup before she slowly laid back down. She looked around the room she was in, it was huge compared to her old one, it was plain, simple, and quite bare, but she liked it, especially the large soft bed she was lying in with its soft pillows and plush covers and furs.

Turning her head to the other side, she saw that there was a table and a small corner with chairs which looked like a comfy place to read, she thought before a deep sound caused her to blink before she slowly sat up to look at the end of the bed with a puzzled look which then turned to one of surprise.

Sat in the chair at the end of the bed was the biggest man she had ever seen except…he wasn’t human.

He was massive and muscular as his huge chest rose and fell in his sleep, his dark golden skin showed off the black tattoos he had on his crossed arms and exposed chest and complemented the thick wild mane of crimson hair that fell around his face and flowed to his back. His face was furrowed as he slept, softly snarling in his sleep exposing his fangs within his mouth as well as the two white tusks that poked out of his mouth on each side. He was wearing a pair of black trousers which covered his huge, long legs, a pair of black boots and a large fur-lined cloak on his broad shoulders which acted as a cover.

She blinked as she wondered who he was, a guard perhaps? In all honesty, she didn’t know what her intended looked like, as she fainted the day she arrived, and this was the first time she had remained awake long enough to see someone.

But then the door opened causing her to turn as she saw a tall orc woman at the door.

“By heaven you’re awake “she whispered as she rushed to her side and began to look over her, the woman was mature but not old, she was thin with dark green skin and blue eyes, and the tattoos on her arm were white just like her hair which was mostly white with a few streaks of black going through it. Her tusks were not as large as the few orc women she remembered seeing in her old home of Slyfort.

“How are you feeling dear” she softly asked as she looked at the young lady with a concerned look which she wasn’t used to.

“Do you think you could talk?”

A slow nod.

“Can you tell me your name?”

 “…Li…Lillia”

“Wonderful dear…are you still hurting?”

A slow nod.

“Is it your head “

Nod.

“What about your stomach,” she asked as she looked at the bowl.

She shook her head. “Not…anymore”

“What a relief… still feeling weak “

Nod.

“Nauseous?”

A shake.

“Hungry”

Shake.

“What about…” she started before a loud yawn interrupted her.

“what’s going on? “a familiar voice asked causing the older lady to turn towards him.

“See for yourself sire” she replied, causing Lillia to whimper as she looked up and saw him. Like she had thought he was huge, but his eyes…were red with flecks of gold within them, blinking he looked at her with a relieved look.

“you’re awake,” he said with a smile as he quickly got closer to her and reached out to touch her causing her to try and shy away from him.

“Sire…may I speak with you… outside?” the woman said as she grabbed his large hand before turning to Lillia with a gentle smile “Please excuse us for a moment,” she said as she guided him out of the room.

Once the door closed, Lillia sighed as she curled up into a ball as she put everything together.

Going by the fact that she was told that her husband-to-be was an orc lord and the respect the older woman had shown him in her address, Lillia felt sure that he…was her husband, she was sent here because she was… married to him, that is if she managed to survive the journey to get there, she thought as those cruel words rang in her head again. But his words from the night before caused conflict in her mind.

Why would he show concern when he sent an empty carriage to bring her to his home in the middle of winter? She thought but soon fell asleep again.

Lillia woke up to her name being called as she slowly opened her eyes and looked up to see the kind woman from before.

“Hello dear,” she smiled as she helped her sit up.

“You must be starving would you like to try and eat something? “The older woman asked as she placed a tray on Lillia’s lap, which had a bowl of clear warm broth on it.

She gave a nod as she tried to lift the bowl to her lips, but her joints cried out, causing her to give a soft whimper from the pain. Seeing her struggle the older woman softly asked.

“Would you like some help, dear?” she asked causing Lillia to give a shy nod as the smell of the broth had begun to stir her hunger for the first time in a while. The woman smiled as she picked up the bowl and brought it to her lips as Lillia began to slowly drink the broth.

“it’s only for a little while, just until you get your strength back “the woman smiled as Lillia soon finished the bowl of broth “Let's hope you can keep this down as you need it to feel better” she said as she checked Lillia’s temperature with her hand.

“what’s…. your name,” Lillia asked as she watched the woman.

“I’m Golka my dear” she smiled as she continued to check her.

“I could hear you…in my sleep… you’ve been very kind to me…thank you.”

“It's nothing, my dear, I just want you to feel better…”

Lillia sighed as she lay against the large pillows.

“Maybe you would like to try and take a bath later?” Golka asked her which she responded with a nod.

“That…sounds good “she replied with a small smile causing Golka to give a nod as she got up to leave.

“I'll return to check on you soon,” Golka said as she took the bowls and tray with her as she left Lillia alone.

Lillia gave a soft smile as she leaned back and relaxed as she thought to herself. she wasn’t sleepy but her head still hurt, and she felt aches in her body for not being able to stand and stretch for a while. She knew it would be silly to stand without help but she really needed to use the bathroom which was on the other side of the room.

So, with a sigh, she slowly got up and pulled back the covers, blinking as she saw she had been changed into a plain sleeping gown before she got up and used the bedpost to balance as she stood up. She pulled back the covers to let the bed air as she slowly walked to the bathroom, dragging one foot after the other. She continued to use the surrounding furniture to balance as she slowly got to her destination, closing the door with a sigh as she relieved herself.

Once she was done, she got up before she got a glance at herself in the mirror. Despite her aunt’s insistence, it was hard to classify yourself as a lady, when you’re the same height or even taller than most suitors. Her six-foot-three height often caused issues for her as she was not only tall but quite voluptuous, a claim that was currently questionable as she looked at herself in the mirror. Her long dark-brown locks were tied up in a bun that she dreaded taking down once she was better, the dark circles under her brown eyes made her look exhausted despite how much she had slept. Her face looked gaunt, her lips were cracked and her amber skin dry, causing her to sigh at how messy she looked as she could hear her aunt’s voice in her head.

“How do you expect a husband to come along when you look like a mad fool,” the voice said causing her to remember.

“That young lady… is the fifth marriage proposal you’ve turned down this month” Lillia heard as she stood in front of her aunt’s desk, being adopted by her aunt and uncle as her mother was unavailable to take care of her. Her uncle made the money, but her aunt took care of everything concerning said money or else he might spend it all on his lavish hobbies of horses and gambling.

“But you must understand… he was a horrible person with a fierce temper” Lillia replied as she looked at her aunt.

“And what does that have to do with marriage? “Her aunt replied as she got up. Seeing that she was Lillia’s mother's twin sister. The resemblance between them was uncanny except her aunt had cold eyes which matched her demeanour and was not as tall as her niece.

“Everything…I saw the way he treated people close to him…he’s cruel and I can’t stand him “Lillia replied.

“So what? Apart from him being willing to marry you… he’s rich, well known and he travels a lot due to business, you would barely even see him outside of the bedroom “she heard causing her to frown.

“I don’t care about those things, “she said as she watched her aunt walk over to her drink cabinet as she poured herself a drink “If I’m going to be with someone… I want to be with someone who makes me feel…safe, someone who I can trust to take care of my emotions and can trust me to do the same with his… someone who makes getting up in the morning worth it because I want to spend time with them and them with me… I need to know that they accept me as I am and that I accept them no matter what we might go through … I need to know that they are there with me… I want to love that person and know that they…love me too” Lillia confessed to her aunt as she looked at her.

Her aunt looked at her with a cold glare…before she let out a cold heartless laugh “You poor child… a girl like you… wants to marry for love? Love is an excuse that poor unfortunate couples use as a reason to make marriage work… you don’t need it child… all you need is a rich husband who can buy you whatever you want and if they can…give you a child or two but no more, you already look like you’ve had a few “ she sneered causing Lillia to flinch under her gaze before she waved her hand.

“Go, I’m bored with this conversation… but this isn’t over as I think it’s time, I take this matter into my own hands, “she said as Lillia left the study, wiping her eyes as she returned to her room.

The memory caused her to sigh as she opened the door and made her way to the small corner. Seeing the inviting chairs and sofa, she sat down on the sofa and took the blanket on one of the chairs to wrap around herself, giving a happy sigh at how warm and soft it was as she lay on the large sofa. Thoughts ran through her mind as she thought about her situation.

But then she blinked as the sound of heavy footsteps brought her out of her thoughts before there was a knock on the door, she just managed to sit up before the door opened and…he walked into the room.

For a moment he looked around the room with wide eyes as he saw the empty bed before he turned and saw her in the corner.

“There you are…what are you doing out of bed?” he softly sighed as he walked over to her, his wild mane was now pulled up into a high ponytail with a few beaded braids within it, he had removed the cloak but was till shirtless as he knelt in front of her causing her to curl into the sofa as she looked away from him.

 “I understand that I frighten you.”

She heard him say before he continued “And with all that has happened to you… I can only imagine how much of a monster you must think I am… but I must tell you that when I sent that carriage to get you, it was full of everything that would give you the most comfortable ride here…”

Hearing his explanation caused Lillia to wonder, why he felt the need to tell her all of this?

“…I was furious…when I saw you with…nothing but those thin sheets to protect yourself and now you’re ill because of it… I know that you must be frightened of this whole situation, but I’ll let you take your time to get used to this… we might be wedded but you are under no obligations to me and if I could, I would let you go home… but that’s not possible. “He said as he looked away from her.

“I’ll leave you to rest now,” he said as he got up and left her alone, even though a small part of her did want to ask him for his name.

Thankfully, the snowfall had finally lessened, but the house was kept warm as she recovered.

It had been close to two weeks since she had woken up and thankfully the worst was over, she wasn’t in as much pain anymore, but she still had spells of weakness and was just getting used to solid food again as she was finally able to keep things down.

But she had so much on her mind. Ever since that day… he didn’t come back to see her and no matter how she asked, Golka wouldn’t tell her anything about her situation…or him.

Lillia sighed as she currently sat in a large tub, the warm water was filled with different herbs which made her feel so much better as Golka helped her wash her hair, gently running her oiled finger through her small locs. Detangling them and allowing them to flow separately before she moved on to the next section of hair.

“You seemed troubled about something dear,” Golka said, her voice gentle as she continued to do her hair.

“I’m… confused about a lot of things Miss Golka.”

“Like?”

“This whole situation really”

“Well, the best place to start untangling the mess in your mind… is the beginning “Golka said with a smile as she continued to detangle her locks, smiling as she watched the loose hair at the ends of some locs curl back into place once she gently brushed them.

“Well…” Lillia sighed as she began to talk to the kind woman, telling her about her mother leaving her with her aunt and uncle and their eagerness for her to get married to a rich young man. An eagerness that grew when her uncle began to leave for prolonged periods and would return with debts, resulting in her aunt losing most of her fine belongings for them to live. Suddenly it was her fault that she didn’t marry sooner so that she could take care of them with her husband’s wealth, and then the day her aunt told her the news.

“Oh, look at all of this! “Her aunt cheered as she looked through all the trunks which were full of cured meats, wines, jewellery, fine dresses, and thick furs for winter.

“That’s very nice Aunty but… where did this all come from “she asked as they looked at them, gently touching a fur coat, smiling at how soft it was.

“These…” her aunt replied as she slapped her hand away from the coat “These are gifts for me… from your husband.”

“My what!?!?” Lillia replied with wide eyes, had her aunt finally lost it!?

“Husband… I told you that I was taking this matter into my own hands, and I did, you will be moving in with your husband by the end of the week “

“Aunty this is crazy! How can you marry me off to a man I have never seen before”?

“I don’t care…he could be a troll for all I care…but look at all of these gifts” she cheered as she picked up the clothes and hugged them like they were the best things in the world, looking at her aunt in disbelief, that she would marry her off to a stranger.

“If that’s the case then you marry him!” Lillia cried as she rushed to the door, but as soon as she opened It, she was confronted by four men holding weapons and looking at her with a sneer.

“I knew you would try to run my dear” she heard as her aunt stood behind her “So these gentlemen sent by your… husband will be watching you.”

“She let them take me and they locked me in a shed with barely anything, that’s how I got sick and when I was taken to the ornate carriage he sent. I thought I could recover in it, but it was empty too… I could only wonder… if I did survive… would it be worth it? Worth living with such a horrible person as my husband?” Lillia confessed as she continued to soak, inhaling the steam which helped her relax and open up to Golka who she had come to trust. Thankfully, her back was to the older woman, else she would have seen the disgusted look on her face.

“Lillia… thank you for trusting me with all of this and I wish that this weren’t the case for you… “she said as she rinsed out her hair before pulling it into a braid to dry.

Lillia heard Golka sigh before she heard.

“your husband’s name… is Maha’ra, he is the only child of our war chief, who in turn is only outranked by our ruler, the chieftain, his older brother… he is to inherit his father's role as his cousin is also an only child, though they act like brothers anyway… it's not my story or role to share… despite his differences, abilities and what happened to you, he is not the monster you might think he is “ she said as she helped Lillia out of the tub and handed her a towel.

“Differences?” she asked as she dried off and wrapped it around herself before taking one to wrap her hair.

“you’ll soon see what I mean, my dear “Golka replied “Now let's get you dressed and then it's back to bed with you “She smiled as they left the bathroom.

Lillia sighed as Golka helped rub some fragrant oils on her skin, thankfully the room was very warm from the fire that had been lit in the fireplace by the reading corner. She took the towel off her head and let the warmth from the fire dry her hair as she got dressed in a simple but warm dark blue dress.

“You can stay here and warm up, my dear. But please return to the bed if you feel tired” Golka smiled as Lillia sat on the large sofa and covered herself with a blanket.

“I will” she replied before she watched Golka leave to prepare her dinner. She waited by the fire for a while until her locks had dried enough, so she took them out of the braid so they could dry fully.

Closing her eyes as she relaxed, the warmth of the fire, helped her against the freezing weather. She stayed there for a while but soon felt herself falling asleep, so she opened her eyes and got up, It was too early to go to bed, so she decided to put on a pair of slippers left in the room and rapped the blanket around her shoulders before she left the bedroom.

Once she was out, she realised that she was in a large but quite cosy wooden cabin. She walked down the hallway and came to a balcony which allowed her to look down into a large living room. She continued to walk till she came to a flight of stairs at the end of the balcony which went to a third floor but also went downstairs, so she decided to go downstairs as she continued to look around the home.

The house was simple but was neatly decorated with large furniture made of dark wood for the tables and leathers and furs for the chairs and sofa, there was a large ornate fireplace in the living room before she walked over and sat by a window, to look out of as it faced a different direction than her room which faced the forest.

The house was not in the middle of town, but it was close enough for her to see orcs both male and female walking and going about their business despite the thick snow covering everything, along with a few running around and playing in the snow. But she also realised that… none of them looked like Maha’ra, they all had green skin, though in varying shades so that made her wonder where he got his unique appearance.

“Lillia?” she heard causing her to turn and see Golka looking at her with a surprised look.

“What are you doing down here? “She asked as she walked to her side.

“I …was bored and just wanted to take a walk “she replied as she turned to continue watching out of the window.

“While I would like to see you back in bed resting… I understand your boredom my dear “She smiled as she looked at her “May I …show you something?”

“Sure” she replied as she followed her into the large kitchen and out of its window, Lillia looked out and saw a large group of young male orcs walking to a nearby field where upon taking a closer look, Maha’ra was waiting for them.

“a couple of times a week, the young men of the tribe train in the fields even though there hasn’t been a war or reason to fight in a long time, they learn how to… because they want to protect” Golka explained.

“Protect what?”

“Their families, loved ones, themselves and each other… while it is rare during winter, wild beasts have made their way into the town and try to attack the children and innocent, so they defend them” Golka replied as they watched the group take off their cloaks as they began to split into different groups under his watchful eyes and instruction.

“And as the future war chief, Lord Maha’ra must show that he can lead, direct and he must be the best of them as if they fail, he fails and vice versa. He is their leader and champion and while he could lead with fear, he would rather have the trust and respect of his men.”

Lillia nodded as she listened to her, watching the young ones train with each other as Maha’ra walked around with another orc, with green skin and black hair joined him.

“That second orc is his cousin Akilah, they might as well be twins with how close they are “Golka smiled as they watched the pair talk while watching the young men.

“That’s nice” Lillia replied as she watched them before she sneezed as a cold breeze got to her.

“Now let’s get you back to bed dear, dinner will be ready soon” Golka smiled as she led her into the house again, Lillia followed as they returned to her room.

“Golka?”

“Yes dear”

“Do…do you think…I can speak to him?”

“… I’ll let him know as soon as I can but let's get you warm and in bed.”

Night had come and the room was illuminated with only the fireplace as the bright lights from the lamps still hurt her eyes, but it was bright enough to see and get around as she sat in her warm bed.

She had decided to speak to him but…she didn’t really know why…was it a curiosity to know this strange…man, did she just want to know why he did that to her, her mind was filled with so many uncompleted questions.

But a knock threw them all away.

“…come in,” she said as she sat up and looked at the door.

The door opened as he walked into her room and closed the door behind him before he looked toward her.

“Good evening my lady,” he said as he walked towards her.

“Hello… please sit” she managed to say as she pointed to the chair that had been moved to be beside her side of the bed.

“Thank you “

She watched as he sat beside her bed, his hair was down and he was wearing a black vest that showed off his massive arms with matching trousers on his legs, she wondered if he felt cold in his simple attire, but his voice got her attention.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m much better…thank you…” she politely replied.

“Golka tells me that…you have questions for me?

She simply nodded.

“You can ask or say anything to me without fear.”

Hearing him say that she sighed as she softly spoke.

“…Why? Why me… why not inform me or ask for my hand directly? Why did you ask my aunt…and why send those men?” she said as she didn’t expect herself to get upset this quickly as she continued.

“The deed had already been done…so why not come to meet me beforehand…or even bring me here yourself… it's not like I can oppose or stop you so why? Why…why did you put me in that cold carriage? Why… why?” she managed to say before she couldn’t stop the tears from flowing as she hid her face in her blanket, embarrassed at how easily her tears came as she waited for his fury. But instead, she heard.

“… please don’t cry.”

Had she not been so upset, she would have turned to him in shock as it was hard to imagine that such a soft, almost scared voice could come from someone like him.

” …I have much to explain to you…it was late summer, and I was returning home from an errand my father had sent me on when I saw you by the river… I was truly taken by you and once I returned, I told my father about you. We were about to enquire about you when your aunt reached out to us…at the time it seemed like luck…fate even… But when you arrived in such a state…and I spoke to my father about the situation…we realised that this was an orchestrated plot by someone who took advantage of you… those men did not work for me as I would maim anyone who would think of treating you that way” his voice became harsh and guttural as he said that but then he took a breath before he continued.

” … the carriage was completely stripped as even my father's prized furs were taken before they put you inside that cold shell… I…I am so sorry that all this happened to you.” He took a deep breath before he looked up from the floor.

“I feel terrible that you suffered on your way here, I was ready to send guards…I even wanted to come myself but was told that the bride’s family would ensure your safety as is your tradition, and I foolishly believed it.”

Lillia did not know what to say as she slowly looked up from her blanket, snuffling as she wiped her eyes.

Seeing her wipe her eyes in such a pitiful manner, deeply saddened him as he sighed.

