Akihiko was happy, very happy in fact. Alannah had been most compliant, almost willingly, when getting on the Jet. Yes, Alannah had been quiet but that was to be expected. She had sat in the seat and even smiled when she saw the lights of China far below.
"This is the first time you have been on the flight, isn't it?" Akihiko said gently.
"Yes, I came to China by boat and have not had much chance to travel." Alannah said.
"That will change. I will take you anywhere you want!" Akihiko promised as he moved a strand of her hair away from her face.
"Sounds nice!" Alannah admitted it.
"Why are you not fighting me?" Akihiko suddenly asked. "Was she planning something?" Akihiko thought.
"I am tired, Akihiko. I am tired of fighting, tired of trusting the wrong people and tired of being lied to. You are the devil, I know at least! " "Honestly," Alannah said,
"I love your honesty, Alannah!" Akihiko said with a chuckle.
An air hostess came over with a glass of orange juice.
"No, thank you," Alannah said politely.
"Why not? Orange juice is your favourite. Do you think I have drugged it or something? " "Akihiko I said with a scowl. Alannah saw the people around them stiffen and look anxious. Obviously, Akihiko still had his temper.
"Oh, Akihiko stop being so grumpy!" Alannah said rolling her eyes. The air hostess looked frightened and moved back. She obviously thought that Akihiko was going to explode, instead, he laughed. Everyone on the Jet looked shocked.
I am sorry. You are right, of course. But, please tell me why. " Akihiko ordered.
I have to limit my vitamin C intake. I have a rare condition called haemochromatosis, which means I get a build-up of iron in my blood. " Alannah explained.
"Haemochromatosis? Is it dangerously?" Akihiko asking looking concerned.
It can be. I almost died from it a few weeks back. Too much iron can cause my organs to shut down. I have to have bloodletting done every 6 weeks to prevent it. I am guessing that is not going to be an issue. " Alannah said.
"Alannah, you will receive the best care that money can buy. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me, as I know it is not easy for you to admit things to me at the moment. " Akihiko said with a smile.
Akihiko then turned and barked orders at his staff. They all looked from him to Alannah and nodded.
Please rest assured, Empress, that I will personally oversee your diet and medical needs. Please let me know when you need the next bloodletting. " Hakaru said.
"Two weeks, but I am starting to feel tired already. Could I see a doctor when I arrive in Japan, please? " Alannah asked.
Sweetheart, you most certainly can. Anything you need, and I mean anything, then just ask me or Hakaru, "Akihiko said.
"Thank you," Alannah said politely.
As Emperor, it is my primary responsibility to care for my Empress, said Akihiko.Alannah just smiled and said nothing. "I know you are not used to having someone putting you first, Alannah, but that is how it is going to be!" Akihiko said.
"Why?" Alannah suddenly asked.
"What?" Akihiko said confused.
"Why me? You must have women throw themselves at you. So, why would you choose a cursed woman with no power or connections? " Alannah asked.
Akihiko looked at her for a second before saying, "Isn't it obvious?"
"Not to me!" Alannah replied.
Alannah, you are the only woman who has ever loved me for me. The others were just interested in my family name or my money. I loved you from the first time I saw you! " Akihiko said.
"I was trying to kick your arse at the time!" Alannah pointed out
"I know, which transfixed me even more! I was expecting an ugly man, but instead I was attacked by a warrior Goddess.I was so stunned that I almost forgot how to fight! Even then, I could not get you out of my mind! " Akihiko admitted
So, why did you sleep around? Tao and Maya never told me, but I was not stupid. " Alannah snapped.
"I was young and stupid, I had no idea what love was really. I also knew that having a long term relationship would be a challenge because of the difference in station. Not that I should have worried about that, with you being an Evans!" Akihiko said with a smirk
Weird right? Who would have thought? " Alannah said, smirking back.
"See, we were friends once. I am sure it is not beyond the realm of possibility to be again!" Akihiko said.
We were more than friends; I was completely in love with you. But we can't pick up where we left off straight away, Akihiko. It is going to take time, but I am happy to be friends to start with. " Alannah said.
"I am more than happy with that Alannah. We will take it as slow as you want, I am in this for the long run. Just promise you won't try and run from me!" Akihiko said firmly.
Alannah was about to answer when a screen started to descend from the ceiling.
"It is the Chairman's line, Boss!" Hakaru said.
Put them on Hakaru. I'm surprised it has taken them so long," Akihiko grumbled as he pressed the remote to turn the screen on.
The screen flashed on and it showed a group of furious faces. One of them was Kurt, whose eyes widened when he saw Alannah.
"Alannah! Are you OK? We are coming to get you, Alannah, so please don't... " Kurt began to say. But Alannah just turned her head and did not look at him.
