Hauntings were only known to be caused by the dead. The lingering of a soul's strength and emotions held enough power to instill fear. But hauntings were not always caused by death, but merely absence. Death was only an absolute of an absence. Jessamine had haunted his heart and soul for two years, unknowingly tormenting him.

And now, that spirit stood before him, the water of his bath rising from her entrance alone. Her hands steadied on his shoulders, gliding carefully over the divots of his collarbone before caressing the muscles of his chest. She loved the soft threading of her fingers through the hairs of his chest. All the while, his honey brown eyes watched her, his lust adding a spice like cinnamon in his gaze. No words had to be said, they didn’t need to be.

Moments like these were meant for expressive art made from their bodies.

Jessamine slowly lowered, wanting nothing more than to sit on his strong, bent thighs and kiss him. But a sturdy, strong, vein covered hand held her hip to keep her upright.

“No,” he shook his head, “no, let me worship you. Please.”

Jessamine shivered at his beg. It wasn’t the cold breeze blowing through the cracks of the door that perked the nipples of her breasts or let goosebumps invade her skin. It was his soft demand, his plea. The look in his eyes as if he would die if he did not get what he wanted.

She nodded slowly, swallowing her dry throat as she felt that hand loosen its grip before wandering. Across the scar on her hip, a scar she could have easily let heal into invisibility but no, she needed it to remain there as a reminder of her moment of strength. How she could feel so strong and proud with his touch, while weak in the knees at the sight of him, that was the enigma of Kaid Al-Yami.

A soft noise of delight left her lips as his hand overtook her left breast, the perfect pressure and tension of groping. He leaned close, letting his lips gently kiss the softness of her stomach. He felt her fingers dig into the curls of his hair, caressing yet beginning to form a grip she knew she’d need. Anytime Kaid began to kiss her stomach like this, she knew exactly the direction he was going.

Downward. Yet, it would only uplift her.

Jessamine shifted her feet to widen her stance, feeling his harsh lips and gentle bites lower as she moved forward. Her eyes watched his injured hand jerk, wanting nothing more than to touch her further, but not without pain. It was a mere instinct for him, one he’d have to control tonight.

“Kaid, are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you,” she whispered, humming at the sensation of his fingers gently squeezing between her nipple. She knew the question was futile. Both their minds had been made and nothing would have stopped them from a little indulgence, one they had lacked for quite some time.

“I haven’t tasted you for two years. Do not make me wait a day longer,” he demanded, his voice dry and taught as well. Divines, she loved it when he sounded like that. Begging, pathetic, yet demanding all at once. It was enough to make her want to clench her thighs and feed into the tingle between her legs. But, she’d get more than she wanted to at the moment.

The second she inched a step further, she felt his tongue against her already soaked folds. The sensation alone of such a familiar warmth was enough to elicit a moan of approval. Her hips automatically rolled against him, hearing him hum with delight.

“Fuck, I missed the way you moan against my cunt,” Jessamine gasped, eyes closing, ignoring the crude words that had left her lips. Her words only spurred Kaid with delight, letting his hand drift to her backside along the muscles near her spine, pinning her against his arm and his lips.

He loved moaning against her, letting those vibrations reverberate her further. He couldn’t help it, at both feeling her desperation and tasting it. She was having trouble staying quiet, her soft moans or whines carrying with the midnight wind. And he knew very well he’d be troubled with the same plague if the roles were reversed. They both invoked these ungodly noises of pleasure from one another, a language only the two of them could fully understand.

To others, he supposed they would only hear noises of a splendid, good time. To them, it was much more than that.

Kaid pulled back briefly, only to catch his breath, still feeling her fingers pull at his hair, “You taste so heavenly, Jessamine.”

His tongue eagerly returned to thrust inside her entrance, his lips applying pressure to her sensitive and throbbing clit before she could even reply. The second she’d get used to his beautifully patterned motions, he’d erratically change, constantly keeping her on her toes which honestly wanted to curl against the bottom of the tub. Her moans turned into whines, desperation in her tone.

