Chapter 15

I woke up alone, as I had anticipated, in the bed I shared with Jekia. It seemed Sage had moved me there during the night, leaving behind a brief note promising we’d see each other again soon. He had things to take care of, he said.

I couldn’t help but think that the men of this world had a knack for saying things like that. Even bedroom encounters could be a bit self-serving for them.

But I pushed those thoughts aside as I got up. There was no point in dwelling on them now. After all, Sage wasn’t the one I was supposed to be with here.

The morning was quiet as I slipped out of bed and made my way to the washroom. I felt a bit sticky from the warmth of the night and my intimate encounter with Sage the night before.

My cheeks flushed at the memory. Even if it didn’t mean anything, I probably shouldn’t mention it to Jekia. It could only stir up more jealousy, and the mere thought of Sage impregnating me could ignite his anger.

Impregnation.

The word echoed in my mind as I sank into the bath, letting the water rise to my shoulders while my head rested against the ledge. I closed my eyes, lost in thought.

This world was so different from my own. Here, it seemed that claiming a woman was enough for most creatures to consider her theirs.

I didn’t like that idea. In my world, relationships didn’t work that way. We had courtship, engagement, then marriage in a church with God’s blessing.

Marriage was sacred, to be honored. Afterward, a wife provided a decent home and meals for her husband and children, nurturing their family.

There didn’t seem to be anything sacred about relationships here. The fact that Jekia had allowed Sage into my bed was proof enough.

In my world, such an act would have been met with swift retribution, especially for the woman involved.

You didn’t give yourself to anyone other than your husband. To do so was adultery, a sin in the eyes of the Lord.

But was I truly considered married to Jekia? I wondered.

Everyone here called me his bride, and he had given me a ring. He had also told me that claiming me that first night confirmed that I was his.

Was that how it worked in this world? Was a woman simply chosen, bedded, and then considered a wife?

I opened my eyes and sat up, frowning. I needed to stop overthinking this. I was already here, and things had already happened. I had no choice but to accept them.

After washing up, I got out of the bath and dried off. I wrapped the towel around me and stepped out of the washroom to find Edifel waiting for me.

This was our usual morning routine, but today she wasn’t alone. Vishu was with her, standing by her side.

The little spider looked much better than the day before. She was cleaned up, dressed in a sleeveless robe, her hair neatly braided, and her eyes bright and happy.

It was clear that Edifel was already acting like her mother.

“Good morning, my lady. Did you sleep well last night?” Edifel greeted me.

“Mostly,” I replied. I smiled at Vishu. “You look nice this morning. Your hair is very pretty.”

“Thank you. Mama did it for me,” Vishu said.

“She’s already calling you Mama?” I asked.

Edifel chuckled. “Yes, we’ve grown quite attached to each other. She’s very sweet. We’re so grateful that you brought us together,” she said, patting the child’s head.

“Now, let’s get you ready for the day.”

This was my normal morning routine, although now I had two maidservants attending to me.

While Edifel helped me choose a dress and put it on, Vishu learned how to brush my hair and check my dress for any issues like stains or tears.

She was a quick learner and seemed to enjoy it.

But I think her fondness for me also played a part.

Perhaps kindness could go a long way in this world, at least from the position I found myself in.

The morning passed uneventfully. I spent my time reading and knitting, a hobby Edifel had taught me in the past few weeks. It was a good way to pass the time and relax.

I was sitting under a willow tree in the far courtyard, knitting and trying to distract my mind. I had to admit, I felt a bit lonely.

I could have asked Edifel and Vishu to keep me company, but I didn’t want to impose.

There was still so much for Vishu to learn from Edifel, and it was better if she learned quickly, especially with Jekia due back any time.

Still, my mind kept drifting back to my conversation with Sage the night before. Had I misread Jekia? Was he afraid of losing me?

“There you are.”

I jumped at the sound of Jekia’s voice and turned to see him approaching.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t realize you were back!” I said, quickly standing up.

“Don’t apologize. I just got back, and I don’t expect you to greet me every time,” Jekia said.

I was surprised when he rested his forehead on my shoulder. “Are you okay?” I asked.

“I’m really tired. I don’t know if I can make it to the palace to rest,” he confessed softly.

“Didn’t you sleep at all?” I asked as we sat down in the grass.

Jekia lay down beside me, resting his head on my lap and closing his eyes.

“No. I couldn’t. Not without…you…”

I watched as he fell asleep almost instantly, gently stroking his ears and hair.

I hadn’t expected to hear something like that, and I wondered if he was just delirious from exhaustion.

Despite everything, if he wanted to rest here, I was more than happy to let him. It felt good to have him back.