“I have so much to make up for…but please accept my apology for all of this…I'm truly sorry” he said as he bowed his head to her causing her to deeply sigh.

“I…I don’t know…what to say” she confessed to him, causing him to look up at her with a soft yet hopeful look in his eyes.

“Then may I make a suggestion?”

She gave a nod as she looked at him.

“We may be… married in the record, due to your aunt signing on your behalf as your guardian but… the marriage isn’t complete until the bonding ceremony which isn’t till spring…so if you will allow me…I would…like to get to know you, my lady… please give me a chance to erase who you think I am from your mind and show you my true intentions”

Hearing such vulnerable words from him, caused her to wonder if she had judged him too harshly. His kind was known for being proud and strong beings who never settled for anything less, so if he still wanted her after all that had happened, then shouldn’t she at least try? She thought as she looked at him.

Even though she had yet to stand beside him, he looked to be close to two feet taller than her when he stood. Yet in this moment as he sat beside her, he looked quite vulnerable and…small with his hunched shoulders and guilty appearance.

“I…I’ll try but for now…my name is Lillia, “she said as he looked at her, the fire from the fireplace seemed to make his unique eyes glow as he looked at her with a soft smile and hopeful look.

M'baku X Black OC

The moon shone on the fallen snow as the quiet city of the Jabari people began to turn down for the night. but deep in the darkness…through the twisted paths and dark corners. a carriage drove towards the city. the driver guided the oxen through the darkness to ensure its passenger's safety, as it headed towards the palace. 

Dark eyes looked out from his throne room onto his kingdom…his country. Now king and not just leader of the Jabari…many things had changed for the chief turned royal…the 4 tribal elders expected him to leave the mountains and move to the golden palace, but he had refused. After all, from his mountains to the palace was less than a ten minute trip using the royal talon . a mode of transportation he was still getting used to, plus…what was communication technology for? he countered…but there was another reason why he didn't want to leave his home…his people, this land…was a constant in a changing world and in the past year…there had been a lot of changes…at least here…he felt grounded, secure and while he was more accepting of the world below…he still loved this life.

the sudden opening of the doors as one of his many warriors came in and knelt in front of his throne.

“What is it, Ikenna?” M'baku asked as he turned to his warrior who lifted his head.

“ikumkani wam (my king)…she has…returned” 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The king walked through the halls with his guards behind him, dressed in a dark brown kaftan with his traditional furs over his shoulders and arms. his eyes focused as he made his way through the halls before the guard stopped in front of a door.

“She’s in here, ikumkani” the guard replied before the king turned to his men.

“Leave me” he simply commanded, waiting for them to leave him , before he put his hand on the door. but as he got ready to turn the handle…a memory came to him.

“It is…disgraceful! an omen! how can such an accursed woman remain in the palace!”

“not once…or twice, but three times!”

“Lord M'baku…you of all people must respect the traditions and laws of the Jabari” 

“she must be banished!” The three elders cried as the young lord rubbed his temples in frustration.

“Enough!” he finally yelled as he banged his staff on the ground, commanding silence.

“you speak…as if she is diseased…cursed, she’s hurting…and you have the audacity…to tell me to send her away!?!” 

“your ancestors did it…even your father considered it…so you must do the same” one of the elders calmly replied “ because either you do it…or we will” the elder warned as the three older men left the throne room…ignoring the pain-filled roars of their leader…tradition must be followed. 

M'baku rose from his throne and began to pace as thoughts filled his head, he had been the leader of the Jabari since he barely turned 20… and during that time…when no one approached the fearsome leader…she did, she cared and stayed by his side…and now…this!

but the doors opened as a guard rushed in.

“my lord…the lady has been…” he managed to say before his leader stormed past him…and he didn't have to go far before he found attending ladies surrounding her, with her hand over her face as she cried in pain…her tears mixed with blood streamed through her fingers as he rushed over and picked her up as he roared in frustration as it would seem that the elders…beat him to it.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The king sighed as he remembered that day, but he pushed on as he opened the door and stepped into the dark room. none of the lights were on…with only the moonlight and lights from the city illuminating the room. He walked into the room and his breath hitched as he looked ahead.

A silhouette sat by a large window looking up at the moon, upon closer inspection…the feminine figure was wearing a fur cloak which covered her completely, her hand rose and pulled down her hood as she rose and turned to him. her large brown eyes looked up at him before she knelt and bowed her head.

“nkosi…yam (my…lord)” she said or managed to say before she was swept into his strong arm as he held her close.

“Anyone can bow to me…but not you…never you” he said to her as he pulled back to look at his lost love and she looked at him.

She sadly smiled as she raised her hand and placed it on his cheek “ I left you with the most beautiful black hair…and now I see grey”

He placed his hand on her hair…her once dark brown hair, long, thick and full of coils, now sparkled with the long strands of silver that were intertwined into her loose twists that were pulled into a ponytail.

“I would say the same about you” he slowly replied as he moved from her hair to her face…she was still as beautiful as the day he saw her…her large brown eyes, once full of wonder and life…looked so tired, her beautiful brown skin was still flawless…except for the two dark line-shaped scars that rested on her cheeks…there were many women in his tribe and even kingdom. Still, none of them caught his heart…even when the elders told him to take a second wife…he threatened to throw them off the mountain if they dared to do anything behind his back again…because now, his heart was back in his arms.

He sighed as he held her off the ground, internally cringing at how…light she felt in his arms…she was much smaller at him as she stood at 5’5, but she had a beautiful full figure that he loved so much but…it would seem that her travels had lightened her. something he would remedy now that she was home, but for now… he couldn't help it as he rested his forehead on hers and she did the same as they closed their eyes and enjoyed the moment.

“Wamkelekile akhaya (welcome home) Wura”

“It's good to be home,” she softly replied, this moment was almost like a dream…she really was home.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Having moved her to his room, the king sighed as he entered the room and saw her sitting by a table, now he could see her properly. her beautiful brown skin, her hands with her manicured nails…no longer stained red and were now a natural pink with white tips. as they poked out from under her cloak. She was as beautiful as the day he lost her to their foolish and outdated tradition…but no longer…not anymore

Feeling his gaze on her, caused her to look up at him…she was a breathtaking woman. her beautiful eyes, her nose that wrinkled when she giggled, her full dark lips that pulled into the sweetest smile that was made even better by her dimples…but a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts as he turned to the door.

“enter” he simply called, turning as he subconsciously stood in front of her.

 The door opened as a palace guard came in.

“Pardon Ikumkani …but the Jabari council had asked to meet with you tomorrow morning”

“For what reason? the council isn't supposed to meet so soon?” he questioned, feeling quite…irritated by the idea of having to leave her so soon.

“Well…” the guard managed to say before he looked in her direction…well…that made his irritation turn into anger almost immediately.

“Leave…now!” he warned the guard, who quickly bowed before they scurried out of the room. 

The king's anger grew until her voice came to his ears.

“...I'm already causing trouble, aren't I?” 

Hearing her soft voice, full of defeat. killed his anger as he turned to her with soft eyes.

“You…are no trouble at all” he softly replied not wanting to scare her as he made his way over to her and gently picked her up again so that they were eye to eye.

“You…don't have to be gentle with me”

“Why not…you're my wife”

“Not to them…to them…I'm an omen…a stain, perhaps it was wrong of me to return here” she softly replied as she tried to escape his strong arms but failed miserably as he held her close.

“To them? What about me? it’s been…almost 8 years since I've last seen you…held you and you…feel wronged because of them?” 

“Of course I do…because as much as I love you…as much as I missed you every single day…to be banished from your home…not being able to be with you and hold you…and having to wear the shame on my face…of course, I feel wronged….” she replied as she looked at him.

“Do you hate me?” he simply asked, causing her eyes to widen.

“What?” 

“Do you hate me Wuraola …do you hate me for not protecting you and letting them scar you…do you hate me for following our traditions instead of my heart…do you hate me…as the leader of the Jabari…for sending you away” he asked her. but then he confessed.

“Because I did…I hated that I couldn't protect you…I hated that my prayers seemed to be unanswered…I even hated you for talking me into letting you go as it only showed me…how weak I was…I was chief in name but the one thing I wanted to protect…I couldn't and I hated it” he sighed.

She looked at him for a moment before she replied.

“Ndibeke phantsi! (Put me down) M'baku…please” she softly replied.

He didn't want to, it still felt like a dream to him and letting her go…frightened him but… hearing her pleading, caused him to sigh as he placed her on her feet.

“Of course, I feel hatred…but not towards you…either as my leader or husband. we were victims of our tradition…and even though we grew up being taught that we must honour our ancestors by following tradition, no matter how cruel they were…you called out that tradition, and with the power you had…you fought for me…but you were still young and new, yet to earn respect in our tribe…you failed then but you didn't lose this fight…you are king now and the first thing you did was bring me back…you could have forgotten me, married another…yet you brought me home…the only thing I hate…is how much time we lost together”

By now, her tears flowed freely over her marked cheeks which brought tears to his eyes as he hugged his wife into his chest and held her close…as if he was afraid that she would leave again. 

“I swear to you like I did that night when I vowed before the fire of our ancestors…I love you and only death will separate me from you…you are the only one I want to spend my life with…and I won't let anything separate us again” he promised her as he felt her hold on to him as tightly as he held her.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Wuraola opened her eyes as the morning light flooded the room as she sat up on the massive fur-covered bed. She was alone but…the feeling was…warmingly familiar as she placed her hand on where he had slept…still warm, she thought with a small smile. 

They had spent many hours of the night, lying in bed. talking about all that had happened in their time apart. Her husband was pleased to know that…even though they were physically apart…she had stayed close by in the neighbouring countries of Kenya and Uganda…she had also travelled to her mother’s home country of Nigeria and other countries. when he asked her…how she was able to cope…she had confessed that for some reason…she felt like she was going to see him again and how awful it would be for them to meet and she be..downcast or broken…so she kept on living because she had to…

He was even more surprised that she was current with Wakandan affairs which made him feel more guilty for their time apart…especially when she scolded him for challenging King t’challa on challenge day…he then told her about the dealings in the tribe since she was gone…how he had to grow without her by his side…even having the honour of being able to call the late king his brother which helped him to see that…there was more out there without loosing what he held dear. the night was long as they laid beside each other and held each other’s hands which she found amusing as she showed him the plain gold ring on her finger, she explained that in the western world…married women wore gold rings on the fingers to show their commitment to their husbands, his response was to take the ring off and respond that he would get her a better one. 

She slowly stretched as she crawled out of the bed and headed to the bathroom which was both familiar and strange to her. she turned on the water and pulled a large towel off the shelf, as she bathed herself. she smiled as the warm water heated by the mountains flowed over her body and hair which she loosen from her twists. the water stretching her curls and coils as they fell to her waist. she reached for the familiar bar of black soap, internally sighing in happiness as she could never find anything as good outside Wakanda. its warm and musky scent washed over her as she washed her hair and body with the soap. She was enjoying her bath so much that a knock on the bathroom door startled her as she rinsed off her body.

“W…who is it?” she softly called out.

“My name is nneka, inenekazi lam (my lady), his majesty sent us to help you get ready” a soft feminine voice replied back.

“Would you permit us to come in and aid in your bath”

“N...no! thank you…I'm almost done so please wait” Wura replied as she turned off the hot water and stepped out of the bath. She wrapped her clean hair in a towel before she did the same with her body, then she opened the door where she was met by three young ladies who bowed their heads to her.

“Please let us help you my lady…the king is waiting for you” the one in the middle smiled, Wura simply nodded as she entered the room where they sat her down and began to work. one of them on her hair as they oiled her curls and gently combed through it with wooden combs. another, worked on her skin as they rubbed rich thick butter into her skin and the last looked through a pile of clothes that they had brought with them before deciding on a set. 

Wura sat quietly as they worked…she was normally not a fan of being treated like this and she was going to let her husband know about it, but..for some reason, the action of being cared for…felt nice and she was willing to enjoy it this time.

“Now…let's get you dressed my lady” they smiled as they helped her to her feet and began to dress her.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The king sat on his familiar throne, dressed in his regular furs and wooden armour because at that moment…he was not a king but the leader of the Jabari…a leader who had an announcement to make and orders to decree. The two guards beside him could almost feel the tense aura radiating off their king as he glared at the door. but said aura disappeared when the doors opened and a familiar figure entered the room.

Her hair was tied into a simple yet elegant bun adorned with cowrie shells and wooden beads, she was wearing a loose fitted blouse made of beautiful brown and white material with a fitted skirt that was wrapped and tied around her waist made of the same cloth. across her shoulders was a beautiful fur cape that stopped at her knees and was made of the finest and whitest fur he could find, after all…it was her wedding present from all those years ago. He rose from his throne and walked to meet her as she shyly turned away from his proud gaze but was guided back to it by his finger.

“You are beautiful,” he simply smiled, causing her to softly pout at his simple yet sweet words.

“Thank you“ she replied as he took her hand and guided her back to his throne before he sat down and turned to his guards “leave us” he simply commanded before they turned and left till it was only them. He turned back to her and gently held her hand as she stood in front of him.

“Allow me to enjoy the beauty before me…it’s been too long since I've seen such perfection in a woman and to think…she’s my wife” 

“Stop you…you sweet talker” was all she managed to counter with, which made him laugh as he looked at her.

“Umhle kakhulu kodwa unentloni(So beautiful yet so shy)” he replied…she was always easy to fluster, from the moment he met her that day as she walked home from the market square those many years ago…it was almost comforting to know that despite all they had been through…she hadn't changed so much. 

But then a knock on the door interrupted his gazing as the doors were opened and a guard came inside.

“The elders are waiting, my king”

M'baku sighed as he held her close to him before replying “let them in”

“They…are waiting in the meeting room sir” the guard replied, Wura felt his grip tighten on her as he frowned in anger.

“It would seem…that they have chosen to be foolish to the end” he coldly replied before he got up and with his strong arm around her shoulders, left the throne room and headed down the hallway to the meeting room.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The 3 elders of the Jabari tribe, wise old men, once warriors. whose responsibility was to hold up the traditions of the tribe and also guide the leader of their tribe in those traditions. dressed in their beaded tunics and furs. The elders waited impatiently, ready to release their displeasure to their leader for breaking one of their most sacred traditions. 

But they were not ready for the doors of the room to burst open with such force that one of the door’s hinges broke. The 3 men quickly rose to their feet as their fearsome leader stepped into the room. his cold eyes looking down at them as he walked into the room.

“Were you waiting long elders?” he asked as he crossed his arms over his broad chest, daring them to answer as they bowed their heads to him.

“No…not at all,” the first one meekly replied as M'baku walked past them and sat in his chair.

“Good…so…why are you here?”

The three older men looked at each other before the second one bowed to their leader.

“Lord M'baku…we have watched you grow from a boy to a young man before you took the throne of the Jabari from your father…you swore to protect our way and keep our traditions and yet…your recent actions have broken one of our most sacred traditions.”

“Your actions have caused unrest in the people as they fear that…you have forgotten our ways”

“So we have come to ask,” said the third one “ that you restore order…by sending that…umqondiso (omen) away” 

The king's eyes grew dark as he looked at each of them.

“Are you done?” he coldly replied as he slowly rose from his seat “are you done complaining and whining like spoiled dogs!” he yelled as he stalked over to them.

“I say this…not as M'baku, King of Wakanda …but as leader of the Jabari… I have very few regrets in my life and this is my biggest one, I am a warrior…a fighter. Your children and grandchildren have sung my praises in battle…I have defeated both man and beast and seen things that would make one question their sanity and yet… you dare speak to me like a child! and even worse…you dared to call my wife…in my home…an umqondiso…have you forgotten that there used to be 4 of you?” M'baku asked as he looked at them and watched them cower in fear.

“The fourth fool took it upon himself to scar my wife’s priceless face…and I threw that isidenge (fool) off this mountain myself…I was ready to fight you all…my wife begged me not to dishonour our traditions for her and her family’s sake and foolishly… I sent my wife away and you had the audacity to say to me back then… that since I did not traditionally shame her before I sent her away…her banishment wasn't valid in YOUR EYES… I went without my wife for years, praying each and every day that she was safe and would remain safe until we meet again…and now that we have…you three have the audacity to challenge my decision to bring her back!”

“We have to!…have you forgotten her sin…she lost 3 heirs!?...” was all they managed to say before the king responded by hitting the wooden table so hard that its legs collapsed and broke in front of them.

“My wife and I lost 3 children…3 times…we prayed and hoped that she will carry to full term and she didn't and instead of support…you saw it as an omen, isiqalekiso (a curse) and called for her to be banished” 

“The wife of the leader’s womb must be perfect…only a uqalekisiwe (cursed) womb will kill three heirs! “ the third elder shouted back, he had been an elder of the tribe since M'baku’s father and had grandchildren the same age as their leader…so how dare a child like him…challenge their wisdom!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Wura was sitting outside the meeting room, he had asked her to wait with his guards as he spoke to the elders. And despite the slight unhinging of the closed door…the quietness both calmed and alarmed her as she knew her husband was not a quiet negotiator. but… people can change, she thought to herself…

But that thought was quickly broken as the injured door finally came off its hinges as the two of the elders came flying through the closed doors. she barely had time to register the scene before she heard him.

“Mamela kakuhle! (Listen well)!” was all she heard as she looked up to see her husband holding one of the elders in the air by his neck.

“From this moment on… the scarring and banishment of Jabari women who lose children…is no longer tradition or rule and anyone who opposes this…can leave this tribe” M'baku roared before throwing the last elder down to join his fellow elders who were groaning in pain.

“Make no mistake…Wuraola Nkasi…is my one and only wife, mother of this tribe and…Queen of Wakanda…anyone who disputes that…can challenge me for the right” he snarled before he scooped up his stunned wife into his arms and left his guards to deal with the elders. 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The day had gone so quickly after that moment, once he took her to his room. He set the guards at the door as he went to exercise his anger on the training grounds, the poor soldiers, she thought as she could almost feel his anger radiate off of him when he held her.  Apart from the attending ladies and guards coming to serve her food and drink…she was left alone in his room till that evening when a knock on the door came.

“Come in,” she replied as the door opened and the familiar lady from before entered. 

“Good evening, my lady…please follow me,” the young lady smiled as she picked up her fur cape and brought it over to her. 

“Is everything alright?” Wura asked as the warm cape was placed on her shoulders.

“Yes, the king has sent for you” was the simple reply as she got up “ please come with me” Nneka smiled as she led her out of the room and through the palace till they reached a large set of doors. 

Nneka knocked on the door before she opened it and Wura entered as the doors were closed behind her. and she entered the palace greenhouse…a familiar place where she spent so much time, planting…harvesting and..grieving. but then she looked up and saw her husband standing over a bush.

“M'baku?” she gently called out as she walked towards his towering yet silent figure. He could be scary when loud and angry but his silence could be downright terrifying. She got to his side and finally saw what he was looking at.

It was a flower bush, its leaves and branches expertly trimmed and tame to keep it small yet well-shaped. but looking closer, one would realise that this bush…was very special.

“You..kept this?” she softly asked him as she looked up at him.

