Eternal Kingdom

The first week was the hardest.

I spent most of my time planted by the window in the front sitting room, curled up in the leather recliner with a cold cup of coffee beside me on the end table.

Bastion made it fresh for me every morning, but I never did get around to drinking it, so it remained untouched next to the letter that ruined my small piece of paradise I once held with my Kings.

Was it possible for a heart to shatter beyond the point of healing? I didn't think so, but then again, I didn't think it was possible for my royal, my sweet and sensitive and loving Rory, to abandon his love and his children with nothing more than a fucking letter.

I was beyond bitterness.

I was beyond sorrow.

I was just numb.

My eyes flitted up to see Lysander sitting on the chair beside me, where he had been faithfully every day this week. He never spoke. He just sat there, so I wasn't alone.

I appreciated his silent company.

The throaty giggles of my babies could be heard from their playroom, along with Bastion who was the only person keeping this damn family functioning. I was beyond thankful for his care for them. I didn't know what I would do if Rory had been their only father and left me alone with them.

My limp fingers trailed their way back to the last words I received from my blue-eyed King, and as I brought it to my gaze for the hundredth time, I allowed a single silent tear to descend my cheek.

"My dearest Aria,

I write you this, not with the intention of causing you pain, but rather to spare you of suffering and also bring to light some recent truths I have discovered.

Today, I was graced with a visit from our great King Lorec, who was kind enough to offer me a place in his court. I know that you will be most disappointed to hear of my acceptance of his proposal, but I assure you that my decision was not made in ignorance or haste.

I truly believe that his rule is just and right, and that he is capable of offering this world the exact kind of guidance we so desperately need, and I hope that you will also come to understand this. The twin gods must not be trusted.

For now, I must depart to London. Please forgive me for not saying my farewells more directly, but as you can imagine, that just wouldn't have been wise with where we are both currently at odds.

I want you to know, though, that my love for you is great. No, beyond great. I love you more than anyone has ever loved another person, and I am doing this for you. For us.

One day soon, I will be back. Then, you and the twins can join me in the palace where we can live the peaceful life that we have always dreamed of.

Until then, my sweet Aria, I will keep you in my heart and dreams every single day we are apart. This will be hell for me, but I will choose to hold onto the hope that you will come to your senses and choose the best option for our love and our family.

I love you, forever.

Your King,

Rory Bennet"

I lowered the weathered piece of paper that had been soaked with too many tears to count. He betrayed me. He betrayed us.

He deserted his Kingdom, the one he helped us build, all for what? The promise of a peaceful life?

Did he not know that what Lorec was offering was only peace for us, not the world?

Or did he just not care?

I hadn't gotten as far as to consider how I would respond to him when he eventually returned. I supposed it would depend on my state of mind at the time.

I missed him. I missed feeling his warmth beside me as I slept. I missed hearing his soothing voice telling me how much he loved and wanted me. I missed the heat of our bond warming my body and soul. I loved him so much it hurt. But the pain wasn't coming from the love itself, but from my inability to let the love go.

He had slighted everything I stood for. Was it fair to set aside what I knew to be true in order to play into the fairytale ending Rory had in mind?

Of course not.

I couldn't afford to be that selfish. I had so many people who were depending on me. My court, my kingdom, my King, my children, and my gods.

My King.

My only King.

Rory had surrendered his position in our Kingdom for me, or so he claimed. I only had one King, when I thought I was promised two.

"Did you know?" My first words spoken in seven days came out strained and weak, but he heard me. He shifted nervously in his chair before choosing to forego it all together and stand.

With two graceful steps he was beside me, kneeling and placing his slender fingers over my trembling hands. I didn't look up at him. I couldn't. I didn't want him to see me any worse than he already had.

"I didn't know exactly what he would do."

"But you expected it." He went silent, chewing on his bottom lip, before gently tugging the letter from my grip and setting it on the floor.

"I saw what you saw. I saw his heart becoming tainted with doubts and insecurities. I didn't know he would choose to serve my father." I believed him, but it didn't do much in the way of making me feel better. Regardless of whether or not Lysander knew it would happen, Rory was still gone.

"Aria, please look at me." He pleaded, his voice warm and calming.

Hesitantly, my blotchy eyes met his, widening when I realized that his eyes were equally as puffy. He had been crying.

