***

As the days passed by at a snail's pace, and the twenty-eight-day ultimatum set for them by the councilor arrived, Munniq's preparations were finally set in motion. All she needed now was for Barahan to approve of her invasion of the castle while he took on Yunusu. Some things couldn't be done when the man was around. But with him gone, she was free to change fate.

Emperor Biyakin was the next piece of her puzzle after Barahan. She needed the emperor if she wanted everything to go on without a hitch. He was just a small piece, but still a piece. If he were to find something out and report it, the consequences would be dire.

That was what led to the message she left behind for Emperor Biyakin after their meeting. One last time, she would meet with the man.

***

Biyakin had at the moment given orders for his troops to get ready for war with the surrounding empires. But he decided to meet with Munniq first before he set out. She had assisted him several times before and he felt that there was nothing he wouldn't do for her as long as it wasn't beyond his capabilities.

Besides, she was the reason he had his current job. The King hadn't wanted to send him here. The parliament had already slated the King's nephew for the job at that time. But Munniq had insisted that it was him she wanted to work with.

It was no secret how this world was weak in every aspect of cultivation, making it a top-notch place for Fabaens to plunder. And the promise of reward from Origin post-victory made it all the more enticing.

Biyakin had already made a careful calculation of all his gains. Perhaps, his grandfather's throne would become his after all these. But who knows, maybe even more rewards would be coming his way?

His stay here had been a bonus leave, having new wives and a crown for such a long time. He felt the need to show his gratitude to Munniq by doing her bidding now and then. Chances were she might take him along on another job as a token of her gratitude.

At least, unlike Barahan, Munniq was from Origin, so befriending her was a plus no matter how he looked at it.

He chuckled to himself as he made his way toward the garden. He could already smell the queen's unmistakable scent.

He found her figure under the shade of some guava trees. Sitting straight as she took in the sight, her hair cascading and flowing to the back of the couch she sat on, she looked as regal as ever.

Biyakin could smell a soothing fragrance from where he stood. He swallowed hard and schooled his emotions. Everyone knew how beautiful Munniq was, but none was allowed the liberty to say. Only the nobles from Origin could dare look her in the face.

With eyes looking down at his feet, he approached her. "Good day, My Lady." He bowed in deference.

Munniq turned slowly and gave him a dazzling smile that momentarily threatened to blind his vision. It almost appeared to him that her lips had become softer, and he quickly looked away with a pounding heart.

This was a woman that had lived for centuries, but at that moment, Biyakin felt there had never been a prettier and finer lady. He didn't know why his thoughts were getting the better of him at such a moment. But there was a chance that he could lose his life here and now if he didn't calm himself.

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Lusting after the privileged ones from Origin was a forbidden path to ply by any noble from any of the minor worlds. Munniq was far and above his station, and woefully beyond his reach.

"Sit." She offered, shifting a little to make room for him on the couch.

Biyakin couldn't be certain, but he thought her voice sounded coquettish. Almost like that of someone trying to seduce a man.

The seat she was offering him was way too close to her that their bodies might be touching if he sat down. An offense the people up there in Origin wouldn't take lightly to.

"Say whatever you need, My Lady, I will stand." He nodded without making eye contact.

She pursed her lips and said, "Look at me, Samineg."

Samineg shivered. The queen hadn't mentioned his real name ever since she installed him on the Biyakin's throne. He looked up at her. She was still smiling.

"Your majesty..." He started but couldn't go any further. Munniq seemed to be getting angry and he was forced to sit down beside her.

The iron rule was that, as a subordinate, he was allowed to say his mind, but wasn't allowed to argue the orders of the men from Origin.

Her face softened when he sat down and she asked, "How long have you been alive, Sami?"

Sami? Biyakin felt like crying. This was exactly his Fabaen wife's pet name for him. It seemed the queen was in high spirits today and merely wanted to make fun of him. Otherwise, why would she call him Sami?

As if on cue, a soothing fragrance slithered up his nose, and he realized that Munniq had applied perfume today. A thing she rarely did.

Her dress was gray as always but today, it was lighter - if his imagination wasn't running wild, he could have sworn that her body was showing.

Samineg forced himself to look down.

"I am almost two millennium years old, your Highness." He forced the words out.

"Ha!" She exclaimed in wonder. "We are almost the same age."

"Anyway, what do you say about returning home and reuniting with your family?"

Samineg, who was now posing as the real Biyakin, squeezed his eyes shut.

Munniq's inviting scent and the scenery fell away from his mind. All he was seeing were the faces of his wife and two daughters - Fina and Sufir.

They had enrolled in a cultivation sect long before he had left. He could imagine how they'd all grown up by now. All he wished for was to reunite with them, maybe marry them off to their choice suitors.

"I would like that, your Highness," he eventually replied. "I'm sure, with your help, our stay here has come to an end. And us Fabaens can never forget what you have done here."

Munniq gave a small sigh, and a sly grin appeared on her face. "You are right about that. But what do you think your wife would say if she finds out about all the other wives you have taken in this world?"

Biyakin turned to face her, frowning. He couldn't understand what she was getting at.

She laughed and raised her hands. "No need to worry, I never intended on telling anyone of your escapade here.

"I'm certainly not going to Fabae any time soon. I understand more than anyone how lonely our soldiers are. A long time away from the family is very tasking even for cultivators."

At that point, Munniq raised a slender hand and offered it to Samineg. The emperor frowned, all the more confused.

"Even I, at times, am not immune to loneliness." She looked into the distance as if in deep thought as she mumbled.

She moved closer as she spoke, making the emperor's heart give out a jolt. What in the heavens could be happening? He wasn't that close to her as to vouch for her conduct, but he was certain she wasn't normally like this. So there must be something wrong somewhere.

Was she really that lonely? Having stayed in this world for more than two centuries without a man, the situation might have started taking its toll on her.

But... something was off.

He clenched his teeth. Everything aside, including the subject of her summons, Biyakin wasn't ready to incur the wrath of Origin.

If Munniq needed lovers, he could supply her with a legion from this world. But he wasn't ready for an untimely death.

Munniq's hand came in contact with his face then, and her scent engulfed him making Biyakin instinctively close his eyes.

He looked up at her and saw that her eyes had filled up with what looked like tears. She looked pitiful and inviting.

At that moment, everything changed. Many things were stopping him, but like most men, Samineg couldn't turn away from a beautiful face much longer.