“Of course I did…you went through so much time and effort to create this little beauty…in honour of our children” he replied, growing from the bush were pink, yellow and red flowers resembling carnations that grew all around the bush but what made the special was felt when she gently stretched her hand out and touched one of the petals and felt a soft warmth as a soft white glimmer followed the trail of her fingers. 

Wura couldn't help as her tears began to fall again, but with a soft smile this time, she turned and looked up at him. 

“Every day..whenever I missed you…I would come here and…talk to these flowers and feel that soft warmth…” he softly smiled as he placed his hand on her cheek and wiped her tears “I vowed I would bring you home and now that I have you…I swear to never lose you again.” she hugged him as best she could which he returned before picking her up and wiping her eyes.

“I was scared to come back…I thought your world would have moved on without me…I'm glad I didn't listen to my fears” she softly smiled.

“How could it…you are my world” he responded.

“and you are mine” she smiled, the weather outside might be storming as the snow fell on the mountains. but at that moment, for the king and his bride as they shared an overdue kiss… all was right with the world. 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Wuraola  (the wealth of gold)

Nkasi ( comfort)

red carnation (my heart aches)

pink (I’ll never forget you)

Yellow (disappointment)

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Alright people, this idea has been in my head and even though I've tried to ignore it...it won't go away. So...i have a story in mind, rough idea of a storyboard above but...yeah, its answers the question for me of why we didn't see this man's wife all this time. So look out for it very soon!

hey this is an old story that was up on my deviantart but i decided to adjust it and post it here.

@zarcake-writes @aelia-likes-monsters @monsterboyfriendcatalogue @nayderz @your-monster-romance @monsterthorst @cuttingthe-painter @featherednutcase @moon23sthings  @teratohfuckyes  @monsters-boos-baes-ohmy @sugary-mystery

Two guards stood at the golden ornate doors which led to the royal chambers, the chambers were currently occupied by a young lady who sat on the huge bed within the chamber, her long reddish-brown hair fell down her caramel shoulders in tight waves as she thought to herself.

Within a few months, her life had changed in ways that she could never imagine. Simply put, she had been, kidnapped, escaped, kidnapped again, escaped again. Kidnapped for the third time along with her grandmother who was currently back at their home village settling some issues over her farms and lands, held against her will, pampered, almost killed, and to top it all off…

She fell in love with someone who she was sure she couldn’t stand at one point but now she couldn’t imagine not being with him, trust her she knew.

But something was bothering her, and it was bothering her for two reasons, one the issue itself and two the fact that the issue was bothering her in the first place.

Turning with a sigh before she blinked at the sudden squeeze she felt around her waist, she looked down at the black and gold tip that was sitting in her lap which caused her to look at the source of her…issue.

The owner of the tail was currently asleep on the bed, his massive tail which was all black with gold lines and dark and light green circles drawn onto it in an interesting pattern but his underbelly was cream and it seemed to go on as it laid across the dark sheets in huge coils and twists before ending on her lap, his large, muscular chest slowly moved up and down as he took in deep slow breaths that sounded like a growl as he continued to sleep, his strong arms laid by his side as his large hands were adorned with sharp black claws at his fingertips. his pale skin which highlighted his muscular build was currently bare of all his customary jewels and clothing which were also off, his long thick black and gold hair was scattered across the many pillows that sat at the head of the bed.

She sighed as she continued to take the sleeping naga’s appearance in because no matter how many times she looked at him, she would always notice something different especially since he went through some very recent changes.

Before they met, she had only heard of his kind in stories…now she was engaged to one, an especially important one at that.

She watched as he gave a roar like yawn revealing his large and sharp teeth before turning around and going back to sleep. Ever since things had quieted down, he had been very busy with his duties, there would be times that he would be awake before dawn, work all day and by the time he would come back, she would be asleep and that went on for many days so she was glad that he was finally taking some time off to himself before he collapsed from tiredness.

“at this rate, you’ll be grey in no time” she giggled as she continued to watch him, but then the issue came back to her mind causing her to look at him with a slight frown.

Maybe she was worried about nothing, but she was also worried about their…differences.

After all… she was a 5’6 woman while he was a naga who was 50 feet long from head to tail tip and when he “stood” he had to be at least 9 feet.

And just when she had gotten used to his old appearance…he went through a “growth spurt” and now she had to get used to it all over again… it made her miss her old normal life in the village a little.

Sure, he could still use his human form, but he didn’t like it at all, as it made him feel weak, so she felt stuck even though she didn’t want to.

She looked down at his tail before giving it a gentle stroke, despite her playful accusations of him having a slimy tail, it was quite smooth to the touch but she could feel the power underneath his scales, due to his personal care of it, he told her that a naga’s pride lies in their appearance especially with their hair and tails which, when it came to him were always taken care of.

She continued to gently stroke the warm tail as she watched him sleep, he had been out for a few hours now and it was almost dinner time, so she reached over and pulled out a small bell from a nearby table and gave a ring.

“you called princess” she heard as the door opened a servant came in, after their engagement, the staff refused to call her by name anymore and so she got used to being called princess, after all, once married she would become his queen.  Another thing was the inclusion of humans working in his palace, as it was once only nagas, but he wanted her to be comfortable plus, people from the surrounding towns were able to find work there.

“yes, could you have dinner sent here please, I don’t think he would be happy having to get out of bed for it,” she said with a soft smile.

“but of course, my lady” the servant replied before she left the room. The lady known as Anthia giggled to herself as she watched her leave.

“and what?... pray tell…is so funny?” she heard a luxurious and warm voice rumble as she turned to look at the now awoken naga who was staring at her with a dissatisfied look.

Even if she got used to his appearance, the one thing she wasn’t used to, his eyes. His black and green eyes always seemed to look into her very being, they glowed in the dim room as he looked down at her while he rose from his pillows.

“oh, hi dear, I’m sorry if I woke you,” she said as she watched him stretch with a roar before looking at her with a slightly annoyed look.

“oh really,” he said as he crawled over to her, his eyes never left hers as she looked at him.

“well…yeah,” she said as she looked away from him, she didn’t mean to wake him but then she felt a warm, wet sensation on her cheek which caused her to look at him with a frown.

“you didn’t,” she said causing him to laugh before repeating the action of licking her cheek with his long tongue which caused her to shriek as she tried to take a swing at him with a pillow which caused him to laugh as he caught her hand and pulled her into his arms before kissing her cheek.

“Sorry for acting grumpy my flower but I’m still pretty tired,” he said with a smile causing her to huff.

“Whatever,” she said as she tried to get away from him, but he refused to let go “now what?” she asked.

“don’t I get a kiss?” he asked with his equivalent of a pout.

“NO!!!” she said as she tried to escape but climbing over his coils was a feat of its own.

“got you my darling,” he said as he wrapped his tail around her waist and pulled her towards him “now pucker up” he teased.

“NOOOO!!!!,” she cried before she bit her lips as he lifted her to his face, shaking her head to avoid his lips.

“flower…”

It’s not like I don’t love him anymore, but I can’t be with him when he looks like this.

Anthia continued to giggle as she avoided his lips but then she noticed that he stopped, which caused her to look up at him.

“umm Kairo?” she called as she noticed his glazed over eyes before he looked down at her with a displeased look as his pupils narrowed to thin slits.

“anthia…what were you thinking?” he said as he looked at her with folded arms as he put her down with his tail.

“what do you mean?” she asked.

“I can hear your thoughts remember,” he said, “so tell me…why don’t you tell me why you can’t be with me,” he said causing her eyes to widen.

“I thought you said you won’t do that anymore,” she said with a frown.

“you know I can’t control it when you’re thinking out loud, so tell me why”

Anthia turned with a frown “don’t worry about it” she murmured.

“DON’T WORRY???” he roared causing her to look at him with widening eyes “when I hear you saying you don’t want to be with me, then I believe I can  and will worry so tell me”

“fine… because you remind me of your father” she snapped but she quickly regretted it as she saw the look in his eyes, it was pain, fear, angry but mostly…sorrow.

“kai…Kairo I,”

“Just leave me,” he said as his hair covered his eyes, his tail drawing away from her as he got off the bed with his back turned to her.

“kai listen…”

“JUST GO!!”

“FINE” she yelled as she left the room with a huff, she couldn’t believe this… how could he just dismiss her without allowing her to explain herself, that’s another thing she noticed, he had grown a temper suddenly.

“my lady” she heard as she saw one of the guards, a minotaur, coming to her side “is everything alright,” he asked her.

“I’m fine,” she said as she walked towards her old room, ever since she and Kairo had become a couple, she didn’t sleep there anymore even when she wanted to…he would find ways to convince her to stay with him or she would wake up and find him in her bed which was way too small for him so for the sake of his back and tail, she moved to his room.

“Are you sure my lady” she heard as she turned to him to see his concerned face which caused her to sigh as she looked up at him.

“yeah…I’m fine thank you, just…tell me when Kairo is ready to talk”

“of course,” he said with a bow as he left her, Anthia sighed as she opened the door and walked into her room, and flopped on the bed “what did I do,” she said as she recalled the pained look in his eyes, hopefully he would be ok to talk in the morning. 

 .......................................................................................................................................

This was horrible, he hadn’t left his room for three days and no one could get him to leave, of all the times for granny to take a trip it had to be now, Anthia thought as she watched the servants take back another meal which he refused to eat.

She had to do something, she caused this mess and she was going to fix it, she thought as she walked to his room, but what a surprise, he had used his magic to lock the door.

“excuse me,” she said as she watched a guard pass by “I don’t mean to stop you, but I have a question”

“of course, my lady”

“Is there another way I can get in there”

“I can help you with that” she heard a voice saying causing her to turn to face Sai, his adviser, and before she arrived, his closest friend who was coming towards her. He was a smaller naga who had brown hair that stopped at his shoulders and tan skin with a matching brown tail, despite his young age he always had a look of maturity and integrity about him. “shall we,” he said as he led her away from the royal chambers till, they reached the main courtyard.

“I know what happened my lady,” he said as he looked down at her “but I would like to talk to you”

“I messed up, didn’t I?” she said as she sat on the ledge of the huge crystal fountain which sat in the middle of the large courtyard.

“Not necessarily,” Sai said as he took a seat beside her “but I do understand how you feel”

“…really?”

“yes…after all, he’s not the person you fell in love with, well…physically speaking” Sai said causing her to look up at him.

“How did you know that?”

“well…I’ve noticed in the past weeks, that you haven’t been as affectionate as he has been to you”

“was it that obvious” she moaned.

“not to everyone, except to me”

“Oh…” she said as she looked up at him.

“so, what happened my lady…why has my king lost your love?” Sai asked with concern filling his light brown eyes

“he hasn’t lost my love…it’s just…ever since I was trapped in that nightmare and saw his father and what he did to both him and me, I’ve been terrified …I mean… I knew he was bad but he was a demon, then when I woke up and I thought I lost Kairo without telling him how I truly felt, I don’t think I’ve felt heartbreak before that day, then he comes back to me but the only difference between him and his father’s appearance is that he’s black, gold and green while his father is black gold and red.” She said with a frown.

“When I saw him, no matter what I did, I couldn’t help but see that monster, but I love him so much that I didn’t want to tell him so that I didn’t hurt him anymore”

“do you love him my lady” Sai asked.

“I love him more than any other man I have ever loved,” she said as she looked up at him.

“I know that my lady and I know he knows that I can only hope he sees that,” he said as he offered her his hand as he helped her off before they walked inside.

“I’m glad that you’re here Sai, you’re an amazing person for dealing with this”

“Why thank you, my lady, I think you’re an amazing person as well,” he said as they walked inside unaware of the spiral of green and black flames that glowed above where they were sitting before dissipating into the air.

  ...................................................................................................................................

Night-time at the palace was always peaceful and quiet when there were no celebrations going on, the staff were winding down for the night, as they worked and talked with each other, Anthia strolled down the hallways which were lit giving off a warm glow within the palace.

She was dressed in a red silk nightgown with a matching robe with her hair up in a bun, she walks up to a balcony to enjoy the calm night, she walked up to the ledge as she looked down at the beautiful scenery.

“damn I miss this,” she said as she remembered how they would stargaze together, then he would take her in when she fell asleep under the stars, she remembered those times and how he opened her up to a whole new world, her eyes falling to the gold and ruby ring he gave to her when he proposed a few weeks ago, despite all that had happened she couldn’t take it off.

“oh Kairo…”

“You showed me the world when I was all locked up inside You reached out your hand and took me on A magic carpet ride One look at your smile And I could see the light shining everywhere People like you don't come out of thin air” she quietly sang to herself before she turned and walked back to her room, unaware of the green, and black glow that was following her to her room, she walked in, saying good night from her guards and tucked herself into bed before she fell into a deep but sad sleep.

 ..................................................................................................................................

The sun shone through the window of the darkroom, however, the occupant of the bed didn’t want to get up, she had to, now that the sun was up, so she got up but then fell back onto the bed and her warm pillow.

“still sleepy,” she moaned as she looked up at the ceiling before she got out of bed to go and get ready for the day.

Once she was done, she came out of her room dressed in a deep blue dress with matching slippers and a hairband holding back her curly hair. She walked to the dining hall where breakfast was already served so she took a seat and began to munch on a bowl of diced fruit as she was poured a cup of hibiscus tea.

“good morning my lady” she heard causing her to look up and see Sai coming in.

“good morning,” she said with a smile.

“How are you feeling this morning,” he asked her.

“I’m alright and how are you”

“I’m well my lady, thank you for asking,” he said with a smile.

“Well then, would you like to join me for breakfast”

“I would like that very much, thank you,” he said as he joined her that morning, the silences as they ate was comfortable, but she couldn’t help but miss him even more.

 ..................................................................................................................................

Anthia and Sai walked out of the room before they were met by some of the guards.

“lord Sai, lady anthia has been requested by his majesty,” the captain of the guards said to him.

“that’s alright,” he said before he looked at her “shall we, my lady,” he asked her.

“umm…sure,” she said as she walked to his office, for a while now, he had a separate office from the throne room, to discuss delicate matters away from public eyes and ears.

they reach the throne room before walking into and through it, going through the room before they reached the back of the huge room to reach a huge pair of ornate doors.

“you may go in my lady,” the captain said before they left her and Sai.

“nervous?” Sai said as he looked down at her, noting her hesitation to enter the room as she looked at the floor.

“…yeah,” she quietly said.

“don’t be, I’ll be here if you need me,” he said with a smile as she turned towards the doors and with a large sigh, she went inside the room the large doors closed behind her as she looked around.

The office was decorated beautifully with tones of white, cream and gold, large cushions arranged but he since wasn’t there yet, she continued to look around, seeing various pieces of art hanging around, along with a beautiful bookshelf.

“This is beautiful,” she said as she looked around.

“I’m glad you think so” she heard causing her to turn around and face him.

His thick mane of hair flowed down his back and shoulders with no added jewellery in his hair, the only piece of jewellery he was wearing was his gold cuff bracelets and a simple gold wrap around his waist.

“…anthia”

“…sire,” she said with a slight bow of the head, causing him to frown as he came closer to her, noticing the slight tenseness in her body when he reached out to touch her.

“you’re scared of me,” he said causing her to look up at him to see the most pitiful look on his face.

“I’m…. I’m so sorry Kairo” she started as she stood in front of him “I’m sorry I was distant to you… I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you… and I’m sorry I was so insensitive and then said that to you, you are nothing like that monster and I was so stupid to even think so…I didn’t just fall in love with you because of your looks or power, but with you as a person, and how much love and care you’ve shown me…I don’t know why I didn’t tell you this soon, I didn’t want to hurt you like this… please forgive me” she said as she looked at him, his eyes softened before he gently picked her up as he gently wiped her tears before she did the same for him.

“it’s ok my love, there is nothing to forgive, I should have known how you would feel after what happened and I was so excited to finally have you… that I didn’t even talk to you about it… but please remember that you can tell me anything that is worrying you no matter how trivial you might feel it is, it broke my heart when I heard that, to think that… you didn’t want to be my wife anymore”

“I’m sorry,” she said as he continued to nuzzle her cheek and she was stroking his hair “I do love you kai and I care about you a lot, I wished I could have told you somehow…these  past few days have been horrible”

“I know my flower, I love and care about you too and I did know how you felt when you spoke to sai,” he said as he went over to the pile of cushions and laid her on them before lying beside her.

“you did? How?”

He chuckled as he lifted his hand and snapped his fingers causing a green and black flame to burn above his hand.

“apart from being a weapon, I tweaked this spell and can now use it as an extension of my sense, namely my hearing, even though I couldn’t see you, these flames were always near you…in case anything were to happen to you these past few days”

“I see,” she said as she looked at it before she felt his other hand take her hand before he gently placed the flame in her palm, she flinched as she expected it to burn her, but instead it felt warm and welcoming despite it fearsome appearance…just like someone she knew as his arms wrapped around her as he kissed her cheek.

“from the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one for me. Even when I didn’t know how to love you causing my affection to backfire, I’m grateful that you gave me a chance to love you …so I want you to know flower that you can tell me anything at any time, you will always have my ear…just like you have my heart anthia” he said to her before he snapped his fingers and the flame disappeared.

“I will, I’m sorry that I didn’t trust you enough to tell you…what can I do to make it up to you,” she asked him as she sat up causing Kairo to follow suit.

“hmmm…I have a suggestion” he purred before leaning for a kiss causing her to giggle as she kissed back sweetly as she felt his arms around her as they kissed before she pulled back as he attempted to deepen the kiss and looked at him as she shook her head at the satisfied smile on his face.

@zarcake-writes @aelia-likes-monsters @monsterboyfriendcatalogue @nayderz @your-monster-romance @monsterthorst @cuttingthe-painter @featherednutcase @moon23sthings  @teratohfuckyes  @monsters-boos-baes-ohmy

once again ,this was also inspired by a prompt by @monsterkinkmeme

Maybelle softly groaned as she slowly opened her eyes and looked around as her eyes adjusted to her surrounding, she was now lying in the large theatre chair which had now been adjusted to a more comfortable position. She also had a soft pillow under her head and a warm blanket over her which she moved as she sat up and stretched, rubbing her eyes as she looked around the room as the sunlight began to peek through the blinds… she was about to get up when she heard a rumbling snore behind her causing her to blink before she peeked over her chair and…almost giggled at the sight.

It seemed like he had made himself a nest of pillows on the floor which he was now asleep on, his large mane of hair laid wildly around his head, neck and shoulders as he slept on his side. One of his huge arms under his head as he slept, a low steady rumble came  from his huge chest as he slept, she wondered why he didn’t wake her up when she fell asleep during their movie night the night before as she watched his tail move in his sleep. She remembered what he said to her the night before about…liking her, with her telling him that she felt the same way. She was still a little apprehensive about finding someone new so soon but… it was time to live for herself and if this made her happy…then why not embrace it.

“you’re staring”

She heard as she blinked before looking at him as he looked up at her with a sleepy smile, his eyes gleamed in the morning sun as he slowly sat up and yawned, revealing his pearly white fangs before he looked at her.

“good morning belle”

“…good morning, sorry I didn’t mean to stare at you “she replied as she watched him stand up.

“it's fine, “he replied as he looked down at her.

“um…shouldn’t you…be back to normal by now?”