"Perhaps you should consider letting the twins stay at your mothers for a little while. Bastion will need to find a job and I think you need a little break. Wouldn't you like to see your mom?"

I would love to see my mom. I had been so lost in all of this. Even though Rory was still alive, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had lost my royal, and she knew exactly how that felt.

But she was living with Rory's dad.

How would he respond to the news of his son's betrayal? Shit, I really didn't want to tell him. Maybe I could just show him the letter.

I nodded slowly, allowing his charming blue eyes to grant me refuge. "That's a good idea." I agreed. "Let me tell them."

First I started by mind linking my mom. She seemed concerned at my sudden inquiries for her to watch my kids, but I promised her that I would explain it all once I got there. She said that she could take leave pretty easily since Anthony was VP and to bring them over anytime that day.

All I had left to do was talk to Bas.

"Bas, can you come in here, please?" I linked, not trusting my voice to shout the words. I could hear the sudden halting in his movements from the other room, followed by his eager response.

"Of course, baby. Let me lay them down real fast, I'll be right there." His heartbeat was speeding up. He was probably worried because I was finally speaking. Faster than I thought possible for him, he bounded into the sitting room, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

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"You okay?" He huffed out, trying to catch his breath. Lysander stepped back, still concealed to my mate.

"Yes." I assured him, watching as he took a quick relieved exhale. "I'm going to be heading to see my mom for a night so I can bring her the twins. I think it would be wise for them to spend a week or so over there while we sort things out here." He furrowed his brows in displeasure.

"Oh." He said dejectedly. I stood, crossing on shaky, unused legs to his sunken form, wrapping my arms around his waist. His eyes widened, melting into my unexpected physical affection.

"I'll only be gone one night. I really want to talk to my mom. I'll be back tomorrow and we can start to pick things up here. We can find you a job. Or me, if you'd prefer that." He eyed me warily.

"So, you're doing better, then?"

"Much. Thanks to you." I kissed the bottom of his jaw and he tightened his muscular arms around me, holding me as close as he possibly could to his warmth. "I love you, Bastion." I whispered against his t-shirt, inhaling the enchanting scent of Hugo cologne and my mate.

He rested his head on mine, kissing my forehead and taking a deep breath of me as well.

"How are you getting there?" He finally asked, combing his fingers through my ponytail.

To my surprise, Lysander stepped forward, lifting his hand in a shy greeting.

"I'll take them." He stated, and much to my surprise, Bastion didn't tense as I'd expected him to.

"Alright. Let me pack Lilly and James' bags." He answered softly. Even Lysander looked surprised by his reaction, crossing to me and placing his hands on my shoulders after Bastion had left the room.

"That was weird." He mumbled, drawing circles on my skin with his thumbs.

"Yea."

"Maybe he's just glad to see you doing better."

"Or maybe he doesn't want his jealousy to rule him like Rory." The words slipped out before I had a chance to process them, and the reality of them stung my chest. Noticing my discomfort, Lysander slid his arms around mine, trapping me in a consoling embrace from behind.

I leaned my head back into his chest, smiling when I heard the subtle rhythmic beating of his heart.

"Thank you, Lysander. For everything." His lips lifted into a solicitous smile in return.

"Of course, sweetheart. Like I said, I'll always be here for you."

.

.

Within an hour, we approached the steps of my mom's home in Florida. It was a typical beach home, all cremes and light blues, vastly different from our ranch back in Nevada. Lysander was cradling James against his chest as I held Lilly in mine, each of us tugging along their respective bags. My mom threw the door open before we even reached to knock.

"Oh, my babies! All of- Who the hell are you?" She directed at Lysander, one hand on her hip and the other pointing a harsh finger at the mysterious man holding her grandchild. I withheld my laughter at Lysander's startled response. Finding his poise, he smiled warmly back at her.

"Lord Lysander, at your service." He announced with a bow of his head, much like how he introduced himself to Bastion back when.

My mom's jaw hit the floor, her eyes flitting back and forth between us, then up and down Lysander's toned and slim figure. Saying he was built like a god would just be redundant, but still entirely accurate.

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His partially unbuttoned white linen shirt was spread open a little wider due to the baby clutching the edge and he had replaced his standard dress pants with navy shorts that clung tightly to his deliciously toned thighs. His hair was tied up in a bun and his striking blue eyes complimented the bright blue of the sky perfectly, as if it were merely transposed beneath his lids.

