~~~
Nelson's eyes widened in disbelief. "Explain," Nelson demanded.
Felicia's voice dropped to a whisper.
"Lady Elizabeth discovered Ryker's true intentions... and paid the ultimate price."
The revelation shook the chamber.
Nelson's eyes blazed as he asked, "Do you know who killed her?" Nelson demanded.
Felicia's eyes scanned Eira's reaction before she uttered the next words. "It was King Edward, your father. He was manipulated by Ryker to order her death."
Eira's face crumbled, her confident disposition had worn off. "No... Father?" Eira whispered, her voice breaking at intervals.
Felicia continued with a firm voice. "To protect Ryker's secrets and maintain his hold on the kingdom, he had Lady Elizabeth killed."
Eira just stood there, broken and speechless.
While Nelson's anger boiled over. "I'll destroy Ryker!" Nelson roared.
Eira's eyes flashed. She thought back on what Ryker told her had happened to her mother. "But..but he said she was killed by unknown assailants from a minor rival mafia group…"
"Ehemm…." she cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "I'll join you," Eira vowed.
Upon hearing this, Nelson's eyes immediately darted towards Eira. "Great! Together, we will certainly bring Ryker down and make him pay for everything he has done."
Felicia's grip on Nelson's arm tightened as she whispered to his hearing alone, "But first, secure your throne, Nelson."
Nelson's eyes narrowed. "Ryker's move."
In a low tone that gave off urgency and seriousness, Felicia said to Nelson. "Remember, Eira's claim, though tainted, still stands a chance to weaken your hold."
Without giving it a second thought, Nelson blurted, "Eira, as my sister, you'll renounce your claim." His decision was swift, and his stance, unshaken.
Eira paused for a few moments before she finally nodded in agreement. Her nod was resolute. "I will."
Just like that, unlikely allies forged a pact, finalizing it with a handshake. Ryker's downfall was definitely sealed.
"So, Eira, you will go back to Ryker and go on with everything as if none of this happened. He must never find out that you know the truth, nor that we are now allies. He will never see this coming." Nelson said, his tone firm and authoritative.
"Yes, I will make sure he never finds out", Eira obliged.
With that, the estranged siblings, turned allies, and everyone else - Felicia and her handmaiden, parted ways.
Days had slowly gone by since the unlikely alliance was formed between Nelson and his estranged older step-sister.
Nelson, now in his private chambers, poured himself a glass of wine.
Time had passed , but his mind was still reeling from the revelation about Lady Elizabeth's death.
Then, Felicia entered, her elegance captivating and filling the room with her unique aura.
Since the night of the encounter with Eira and the following revelations, Nelson had found himself getting slowly drawn to Felicia. Something about her innocent, yet deadly disposition had him gradually yearning for her.
Maybe it was her unforeseen intelligence and resourcefulness in the face of confusion, or maybe it was her beauty that still had its never fading innocent appearance. Whatever it was, he just could not place his finger on it.
Either way, there was something about her that left him wondering, wanting to know more, but he would not pry her or lead her into thinking he had grown to have feelings for her.
He was Nelson Bianchi after all, the king of Everia! So, he was not about to give a twenty year old lady that much power over his emotions.
"You're still awake," Felicia said as she approached him, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Nelson handed her a glass. "Yes, I couldn't sleep," Nelson surprisingly admitted.
Felicia's eyes sparkled, her innocence radiating through the glow in her eyes. "Too much on your mind?" she asked.
Nelson nodded. "Ryker's invasion plans..Eira... my father's secrets. Everything is all too much, but heavy lies the head that wears the crown."
Felicia smiled at Nelson's closing remark. Even now, he was trying to keep up the tough mafia king act. But she was gradually beginning to learn that he was actually quite the emotional being.
The only problem was that he would rather express only anger and rage, bottling his other emotions inside of him.
Felicia's voice softened with concern as she finally spoke up, "You're not alone, Nelson."
Their eyes locked into each other's. The tension in the room was so sharp, it could slice through ice. One could easily tell that the tension between them was palpable.
Nelson's eyes lingered on Felicia's. He was trying to search within her to find some kind of insight into what kept her innocence intact, and how she managed to radiate such a glow even in the dimly lit room without as much as a fuss.
"So far, you have been by my side through all this, and you somehow knew how to maneuver such a delicate matter with Eira," Nelson said.
Felicia's smile hinted at vulnerability. "Well, it is my responsibility. I am your wife after all," Felicia replied. Within her, she was quite amazed at her own reply.
Never had she thought that she would ever admit to, let alone accept the fact that she was the wife of Nelson Bianchi, the ruthless mafia king.
Nelson's voice dropped to a soft and emotional tone, "But you are actually more than that."
Hearing this made Felicia blush, her cheeks a bright shade of pink.
Nelson slowly drew her closer to him. "Thank you, Felicia," he softly whispered.
Did Nelson Bianchi just tell her thank you? Or was she dreaming? Felicia thought to herself.
Nelson leaned forward and within moments, they were merely breaths apart.
Their lips almost touched. "I'm grateful for you," Nelson breathed.
Felicia's eyes fluttered closed as she tried to soak in the moment. The tension snapped.
Nelson's lips brushed against Felicia's. A gentle, tender kiss.
Her thoughts raced, "you can't fall for him! You have a dream to achieve! You still need to escape!"
But in that moment, every single thought of uncertainty or doubts she had gradually fizzled out.
Picking her up, Nelson took Felicia away from the couch where they were seated, over to the master's bed.
He placed her gently on the bed and got on top of her. He did not know what exactly he was feeling, but one thing was certain at that moment, he wanted her, and he wanted all of her right now!
….