“yes…if I was a werewolf but for me, while the full moon triggers a transformation, the sun doesn’t suppress it for me…it’s more like a feeling, the full moon causes the build-up of that feeling too overflow thus causing a transformation and until that feeling becomes steady, then I stay like this” he explained.

“I see… but apart from the full moon, can you transform anytime?”

“yes, but I rarely do and most times it’s because of that…feeling or because my instincts drive me to it, plus…it's hard to find apartments that are willing to lease to an over 9-foot cat” he said causing her to smile.

“Normally I can tell when I can’t push off my transformations any longer but…that night was the first time I wasn’t able to”

“that night?” she replied before her eyes widened as she remembered, the heavy footsteps, his distant behaviour, the large claw mark on her door.

“that was you…that night, you came to drop off my fan”

“yeah and ended up almost slashing your door in half, sorry about that by the way, I wouldn’t have wanted you to meet me that night.”

Maybelle thought about all of this with a sigh before she got up as well and placed the blanket on the chair.

“Are you upset with me?” she heard him ask as she looked up at him

“about what?”

“about…all this…me?”

“There is nothing to be upset about Kesa, I don’t think any less of you at all,” she said as he gave a relieved sigh.

“so…not even about what I said last night…” he said as he came closer to her before gently pushing a stray piece of hair away from her face “because I still feel that way about you… and I’m not asking for you to forget everything that happened and just fall for me, but I am willing to show you that I care and want to build a relationship with you” she heard causing her to blush.

“and if…it doesn’t work out?

“then I am willing to be just a friend, whatever you need “

“but that isn’t fair to you and from what I’ve learnt with about this whole situation…is that a relationship is built on more than just the feeling of love but also trust and friendship along with other things between both people”

“true…so I guess…we have the rest of this cruise…to get to know each other better, and we can start with breakfast” he said causing her to smile.

“sure, but I think I would rather go to my room and shower then we can meet for breakfast wherever it's ok with you” she smiled as she picked up her stuff.

“sure thing meet me back here in an hour?” he said as they walked out of the room as he escorted her to the door and opened it for her.

“sure thing and thank you for being…there for me Kesa” she smiled as she looked up at him

“anytime belle” he smiled before he watched her walk back to her room, then closing his door to also get ready for breakfast.

 ................................................................................................................................................

Maybelle felt surprisingly refreshed and awake after her shower, she got dressed in a blue and white sundress with her curly hair left down for a change before she slipped into a pair of white slippers before she got her stuff and began to walk back to his room, it was another day at sea as they won't reach their next stop till the next day and it would be late by the time the ship reaches the docks. So she hummed to herself as she walked back to his room, softly smiling to herself as she found herself enjoying his company even more now that they told each other how they felt about each other, sure they still had time to learn about each other but right now, she felt quite happy and content with him.

Once again, she knocked on the door and waited for him to open as she found herself smiling and feeling like herself again.

“well hello, there belle,” he said as he opened the door and looked down at her with a smile.

“hi Kesa “she smiled as she looked at him, his hair was surprisingly pulled into a loose low ponytail and he was wearing a black and yellow vest with matching shorts. She smiled as he let her into the room and closed the door before turning to her.

“I’ve already ordered my food but asked them to wait till you called so that they could bring our orders together,” he said as he handed her the room phone to call room service.

“oh, thank you” she smiled as she took the phone from him and made the call as she sat down in the living room. She decided on a chicken and chorizo omelette, with a side of mini-waffles and sausages, along with a pitcher of fresh apple juice. She smiled as he walked into the living room and sat down as well as she finished the call and handed the phone back to him.

“breakfast should be here soon,” he said as he placed the phone on a table, looking at her with a curious look as she giggled at something.

“what?”

“you...have big hands” she giggled as he took notice of his hands as she gave the phone back causing him to laugh.

“I guess so”

“guess so?”

She said as she reached over and compared his hand to hers, he could easily hold both of her hands in just one of his, his large furred fingers which ended with dark claws would look daunting but as if he could sense what she was thinking, he fully retracted his claws causing her to look up at him with a smile.

“is it hard to work with those?”

“yes, hence why I don’t go to work like this”

“and what do you do for work”

“…I’m a paediatrician” he replied causing her to look up at him with a surprised look.

“you’re a doctor?”

“surprised “he chuckled as he looked at her with a small smirk.

“well…to be honest…yes, but then again…what should a doctor look like?”

“true…my mothers a doctor and so are my grandparents…dad is a veteran, and you…what do you do?”

“I’m a teacher, I used to teach pre-schoolers, but I was thinking of maybe going back to school”

“a preschool teacher, that’s a rather…cute job”

“I guess but it depends, you could have a class of cute looking kids that are total nightmares, or you might meet the sweetest kid that the other teachers have labelled as…weird”

“…do you…want to have kids of your own one day?”

“of course…but I guess I’m a little old fashioned by wanting to get married first”

“well I feel the same, so I guess that makes us both old fashioned “he replied with a smile which she returned before there was a knock at the door.

“wait here” he smiled as he got up and went to answer the door, leaving her alone as more questions formed in her head.

He was a doctor, that does explain his empathetic and caring nature plus the fact that he could afford this suite. Money was never a determining factor in a relationship as she would rather be with a hard-working yet caring man with a vision than a spoilt rich boy, though she did find it rather cute as a mental image came to her mind of him playing with babies in his office. What was it with this sudden wave of doctors who looked like they could be on magazine covers?

“breakfasts here belle,” he said breaking her out of her thoughts as she got up.

“coming”

She walked out of the living room and followed him to the kitchen which had an appropriately sized dining room which was laid out with their breakfast orders.

“here,” he said as he pulled out a chair for her.

“thank you” she smiled as she sat down, and he pushed the chair in before taking his seat.

“your welcome”

“so…do you have any siblings, “she asked him.

“yeah, two younger brothers, you?”

“I’m an only child” she replied as she poured herself a glass of juice.

“and your parents?”

“my mother is a nurse and my father is a chemical engineer who works in a research lab”

“if you don’t mind me asking…how did you and your ex meet? He asked as she sighed before she began to eat.

“We were high school sweethearts…he was a year older than me but we bonded over music and having mutual friends, after school, he went to work for his father's company as an apprentice and I went to university and got engaged as soon as I finished” she replied before she looked at him.

“what about you Kesa…did you ever have someone special,” she asked as he ate as well.

“I thought I did… her name was Amani, our dads were friends from the army and we dated during medical school, she was into emergency medicine and was quite brilliant, unfortunately, she was also very sheltered by her mother so when I…turned in front of her for the first time…it ended in her running out of my apartment screaming and then to make the night worse, the police arrested me and locked me in an armoured truck. She called them in hysterics and they thought I attacked her, I almost spent the night at the station till both of our parents explained what happened and I was released, her father was so embarrassed at what happened, even her normally stuck-up mother apologised… I think it was safe to assume that the relationship was over after that and sure I saw her around the school but refused to even listen to an apology from her, eventually she stopped trying to talk to me and that was the end”

“oh wow, I’m sorry that happened to you Kesa”

“it's fine, you never forget first love but you can learn from it and move on “ he smiled which she returned as they continued to eat their breakfast, asking each other simple questions and just enjoying each other’s company.

“so, does it hurt when you change?” she asked as she finished her juice.

“if it’s a forced change then yes but if I do it then no”

“When did you first change”

“in preschool, apparently I sneezed too hard and the next thing I know, my clothes were too small, and my parents were there in record time to pick me up”

“once the shock was done…that must have been a pretty…cute sight “she said causing him to laugh.

“Yeah, one of my teachers thought that too…hence why she’s the only one I still send flowers to on teacher appreciation day “

Maybelle giggled as he said that as they finished eating, he got up and looked at her.

“now that that’s done…might I ask for the lady’s company this morning “he asked as he offered her his hand causing her to laugh as she took it.

hi everyone... so i need your help. apart from my story on here, i am trying to revive on old disney story i wrote with intentions of putting it on my fanfiction account, but now i'm not sure that site is as vibrant as it used to be. so where do you guys think i should put it.

i've uploaded an intro on my fanfiction page for you to check out and let me know what you think.

Thank you.

ps. the first chapter is written and its...close to 5,000 words

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13568995/1/The-prince-s-prepatorial 

@zarcake-writes @aelia-likes-monsters @monsterboyfriendcatalogue @nayderz @your-monster-romance @monsterthorst @cuttingthe-painter @featherednutcase @moon23sthings  @teratohfuckyes  @monsters-boos-baes-ohmy

once again ,this was also inspired by a prompt by @monsterkinkmeme

.........................................................................................................................................

Maybelle had heard of the expression of “heart in the throat” but right now, her heart was pounding so loud in her head that she could barely think at that moment as she looked at him.

His golden cat-like eyes seemed to glow as he looked at her.

His stance was tall but also tense as if ready to strike.

His long and furry striped tail swayed behind him as he stood in front of her.

The dark claws on the end of his huge hands and feet gleamed as his stripped chest gave out a rumbling growl that she could feel on her skin, giving her Goosebumps.

She opened her mouth to say something…anything to keep him from… her, she had seen were folks like wolves and bears, but this was the first time she had seen anyone like him. A white weretiger she thought at first but also maybe a werelion too? but she quickly stopped thinking as he took a heavy step towards her causing her to yelp as she pulled her legs to her, she was right against the door but she knew that in one quick strike, this could all be over.

“we…ke…Kesa?” she managed to whimper as he came closer to her, he growled as she saw his sharp teeth get closer as he got right in front of her before getting on all fours as she closed her eyes, but for some reason that she couldn’t explain, she wasn’t as scared as she thought she would be and she didn’t know if that was good or bad.

“you…did not…run?”

She heard causing her to freeze in thought, the voice was deep with a definite under growl to it, but… it was also familiar, familiar enough that she slowly opened her eyes, with a small jump as his face was right in front of hers.

“did…you want me to”? she replied before internally groaning at how silly that must have sounded before she saw his eyes widen a bit before shaking his head.

“no, never” he quickly replied before he took a deep breath as he got up before helping her to her feet, by lifting her and gently placing her on her feet.

“I…I guess I owe an explanation about…this”

“it would be appreciated but not…if you don’t want to”

“I would…but not like this… could you come back in 30 minutes?”

“umm…yeah sure” she replied as she turned and left, blinking as she stood outside his doors, gathering her thoughts as she began to walk to her room but as she was now moving at a slower pace, her eyes slightly widened as she realized that he was staying in the Atlantis room, the only platinum suite on the entire ship, which from what she remembered was almost 3 times the price of her gold suite which was nowhere cheap. She got back to her floor as she realized that one of the elevators came up to his floor but could only be reached by using his key card, which she didn’t have but her key card worked just fine to get her back to her floor before she got back to her room and went to take a quick shower before she changed into a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt underneath a black light jacket which matched her sneakers. She got her key card and slipped it into her jacket before she walked back to his room, taking the long route now as her card would not work in the elevator.

Thankfully, she remembered the way from the pool as she walked, the sun had set outside but it was not completely dark yet as she got to his floor and walked to the large doors. She took a deep breath before she knocked on the door and waited for a few moments before the door opened.

....................................................................................................................................................

“you came back” she heard as she looked up at him, despite his new look, he also changed and cleaned up as he was now wearing a black t-shirt that she didn’t know could come in his size along with a pair of black basketball shorts, she was a little surprised that clothes even came in his current size as he was at least 3 feet taller than his normal height.

“yeah,” she replied as he invited her into his room, it was massive… that was the best way to describe it. His room was bigger than some houses she had lived in as it had a living room, a mini arcade, a small cinema, a full kitchen on one floor, while his bedroom was upstairs. He led her into the living room which was equipped with furniture that was almost too big for her but was perfect for his current size, a mini-fridge, and a huge screen TV  she blinked as she sat in one of the seats, her feet no longer touching the ground once she was sat comfortably.

“thanks for coming back,” he said as he sat on the huge armchair that was opposite her, his golden gaze was not as vicious as it was before as he looked at her.

“you’re welcome”

There was a moment of silence as they sat there, the quietness was beginning to get uncomfortable for her, so she just decided to ask him.

“what…are you?” she asked him before he gave a heavy sigh.

“I’m…a wereliger, my mom’s a weretiger and my dad’s a white werelion” he explained as she gave a nod, that would explain the black stripes on his body but also the dark spots on his wrists and ankles, the full black and white mane of hair he now had, his tail that was both fluffy and striped but most of all his huge size.

“oh…wow, so…do you have any special powers?” she asked, scolding herself at how childish that sounded but… she did not know what else to ask that wouldn’t sound rude.

“if you want to call them special,  but I have super strength and endurance, awesome night vision, heighten senses such as hearing and smell and increased instincts” he replied as he continued to look at her, she hadn’t looked at him since they started talking causing him to sigh.

“if… you don’t want to be here…you don’t have to be” she heard causing her to blink before she slowly looked up at him.

“it’s not that…”

“really?... you can barely look at me like this…you are scared, aren’t you?

“What!... ok I’ll be honest about this, I didn’t know this about you and when you changed, in front of me…I was scared, scared cause you snarled at me and I have heard of were folk lashing out when they transform. But… you didn’t attack me…so I came back because I was both curious and I want to give you a chance to tell me, rather than me run away and come up with an explanation when you can just give me one… I’m still a little apprehensive since this is the first time I’ve seen you like this but I want to be fair to you and talk to you as a friend and listen to you” she explained as he looked at her, his ears fell a bit as he thought, a rather cute gesture for someone his size.

“I…I didn’t mean to sound so blunt… you’re the second person … I’ve shone this side of me too, without going into details, the first screamed while running from me and then I found myself detained in the back of a police van for being a threat”

“I’m sorry that happened to you”

“it wasn’t your fault, but I didn’t mean to scare you earlier… full moon transformations are often hard ones, hence my earlier behaviour.

“I see”

“I’m sorry once again about scaring you… I never would have hurt you “

“I… I know” she replied as she looked up at him “thank you for telling me this, you didn’t have to”

“But I wanted to, and since we weren’t able to spend as much time together before, would you like to stay for dinner and watch a movie with me?”

“…sure”

 ........................................................................................................................................

Dinner went well, they both ordered room service but he revealed that if he wanted, he could have a chef come to the kitchen in his suite to cook for him, but he saw no use for it except for snacks and such.

She now understood his large appetite, which was even larger now, but he was still his polite self as they ate. But now that dinner was over, they both went to the movie room and sat on the large comfy chairs which were also heated, along with an in-built mini-fridge in the side that contained snacks and drinks.

“got a movie in mind?” he asked her as he used the remote to turn on the projector before scrolling through the list of movies.

“umm… maybe a comedy?” she replied as she looked through the selection.

“sure thing,” he said as they looked before settling on a movie, as he put it on and sat down on the larger chair beside her as they watched the movie. She did not want to sour the mood with her thoughts as they sat together, but her mind was occupied as she watched.

Now knowing this about him, surprisingly did not change her attitude towards him. She still thought that he was an absolute gentleman with a caring heart. She did not think she would meet someone on the cruise, as she was once of the opinion that any relationship that happened right after a breakup was a rebound that would not last. But knowing that she would never go back to her ex, would it really be so wrong to…give this a chance especially if he wanted the same thing.  She felt like she was supposed to be miserable and hurt for a long time, but spending time by herself and with him made her feel…happy, happy enough that she felt that she would be ok with…or without him.

Just then, her phone vibrated in her pocket, she pulled it out, thankfully her screen was dimmed as she looked at the notification from an unknown number.

Fine then, I have tried everything to try and talk and save our relationship but you probably planned this from the start in order to make me look like a fool, my parents have cut me off and I can't go back to work cause of you. I hope you’re happy belle, have a nice life now that you have ruined mine.

She just finished the message when she heard a deep rumbling growl above her causing her to look up as their gazes met, his golden eyes seemed to glow in the darkroom.

“I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t have read that but…to be so self-centered to send such a message to you after what he did… I’m glad you didn’t marry that jerk” he said causing her to blush as she looked at her phone and deleted the message.

“it’s alright… he’s always had a… jealous streak that came out every once in a while, I used to forgive it as I thought that it was just a simple flaw, but… now thinking about it… it wasn’t just jealousy, but also self-centeredness and condescending thoughts, so… I’m glad that I didn’t…marry him to”

“Someone like him would have gotten a beat down from my dad,” he said causing her to laugh as she recalled that he was not the first to say that.

“I would have probably joined in…then maybe…asked you out” she heard causing her to blink before she looked at him.

“…really, wouldn’t that be… a pity date?”

“…not since…I already…kinda…like you” he replied as he looked back at her before gently brushing her chin, causing her to blush at how such a tender touch came from such large hands.

“I…I honestly…do not know what to say to that…but…by no means…does that mean that…I don’t… kind of like you too Kesa” she replied as he gave a smile.

@zarcake-writes @aelia-likes-monsters @monsterboyfriendcatalogue @nayderz @your-monster-romance @monsterthorst @cuttingthe-painter @featherednutcase @moon23sthings  @teratohfuckyes  @monsters-boos-baes-ohmy

once again ,this was also inspired by a prompt by @monsterkinkmeme

Maybelle sat at her table alone as she ate her breakfast after she reported her…discovery that morning. She was told to spend the day out of her room as they fixed the door, thankfully she had booked a few spa treatments and then decided to spend the day at the pool and slides as they waters had calmed down and the pools had reopened. She was hoping to see Wekesa that morning at breakfast but there was no sign of him, so she decided to spend the day by herself for herself…but she found herself missing his presence a little.

She finished her bacon and scrambled eggs before she wiped her mouth and got up before tipping her waitress as she left the dining area, her appointment was in 15 minutes so she decided to slowly stroll to the spa,  taking note of several stores and stalls that she could check out later. As well as the different lounge areas, milkshake and ice cream bars as well as other restaurants.

Soon she arrived at the spa’s entrance and once she had signed in, she was taken inside to her dressing room to disrobe before she had her first treatment which was a full-body hot stone massage, followed by a herbal peel facial and head massage and to finish their gold line mani and pedicure.

She hummed to herself as she took off her dress and shoes before changing into the plush robe and slippers she was given. once done, she tied her hair up into a loose bun and then left and locked the room before she was led to a quiet room which was lit with candles and smelt like lavender and roses.

She knew she was going to enjoy this.

 .........................................................................................................................................

Yep, she was right. That massage was just what the doctor ordered as she found herself dozing off as she laid on the massage table as the two half-elf attendants massaged and rubbed her aching limbs with the hot stones which seemed to suck the stress and bad thoughts out of her. Once done she was given a moment to relax and rest before being adjusted and the attendants began on her facial and head massage. Belle couldn’t help but sigh as the lady gently loosened her bun before they gently oiled her scalp with warm oils which smelt like roses and then began to massage her scalp and neck while the other began her facial by cleansing her face before applying the warm mask to her face. She was too relaxed to think about anything, her life, family, relationships…Robert. At this point, if he had magically appeared in front of her, she would have probably just dismissed him with a wave before calling security. These ladies know their stuff, she thought to herself as they continued with her head massage as they waited for the mask to dry before peeling it off. She could hear them talking to her as they continued, complimenting her skin as well as her now relaxed body which they said was so tense before the massage. After only how long, did they peel off the mask before rubbing different serums into her face as warm steam covered her face and hair.