“Yes, yes darling, just like that,” she encouraged softly, grinding her hips with fervent need. It only made him moan in delight, his tongue moving to circle and flick at her clit to stimulate her further. Her right leg trembled, afraid she might buckle under his touch but remained composed.

It wasn’t until the scuffle of feet in the sand outside made both of them pause slightly in fright. Her hazy eyes opened at the shadow crossing beneath the gap in the door, someone walking by perhaps for an evening stroll. Jessamine composed her breathing, grateful for a moment to re-collect herself. But it was only for a moment.

Despite the sleepless individual still within earshot of the bathing house, Kaid’s lips immediately returned to his work. His actions were deliberately fast, eager, and most of all full of teasing.

“You fucker-” Jessamine gasped before immediately covering her own lips with her hand. She had to avoid the onslaught of noises arriving at the edge of her lips as she could feel the beginnings of her orgasm. Her fingers pulled hard at his hair, both to let him know she didn’t appreciate the surprise, yet didn’t want him to stop either.

But eventually those steps and shadows faded, the room nothing more but silence other than the gentle, wet sounds of Kaid’s mouth working against her and her muffled moans.

“Kaid, please,” she pleaded softly, each breath and exhale of hers only letting out a soft noise of her pleasure, “make me cum.” Her hand fell from her lips, letting both her hands now grip the curls of his hair, begging for more.

She loved challenging him, although she knew very well he didn’t need any assistance with this. She swore she could merely release her pleasure by his kisses alone, or the beg of his voice. His tongue, lips, fingers, cock…all of it was merely an extra resource. Her fingers alone these past two years had hardly reached the depths of pleasure she was feeling now.

His actions quicked, every motion of his lips and tongue solely focused on her clit as the catalyst for her pleasure. Each flick worsened the surge forming in her core, feeling her heartbeat race against his tongue. She felt the waves form, the ocean pulling back from the shore for one last crash.

“Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck,” she moaned, an ungodly, quieted squeal leaving her lips as her orgasm overtook her. Kaid eased her into it, lessening the pressure of his touch, lapping softly and delicate at her mess. The fingers that just pulled at his hair relaxed, running through the wet curls once more as she began to relax. When she finally opened her eyes and glanced down, she could see that proud look in his eyes.

Not to mention that smirk curving on his lips as he slowly pulled away.

“You and your fucking talented tongue,” Jessamine laughed, still breathing heavily.

“I had a pretty good teacher, one who’s very direct in what she wants,” he replied, his own breathing racing like her own.

“We almost got caught,” she gently berated him.

“I think it added to the thrill. Admit it, you liked it,” his voice reeked of confidence, and not a faulty one at that.

“Revenge is a bitch, you know that?” she asked, slowly sinking down before letting her lips gently kiss his own. She tasted herself, along with that erotic cockiness from his smirk that still remained.

“You know I like it when you make me suffer,” he mumbled to her before the tables turned. A sharp gasp left his lips as she let her hand sink below the water, eagerly finding his erect shaft. Her hand remained at the tip, teasingly letting her palm rub around it. She could immediately sense his strain, his mouth agape but only a painful plea of a noise leaving his throat.

“Shall I make you suffer now…or make you wait?” she whispered deviously against him, lips kissing him between every word.

“I’m sorry.”

“You should be,” she laughed before slowly tilting his cock against her entrance, “lucky for you, I crave your thick cock to fill me more than I crave your suffering.”

She sunk on him slowly, purposefully making it agonizing. She watched the expression on his face, felt his cock throb as she tightened around him, wonderfully so. Her hips rocked against his thighs, both her hands holding the side of his head, messing with his curls as her forehead pressed against his. Their breaths and moans tangled together when they weren’t kissing, using each other’s breath to keep themselves alive.

She missed those deep, guttural moans of his. His sharp grunts, borderline animalistic as he jerked his hips into her own. She loved those desperate thrusts, his cock filling her before nearly slipping out entirely before slamming gently against that spot.