We stayed like that for over an hour, him resting his head on my lap. He seemed like a different person when he was asleep.

His face was softer, less guarded. He even looked a bit younger. I studied his ears, his tail, his white eyelashes. No human man could ever compare to him.

Eventually, I noticed his eyelashes fluttering. His tail twitched a few times, and his eyes slowly opened. I couldn’t help but smile.

“Feeling better?” I asked.

“A bit,” Jekia replied, sitting up slowly and rubbing his eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to impose.”

“You weren’t imposing. I actually enjoyed letting you rest with me,” I reassured him.

“I see.”

Jekia’s ears flattened for a moment, almost as if he was embarrassed. But he quickly regained his composure and returned to his usual self.

I decided not to comment on it, choosing instead to ask about the meeting that had kept him away for so long.

“Did your meeting with the Higher Ones go well?” I asked.

“It went well enough. The issue between Merrick and Lyric is being resolved.

“I’d say it’s mostly resolved itself after their showdown, although it’s made Vincent and me a bit more cautious.

“Maybe we’ll be able to let it go once we get to know Lyric better,” Jekia replied.

“Did he do something to upset you?”

“It’s not worth discussing.”

He was clearly avoiding the topic, but I let it go. There were other things I was more concerned about.

“I was also wondering, did you talk to the Higher Ones more about me being here? I know they were a bit wary at first,” I continued.

Jekia huffed. “There’s nothing to worry about. You’re good for me, and they can see that.”

“You think I’m good for you?”

I didn’t like the way he phrased that. It made it sound like he saw me as just a convenience.

“Do you have a problem with that?” Jekia asked.

“It’s not that I have a problem with it. It’s just that it feels like you’re reducing what I am to you,” I explained.

“I don’t see anything wrong with that. A wife should be good for her husband. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be here with me,” Jekia said.

That was the Jekia I knew, but I wasn’t ready to back down.

“I understand that’s how you see things, but I’ve told you before that I don’t agree. I don’t even understand how I’m considered your wife.

“There was no formal ceremony. Is just taking my virginity enough?” I asked.

“For someone like me, it is. I made it clear that I wanted you as my wife, and taking your virginity sealed the deal.

“That’s just how things work here,” Jekia replied.

“Really?”

“You have a problem with that?”

I thought carefully before answering. “I wouldn’t say I have a problem with it, but I wish you would try to see things from my perspective.

“You seem to forget that this isn’t my world, and these aren’t my customs. For humans, courtship and marriage are sacred, as is giving our virginity to the man we want to spend our lives with.

“It’s not just about sleeping with a woman and then calling her your wife.”

Jekia scoffed. “What’s the point of all that? It’s all just for show with humans.

“A partner is a partner, whether or not you have a ceremony. It doesn’t change what a relationship is.”

I felt a wave of frustration. He clearly wasn’t considering my background and didn’t want to.

“I understand that, but those things still mean something to me, just like being in love does. Convenience can’t replace that,” I said, standing up.

“I need to go take care of a few things. I’m sure you could use some more rest.”

I didn’t wait for a response before leaving. That conversation had been painful. Even if Jekia cared for me, he couldn’t see things from my perspective.

I spent the next few hours in the west library, trying to distract myself with books.

I was hurt and angry, but I wasn’t going to let it get the best of me. I’d learned to control my emotions after a childhood full of hardships.

If I could survive that, I could survive anything that came my way here.

As the shadows lengthened and twilight set in, I heard the library door open.

Footsteps approached the nook where I was sitting, and I looked up, expecting to see Jekia.

But it wasn’t him. It was Emelio.

“Good evening. I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said politely.

“Not at all. Did you need something?” I asked, setting my book aside.

“Not really. I just wanted to check on you. It seems like Lord Jekia upset you again,” Emelio said.

I let out a tired sigh. “Yes, but I’m fine. I should know better than to try to impose my views on him. This world is very different from mine.”

“That’s true,” Emelio agreed. “But there’s always room for compromise, and I don’t think Lord Jekia would deny you that.

“His mood this afternoon showed that he wasn’t happy with how your conversation went.”

“If he’s upset with me, I’ll apologize. But I can’t promise I’ll mean it when my heart feels differently,” I told him.

Emelio let out a laugh. “Can’t blame you for that. You’re allowed to feel how you feel, and Lord Jekia needs to understand that.

“He needs to learn to admit when he’s wrong, especially when it comes to you.”

“Did you guys talk about this with the Higher Ones?” I asked.

“We did. Lord Jekia brought it up, and I’m sure he expected some of what they told him.

“They’re all for you being here and being his omega, but they’re not happy with how he’s been handling things,” Emelio explained.