Once they were done with that, one applied various finishing creams to her face as the other loosely brushed through her hair before pulling it all into a braid.

“alright miss we are all done here, please follow us to the nail section for the last part of your treatment “ belle heard as she slowly opened her eyes, getting up gently as she stretched before following them to the last section where she was sat in a very plush chair before her feet were placed into a warm tub filled with a warm green bubbling liquid which smelt like mint, sighing In relief at the sensation before they did the same with her hands. Asking her to rest as they left her to relax, giving her a chance to close her eyes as she enjoyed the warm waters on her hands and feet.

“excuse me doll, you don’t mind me joining you, do you?” she heard as she opened her eyes to see a tall and very pregnant orc in front of her, her long locks were pulled into a ponytail, as her golden eyes looked at belle.

“oh no please” she replied as she watched the lady smile at her before sitting down as her attendant helped her place her feet in her own tub before leaving them alone.

“Thanks,” she replied as she gave a pleasant sigh of her own as the water soothed her swollen feet.

“you’re welcome,” Belle said as she looked at her with a smile of her own “I’m Maybelle”

“Oxlanna “the orc replied as she looked down at her as they sat together.

“nice to meet you Oxlanna and congratulations “she smiled as she gestured to her large belly causing the orc to laugh.

“Thanks…” Oxlanna said as she gently rubbed her belly over her robe “you have no idea how proud my husband is about this… it's our first pregnancy and we’re having two little guys”

“that’s so cool…I’ve seen you and your husband around the ship, you two are quite the cute couple” belle said causing her to laugh.

“so, I’ve heard…but would you believe that I didn’t think I would marry someone like him,” Oxlanna said causing Maybelle to blink in disbelief.

“really? Might I ask why?”

“well… as the only daughter of a high ranking but now retired army officer… my parents thought that I would also marry a soldier, an orc soldier… so imagine their surprise when this scrawny redheaded software engineer asked me out on a date, one date led to another and 5 years later… here we are “

“and you’re happy with him?”

“more than happy doll, he’s a dream to me and I couldn’t imagine marrying anyone else, you should have seen the look on my parents face when we told them that we’re having twin boys, quickly earned their respect… so how about you Maybelle, what’s the occasion of you being on this fine cruise.

“the occasion was supposed to be my honeymoon, but my ex was an unmarriable jerk and since I booked this, I decided not to waste my money and enjoy the cruise.

“I hope he is not an orc because dishonouring you like that would get him in serious trouble “

“no, he’s human but his folks were pretty mad when I left, “belle said with a small smile.

“good but I have to ask you, now that I remember, who was that handsome man they escorted you onto the island yesterday?”

“…. oh, that’s Kesa, we met here on the ship and we’ve spent time together”

“I see… and what do you think of him?

“he’s… kind, attentive to my feelings and requests, he also enjoys spending time with me …”

“do you like him?”

“I…I would think it’s too early to say that…we just met and… I don’t want to use him as a rebound to get over my heartbreak”

“hmm…let me ask you this belle… do you see yourself ever…going back to your ex?”

“Absolutely not!”

“then…give the guy a chance, there is no set time on dating again after a break-up…spend time with the guy and if its meant to be then awesome, if not…then at lease you would have a cool story to tell later, but… I doubt that after all… his kind are fiercely loyal and upfront about their feelings and from what I’ve seen… he likes you”

His kind? She thought as she heard that, but before she could ask her what she meant by that, an attendant came to get her.

“It looks like I have to go Oxlanna, but it was nice meeting you, maybe we’ll see again sometime around the ship?”

“so far as these kids don’t decide to come early, I’ll see you around doll” she replied as they waved goodbye before Maybelle walked away.

 ..........................................................................................................................................

 And finally, her spa day was done, she honestly couldn’t remember the last time she felt this good. The spa she went to for her bachelorette party had nothing on this place, taking note to book another appointment before the cruise ended as she walked back to her room to take a nap before she went to the pools and slides.

But despite how relaxed her body felt, she was still thinking about what Oxlanna said to her about his kind, she knew for a fact that Wekesa wasn’t human…but she didn’t ask what he was, feeling that it would be rather inappropriate to just ask him due to his unique appearance. Soon she reached her floor before she began to walk down the hallway to her room, humming as she removed her key card from her bag and opened her now repaired door before she entered her cleaned room, then she heard a beep from her room phone.

Miss Davis, you have a message on your voicemail, press # to listen or 0 to delete.

She walked over and turned on the speaker before she listened to the message.

“hey, belle it’s me Kesa, sorry for walking off on you yesterday…I was…occupied with a few things and then slept in this morning so I missed breakfast, but I wanted to ask if you want to meet me for ice cream later by the pool. Call me back when you can” she heard before she picked up the phone and called him back.

“Hello?”

“hi Kesa, it's me”

“belle hi, did you get my message?

“yeah I did and sure I’ll meet you by the pool in a few hours”

“Great, I’ll see you at 5 pm”

“cool see you soon “she smiled before she cut the phone then she hopped into bed to take a nap.

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Kesa sighed as he waited at the bar for her, she should be there anytime now but he took the chance to think to himself about her, sure she had just got out of a horrible situation but goodness, from the moment he saw her, he felt this…protective feeling for her. He didn’t want to be a replacement for her ex, especially since he knew that he would treat her way better than that fool, the thought of him hurting her like that made his muscles tense in anger.

No woman should have to feel as worthless and used as she did due to what he did to her…let’s hope I don’t meet the fool anytime soon, he thought as he looked up before he gasped. He watched her walk into the pool area dressed in a sheer robe, as he guessed that she would be wearing her swimsuit underneath. He, on the other hand, was wearing a floral print shirt that he had left open with a pair of black and gold trunks on, a pair of slippers on and his hair tied up.

Ours, he heard in his head before shaking the thought from his head, shouldn’t you be gone by now, he thought as she walked up to him with a smile.

“hi,” she smiled as she looked up at him.

“hi, belle” he replied as he got up before pulling her chair out for her.

“thank you” she smiled as she sat beside him.

“you’re welcome” he replied as he sat down “so…how are you”

“I’m fine thank you; I had a spa appointment today and I needed it” she smiled as she looked at him “how was your day so far?”

“apart from spending the day sleeping, pretty good” he replied before looking over at the ice cream bar “want to get ice cream?”

“umm…maybe after going on some slides “, she smiled as she got up, with him following her as they walked over to some of the pools with slides attached as he found them a pair lounge chairs to rest on.

“why don’t you go first and I can watch our stuff “ he suggested as she gave a nod before she placed her stuff on her chair and then took off her robe which revealed the black and pink one-piece she was wearing underneath. His eyes widened as he saw her wondering how someone could look soo cute but hot at the same time?

“I’ll see you in a bit” she smiled as she took off her slippers before she walked over to the slides, leaving him behind, to his thoughts of her. Maybelle smiled as she joined the line for a pretty cool looking slide, once upon a time, she used to think that slides and such were childish but seeing and about to go on one filled her with a child-like excitement that she hadn’t felt in a while, a feeling that she had missed. Smiling as she got to the top before being helped by the attendant to get on a tube before she was given the go-ahead and was pushed down the slide with a joyful shriek as she spun and fell down the slide for what seemed like forever before she came out and rode the wave into the pool laughing before she got out of the pool. She looked towards Kesa who was on his phone, so she moved onto the next slide.

 ..........................................................................................................................................

Kesa didn’t understand why he felt so weird, the sun had just begun to set making it the perfect time the adult to enjoy the pool and slides as the families had gone back to their rooms, the full moon was yesterday and he rode it out, so why did his chest feel so tight.

“hey “he heard as he looked over at Maybelle, who was now wrapped up in a large towel with her hair somewhat loose from her braid.

“your turn “she smiled as she looked up at him.

“yeah, “ he said as he began to get up as she picked up their stuff but then he looked up and saw, the full moon beginning to rise in the sky causing him to gasp at the sudden tightness that gripped his chest.

“Kesa!?!??” she said as she looked up at him as she saw him grab his chest “are you alright?!?” she said as she got closer to him as he gasped again.

“i…I’ve got… to go” he managed to say before he took off to her surprise.

“Hey wait,” she said as she had his stuff, chasing after him as best she could, thank goodness for the almost empty hallways or else she would have lost him as she managed to follow him, hoping that he was alright and wouldn’t need help. He continued to run with her following as best she could as she saw him run down a hallway and up a secret flight of stairs with her following him as he was still holding his chest as he ran, till he came to a large pair of doors which he pushed open with her managing to slip through before they closed.

“Kesa talk to me…do you need the doctor…” she managed to say as she tried to catch her breath before she looked at him as he turned to her. Her eyes widened as his greyish blue eyes turned golden as he looked at her before he snarled as he looked up through one of the many windows in his living room to see the full moon.

Maybelle couldn’t even speak as she watched him snarl and growl as he began to change, his already pale skin became even paler till it was completely white and the faint marks on his arms and legs grew and turned black before he snarled as he began to grow, not just in height, as white and black fur covered his body then in build as his shirt soon tore into shreds as he grew out of it quickly, the trunks on his legs thankfully stretched as his already strong legs grew even more in both muscle and size.

@zarcake-writes @aelia-likes-monsters @monsterboyfriendcatalogue @nayderz @your-monster-romance @monsterthorst @cuttingthe-painter @featherednutcase @moon23sthings  @teratohfuckyes  @monsters-boos-baes-ohmy 

once again ,this was also inspired by a prompt by @monsterkinkmeme

...............................................................................................................................................

“Is…is he…dead?”

Maybelle heard causing her to blink before she looked at Wekesa who had broken the silence.

“…no, although I wished he… was at first but… he’s not worth such wishing”

“so…what happened…if I may ask?”

“… we broke up the night before our wedding…because I came to find out something so…cruel about him that I couldn’t forgive, no matter how much I loved him”

“he did something you couldn’t forgive… and it hurts much more because… you thought he was the one?”

“…yes…I thought that he was the one” she sighed before she gently sat up with a sigh.

“do you…regret loving him?” Kesa asked as he watched her closely in case, she needed help , he couldn’t imagine how she felt, to be honest, he felt angry for her but he didn’t want to intrude on her emotions and say something that could upset her even more.

Maybelle wanted to tell him to drop it… but she felt the pressure within, decrease as she let out her hurt.

“I… I do, we were together for 6 years, engaged for 2… I was ready to do a lot for him and us and… I thought he was ready to do the same… so many opportunities lost… chances I could have taken… but I didn’t” she said with a sighed as she looked at her lap before she began to slowly slide off the bed, watching as he took a few steps back so that she could have some room to stand as she slowly got on her feet.

“ready to go back to your room,” he asked as he offered her his arm, slightly frowning as he noticed her hesitation to take it “ its ok Maybelle, I just want to help you” he reassured her. She sighed as she gave a nod before she gently wrapped her hands around his burly arm and balanced herself before she looked up at him and gave a nod as they began to walk slowly back to her room, Kesa placed his other hand over hers as they walked causing her to blink as she looked down at their hands, she got a closer look at his arm as she could see the faint lines and freckles against his skin. They didn’t look like scars, she thought before he stopped causing her to look at him.

“you feeling ok? “he asked as he looked down at her, allowing her to catch her breath if she needed to.

“…yeah, I’m fine thanks, let's keep going,” she said as she quickly looked away from his gaze, those eyes of his are something else, she thought as they continued walking till they finally got back to her room.

“umm…thank you for helping me Wekesa, “she said causing him to smile as he handed her, her room card causing her to blink as she took it from him.

“I picked it up earlier, you’re welcome and please, Kesa is fine, “he said as he noticed the look on her face.

“well then…please call me belle” she replied before he offered her his hand which she slowly took.

“well, then belle… I’ll see you later “ he said with a smile before he released her hand and walked away, she watched him leave till he was out of sight before she realized that there was something in her hand as she opened it and then opened the small piece of paper.

My room number is 2567973, please call me if you need anything or just need someone to talk to, Kesa

She blinked as she read it before she sighed as she opened her door and entered her room to call for some room service as she was suddenly starving.

.................................................................................................................................................. 

Two days had passed and in a few hours the ship would be approaching its first stop, an island well known for its white-sand beaches and waters so clear that you could see the merpeople as they play and swim with the locals, belle had spent the past two days in her room eating, sleeping and watching tv, not eager to leave her room but this island was one of the reasons that she chose this cruise.

She sighed as she finished her can of soda before she placed the can on the table, her gaze drawn to the card Kesa gave her. She felt a twinge of guilt as she hadn’t seen him since that day, and she hadn’t called either for the fear of looking clingy or even desperate for attention.

She was physically alright, but her feelings were still all over the place, she could safely say that she wasn’t in love with Robert anymore, but she still had love for him which made the whole situation worse. she didn’t want him to weigh her down anymore, but instead of a feeling of liberation from what would have been a loveless marriage full of deceit and lies. She still had feelings of self-doubts about what she could have done to make him stay, make him faithful and love her just as much as she loved him.

Well, she had two weeks and some days to figure herself out, so till then…she was going to, or at least try to have fun and enjoy her freedom, but then her room phone rang as she walked over to pick it up.

“hello”

“Hello, miss Davis, this is the operator and you have a call request from Mr. Theron, shall I connect the call”

“…yes”

“ok one moment please” she heard as she heard the line click as she waited.

“belle?”

“…hi Kesa”

“hey! How are you? I was thinking about you” he said with excitement.

“I’m fine thank you… sorry for not calling, I…I just needed the time to myself and wanted to be alone” she said, not trying to overthink his statement of him thinking about her.

“I understand and I’m glad to hear that, you sound a lot better”

“Oh…thanks”

“you’re welcome, are you coming off the ship soon? I would love to accompany you while on the island”

“Are you sure, you don’t have to if you don’t want to”

“I would love to, so what do you say? Shall I meet you at your door 15 minutes before docking?”

“…ok”

“cool, I’ll see you soon”

“see you soon” she replied as he cut the line before she sighed. She didn’t understand his behaviour towards her but at the same time, she appreciated his offer to keep her company and the fact that he wasn’t pushy with it but seemed concerned for her wellbeing.

Well, enough thinking, she thought as she got up from the desk and walked to her bed, she still had a few hours before the ship docked that afternoon so she was going to rest while thinking about the ship's amenities that she was yet to use like the spa and salon, the observation deck as well as the different pools and waterslides.

...................................................................................................................................................

 Well, this almost went wrong, she thought as she quickly got dressed. In her daydreaming, she fell asleep and awoken by the intercom announcement that they will be arriving in 30 minutes which meant that she had only 15 minutes to get ready. She had decided on a blue and white skater dress that came up to her knees with a pair of white slippers. Her hair was up in a bun which she added a white bow to match her white bag and shoes. Once again, she only put on some lip gloss as she looked at herself in the mirror, glad that’s she took these days to herself as she wasn’t looking as bad as before. She looked almost like herself again, but something was still missing… and she couldn’t say what it was.

But then there was a knock on her door to which she gave herself one more look over before she made sure that she had everything she needed before she took a deep breath then opened the door.

“hey!?! We match!!” Kesa said with a big smile as he looked down at her causing her to blink at that as…he was right. He was wearing a white vest that showed of his burly torso and muscular arms along with a pair of blue shorts on his strong legs and white slippers on his feet. His black long hair was pulled into a low ponytail exposing his pointed ears. Despite his height and build, there was still a gentlemanly quality and childlike excitement about him as she had seen men nowhere as big or tall as him who were complete jerks due to their looks.

“that’s quite surprising “she replied as this wasn’t planned at all, but just happened.

He smiled as he gave a nod before offering her his arm again “well… shall we go” he said as he looked at her.

“Yeah let's go” she replied as she closed her door and began to walk with him , taking his arm, she was glad at his enthusiasm of wanting to spend time with her but was still unsure about it as she didn’t want to send a wrong message to him when he was just trying to be polite, but now wasn’t the time for such deep thinking.

She was going to enjoy her time on the island.

 .............................................................................................................................................

She was almost convinced that she should sell everything she had and move to this island, it was the most place she had ever been, the houses were so colourful, the streets were covered in various artworks that added to the charm of the town. But best of all was how friendly the people were to them, she smiled as she saw a centaur give children extra treats on their ice creams, a naga teen help a few local kids get their ball out from a tree only for them to drag him off to join their game, to the amusement of his parents. They had decided to explore the town before heading to the beach before heading back to the ship that evening at kesa’s request which she didn’t mind at all.

“it's so colourful and beautiful here” she smiled as they walked together before she stopped at a stall to watch an older lady make hand-painted fans.

“that it is” he smiled as he looked around before he looked at her and the fans “thinking of getting one?”

“yeah it would be a nice keepsake “ she smiled before requesting one from the lady who asked for her name and what colours she would want as she chose gold ink on a black fan, watching with a smile as she watched her draw some flowers and birds on the fan with the ink, before writing her name in cursive and then she left it in the sun to dry once Maybelle gave her approval of the beautiful fan.

“it will be ready in 10 minutes dear, you can come back and collect it then, “ the woman said with a smile as they walked off to continue exploring the town, the views were just amazing as she took some pictures on her phone, which she had switched to airplane mode so that she wouldn’t get any calls or messages. She had noticed that Kesa had wandered off as she took her pictures, a small twinge in her chest came as she found herself looking around for him.

“hey,” she heard as she turned around and was handed a young coconut with a straw inside.

“here I got this for you to try, I had a sample at the stall, and it was really good,” he said as he took another sip from his drink.

“thank you, what’s in it,” she asked as she could see that it wasn’t coconut water inside the cool fruit.

“it’s a fruit smoothie with apple, dragon fruit and a few local fruits native to the island, “he said before he took another sip.

Belle looked at the drink before she took a sip from her straw and tasted it.

“wow…its good” she smiled as she looked at him with a smile “thank you “she said as she took another sip

“you’re welcome belle” he replied with a smile before he led her down another road which was up a slight slope but the view to the ocean was well worth the walk as she continued to walk with him, sipping her smoothie, but then noticed as he threw his coconut away, that his smoothie was a deep red compared to hers which was a cotton candy pink, but she just shrugged it off as she just thought that he added something to his that he wasn’t sure she would like, hence the different colour.

“what do you think of the island belle?”

“it’s amazing, I wish we were staying here longer, but we still have two more islands to go before we get to Kallio island” she replied as they stopped to enjoy the view as they got to a square that was full of cafes and bars. The cruise last stop was a two-day stay at Kallio island, an island known for its waterfalls and beautiful jungles which housed a hidden resort.

“I’ve heard that Kallio is as magical as it is beautiful, “ he said as he looked at her before he sniffed as he looked around before he pointed “hey…how about we have lunch here,” he said before leading her to a small restaurant that had an open grill in front , as they went inside and sat down near a window with a view of their ship and the ocean.

The menu was quite simple, order your choice of meat and side dish from the menu as it changed each week.

“I think I’m going to go with half of a grilled chicken with paprika fries and coleslaw, “she said as she looked at the menu.