It was only a mere minute in that she could feel him unravel, despite his desperation to continue.

“Jess, I-” he warned, feeling her soft lips interrupt him. He was slightly ashamed, wishing for a longer time to make love to her. She found nothing embarrassing about it in the slightest. She took pride in the fact it wouldn’t take long for him to feel such pleasure. Those two years apart did worsen his need for her.

“Fill me, make me yours,” she whispered, “show me how much you missed me.”

Those were the only words he needed to hear before his own orgasm reached its heat. She moaned against his lips at the warmth enveloping her, her cunt throbbing as she wrapped around his cock, milking him for more. And then came Kaid’s favorite part. It wasn’t the overwhelming pleasure that was the best for him, although that was a close second. He loved the moment after, the moments where their hearts raced together and calmed down in sync. He loved feeling her breath against his neck or lips, seeing her hair disheveled and that loving look in her eyes.

Kaid let his lips kiss gently at the side of her lips, trailing down to her neck. He knew he could not mark her, leave a stain of his love as a brand. But, it was probably within his best interests to not. Not tonight.

“You really do know how to sing,” Kaid teased, hearing her soft laugh. And that sound alone could easily make any day truly right.

“Yes, but that is a song I prefer you, and only you to hear,” she teased back, kissing his cheek.

They remained in comfortable silence for a moment. This bath had removed all past sins of their, a baptism of their hearts, leaving only blood and remnants of their intimacy to be drained. It was about starting anew. Jessamine knew this relationship would never be what it was before, it didn’t have to be. It could be better. No, it would be better. She would not lie or betray him again, she didn’t think she could. Her heart felt most whole when honest with him.

“Kaid…you don’t mind, right, if we keep this between us? It’s not that I…it’s not about shame or wanting to hide you. It’s hard to explain. I know I have a lot to make up for, things to change, and I want that done in private.”

“You have enough stress on your shoulders. I understand,” he agreed, not bothered by the suggestion as he knew it was probably for the best to keep this a secret from everyone, “as long as you let me relieve that stress, I won’t have a problem. But if you keep moaning that loud, I’m afraid someone might eventually hear.”

“Oh shut up,” she rolled her eyes, kissing him deeply to contrast her annoyance, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he whispered against her lips, feeling a warmth and happiness in his heart that washed over the pain, in both his soul and his arm. The longer he stayed with her, kissed her and touched her like this, the clearer his head was at. Kaid knew what he wanted, who he wanted…but he didn’t want his actions to become her consequence. Unfortunately, they already had.

It was up to him to do it together, or face it alone. Kaid didn’t want to be alone, again. Not now. Not ever. Jessamine Alexis Kruzika had stolen his heart long ago, and he knew she wouldn’t give it back. She’d hold it in her palms, even if it was scattered into a million pieces. Kaid wouldn’t want it held any other way.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jessamine awoke to the sound of someone rapidly rapping their knuckles against the door. It took her a moment to familiarize herself with red cave walls with no windows, no sea breeze that normally awoke her. When she finally came to, the knocking didn’t stop. It took a moment to climb out from Kaid’s strong grip around her stomach, getting up to open the door.

Mara stood there, fully dressed with a bit of worry in her eyes, “We need to get moving. Some of Shailud’s men are already here asking questions. They won’t stop bothering the inn-keeper. Alec said he would meet us at the stables.”

“Shit, okay,” Jessamine sighed, knowing there wouldn’t be a slow morning until they were back in Vitross. Not until they were safe…as if they’d ever be safe.

“Want me to stick around? We have strength in numbers?” Mara asked.

“No. We should remain split up for now. We will meet you there,” Jessamine answered, figuring they’d all four stand out if they went there together. Even with a fresh pair of clothes, it was best they slipped out unnoticed. Mara agreed, nodding before immediately taking off on foot.

Jessamine shut the door, locking it for now before seeing Kaid’s disheveled hair rise above the blankets they shared.