That piqued my interest. I hadn’t thought they’d disapprove of his actions toward me.

“What’s so bad about how he’s handling things? I thought my job was to keep him happy, and he takes care of me,” I said.

“He does,” Emelio agreed, sitting with me. “But he’s been relying too much on instincts from his Luna Dog clan.

“That’s not how a ruler should act, and they told him so. That’s why they don’t want him to have any kids right now.

“If he can’t handle a real relationship with the woman he chose, he won’t be able to handle being a good father to potential heirs.”

“That makes sense, but it’s worrying for his position. It wouldn’t put it at risk, would it?”

“No, it wouldn’t. The only thing at risk for Lord Jekia right now is having kids, but that could cause problems down the line.

“If something happened to him, they’d have to find a new ruler, which could cause a lot of trouble.

“That’s why, for your sake and his, the Higher Ones told him he needs to learn humility and treat you more like an equal.

“If he can’t, he won’t get any more than he already has with you,” Emelio explained.

That sounded terrible. Even if Jekia wouldn’t lose his position, he wouldn’t be able to pass it on if he couldn’t have kids.

“I wish I could do more to help, Emelio, but I can’t control what Jekia feels or wants to do.

“As much as I want to believe he could care for me, we see our relationship very differently, and I’m still just a human woman.

“It’s not my place to make demands,” I reminded him.

“I get why you’d think that, but you need to realize your worth. You’re not a poor peasant girl anymore.

“You’re a ruler’s bride, and you’re an omega. If anyone can break through Lord Jekia’s walls, it’s you,” Emelio assured me.

“You really think so?”

“I know so.”

Emelio stood up, still smiling. As he did, I heard the library door open.

We both looked over and saw Jekia walk in. He looked more rested, his golden eyes clear as he looked at Emelio.

“I see you’ve been keeping her company. That’s not like you,” he said.

“I know, but I thought I’d check on how she’s adjusting.

“It hasn’t been that long, and this world is a big change for a human, especially in her position,” Emelio replied.

“I can see that,” Jekia agreed, crossing his arms and looking at me. “But I want to talk to Lana alone now, so if you could leave.”

“Of course, sire. I have things to do, so I’ll talk to you both later,” Emelio agreed. Then he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

I stayed where I was, not sure what to do or say.

Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to walk away from him earlier, but he didn’t seem mad as he came over to the nook.

He sat down near me, letting out a long sigh.

“Are you ready to talk now?” he asked.

“I am,” I replied.

We were silent for a few minutes. It seemed like Jekia was trying to figure out what to say. That was new. He’d never been one to hesitate before.

“Lana, are you really that upset about us not doing human rituals?” he finally asked.

“It’s not just about that, Jekia. It’s frustrating when you dismiss me.

“I know things are different here, but I wish you’d try to see things from my perspective as a human,” I told him.

“I guess you have a point,” Jekia admitted.

“I haven’t really considered your feelings since I found you, and I’ve let my beliefs overshadow yours.

“I don’t want you to be unhappy, but you seem to be.”

I moved a bit closer to him. “I can’t say I’m unhappy here. I like it here, and I like being with you.

“I’m only unhappy when you keep leaving me, and when you dismiss me without considering my feelings.

“I respect that things are different here, but all I ask is that you consider my perspective too.”

Jekia’s ears went back and he looked down. He seemed a bit down now.

“I admit, I’m having a hard time with all this. I’m not used to considering anyone else, and I haven’t had to for thousands of years.”

“Being distant has always been my go-to. But you, you keep shaking that up without even trying.

“When you tried to leave before, I thought I’d be mad at you. Instead, I was just upset with myself for not making you happy enough to stay.

“And even though I thought letting Sage satisfy your needs when I couldn’t be there would keep you safe from my own desires, I can’t help but feel jealous every time I think about it.

“These feelings, these thoughts, they weigh heavy on me. I can’t control them, and it’s more frustrating than anything I’ve ever experienced,” he confessed.

“Ever think that maybe you’re frustrated because you care about me but don’t know how to show it?” I offered.

“That could be it. I’ll give you that,” Jekia conceded. He finally looked at me, his claw gently lifting my chin.

“If you can be patient with me, I’m willing to try and change some of my ways for you. But you need to understand, it’s hard to change after thousands of years.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, I can understand that, and I’m willing to accept it. All I want is to be closer to you, to be more than just a lover.

“Jekia, I want more time with you. I want us to understand each other. Isn’t that a fair ask?”

“Yes, it’s more than fair.”

Kissing him felt like coming home. Even a few days apart had been too long. It just confirmed what I already knew—I couldn’t be without him now.

We might never see eye-to-eye on everything, but I couldn’t deny the longing I felt for him.