“cool, I think I’ll get a two rack of ribs, some chicken thighs, and grilled lamb chops,” he said as he got up to go and order for them at the grill, leaving her to her thoughts for a moment as she looked out of the window and enjoyed the late afternoon sun.

Why did she feel that twinge in her chest when she couldn’t find him? He was a sweet guy and he had been a good companion to her, but she couldn’t rely on him to distract her from her raw emotions. She had to deal with her feelings on her own and the last thing she needed was to take advantage of his kind nature so that she could feel better. She was in no need for a new relationship and even though she knew that it was wrong of her to feel this way, she felt like…she was cheating on Robert by giving another man her attention like this. He was the cheater not her but…since they never actually broke up, just her yelling at him to fall off a cliff as she stormed out of the room before she left. She felt a pang of sudden guilt as she sat there thinking about it before her phone went off causing her to blink as she knew that she shouldn’t be able to get any type of call or message…except from.

Alert!! All passengers need to return to the boat immediately as we have just received a warning from the ocean team that due to tonight’s full moon, the waters will be too dangerous to sail out tonight. Please make sure you are back on the boat and accounted for by staff within the hour.

She got up as she saw the message, looking up as she saw Kesa walk towards her with the bags of food.

“did you get the message too?” he asked as she gave a nod before he took her hand “come on, it going to take us at least 20 minutes to get back to the boat from here” she heard him say as they left the restaurant and began to hurry back to the boat as she saw other groups and couples make there way back to the docks before they showed their room cards and were let back onto the ship.

“That was unexpected,” she said as they entered a lift to go to her floor.

“yeah it was” he replied as he looked elsewhere as the lift began to move “oh and here, “he said as he gave her the bag of her food as they arrived on her floor.

“thank you Kesa, how much do I owe you,” she asked him as they stepped out of the lift

“don’t worry about it, dinner was on me”

“well then… would you like to join me for dinner?” she asked as she pointed toward a common area where they could sit and eat.

“no thanks… I just remembered I have to do something… so I’ll see you later” he said as he turned and left in quite a hurry as she only managed to wave goodbye before she turned and walked to her room.

 ...................................................................................................................................................

 The alert was right, it was past midnight and the bright beam of the full moon reflected on the dark waters which caused the boat to slightly rock on the water, enough to notice but not to cause any trouble for those on board who would most likely still be asleep. She had fallen asleep as she was watching a movie after dinner after she had pouted as she remembered that she didn’t collect her fan from the older lady, she tried to call kesa’s room to say thank you once again but there was no answer so she would say thanks in the morning. But as she sighed, turning in her bed to try and fall asleep again...

heavy footsteps outside her room causing her to sigh as she closed her eyes, but then opened them again as they stopped right in front of her door. She sat up in the dark as she looked towards her door, even from her bed could hear heavy breathing outside her door but it soon left and she was left wondering what was that, but soon shrugged it off as a heavier person probably looking for a midnight snack as she laid back down and was soon able to fall asleep again for a few more hours.

New story, will update when chapters are finished and i'm happy with them, ideas are appreciated and yes the guy is a monster...but i wont say what just yet, but please enjoy.

@zarcake-writes @aelia-likes-monsters @monsterboyfriendcatalogue @nayderz @your-monster-romance @monsterthorst @cuttingthe-painter @featherednutcase @moon23sthings 

and this was also inspired by a prompt by @monsterkinkmeme

The sound of the ship's horn was the last thing Maybelle Davis heard as the cruise ship, The Sea Goddess, left the docks and sailed away from the land that she called home, she was sat on her king-sized bed within her large suite, to be honest, the room was too big for just her.

But the truth was, she wasn’t meant to be there alone …this was meant to be her honeymoon and they had spent almost the same amount on their wedding on the cruise, but the night before her wedding, she found her soon to be groom, doing the most unforgivable. So… she called off the wedding and since the cruise was booked in her name, she changed the double booking to the most extravagant single booking she could which was the gold package as the platinum package had been booked and she would have to paid a difference anyway.

She sighed as she dimmed the lights in her bedroom using a remote before she got up and slowly walked to the balcony door, then opened it as she stepped out onto the dark balcony as she looked up and watched the ship pull away from land, the city glow slowly dimming as the ship sailed away into the dark waters.

She sighed as she watched, wiping her eyes as she heard her phone ring for the umpteenth time that day pulling it out of her pocket, to see the caller id.

 My dear Robert.

She rolled her eyes as she cut the call before she blocked the number and his texts which ranged from “baby please I can explain… “ to “ you better not be on that ship or I swear I will…”, sighing as she deleted them, along with calls from his family and some of her own, till she saw a single message from her mother.

clear your mind and have fun, don’t come back till your ready, because you know you always have love here…with me.

It was going to be hard having fun when your world feels like its slipping through your fingers but maybe she would feel better after a good night sleep, so she decided to turn in early as she turned on the don’t disturb sign on her door before she took off her clothes and laid in the huge bed in her underwear before closing her eyes and falling asleep to the soft rumble of the ship's engine.

 ....................................................................................................................................................

 Nope…

sleeping wasn’t the best as she woke up crying with a headache, moaning as she sat up as she realized that she didn’t tie up her hair last night and her hair was now an artist’s impression of a nest causing her to sigh as she got out of bed and grabbed a bottle of water. Drinking it as she sat on a chair and looked up, of course, she would wake up an hour and a half before breakfast. But it gave her a chance to figure her situation out.

To leave as quickly as she could, she grabbed her already packed bag which as she could see with her now opened suitcase in front of her, was filled with shirts and bathing suits with the large font right in front.

Just married, Mrs. Mabelle Livinglove.

She was filled with both anger and sadness as she quickly sorted through such clothes and accessories before she picked them up and stomped out to the balcony before she threw them all overboard with a yell as she watched them fall into the blue ocean, panting as she watched the ship slowly push past them, leaving them behind as they floated along the waves. Once she caught her breath, she went into her room and shut the door to tackle her next task.

Maybelle sighed as she stepped into her large bathroom, the rooms and bathrooms were quite large since it was an all-inclusive cruise for not only humans but other people like elves, werewolves, orcs, and the lot and the cruise was known as one of the best for catering for all sorts of people and kinds. The bathroom was equipped with both a large shower stall and a huge bathtub all in white porcelain with gold trim, once she looked around, she sighed as she stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself.

Her dark curls were all over the place, thankfully she had a few headwraps just in case, but she also spotted a hairdryer and brush set so she also thought about blowing out her hair, but first, she had to detangle and wash it. She sighed as her normally bright brown eyes were still red from crying, her caramel-brown skin swollen and red underneath her eyes and cheeks, as she took off the rest of her clothes and turned on the shower, waiting for it to heat up as she got her toiletry bag and walked into the shower stall as she began her mission of making herself look like herself.

 ................................................................................................................................................

To be honest, Maybelle was quite impressed with herself as she left her room, now dressed in a leopard print sundress with a pair of matching slippers and her once messy hair was now washed and dried before it was pulled into a bun, she decided to go with no makeup and just gloss on her lips to fight against chapped lips. She checked that her door was closed and began to follow the signs to the buffet for breakfast which thanks to her upgrade granted her unlimited table service, private seating as well as being able to simply serve herself from the buffet. All things that she was glad for right now as she watched the various families and groups around the ship as she walked. A group of teens both human and werewolves talking and laughing as they talked about how awesome this graduation gift was, a couple of a nice young man and his pregnant orc wife laughing as he teased her for wanting ice cream and hot wings for breakfast with her threatening to throw him overboard with a smirk.

She sighed as she walked to the restaurant, this kind of cruise wasn’t the kind to take alone but I  needed the time alone, she thought as she walked into the restaurant and presented her gold card before she was led to the private dining area and sat down as she looked over the menu before ordering a pitcher of freshly squeezed apple juice. The food looked good, but she honestly wasn’t hungry, yet she knew that she had to eat as she hadn’t eaten since the night before her wedding.

“excuse me miss?” she heard as she looked up and there was a rather nervous looking waitress standing in front of her “ we seemed to have overbooked this morning and got the seating wrong… so would you mind sharing this table with another person?”

“umm…sure, how many?”

“oh, just one” she replied “you’ll also be getting a refund for this mornings breakfast as a thank you,” the waitress said with a small bow before she bounced off causing Maybelle to blink as she watched the waitress go from nervous to bubbly in a matter of seconds.

Maybelle just shook her head before she continued to look at her menu trying to decide if she wanted something sweet or savoury for breakfast.

“here you are sir” she heard the waitress say as she continued to look at her menu.

“thank you” the man replied as he sat down opposite her, her curiosity got the best of her as she looked up from her menu for a moment.

He was in the simplest terms, a model of a man. He had a nice fair complexion which had just begun to receive a hint of a tan, his skin complimented his long black hair which was slightly wavy as it flowed down his shoulders, he had an air of authority about him thanks to his large strong build from what she could see but also a laid back personality as he smiled at the waitress as she apologized for the inconvenient once again. Maybelle was honestly a bit confused as to why a…gentleman like him would be eating by himself but she gave a soft gasp as he turned to her, his greyish blue eyes sparkled as he gave a polite smile.

“I hope I’m not intruding on you, I asked them not to worry about bothering you, but they said you were ok with this?” he said as he looked at her with a kind smile.

“umm… no, its fine really” she replied as she looked at him before her pitcher of juice was brought along with a glass before she asked for more time to order, so did her tablemate.

“Wekesa Devraj Theron but call me Kesa,” he said as he offered his hand with a smile causing her to blink at his unique name and appearance before she took it.

“Maybelle Elena Davis, Maybelle is just fine” she replied before she took her hand back and continued to look at the menu causing him to smile as he did the same.

“first time on this cruise?” he asked causing her to silently sigh as she wasn’t in the mood to talk.

“yes, it is “

“same here but I’ve heard nothing but good things about it “ he replied before the waiter came over and she ordered a small fruit salad without the pineapple and a plate of their chicken and waffles, Kesa went with two of their pancakes which caused her to raise a slight brow as the menu said that each freshly made pancake was a foot wide, along with the carnivorous platter which had sausages, bacon, steak which he asked for rare and fried eggs along with a pitcher of orange juice. They both held on to their menus as the waiter took their orders to the kitchen, giving her a chance to pour herself a glass of juice.

“while he’s gone, I’m going to go and check out the buffet,” Kesa said with a smile as he got up and walked into the main area of the buffet.

She simply gave a nod as he said that as she felt her phone ring causing her to sigh as she looked at the notification which was a message from an unknown number with a picture which she opened, causing her to frown as she waited for it to load before her hands began to shake as she saw the photo with the caption.

It’s one thing to be an option, another a priority but the fact is…. You were not even a suggestion.

She felt her breath and body shake as she quickly picked up her stuff and rushed out of the buffet to the concerned calls of the staff behind her, she refused to cry in public but at least she had her suite. She quickly ran through the halls and stairs before she got to her floor, quickly pulling out her key card and opening her door, almost falling into her room before slamming the door as she tried to catch her breath, her body shaking as she tried to calm down but she couldn’t stop the choked scream that came from her throat as she collapsed onto the floor with her hands over her mouth as her tears hit and soaked into the carpet.

She was ready to do anything for that man… and she wasn’t even a priority in his life, she was ready to move away from family, quit her job and maybe even her dreams for this man and she didn’t even mean anything, so what? She was just an end to a means? A filler to a need? How could he betray her like this?

She didn’t know how long she was on the floor crying, her head and body ached but she really didn’t care, but then she heard a knock on her door causing her to look at the door with bloodshot eyes. A part of her wanted to scream for them to go away, the other wanted to whimper for help and comfort. But she had over-exhausted herself and the room had begun to spin as she heard the door click open just as her head hit the carpet, the last thing she heard was muffled voices asking for help and a stretcher.

 ..............................................................................................................................................

 “Miss Davis?”

“Maybelle? “

“Is she alright?”

“she’ll be fine…”

The voices pulled her out of the dark silence but then the bright light of the ship’s clinic caused her to whimper as she slowly opened her eyes.

“Hey, you’re awake” she heard as she looked up with a confused frown.

“ke…Kesa?” she blinked as her eyes focused and she saw him on one side of her bed and the doctor on the other.

“Miss Davis, how are you feeling?”

“I’ve got a headache and feel dizzy, my mouth also feels real…dry” she said as she took a cup of water offered to her by a nurse and slowly drank it before asking for another cup once finished.

“that’s not surprising my dear, you fainted from dehydration and exhaustion, “ the doctor said with a kind smile as  she finished her second glass of water before she was given some juice to get her blood sugars up “when was the last time you ate?”

“umm… two days ago” she quietly admitted, suddenly ashamed at how she let her break-up affect her health.

“I see… well, once you’ve shown signs of improvement, I’ll let you return to your room if you promise to order room service and eat something substantial and  then come back this evening for a check-up”

“yes, sir I will,” she said, the doctor gave a smile as he got up and turned to leave before turning to Kesa “will you make sure that she gets back to her room young man?”

“of course “ Kesa replied causing Maybelle to look up at him before she heard the doctor leave causing her to sigh “ you don’t have to stay, I’m sure your family or whatever will be looking for you, “ she said causing him to turn to her.

Now that she had a little something in her system, she was now able to get a closer look at him, noticing that… he had pointy ears that poked out through his hair which was still down, as well as some faint but noticeable markings on his face and skin, standing beside her bed allowed her to estimate that he had to be at least 6’4 if not a bit taller.

“they would be… if they were here” he said as he sat on the chair beside her bed before looking at her “but just like you… I’m here on my own”

She blinked as she wondered how he knew that before remembering that he had been in her room when he found her which caused her to ask.

“…how did you find my room?” she asked him, watching as he sighed.

“I came back to the table only to find our confused waiter, wondering where you had gone, only for the doorman to say that he saw you run off. After that and following the directions of a few staff who saw you … we found your room and when you didn’t answer the door, a master key was used and then…”

“…you found me” she sighed as she looked up at the ceiling.

“Yeah… you were unconscious but tears were running down your face as we brought you here” he said as he looked at her, she was hiding something painful and it was hurting her as she stared silently at the ceiling, the silence was getting almost unbearable…

sorry for the wait and short finish but i have more stories coming soon 

@zarcake-writes @aelia-likes-monsters @monsterboyfriendcatalogue @nayderz @your-monster-romance

Alyson had had enough.

First, her oldest son had abandoned her and nothing including several outpours of love would bring him back home to her… instead, he chose his poor father and marries some poor wretch that would never fit in her circle and class.

Then she sends her second son to try convince the struggling couple to accept her help but no… he tells her that somehow, they have money and it isn’t hers. They have a large home and from the few pictures, Eric managed to send her… they weren’t struggling and that wasn’t right with her at all.

She was Alyson claystone, she was one of the richest and most influential people in this city, she had entire sectors at her disposal and yet her eldest son was being defiant and refused to listen to her.

… so, it would seem that she no options.

 ................................................................................................................................

“How is he love?” Kamaria asked as she joined her husband, who was standing outside of the room which had Eric inside.

“he’s locked the door, but he’s breathing is pretty shaky “kain replied as he felt her hands on his arm causing him to sigh as he turned to her before hugging her, taking her by surprise.

“he…he could have died ria…” he started before he felt her rub his back as best she could, it was her small gestures and soft words that helped him through some of the roughest patches, He knew that he could rely on her when he felt bad.

“But you saved him which shows me that you don’t dislike him as much as you think… you could have let it happen but that’s not the kind of man you are and that’s just one of the things I love about you… you would hear him if he did anything rash in there but right now I can imagine what he could be feeling right now and probably wants to be alone to work out his thoughts… you just need to be near if he needs you”

“just like I can count on you to be near when I need you “he smiled as he looked at her before picking her up and walking to the living room but kept a close ear on his brother.

  ................................................................................................................................

Eric couldn’t stop shaking as he wrapped the blanket around himself as if it was the world’s best shield… his mind was running so fast that he couldn’t make a rational thought because it didn’t make sense.

His brother was soo happy with his life.

His mother lied to him about his dad.

All those times he would do stuff for her, it never made her happy.

He could have died, if not for his brother’s superior senses thanks to his orc heritage, something that his parents had taught him to hate but it saved his life.

On one hand, he could hear his mother’s voice ridicule him for giving kain something to hold something over his head, but on the other, he heard a small voice telling him that he didn’t do it to have something to hold over him but because that is what big brothers do.

He was so confused, had his life been nothing but a lie, his mother assured him that this was the best life but now he wasn’t sure he wanted to continue living like this, not when he had seen his brother defend his home and wife, not because they belonged to him but because he loved her and what they had together.

He didn’t know what to do but… he also knew that there was something he needed to do, or rather say.

  ................................................................................................................................

Ria was softly humming as she sat on her husband’s lap, lazily drawing patterns on his chest as she laid her head on his shoulder. But then they both looked up as they heard the door open and Eric walked into the living room before he stood in front of them.

“how much?”

“… excuse me?” kain replied with a raised brow as he looked at his younger brother, he was still shaking, and his heart was racing.

“how much for saving my life, what do you want in return so that we’re even… what can I do to…”

“enough!”

Eric blinked as he looked up in shock as he looked at kain who had a hardened look on his face before he sighed as he picked up his wife and sat her on the sofa as he got up and walked up to Eric.

“I… don’t want anything from you… I don’t want your money, your stuff or anything… you don’t owe me anything because despite what you may think… I don’t hate you kid, yes, you’ve been a pest since you got here… but you’re still my brother… a kid who wasn’t taught any better, no thanks to our mother. I couldn’t and wouldn’t let you get hurt if I could stop it”

“no…no, there has to be something, I have to repay you… so that we can be equal and so…” Eric rambled before kain sighed and pulled him into a hug, silencing the baffled teen.

“why… why are you being kind to me?” kain heard him whisper “you know why I was sent here, I… I invaded your privacy, almost killed your kitten… was rude to you both, why aren’t you angry with me?”

“ I am angry with you, very angry to be honest… but I also pity you in so many ways… yes my father is gone but he didn’t abandon me, even in death he found ways to be there for me, so I can’t imagine how you must feel about your father… yes, you are an adult and I will treat you like one… but you are still a child in your mind and that child is confused about everything they know” kain explained as he continued to hold his younger brother close.

“but…”

“But nothing… you might be a brat” kain said as he felt him flinch in his arms” but… you have a chance to be a better person but you have to choose to be such a person” kain explained before he slowly felt Eric hug him back as he looked up and saw his wife smile at them as she watched.

@zarcake-writes @aelia-likes-monsters @monsterboyfriendcatalogue  @monsters-boos-baes-ohmy @nayderz @teratohfuckyes @your-monster-romance 

It was early in the morning, but Eric couldn’t sleep. Not because he wasn’t comfortable which as much as he didn’t want to admit it, he was, as the room was large and spacious with a large and comfy bed. But… none of this made sense, sure he wasn’t lying when he said that their mother knew where Kain live but she thought that maybe it was a stuffy apartment, not a large home like this which made him wonder.

Where did Kain get the money to afford all of this without their mom’s money?

 .....................................................................................................................

Kamaria smiled as she slowly woke up but didn’t open her eyes as she laid on his chest, smiling as she felt his chest rise and fall as he slept deeply, his arms wrapped around her waist as he continued to sleep.