Stolen story; please report.

“What’s wrong?” he asked tiredly.

“We need to get dressed and hurry. Some of his men have been spotted in town,” she urged him, grabbing his clothes to help with first until she noticed a haze in his eyes. It was more than just exhaustion and tiredness in his expression. Her palm touched his forehead again, still feeling that blazing hot warmth.

“Your fever has worsened,” Jessamine whispered, “I knew we shouldn’t have indulged in each other last night.”

“I doubt that had anything to do with it,” Kaid disagreed, knowing she’d blame herself. He did feel like shit, but didn’t want to disclose that to her. She already looked worried and there was no use in worsening that. She got him dressed quickly, careful to not brush against his wounds before she got dressed herself.

Kaid made sure to make the bed in the meantime, neatly tucking the blankets in and making the room look presentable. He was calm during the storm, or perhaps just needed to occupy his thoughts amidst the stress. Either way, it warmed Jessamine’s worried heart.

The sun irritated Kaid’s eyes as Jessamine took his hand and led him across the steps of the narrow cave halls. Chebi was already awake and thriving, many people either heading to the fields for work or the market to sell and buy goods. But in that crowd were soldiers that stood out among the citizens. Grown tall and broad men in light armor roamed the streets, eyes constantly watching for whatever descriptions they were given.

An Uhkhtarian male with a scar under his eye probably wasn’t the one they were looking for. Vitross woman with pale skin, freckles, and maroon hair…that would be much more apparent in a place like this. Luckily, Jessamine had purchased a tan head covering to match her attire, doing her best to conceal her identity and not draw too much attention. It was better than nothing.

They raced gently to the edge of the inn, Jessamine hearing a conversation before she stopped Kaid, hiding behind the edges of the inn’s front office.

“I am not giving you full reign to just search every room in my inn. You have no right, no authority,” the innkeep shouted.

“Shailud says we do,” the soldiers grunted.

“I don’t follow the rules of a tyrant,” he explained, “now leave.”

“You dare to defy your ruler? What power do you possess to make us leave? A citizen reported you harbored these traitors in your inn last night. A man slaughtered soldiers on an entire train and kidnapped the Empress of Vitross, and they’re staying at your inn.”

“Empress?” the man asked and Jessamine felt a twinge of worry. No doubt his thoughts lingered on the four strangers that arrived late last night. It wouldn’t take him long to piece it together that it was her, and her rescuers. There was no other way to escape this inn without tumbling down a rocky hillside, and Jessamine needed to trust him, not infiltrate his mind. “I would know if an Empress arrived at my doorstep. Now, if they are traitors then I suggest you keep moving to find them, because they aren’t here.”

Jessamine let out a relieved breath, gazing at Kaid who had a small proud smile. The soldiers were disgruntled, but knew the innkeep was right. They shouldn’t waste any further time here, especially since he seemed so honest. Kaid and Jessamine waited until they were long out of sight, rushing down to the main door but not before Jessamine placed the entire bag of leftover gold coins on his table.

“Thank you,” Jessamine whispered, seeing the man looked surprised at the generosity of money.

“I know an Empress when I see one, same as I know good people,” he smiled, gazing at her, “take good care of your ‘husband.’”

“She certainly does,” Kaid blushed, feeling Jessamine tug at his hand before they blended in with the morning crowd. Kindness had its dues. People remembered kindness, even small acts, in a particularly cruel world. Kaid remembered the early days of Caladin when kindness extended so far. But the brutality of it all diminished any good he could have stained on that place.

Kaid couldn’t let such cruelty reach places like this. He wouldn’t let that happen.

“Where to now?” Kaid asked, seeing Jessamine lead the way which he didn’t mind. He loved the sensation of being pulled along by her gentle hands.

“Stables. We got some horses-”

“Ugh,” Kaid groaned.

“Don’t worry, they only had three available anyways. Guess that means you’re stuck riding with me,” Jessamine teased, “Mara said you had a difficult first ride.”