"Akihiko, you violated Gang Law when you attacked and kidnapped a Triads member!"Xan snapped furiously.
"Hmm, I did not realise anyone was hurt? I mean, I am pretty sure no one was even killed! " Akihiko said in a disinterested voice.
"You threatened to drop my wife off a rooftop!" Xan shouted.
"Did I? I don't remember ever being on the rooftop! " Akihiko pointed this out with a smirk.
"What about Alannah? You have taken her! " As Theo pointed out,
"You are right Theo, I did take her. However, the crux of the matter is she came of her own free will. Under Gang Law, no crime was committed" Akihiko said.
"Alannah, is this true?" Chris asked.
"Yes, I have gone with him by my own free will!" Alannah said and she balled her fists on the armrests.
Akihiko smirked at her answer, infuriating Kurt even more.
Bruce ran his right hand through his hair and balled his right fist.
"Why?" Chris gasped.
"Because Alannah finally realised that I am in every way a superior match for her than Kurt. Do not worry as soon as we are married her family and friends will be welcome to visit!" Akihiko said happily.
"Married?" Kurt said, going pale.
"Why yes, Kurt, I am planning to marry Alannah as soon as possible." Unlike you, I understand the importance of my partner and how making them happy is a priority. Akihiko said.
"Alannah, please! I know I screwed up, I should have been there and I should have made you my priority. I have been an absolute fool! But, you know we should be together! You are my other half.." Kurt said.
But, you are not mine! It has always been about you, Kurt. It has always been me having to save you, James, or even Grace. When was the last time you saved me or put me first? " Alannah asked as she put her palms flat on the armrests.
You don't mean that! I love you, Alannah! " Kurt said desperately. He could not believe what he was hearing.
"Oh stop it, Kurt! You love Grace, we all know it!" Alannah snapped.
"It does not matter anyway, you have already promised to marry me. That is a verbal contract that can not be broken unless both parties agree too. I do not" Kurt said in a business-like manner.
"I also don't agree with the contract being broken!" Theo said firmly, folding his arms.
"Neither do I! As the leader of the Evans Gang, I will not put this family's reputation in disrepute by allowing you to break a binding contract! " Chris said simply.
You can't do that! Alannah hissed.
Oh, I can! As soon as your DNA is confirmed, I have authority over you, my dear. Kurt smiled. Chris said,
"It does not matter darling, there are other ways you can become my Empress. Like having my baby, for example. We'll be married under common law after seven years together.Akihiko said.
Alannah put her hand on her stomach and closed it. Akihiko smiled, thinking it was Alannah happily daydreaming about having his child. Bruce smiled for a split second before going back to his poker face.
"Seven years is a long time!" Chris commented
"Not when you are having fun!" Akihiko said with a smirk. Alannah moved her fists into the balls again.
"We will be going to the council! You won't get away with this!" Theo roared.
"Shut up Theo! I have been fine without you for 28 years and I am fine now! " Alannah shouted back.
Don't talk to me like that; I am your father! Theo said
Alannah stood up and took the remote from Akihiko. She juggled it between her hands and said, "Why not? I am going to be the Empress of Japan, and there is nothing any of you can do about it. Is there an Akihiko? " Alannah said.
"Indeed not, sweetheart!" Akihiko said as he snaked his arms around her waist and started to nuzzle her neck.
Alannah smiled and tapped the remote at the side of her head. "You see, I have found a man who loves me and who can satisfy my needs, Kurt!" She said as she clenched her fists.
"That you have my love and you will be an incredible Empress. It is such a shame Kurt did not recognise how special you are! " Akihiko taunted as he started to kiss her neck.
"Hmmm," Alannah said.
"I will kill you, Akihiko, and I will make sure Alannah is my Queen!" Kurt growled.
I really don't think so, Kurt. She is mine. But don't worry, she will be treated very well. Now, I think we should end this little chat. Alannah and I need to get reacquainted with each other! " Akihiko said with a smirk.
Alannah turned around and put her arms around his neck, her fists still clenched. "That sounds like fun!" Alannah said with a flirty smile.
Alannah, don't do this! I love you, sweetheart, you know I do! " Kurt said in a pained voice.
"Is this what you wish?" Bruce asked.
"It is as I wish!" Alannah said softly.
"That is it, gentleman!" Akihiko said and ended the conversation as the screen went black.
"That was interesting." Akihiko said, but his thoughts were interrupted as Alannah moved her lips onto his. After a few moments of kissing, Alannah broke the kiss.
"I am sorry, we agreed to take it slow!" Alannah said as she tried to move away. Akihiko stopped her by pulling her back in.
"Don't you ever apologise for kissing me again!" Akihiko said with a crooked smile and Alannah smiled back. Her plan was going exactly as planned.