It was still quite dark even though it was morning as it was still raining heavily and the sky was still dark, but she was nice and warm as they snuggle together. The moment gave her the best chance to think and not be interrupted by anything, namely his affection.

Apart from her job, she honestly had everything that she ever wanted, no debts from school, a stable source of income, a lovely home which was the perfect size for them and marrying her best friend was the best of all but she still had some concerns towards her husband.

She had met his mother when they graduated from school and without having to remember the full event, his mother made it very clear that she didn’t think that she was good enough for him… while his father was nothing but supportive and kind towards them… she didn’t even reply to their engagement… well, she kind of did… by threating to cut him out of her will…again if he married her, to which he replied that he would rather live in a shelter with her than marry a girl of his mother’s choosing. she didn’t stop there as she called all of the wedding venues in the area and threatened them with slander if they held the wedding, so she couldn’t get her dream venue which broke her heart as it was where her parents got married. His dad was a huge help once he saw what was going on and made sure that they had the best wedding they could, so she didn’t blame her husband for missing him as she missed him as well as she really wished that he could have met his grandkids someday in the future. but now that his mother had taken a sudden interest in his life only made her hope that she didn’t do anything to hurt him again.

“what are you thinking about?” she heard as she looked up and saw him looking at her with a sleepy smile before he yawned, baring his fangs as he did while keeping one arm around her.

“just wife things “she replied with a smile before she kissed his cheek and laid her head on his shoulder.

“good morning love” she smiled as she felt him hug her close.

“morning beautiful” she heard him rumble as she hugged him back before she looked at him “how are you this morning?”

“apart from the weather… I’m wonderful dear, and you?”

“a lot better than last night “he replied with a sigh.

“well, that’s a good thing… I don’t like to see you sad” she replied as he looked at her.

“I have you to thank for helping me feel better Ria, I couldn’t imagine being alone with all of this nonsense going on”

“you’re not alone love and you’re welcome “she smiled as she felt his large hand stroke her cheek as they laid together.

“love?”

“yeah?”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me about your brother, I mean I knew you had one but that’s it “

Kain sighed as he looked at her “ because… when my parents got divorced and I moved, mom got remarried within weeks and had him, he was the perfect child, she could show him off and train him the way she wanted… the first time I met him he was 7 and I was 16 and from that moment I knew that he was a brat but he was allowed to be, thanks to his parents. when I would go for weekend visits for my mom, most of that me was spent watching her dote on him while I sat in the background. Apart from that, her husband was a supposed inventor who took joy in seeing me miserable and my mom did nothing, so… once I turned 18, I stopped going over to see her and told her if she wanted a relationship then she would have to come to me… she never did, and to think when her husband left her and Eric, it was somehow my fault since I wasn’t a supportive son.” He explained.

“I see” she sighed as she looked at him before hugging him “I don’t know what she’s up to… but I’m here for you and I won’t let you get hurt”

“Aww… is my pretty little wife going to protect me,” he said with a smirk as she looked up at him with a pout before she gave a nod

“yes I am… starting now as I go and make breakfast but first I must brush my teeth” she smiled as she got up and walked to the bathroom as she heard him get up as well before he left the room. She quickly rinsed her face before she began to brush her teeth, but as she finished and rinsed her mouth, her eyes widened as she heard her husband’s sudden roar causing her to zip out of their room and towards his voice.

“WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!” she heard him roar as she ran into the kitchen and saw him standing over his brother.

“Kain! What’s going on here?” she said as she stood in between them as she noticed Kain holding a large fluffy towel.

“This brat locked Orion out in the rain all night,” he said as he opened the towel as the kitten popped his head out with a sad meow.

“poor baby,” she said as she took the wrapped-up kitten and held him close.

“Hey, don’t blame me, the thing hissed at me, “Eric said causing Kain to snarl at him.

“that’s enough… Kain come with me please “ she said as she took his hand and lead him out of the kitchen “ and Eric… you stay put “ she said causing the teen to huff, but she could tell that he was scared of his brother. They took the kitten to their room where she got her mini hairdryer and turned it on low as she began to dry the kitten causing him to give a sad meow from the towel as he didn’t like the sound of the dryer.

“it’s ok love “she cooed as she dried him off and warmed him up. Kamaria turned to her husband who was pacing the room as he spoke out loud in his native language which even though she didn’t understand him fully she could tell that he was mad.

“Kain dear, can you take over please as I get him some warm milk?” she asked him he gave a nod as he took over and held the kitten close as he continued to dry him as she left the room and walked down to the kitchen.

But then she heard Eric on the phone so, using her small size to her advantage she crept to the kitchen as she listened to him.

“you stupid boy… if that kitten dies, then you will be facing the law, animal control is one area I am yet to get a hold in “she heard, recognising the voice as her dreaded mother in law.

“but mom” he whined “It could have bitten me”

“I would have rather it did, then you kill it and give your brother something to hold over you”

“But I…”

“Listen to me Eric, I’m already mad enough at what you’ve told me about his living situation, so I’ll call you later when I’ve cool down”

“mom…”

“I said I will call you back Eric, goodbye” she heard as the line went dead, Kamaria thought for a moment before walking into the kitchen as if she heard nothing, startling the teen as she went to the fridge and poured some milk in a cup before putting it in the microwave.

“what are you doing here” she heard as she turned to close the fridge.

“warming some milk” she replied without looking at him.

“Is…is it…is the cat… ok?”

“can’t say and even if I could…why would I tell you?”

“you don’t have to be rude”

“My house, my rules,” she said as she waited for the milk.

“don’t you mean my brother’s house?”

“Nope, it’s our home so we both have equal say in it “

“yeah right, you’re just his wife.

“Nope I’m also his friend, companion, confidant and lover” she replied as the microwave oven went off and took out the milk as she began to leave before she heard him say.

“what do you see in him anyway, he’s a monster with a bad temper… it's only a matter of time before he turns on you and hurts you…if he hasn’t already”

“you don’t even know him so I doubt you can give good judgement of character,” she said before she left him and went back upstairs to their room.

“Hey baby how is he,” she asked as she came back to their bedroom.

“he’s all warmed up but looks really sleepy “Kain replied as he gently stroked the kitten who had snuggled into their warm sheets.

“I’m sure this will help” she smiled as she placed the cup of milk in front of Orion who immediately began to drink the warm milk.

She smiled as she saw the kitten drink his milk, but then she thought about what her mother in law said and wondered why she spoke to her son like that and also wondered how she treated Kain when he was younger.

Speaking of whom, Ria looked at her husband who still looked upset as he watched the kitten as well.

“babe…”

“he could have killed him… he’s still a baby”

“I know love… so what do you want to do”

“I want to kick him into the rain and let him see how it feels” he growled causing her to sigh as she watched him stroke the kitten.

They never told anyone but… the reason they got Orion…was because she miscarried almost a year ago and Kain was so scared that he was going to lose her too as it was an ectopic pregnancy which ruptured but thankfully they were able to save her ovaries so she could still have children, but it was so hard on her emotionally… till one day he brought her a kitten as she had always wanted one but life just got in the way and of course it didn’t fill the void, but it helped heal it as she fell in love with her little Orion, which in turn allowed them to heal as a couple but she could see why he was so upset about this.

“but that would just give your mother something to moan about “she replied causing him to snarl as he continued to gently pet Orion before she giggled, causing him to look at her with a raised brow.

“what?”

“it's just… cute to watch you pet him, especially with your hands”

“what’s wrong with my hands”

“their size” she smiled as she compared his hand with hers, making him to smile as her hand looked like a child’s in his causing him to shake his head at her as he laughed.

“Plus, there’s something adorable about seeing a big guy like you being so gentle with a kitten “

“really?”

“yep,” she smiled she looked at him before she moved the cup as Orion finished his milk and crawled into her lap with a purr as she stroked him “my little tough guy” she smiled.

“that he is babe” Kain said as they watched him sleep on her lap “which by the way… you haven’t eaten yet” he said causing her to laugh.

“neither have you Kain… but it seems your brother has “she replied causing him to raise a brow “I saw some takeaway boxes outside his room “

“well then I guess we’re ordering as well then,” he said as he picked up his phone, asking her what’s she wanted then making the order from one of their favourite places before snuggling with her as they enjoyed each other’s company.

  ...........................................................................................................................

It wasn’t fair, Eric thought as he sat on his bed brooding. He saw from the window the delivery boy coming to the door before Kain went to answer it and paid the kid a big enough tip to leave him smiling all the way back to his car.

None of this made sense, Kain shouldn’t be this happy, how could he? He didn’t live in a mansion like their mother, but he looked so content, especially with that wife of his.

The only reason a woman would marry a monster like Kain is for his money and even then, he wouldn’t be so happy and protective of her but… as much as he disliked it, he could see that they cared for each other. But still, this made no sense to Eric as he couldn’t understand how he could be happy but also afford to have such a nice home, but as he heard Kain go back to his room… he decided to do a little… investigation, that would get him back into his mother’s good books.

 ..........................................................................................................................

“This is nice” Ria smiled as she laid against his chest as they both soaked in their bath, breakfast was good, and Orion seemed to be better as he slept on their bed buried under the warm sheets. So, she suggested that since they couldn’t do it the night before due to his brothers’ arrival, they could share a bath then.

“that it is, it’s been a while since we took a bath together “he replied as he looked at her.

“true…remember when we couldn’t do this in our first apartment”

“that place annoyed me to no end”

“I can’t count how many times you hit your head due to how low the ceiling was “she giggled causing him to huff.

“well excuse me for not being little like you” he replied as he poked her cheek.

“and the bathroom?”

“that was just frustrating, I can’t believe we lived there for a year”

“well it was the best choice financially and then once we got married, we got this place from your dad and grandparents as a gift”

“I still don’t know how he knew that we wanted this place and then bought it before we could for us… so I was able to invest the money instead and now we have a nice home, no debts and can do what we want”

“within reason mister” she smiled as he stuck his tongue out at her which she returned before she smiled as they continued to soak in the huge tub together.

“Kain?”

“yeah?”

“I think… I know why your mom sent your brother here “

“… I know too” he replied causing her to raise her brow as she looked up at him.

“she sent him here to see if we were struggling financially so that she could try to draw me back to her side with money”

“How did you know that?”

“because… that’s just the kind of person she is, she wants to own and control people and if she doesn’t own them, then she wants them to owe her.” He sighed before he looked at her “I never told you but she offered me a huge amount of money when we lived in that apartment, I only thought we would be there for a few months but it ended up being a year because I couldn’t find a real estate agents willing to work with us, hence why I bypassed most of them I just decided that even if it takes years I would show her that… we don’t need her money, I don’t need her hold on me and that I can take care of you by myself.”

“Kain…”

“please babe don’t be mad at me but I wasn’t going to and still won't let her win this, she’s a cruel person and I wasn’t going to let her hurt you especially since we were trying for a child at the time… I’ve learnt that with her, the best revenge is showing her that you don’t need her money and influence in this city and that you are happy without her”

Ria sighed as he said that to her “so… if you know this…why let your brother stay here?”

“so that he can also learn that I don’t need them because my happiness doesn’t come from money, the fact that I have my life together and I wake up every morning owing no one is amazing and it is made more amazing knowing that I have you to share this with, “ he said as he raised her gaze to meet his.

“… you’re such a sweet talker love “ she smiled as she stroked his hair before hugging him “thank you for telling me this but please don’t feel like you have to bear things alone, I’m here for you “

“I know and I’m grateful for that “he smiled as he hugged her back before she felt him tense causing her to look up at him.

“Kain?”

“that brat!” he said he hopped out of the tub and put on his robe before storming out of the room again before she sighed.

  ............................................................................................................................

 This didn’t make any sense Eric thought as he went through his brother’s computer, Kain had a nice home office downstairs that happened to be opposite his room. So, it was very easy for him to sneak in there and look at his big brothers’ things, especially… his finances.

The computer didn’t even have a password so it was easy to get into it as he began to look around its contents, he knew if he could find something damming about his finances to tell their mother, it would erase his mistake of that morning and put him back in her good books.

But what he was seeing… would cause her to rip her hair out if she knew this.

Long story short… his brother is rich, richer than what he was showing and with the way his investments were going and growing...

“what the hell are you doing?” he heard a deep growl say from behind him before the chair spun around and he was face to face with a pretty pissed big brother.

“If I tell you right now how much trouble you could be in right now… then I’m just being civil” Kain growled not caring how scared Eric looked “you invited yourself to my private property… attempted to kill my wife’s kitten and now I catch you going through my personal and private information with the intention of sharing it with others”

“I wasn’t…”

“don’t even try to lie to me kid… I know the reason why you came here is to see how poor and struggling I am so that you can tell mother and then she would wave her money in my face and tell me to come back to her, so give me one reason why I shouldn’t turn you over to the law and sue you for breach of privacy with sensitive information?”

“what’s your deal with mom anyway?” Eric shot back causing Kain to snarl, didn’t this kid just hear what he just said?

“what’s my deal?... I was 6 years old when my parents got divorced, that was the hardest thing I thought I would have to go through but then imagine how I felt when she gave up her parental rights and married your father 2 months after the divorce. My dad and I moved to Japan and I was just beginning to feel happy again when my grandparents were attacked and my father took a bullet for them… a wound that would ultimately take his life a few years later, but as he was recovering from the wound… he gets an official letter telling him that my mother’s status has been restored and we have to come back here so that she could have shared custody…” he snarled as he got up and stood in front of the teen with a snarl, his normally bright eyes darkened as he spoke.

“I return thinking that I would get my mother back but no, I return, and I’m introduced to you and that coward called your father, her husband”

“Hey, don’t talk about my father that way, “Eric said as he stood up to his brother, who looked at him before giving a smirk.

“oh really… like I didn’t hear you and your father call mine a monster, a swamp- skinned piece of trash I can recall being one of his favourites to say to me but he didn’t have the guts to say it in front of him, believe me, calling him a coward is me being nice… I had just turned 18 when mother disowned me for not being one of her investors, a well-known racist, daughter’s boyfriend, she kicked me out and removed my name from her will, so I moved back with my father who gave everything he had to send me to school… that’s how I met Ria… I swore that I would work hard and pay him pack for giving up his wealth to take care of me and Ria after we got married… but he didn’t live long enough to let that happened and once again, mom’s response was to turn up to the funeral to mock him for dying poor… except he didn’t… he taught me about investments and It was his investments that paid for me to go to school, other expenses and also bought this house as a wedding present, investments I inherited and combined with my own… as you have unfortunately seen”

Eric stood there silent as Kain continued.

“so now what? You want to stand there and defend your actions, tell me that your justified to sneak into my office and then go through my finances which believe me that’s not even half of it… “

“no… I want to know why the hell she cares so much about you… why she insists on trying to bring you home when I would have given up on your ungrateful behind a long time ago, ever since my dad got ill, I’ve all she’s got.”

“ungrateful? Yeah right… the answer to that is simple… she doesn’t want to believe that I can be happy without her and her money, cause as you can see… I’ve got my own and might I say… because I’m not going to treat you like a kid this time… your dad… isn’t ill and receiving treatment overseas”

“…what did you just say…”

“I said… mom lied when she told you that your dad was ill… he left her for a younger girl and she once again refused to be the loser… so she told you that, she wanted to tell you that he died but she knew that would be too hard to cover in case he suddenly comes back for you”

“you’re… you’re lying”

“and why would I do that… if you don’t believe me, that’s fine but I believe in facing hard truths then softening blows with lies” Kain said as he looked at him, the look of confusion, anger and frustration on his brother’s face almost made him feel bad for him… almost.

“she’ll leaves you; you know?” Eric said as he balled his fists at his side causing Kain to raise a brow

“who”

“that wife of yours… I mean why the hell would she be with you if not for your money “Eric accused causing Kain to smile as he shook his head at him.

“easy because she loves me and I love her, but to people like you and mom… love is such a foreign and strange concept so you don’t even try to understand it as the only language you understand… is money and power”  Kain replied causing Eric to huff as he stormed out of the office and out the front door into the rain to walk to his car on the other side of the road, screw this plan… he wasn’t staying any more, this love thing was sickening to him. The rain had let up but in its place was a heavy fog, but that meant nothing as he had a rough guess as to where his car was.

“Eric stop right there” he heard Kain call out.

“no”

“I’m serious please stop”

here we go  @zarcake-writes @aelia-likes-monsters @monsterboyfriendcatalogue  @monsters-boos-baes-ohmy @nayderz @teratohfuckyes 

and the title is from  Peter Cetera - Glory Of Love 

Kamaria snuggled into her husband’s embrace as she slept, she loved her life, she had a wonderful home, caring friends, loving family but best of all… a loving and devoted husband.

Ring! Ring!! ring!!!

But as that alarm told, there was one aspect of her life she didn’t love…her job, she thought as she opened her tired eyes. She sat up or at least tried to, as she was held down by her husband’s strong arms. She managed to wiggle her way out without waking him, as she tiptoed into the bathroom and turned on the light as she looked at herself in the mirror. her hazel eyes only showed how tired she was as she took her nightwear off and hopped into the shower, trying to forget her daily ordeal of a job, but not noticing the click of the door opening and a large shadow entering.

Kamaria finished her shower and reached out of the shower for her bathrobe, but for some reason, it wasn’t there as she huffed.

“Alright, mister... hand it over,” she said as she placed her hand out of the shower, but quickly retracted it with a shriek as it came back wet with something other than water.

“kain I don’t have time for this,” she said as she heard the deep laugh on the other side of the shower curtain, causing her to poke her head out of the shower curtain to face her husband.

Kain Ryota Tanaka was not a morning person, but at the same time, he could never pass the opportunity to tease his adorable little wife.

“well good morning to you,” he said as he handed her the robe which she quickly put on as she stepped out of the shower.

“good morning,” she said as she went back into their bedroom and walked over to her vanity table.

Kamaria Tanaka was a beautiful young woman, at 25, she had long curly brown hair which reached her mid back, the tips of her hair were red due to a dye job she had done a few years ago that she was trying to get rid of, her light brown skin was thanks to her African and Native American roots, along with her hazel eyes that she complemented with her glasses and a beautiful smile, she was proud of. She was quite short only being 5’4 which beside her husband, made her feel like a child sometimes.

“you look beautiful ria” she heard her husband say as he went to open their bedroom door to let their serval kitten in.

“thank you, love,” she said as she put on a white long sleeve shirt and then a black pencil skirt, as the kitten bounce over to her “good morning to you too Orion,” she said as she picked him up causing him to purr. Kain watched his wife place the kitten on her table so that she could do her make up.

Kain, on the other hand, was the exact opposite of his adorable wife. For starters, he was 7’4 thanks to him being an orc, well a half-orc really and weighed well over 300 pounds, but he was a perfect mix of muscular and chubby which was shown in his large strong arms and legs but his not so flat belly, he had light bluish-green eyes, which changed according to his mood, which went well with his light complexion which was rather strange giving his non-human heritage. In fact, if it wasn’t for his size and other notable features like his fangs and tusks, he could have passed for a really tall human.

Another unique feature he possessed was his thick two-toned hair, a good amount of his hair was jet black, but the rest was a beautiful silvery grey which he took great pride in as it grew well past his shoulders, all the way to his waist when down.