“Yeah, don’t remind me,” he smiled softly, but was more comfortable in the idea of riding as long as she took charge. There were still plenty of actions he felt much more at ease with when she was leading. This was certainly one of them. “When did you learn how to ride? I rarely saw any horses in Vitross.”

“Like most skills I learned, it was to attract suitors. Skale and even parts of Lungor were obsessed with equestrian hobbies. It was a show of wealth. Alec and I both learned from a young age, although I preferred sailing,” she hummed. If war really was blooming on the horizon, it wouldn’t hurt to have some of her men learned too. While Vitross would dominate on sea, on land a cavalry could do horrible damage. That was a thought she had to put aside for now.

Commotion stirred when they got to the stables though, soldiers surrounding the place before hearing shouts. Shit. Twelve guards had circled the small area with swords drawn. Mara was pinned against the nearest wall, and Alec pinned down in the dirt by two of them. Kaid felt a sharp poke at his backside from a blade, not bothering to turn around.

“Well, look what we have here,” one of them hummed, a familiar voice at that. Proffitt. The same soldier Kaid had humiliated a few months prior after some drinking and ‘false’ accusation of stealing. Proffitt turned with that smirk, before recognizing Kaid, or rather Musa. “What the fuck are you doing here, Musa?”

“I could ask the same of you,” Kaid replied, his hand letting go of Jessamine’s to let it linger near his knife.

“Oh don’t try anything funny, poet. I know what you and Mara conspired to do, blow up the palace wall and blame Shailud for it. I can’t wait to see you hang for it,” Proffitt smirked, “but I might have some fun with your cousin first.”

“Don’t try it,” Kaid seethed, feeling anger surge inside him. They were clearly outnumbered. Twelve to four, with two of them already pinned down and weapons discarded to the side. Even with Oblivion, Kaid felt it was a longshot. Maybe it was best for them to be taken to Shailud anyways. Kaid knew when it was okay to surrender, to fight another day. But with his fever worsening, someone had to make a call.

Outnumbered, and with two already indisposed for fighting, the odds felt greatly against them.

However, unlike the blazing hot sun shining down on all of them, a shadowed darkness still lingered. Afterall, a shadow only existed when light did as well. A smile remained on Proffitt’s lips, cocky and confident. Surely this would get Shailud’s attention. But then fear was immediately plastered on his face and that was all Kaid needed to see to know surrender wasn’t an option.

All twelve men immediately collapsed with thuds into the sand at the same time, frozen, catatonic. Dead. Or at least, appeared dead.

Kaid glanced at Jessamine, seeing the sweat drip down her forehead, her breathing racing. Holy shit. She couldn’t just control one person now, but many. Like a domino effect, linking souls and minds together in a chain before unleashing the same command on them all.

“What the fuck did you just do!?” Alec asked, rising to his feet with slight fury in his voice. No. Not fury. Fear. He had just watched his sister take down twelve men with ease, or rather…relative ease. Kaid could tell it was no easy feat, seeing the strain of exhaustion in her eyes. Her stamina would return eventually. Mara moved to grab her sword and adjusted her ruffled up clothing, a slightly proud look on her face.

“I bought us some time,” Jessamine said, wasting none as she headed towards the horses, “Don’t mind them. They’re not dead. We won’t have much time before they wake up.”

Kaid glanced down to see Proffitt’s body rise and fall with a tired, steady breath. Whether she put them to sleep or rendered them unconscious, it didn’t matter. She had bought them time, in a delightful manner no less.

“We could have let them take us back to Kanaf. Now what will these people think of you?” Alec questioned.

“I can’t control what others think of me. We need to get to Kanaf unseen. I know Shailud, he isn’t one to sit in his palace either. He’s out here in the desert with us. We can beat him back to Kanaf, heal Kaid, and then take him by surprise,” Jessamine explained.

“You mean to usurp him?” Alec asked, “What about Vrah’s deal with him?”