Jekia stayed close as he pulled back, his fingers threading through my hair. “You mean the world to me, my beautiful Lana.

“Having you here brings me a peace I thought I’d lost forever. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you happy here with me,” he vowed.

“I’m happy when I’m with you. As long as you spend more time with me and listen to what I have to say, I’ll be content,” I assured him.

“Alright. I’ll do my best to make that happen,” Jekia agreed. He stood and offered me a hand to help me up. “By the way, when did we get another spider here?”

I grinned. “Oh, so you’ve seen Vishu?”

“I saw her with Edifel when I woke up. It was quite a surprise. Did she wander in from the forest?” Jekia asked.

“No. Sage took me to a fairy festival yesterday, and I met her there.

“Lucia, the fairy lady, told me Vishu was an orphan from a spider colony that was recently wiped out by the lycans. I decided to bring her back here for Edifel to look after and train,” I explained.

“I see.” Jekia nodded, deep in thought.

“I’d like to meet this little spider. We haven’t been formally introduced, and I like to know who’s working in my palace.”

“I understand, and I’m sure she’d like to meet you too,” I agreed.

We left the library and headed to the courtyard. The air was cooler now, dusk settling in, and the sky was a riot of colors.

Jekia and I sat at a table under a large tree. I smoothed my skirt in my lap as he called for Edifel, asking her to bring Vishu to us.

“Of course, my lord,” Edifel responded immediately.

In no time, she was sliding down to us with Vishu clinging to her. She let the child down and they walked over to us, both bowing politely.

Jekia studied the little spider. “So this is the newcomer. She’s quite lovely. It’s rare to see an albino spider,” he remarked.

“She’s an albino?” I asked.

“Yes. That’s why she’s all white with blue eyes instead of black.

“There’s a very rare type of spider in the eastern lands that’s mostly white, but their eyes are a mix of red and blue. They’re called red-eye spiders.

“You’ll learn in time, there are different breeds for different species here,” Jekia explained.

“Yes. Very much so.” Edifel nodded. She smiled, patting Vishu’s head.

“She’s a lovely child, Lord Jekia. I’m already enjoying having her here, and she’s a quick learner.

“If you’ll allow it, I’d like her to start helping me reinforce the webs that protect the gateway.”

“I have no problem with that,” Jekia told her. He stood and walked over to Vishu, then knelt to her level. “I see a lot of potential in you. I don’t think you’ll let us down.

“Consider this your home now. I’ll make sure the lycans pay for what they did to your colony and the pain they caused you.”

Vishu nodded and smiled. “Yes. Thank you so much, my lord,” she said.

Jekia smiled back. “Of course, my dear.”

My heart pounded a little harder as I watched this. For a moment, I was sure I was seeing the real Jekia again.

Beneath that tough, arrogant exterior was a soft heart for those he cared for.

Sage was right. This was why Jekia became a ruler in this world. He wanted to protect others.

After a few minutes, Jekia dismissed Edifel and Vishu, letting them return to their webs. I watched him as he sat back down next to me.

“Are you really planning on avenging Vishu’s colony?” I had to ask.

“Absolutely. I’m tired of hearing about these things and not being able to do anything.

“If the lycans insist on killing innocents, then I have every right to take their lives in return,” Jekia replied.

“I get it. An eye for an eye,” I said.

Jekia turned to me. “Speaking of which, you mentioned Sage took you to a fairy festival yesterday.

“If you liked it, how about we go out tomorrow and explore more of this place?” he suggested.

“You’d take me out for the whole day? Can you do that? You’ve been gone for a few days, and I don’t want to hold you back from anything you need to do,” I replied.

“I don’t have anything urgent to attend to, and I want us to do this together. You’re right, I haven’t spent much time with you, so this is a good chance.

“Plus, I can’t let that fox outdo me,” Jekia said, matter-of-factly.

I giggled at his obvious jealousy. It was kind of cute.

“Alright. If that’s what you want, I’m okay with it. Besides, I’d love to see more of this place with you,” I told him.

“Then that’s our plan for tomorrow,” Jekia confirmed as he stood with me. We shared another long kiss, and it felt so much better. I hoped this feeling would last.

“Are we leaving early tomorrow?” I asked softly, pulling back a bit, my hands on his chest as he held my waist.

“I’d like to start early, but I’ll admit, I’m still pretty tired. Let’s have dinner together and call it an early night,” he suggested.

“Sounds good. I’ll sleep better with you too,” I agreed, sharing one more kiss with him.

I had a lot of hopes in that moment. If Jekia could keep his promise and open up to me more, maybe we could have a happy life together here.

I was looking forward to it more than anything else.

Because more than anything, I wanted a love that was real.