“you ok dear” he heard his wife say as she placed Orion in his lap.

“Yeah I’m alright,” he said lightly bumping his nose with hers with a smile.

“well you and Orion play nice ok,” she said as she picked up her coat and bag “I’ll see you two later,” she said as he gave her a kiss which she gladly returned as she felt him put an arm around her waist.

“I wish you worked from home,” he said as he held her close.

“so, do I love,” she said as she hugged him back “but I don’t unfortunately,” she said as she gave him one more kiss before she walked towards the door.

“Bye darling, I love you” she called as she left the house and stepped into her car and drove away.

“not as much as I love you,” he replied as he watched her leave with a sigh, as he laid back on the bed to catch a few more hours of sleep with Orion curled up on his huge chest. 

................................................................................................................................

 Kamaria hummed as she drove into the hospital where she worked as a medical receptionist, it wasn’t a dream job, but it was a very good pay even though she knew kain hated her working there since it was so far from home, but till she found another one that was closer, they would have to make do. The truth was neither of them had to work, thanks to the cash gift that kain’s father had left them when they got married, plus the huge trust fund kain had. But she didn’t want to just live off his money, especially since she could work as she didn’t want to give anyone the idea that she was only with him for his money.

She got her stuff arranged on her desk as she greeted the nurses, doctors, and patients who came in early before she started her work on the computer.

“good morning miss Andrews” she heard as she turned with a silent sigh, to face her addresser, a young doctor who was still rather bright-eyed and fresh out of medical school, so she didn’t blame him for trying to impress her with his title.

“good morning Dr Arron, it’s been a while and its Mrs. Tanaka now,” she said as she showed him her wedding ring to his surprise.

“Oh, I had no idea that you were married now…he must be a lucky man,” he said with a forced smile which almost caused her to roll her eyes as she had been married for a while now and he was just noticing.

“I’m the lucky one really,” she said as she looked at the picture of them on her desk, not noticing the look of disgust on his face.

“well…I’ll see you later” he said as he hurried away, leaving her to do her work as she hoped that her day went well and fast.

.................................................................................................................................

 “all right boy,” Kain said as he came out the bedroom dressed in a plain black t-shirt and shorts with his hair down as he had washed it that morning “let’s see what we can get you,” he said as he picked up the kitten and went into the kitchen to make a breakfast shake for himself and a bowl of milk for Orion, who bolted out of the kitchen as soon as he turned on the blender.

“poor thing,” he said as he shook his head, Orion was the runt of his litter and they didn’t think he would make it, but he was a tough little guy. Kain took his shake and the milk and went into the living room where Orion was waiting,

“you were waiting on your milk weren’t you,” he said as he placed the milk on the table, as the serval bounced over to him as he rubbed himself on kain’s legs.

Kain laughed as he watched the cat drink his milk as he continued to work on his computer, it was weird, he had the better paying job, in fact, he didn’t need to work at all thanks to his investments, cash gifts from over the years that he had saved and also his trust fund, but ria refused to quit her job and let him take care of things.  he hated the fact that she was so far away from home and some might think it was silly, but he knew he was quite protective of his little wife. Kamaria was a very beautiful woman with an even more beautiful soul, she was perfect to him in every way and the fact that he knew that she was working with people he didn’t know kind of scared him, especially since he knew that some people were still against the whole idea of orcs and humans being together.

But then his phone vibrated as he looked over and smile as he picked the call.

“Hi honey” he heard causing him to laugh.

“Hey baby, how are you” he replied.

“I’m good thanks, just wanted to see what you are up to and how you are doing love” he heard causing him to smile.

“I’m great, thanks for the check-in,” he said “how’s work going”

“it’s going well, I’m on my way to lunch with some of the nurses,” she said, “have you eaten? ,” she asked.

“no, I’m just having a shake right now, I’ll eat before I go to work-out” he replied

“alright make sure you do, and I’ll see you in a couple of hours,” she said.

“I will mom,” he said causing her to reply with a “hey!” as he laughed “take care love and I’ll see you soon”

“ok, dear love you” Kamaria replied.

“love you more ria bye”

“Ciao,” she said as she continued her lunch break. A few hours later and kain was now dressed in a tracksuit with his hair tied back, he took the keys to his new black truck which was the complete opposite of his wife’s used silver corolla and drove to the gym. It was just one of the things that helped him clear his mind and helped his mood, plus he got to hang and work out with some of his friends.

.................................................................................................................................

Kamaria stepped out of the hospital with her head down as she stepped into her car and drove off, once again some of her co-workers had been nasty to her, for some reason the doctors were giving her bad looks, she had dealt with some really impatient patients who were nothing but rude, even though they came late for their appointments. All she wanted to do right now was cry and cuddle her husband.

Kain, his name was mostly associated with bad boys, but her husband was nothing but a sweetheart to both her and her family, she remembered when they were still dating or as he and his father preferred to call it…courting, she felt like he was too good for her both physically and personally, he was so handsome yet so kind-hearted, even in university, he always made time to be with her and show her that he was serious about them.

As she drove closer to home, she passed the gym kain normally went to and wasn’t surprised to see his car parked there, but she decided not to drive in and continued the drive home in order to make dinner for them. Finally getting home, she opened the door quickly as it had begun to rain and stepped inside their home.

 ................................................................................................................................

 Kain soon drove into the driveway and was glad to see a familiar car there. He got out of his car with his gym bag and fortunately, he had showered at the gym, so he was good for the evening. He opened the door and heard his lovely wife humming in the kitchen as a delicious aroma filled the house. So, he dropped his bag and walked over into the kitchen door where he saw his wife already changed into a cute purple nightshirt, with her curly hair up in a bun with a bandana tied around her head and matching slippers on her feet. he loved watching her cook, it was one of her many talents and one thing he loved more than anything was hearing her sing. Just like her, she had the sweetest voice and he could listen to her all day.

“well hello beautiful” he rumbled as he stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her as he kissed her neck causing her to giggle as his tusks brushed against her skin “how was your day?” he asked.

“It was ok, tiring as usual,” she said as she turned to hug him, she knew she was short because she only got above his waist.

“what are you making,” he asked as she looked at him.

“turkey wraps” she replied, “you ok with that,” she asked causing to raise his brow at her.

“I’ll eat whatever you make love” he replied as he kissed her cheek as she served their dinner and they both went to eat together as they talked about their days. after dinner, kain decided to the dishes even though Kamaria asked him not to but he didn’t listen and sent her off to bed.

She went up to their bedroom, and fell on their huge bed, covered in a soft sheet. She reached over and placed her glasses on the bedside table as she laid under the sheets. She heard kain walk into the room before walking into their bathroom where he was for a while as she relaxed.

“Hey babe” she heard as she looked up and saw him stepped out of the bathroom dressed only in a pair of shorts and his long hair slightly covering his left eye as he laid beside her “I need to talk to you”

“ok…is everything alright?” she said as she sat up to face him.

“Kamaria, there is something… bothering me love,” he said as he stroked her face.

“…what is it?”

“Look, babe, I know you don’t like me talking about this, but I want you to reduce your hours at work”

“Why?” she asked him.

“because you’re tired, you wake up at the crack of dawn. Drive nearly 2 hours to get there, work for 8 hours and then drive back every day and then you still come  wanting to be a wife” he said as he pulled her over so that he could hold her close “we’ve been together for 6 years married for 2, I don’t like to see you so tired because you’re still trying to make me happy”

“but kain…I can’t do that,” she said but then he gave her what she called…the look “kain…stop it” she said as she looked away.

“no…I want my wife home more; I miss having you around” he said.

“and I miss you too…but kain, I’m fine… really”

“really ria, when was the last time we had a date night” he bluntly asked causing her to blush.

“kain!!!” she shrieked

“the last time, you fell asleep at the restaurant” he replied, “so as from now, I forbid you from going to work for the next 12 days,” he said to her as he crossed his arms.

“I can’t believe you right now,” she said as she turned away from him, but then she felt him pull her down as he laid down “so what…I’m a bad wife now,” she said close to tears as she felt him kiss her.

“no, my angel you’re perfect, just really tired and you need to take care of yourself more, I would feel horrible if you fell ill due to the stress,” he said drying her tears “so for the next few days, no work for you love ok,” he said getting a small smile.

“…ok,” she said as he began to kiss her neck.

“Mine” he rumbled as he turned off the lights causing her to giggle, as he spoke the native orc language to her which he learned from his father.

“I love you too, Ryota” she whispered to him.

.................................................................................................................................

Kamaria woke up the next morning to be greeted by an empty bed, so she put on her house robe and slippers and went out of their bedroom as she went downstairs.

kain had woken up earlier that morning and after seeing his little wife peacefully sleeping, he decided to make breakfast that morning, he smiled as he thought of that fact that she had actually called in to tell her work that she couldn’t come in for the next two weeks early that morning before going back to sleep. He was happy with the fact that she was going to be home with him, where he would be able to take care of her and just spent time with her. To be honest, nothing could ruin his mood….

But then the house phone rang so he quickly picked it up.

“Hello, Tanaka residence” he politely said into the phone.

“Nice to see you still have your manners” he heard a cold voice said causing his eyes to narrow

“well…good morning mother” he replied, “to what do I owe this call,” he asked her.

“can’t I check up on my eldest son,” she said, “plus I wanted to know if you're still with that…”

“mother don't you dare insult my wife” he quickly said or rather snarled.

“wife? Diane was a wife, so was donna… that woman is not a wife” she said as she turned in her chair as she overlooks her exquisite office. Alyson Claystone was a powerful and very wealthy woman, being born into a family that ruled the jewel trade in several countries and personally owning the largest jewellery store chain in the country.

“do you have anything else to do than insult my wife, if not I’ll like to get back to my life,” he said as he heard her gasp on the other end.

“well before you do, I just wanted to tell you that your brother…”

“step-brother” he corrected.

“whatever will be in town in a couple of days and would like to see you”

“and why would I want to see him?” he asked but then the line went dead causing him to snarl as he put the phone down. Kamaria watched her now pissed off husband paced around their kitchen trying to calm his temper, she hated to see him so worked up, especially when he looked so happy before he picked up the phone. So using her small stature to her advantage, she snuck behind him and hugged him tightly from behind, she felt him briefly stiffen but he soon relaxed when he saw it was her, but even so, she could still tell that he was upset

“If you wonder why I'm smiling

It's because I'm happy with you

And the warm sensations touch my heart

And fill me through and through

I could hold you close forever

And never let you go

So, when I say your eyes are beautiful

It's because I just love you so” she quietly sang as she continued to hold on to him, as she felt the anger and tension melt away from him as he looked down at her with a raised brow.

“good morning my blue-eyed boy,” she said causing him to laugh at his old nickname.

“morning my brown-eyed girl,” he said as he leaned down to kiss his wife causing her to giggle as she looked up at him, he was simply wearing a black vest and grey shorts with his hair tied into a low ponytail.

“what are you doing down here love,” he said as she walked over to the other side of the kitchen to make a cup of tea.

“Oh I was just looking for my hubby” she replied with a smile as she watched him finish cooking “so what do you want to do today”

“well… the weather today is supposed to be horrible” he replied as he looked out the window “but I was thinking of going out tonight if the weather lets up,” he said to her as she sipped her tea.

“That sounds nice,” she said as she stroked Orion who was now on the counter beside her “and I’m sure we can just have a movie night if it doesn’t” she replied as he set the table and pulled her towards the table where they sat and had pleasant breakfast together.

“so… when is your brother coming,” she asked him as she heard him sigh.

“a couple of days” he coldly replied as he looked at his hands only to see his wife’s own on top of his.

“Hey, don’t look so upset,” she said as she rubbed his hand, “I know you don’t like that side of your family but please don’t let them get to you “

“I know…” he said “…but I still want them to leave me…. leave us alone”

“I know love,” she said as she got up and hugged him and he hugged her back “have I ever told you that you give the best hugs,” she said causing him to laugh as she snuggled him.

“no but thanks” he replied as he tightened his grip on her “hey ria”

“yes love”

“Why did you give me a chance, after everything you heard about me back then,” he asked her causing her to giggle.

“because your eyes always gave you away” she replied as she kissed his cheek as she began to clean up the kitchen as he watched her with a small frown as he wondered what on earth his mother could be up to this time.

 ................................................................................................................................. 

The couple continued their day cleaning their home before going to get ready for dinner as it had stopped raining, ria was dressing up while kain was in the shower so she looked through her wardrobe for something to wear, and decided to go with a silver shirt, a pair of black jeans and matching heels. once she was done choosing her clothes and jewellery, she then sat at her table and began to do her makeup.

“Hello beautiful” she heard as he stepped out of the shower with just his underwear on, his hair flowed down his back, as she turned and looked up at him.

“hey love, your hair has gotten longer,” she said as she watched him turn around in order to pick out something to wear as well.

“I know, I’ve been growing it out a bit more…you like it?” he said as he chose and began to dress up in a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt that showed his build.

“I do, it looks cute, “she said without looking away from her mirror as she finished her hair.

“Thanks, babe I try” he replied, as he dried his hair and then decided to leave it down as if fell around his face and shoulders.

"You're welcome," she said as she sat on the end of the bed so that she could put her wedges on.

"here, let me," he said as he knelt in front of her and put them on her feet, Kamaria took the time to admire her husband and could only smile at him, it was so cute watching him put on her smaller shoes with his large hands.

"Aww thank you, you're so sweet," she said as he got up and lifted her off the bed bridal style causing her to laugh as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“hey”

“hi”

“you’re cute”

“and you're handsome, “she said as she ran her hand through his thick locks "I love you"

"Love you more," he said with a small smile.

"How much more," she said as she gave him an Eskimo kiss.

“how about I show you when we return,” he said as he put her down as they put on their jackets before walking hand in hand as they left their home and drove off in kain’s car for an amazing date night.

 ................................................................................................................................

 Kamaria smiled as he drove them back home, it was a wonderful night even though as they drove home it began to rain, again but it didn’t bother her as he drove home, they had a wonderful dinner at one of kain’s friends’ restaurants before going to see a movie. Now she just wanted to get home a enjoy a nice warm bath with her husband before snuggling in bed.

But as they drove into their street, she was pulled out of her happy thought by her husband’s sudden groan.

“what’s wrong kain?” she asked him as he drove.

“someone’s parked in our driveway “he replied as they got closer to their home, but her eyes widened as she watched her husband look at the car and his groan quickly changed into a deep rumbling growl as he looked at the car.

“…kain ?” she said as she looked at him before he suddenly got out of the car and stormed over to the car causing her to gasp as she undid her belt and got out of the car as well, as she watched the door open and a young man stepped out of the car, he was taller than her with a medium build which was nothing compared to kain’s height and size as he looked up at kain with a smirk.

“hi big brother…miss me?”

She blinked as he heard him say that to Kain who looked to be struggling with his anger as he looked down at the young man who couldn’t be any older than 18.

“what the heck are you doing here and how the hell did you find this place?” kain snarled as he looked like he was ready to throw this kid halfway across town.

“mom’s always known where you lived “the boy replied causing her to step in as she saw the look on her husband’s face.

“kain dear, what’s going on?” she asked as she walked to his side and held his hand causing him to turn to her.

“but before we ask any more questions., let's go inside, “ she said as she was getting quite soaked from the rain causing kain to turn as he quickly opens the door and she stepped inside and took off her wet jacket before looking up at him with grateful eyes which he returned as he locked the door before he was disturbed.

“hmm… some of my friend's condos are bigger than this place” he heard causing kain to snarl as he turned to the offending teen, first of all, their home was by no chance small as it was actually the largest house on the street. It was a nice home with a front lawn and driveway which led to a garage. The house had 4 large bedrooms each had their own bathroom, a huge living room that had a nice fireplace, a spacious kitchen and a nice back yard with a high fence which ensured their privacy and also housed a nice flower garden and a few fruit trees. So kain knew that the teen's comment was just to annoy him, but he was doing his best to keep his calm.

“too bad their parents pay for their lives since they have nothing on their own “kain replied as looked down at the teen who huffed at that reply which caused kain to growl back before he felt his wife’s hand again.

“ria…this is my younger half-brother Eric “kain said as he looked at her before looking at the teen “and this… is my wife Kamaria”

“Nice to meet you, Eric,” she said with a polite smile.

“Likewise, “he replied as he eyed her up causing kain to growl.

“Listen, Eric, I don’t know what the hell mom’s up to but I honestly don’t care right now, we are going up to our room for the night… you can sleep in the room down the hall,” kain said as he pointed it out “ do not disturb us or I promise you, you’ll sleep in your car are we clear?”

“can I order a pizza “he replied with a smirk which quickly fell as kain snarled at him.

“I said are we clear?”

“…yes”

“good” kain said before taking his wife’s hand and pulling her to their room for the night.

 ................................................................................................................................

Kamaria sighed as she got undressed in their bathroom and changed into her nightwear which was an old t-shirt and a pair of shorts before she took off her make-up and washed her face before she braided her hair for the night and put on her glasses. She knew that he was upset, but despite how angry he was with this… he was too good a person to let the kid just sleep outside like he could have. He had such a good heart, but he was upset, and she didn’t like that at all.

She stepped out of the bathroom to see him sitting on the bed with his back towards her, so she walked over and got onto the bed before crawling to his side where she saw that he was holding a picture.

The picture was of kain when he was at least 5 years old as he sat on his father's shoulders, smiling as they looked at each other, kain’s father Ryu Tanaka was her husband’s hero, he looked up to him so much and they were so close after his parents divorced. he and his father moved to Japan for a while since his father grew up there having been adopted by an oni couple, kain’s grandparents. But after a while, they moved back since his mother suddenly wanted shared custody, so he stayed. His father despite his fearsome appearance, was an amazing father to kain and even when he introduced her to his father, she quickly learned where kain learned to be an amazing man.

But… a few months after they got married… his father passed in his sleep suddenly, where it was revealed that he died of a complication due to an injury he sustained years before. She honestly didn’t know how he kept it together at the funeral but she knew that for many nights, he cried himself to sleep, wishing that it was a dream but it wasn’t and … worst of all, his mother didn’t seem to care… in fact, a fight they had caused him to cut her off completely… until now.

Ria didn’t know what to say to him but she got off the bed and stood in front of him before she knelt in front of him and hugged him as tight as she could, pouring all of her love into it which she got in return as he hugged her just as well.

“I…I wish he was still here” he whispered.

“I know love… I can’t imagine how much you miss him”

“it still hurts ria”

“I know and I can’t say that it ever won’t stop hurting, so on days when you need it… I promise to love you twice as much until you feel better”

“…promise?”

She smiled as she looked up at him before she got up and encouraged him to lie down before she turned off the light and laid in front of him before laying her head on his chest, smiling as she felt his arms around her as he held her close. The rain still beating against their window as they laid together.

just found an old fic on my laptop of a young couple trying to live their lives... only for the groom’s bratty half brother dropping by on their mothers request and now the poor bride is trying to keep her husband from booting him to the curb.

shall I release it @zarcake-writes @aelia-likes-monsters @monsterboyfriendcatalogue @monsters-boos-baes-ohmy @nayderz @teratohfuckyes