“I wasn’t involved in that,” she shrugged, “I know nothing of the terms and therefore will act like I know nothing of it. The people here want change. If I can help with that, then I will. Plans turn to shit all the time, Vrah should have planned for that and adapted. Instead, he’s probably pacing in his palace walls until he hears good news.”

And good news, he would not get it. Jessamine knew she had to act swiftly to remove Shailud. The second Vrah would arrive would complicate things. If she could remove Shailud and put someone in charge deserving of such a title, it would not only benefit her but the people here as well.

Kaid heard Alec mutter something as he stared at the lifeless men at his feet, unsure if Jessamine’s ears perceived it either. Kaid would have said something, but now wasn’t the time to berate one another. Jessamine pulled their horse along, helping Kaid get up first as he shifted to the back of the uncomfortable saddle. Kaid used his one good arm to levy her up with ease, immediately feeling her rear press up against him, her back pressed to his chest.

“That was remarkable,” Kaid whispered in her ear, seeing a blush form on her cheek.

“You’re not the only one whose powers have enhanced,” she whispered, doing her best to fight a proud smile, “Thank you.”

He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, his good arm wrapping around her waist as Jessamine wasted no time in getting the horse to a steady gallop. When he glanced up at Mara, who seemed to be following at the side, she offered her friend an amused look. Well, she must’ve seen that kiss, or the blush. Perhaps both. Either way, she wouldn’t spill their secret. She had been the one to push Kaid all along to make amends.

The ride to Kanaf was steady and smooth, but the heat and lack of medicine was making Kaid waver and wane. Jessamine could feel moments of him slipping in and out of consciousness before the horse between their legs would almost jerk him awake. She whispered to him soft encouragements to stay awake, that they were almost there but even she didn’t know where they were going. It was only trusting Mara to lead the way, with Alec watching their backs. But finally after a steep slope up the canyon, the city was in view.

One step closer to being healed. One step closer to being home, his true home.

The streets were quiet and afraid, most people staying home since the attack. They were afraid of what they didn’t know. There were whispers that perhaps it would be suggested an Uhkhtarian attacked the Empress. If so, would she not retaliate against the entire country? No.

She knew who was solely responsible, the one who would bear the weight of punishment.

Awaiting at the gates were their friends. Mara was the first to get off her horse quickly, seeing little Kai run at her with a wide smile on his face.

“Mom! I knew you’d be okay,” he held her tightly.

Kiev, who’s leg was now healed due to the powers of the Vitross healer, was quick to rush to Jessamine and a very exhausted Kaid.

“Empress, are you alright?” he asked, helping her down first before seeing the state of Kaid’s hand, or non-existence of it. His blue eyes widened, wondering who the hell could have done such a thing to the Guardian of Vitross.

Someone else seemed to notice it too, someone who’s heartstrings tore with hurt, anger, but mostly worry. Sabine ran over to Kaid, helping him down before noticing his fever and ill state.

“Musa, I mean, Kaid, are you alright!?” Sabine asked, cupping his face gently.

Jessamine immediately felt a sting of jealousy but swallowed it. It didn’t take any probing of the young girl’s thoughts to know how she felt about Kaid. That might change Jessamine’s plans, and for the worse. As much as Jessamine felt the urge to take control and help Kaid to Cadize for healing, she remained still.

“We should take him to Cadize, he can help,” Jessamine offered gently, having to keep an eye on her own tone. Kaid was slipping in and out of his feverish state, needing help just to walk inside and out of this heat.

“What happened?” Sabine asked, “Who did this to him?”

“Pestilence,” Mara lied, “he’s dead too. It’s a long story. Give us all some rest and time, and we can explain everything.”

Kiev helped make sure everyone was okay, before seeing a familiar blonde streak of hair and a man just as tall as himself, “Alec?”

Alec had been his best friend growing up, practically like brothers. They shared everything together, all their secrets, their motivations, their desires in life. Kiev, just as much as Jessamine if not more, was hurt by Alec’s immediate disappearance. And now he was back. Kiev felt a pit in his stomach.