Once my mom was done ogling, she straightened her shoulders, stepping aside to grant access to the front door.

"I'm sorry! How rude of me, please, come in, come in." She gestured urgently, and I choked on air when I heard her shrill whisper in my head saying, "Damn, he's a sexy one, isn't he?"

"Mom." I chided, glaring at her with flushed cheeks. She shrugged, winking at me.

"We're allowed to look, honey. He is a god, after all." I bit my tongue. It would be hypocritical to get onto my mother for admiring Lysander when I admired him every damn chance I got. I couldn't help it. The man was spectacular, and his mystery only added to his charm. I pulled Lilly's suitcase across the aged sandalwood deck and over the threshold of their front door.

Anthony was standing patiently inside, awkwardly side-eyeing the unfamiliar man accompanying me. My mom moved fast to take James from him so he could do a proper introduction, which I was thankful for. Doing a side nod with his son's child on his hip hardly made for a good first impression.

After thanking my mother, Lysander turned back to Anthony, who had his arms crossed with his eyes scrutinizing the poor guy.

"I apologize for making you wait." Lysander's smooth and velvety voice broke the awkward silence. He extended his right hand for a shake, looking as stoic and confident as ever with his award-winning grin. "Lord Lysander. It's a pleasure, Anthony Bennet."

Anthony's eyes widened, and he immediately jumped his 'intimidating father' ship in order to appear cordial for his god. He grasped his hand in a firm grip, his own charm shining through as he shook.

"Wow, the pleasure is entirely mine, Lord. Please, is there anything I could get you? Maybe some scotch?" Lysander tossed me a subtle wink, making my cheeks flush in embarrassment. It felt like I was bringing my boyfriend home to meet my parents.

The thought was a rude awakening, a reminder of why we were really here. This wasn't a casual visit. Not really. I brought tragedy.

"Cognac, if you have some, please?" Lysander replied kindly. "And I think Aria could use a cocktail. Sex on the beach?"

My eyes darted to the glass back doors, which displayed the sand and ocean as if through one large picture frame. Anthony nodded, seemingly unaware of the irony as he left to get the drinks.

"Is it a good idea to drink right now?" I asked awkwardly, shifting from foot to foot. It was already approaching sunset and it was thirty minutes past the twins' bedtime, so my mother was putting them to bed in the basinet she had purchased for their visits. Lysander waited for her to retreat with Lilly before sauntering over to me, placing his toasty hands on the small of my back.

"I think it is an especially good idea, sweetheart. We are both nervous for tonight and I think we could use the help to relax." An incredulous grin crossed my face, telling him that I wasn't buying it.

"You? Nervous?" He nodded bashfully, gripping my hand and placing it over his chest again. His pulse was frantic, though you wouldn't know it just by looking at him. He had apparently mastered appearing completely in control of everything. The distinct sound of Anthony's footsteps approaching pulled us apart, and I couldn't help but feel a little guilty for doing so. It made our interactions seem dirty, immodest, when in reality they were only natural and friendly. He was my closest friend in this world and he was comforting me.

I shrugged off my unwanted emotions, crossing to sit on their padded sofa. As soon as the drink hit my hand, it was downed, causing Anthony to chuckle in amusement.

"I'm glad I made you more. You do know that alcohol hits vampires faster than wolves, right?" He clarified, but I gave him an 'I don't give a shit' grin, holding my glass out for more.

Lysander was quick to place his free hand on mine, though, the other bringing his crystal glass to his lips.

"Maybe we should wait until after we give them our news." He suggested, offering me a heart-warming smile.

He was right. How was I going to follow through with telling them if I was too wasted to get the words out? I nodded in agreement, setting my glass on the provided coaster and leaning back. Anthony met my gaze curiously, sitting in the armchair across from me.

My mom didn't miss a beat, perching herself on his lap upon her return as if on instinct. Anthony coughed, but I waved my hands in the air to dismiss his uncertainty. As if I didn't know the intimate nature of their relationship. They lived together, for crying out loud.

"You have news? I hope it's good news." My mom joked, leaning her head lovingly on the man who so strongly resembled the man who broke my heart, shipping half of it to London. I looked to Lysander for strength, and he responded by gripping my knee in an encouraging gesture.

"Not this time, mom."