His Empress attacked. Kaid’s hand severed. Pestilence dead. And now the return of the ‘heir’ of Vitross. This did not bode well. Not at all.

“Kiev, hah, what a handsome devil you turned out to be,” Alec smirked, eager to return to their friendship. Kiev was immediately skeptical, glancing at Jessamine who held his most loyalty to. The Commander of the Guard didn’t know what to think about the situation. All he could think was that they were fucked. Timelines of consequences were beginning to crash down. How would his Empress react?

Cadize was quick to find, and quick to rise to his feet at the situation laid before him.

“Hello my old friend, let's get you patched up,” Cadize smiled, hearing Kaid mumble a slight thanks before taking him away to private chambers. Sabine had followed eagerly, Jessamine lingering behind. Despite her own injuries, it was best that Kaid got healed first. She could rest later. Right now, she had to plan.

Mara placed Kai down, who immediately gave Jessamine a hug too. It distracted her from the jealousy, one Mara was quick to see.

“Kaid didn’t do anything with her…if that’s what you’re wondering,” Mara was quick to try and quell her worry.

“Even if he did, it’s none of my concern,” Jess shrugged, even if the thought hurt her, “I trust him. I don’t trust her, same as she doesn’t trust me. But if we are going to stop Shailud, we might have to.”

“Do you have a plan?” Mara asked.

“Maybe,” Jessamine hummed, letting her hands play with little Kai’s hair.

The door opened in front of them, Sabine walking out. She looked half furious, half angry, having been presumably kicked out of the room for the moment. Cadize typically liked working alone, without people breathing over him. Her eyes met the Empress’, unsure of exactly what words should leave her lips.

“This is your fault, you know that?” Sabine spat, “If you had just minded your own business-”

“If I had minded my business, this place would have become a radial religious state run by both Shailud and Pestilence working side by side. And that state would have encroached on Vitross eventually. Shailud would make his own people suffer if it meant I suffered,” Jessamine defended herself.

“Sabine, you don’t know everything. Jessamine did her best with the situation at hand,” Mara was quick to defend her as well.

“Your entire plan was to come here and remove Shailud, wasn’t it?” Sabine asked, ignoring Mara’s plea. In truth, Sabine was not wrong. If Jessamine had found the opportunity to dethrone him, she was going to take it. Somehow despite all the chaos, the opportunity was now at her feet.

“I have many plans, many prospective ideas, not all of them come into fruition. I have to plan for plenty of alternatives,” Jessamine swallowed, knowing it wasn’t an easy task.

“And in every one of them, it’s Kaid that suffers, right?” Sabine spat.

“Sabine, that’s enough,” Mara shook her head, “We should be working together.”

“She’s right. You can either work with me, or work for Shailud. Your choice,” Jessamine had to withhold her fury and passion of tears, knowing deep down maybe Sabine was right, “Now, let us rest and I can see Kaid when-”

“Oh, you won’t be seeing him until I question him about what’s really going on. It’s clear you manipulated him in the past, I need to make sure you’re not doing it to him now,” Mara scowled.

Jessamine felt her lip twinge, one fist clenching, “Go ahead. I’m sure when he wakes up, I will be the first thing he asks for.” Kaid was hers, and only hers. Jessamine wasn’t one to share, and she knew Kaid wasn’t either. Sabine could fool herself all she wanted. She could choose to believe the lies set in front of her, or move beyond her emotions and see truth.

This petty fighting would get them nowhere, only in further dislike for each other. If Jessamine had to prove what she was willing to sacrifice, what she had already sacrificed for both Kaid and Uhkhtar, she would. Sabine would have to pick a side and Jessamine knew there was no convincing her, not without true manipulation.

Kaid was the one that had to change things here. He was the only one that could sway not just her mind but the minds of everyone here. Jessamine knew right then and there, her plan to usurp couldn’t involve her. One man, though, had experience in such matters. All he needed was rest, and an emerald green blade in his hand.