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Chapter 9: A Night of Celebration
The night of the banquet had finally arrived, and the guests were starting to arrive. Derek's chambers were quiet, however, as he had yet to prepare for the evening.
Derek's second in command, a tall, imposing figure with piercing blue eyes, entered the room. "My lord, it's time to get ready," he said, his voice firm but respectful.
Derek nodded, still feeling weak from sharing his strength with Lika. He had been feeling drained ever since, but he knew he had to put on a strong face for the banquet.
His assistant helped him set up the bath, and Derek slowly made his way into the warm water. He closed his eyes, letting the warmth seep into his bones.
As he bathed, Derek's mind turned to the evening ahead. He knew that the banquet was a crucial event, one that would solidify his position as the ruler of the supernatural kingdoms and packs.
He got out of the bath, feeling slightly refreshed. His assistant helped him into a tailored tuxedo and royal robe, and Derek stared at his reflection in the mirror.
He looked every inch the powerful ruler, and he knew that he had to maintain that image throughout the evening.
With his assistant by his side, Derek strolled out of the room and made his way to Lika's chambers.
Lika's maids were busy helping her prepare for the evening. They had set up a bath for her, and she was gently washing her son.
As she bathed, Lika's mind turned to her plan. She had been letting herself bleed, slowly draining her strength so that Derek would become weak along with her.
It was a risky plan, but Lika knew it was the only way to ensure that Derek didn't become too powerful.
After her bath, Lika's maids helped her into a stunning elegant gown. She looked every inch the queen, and her maids couldn't help but stare in awe.
Lika smiled, her eyes gleaming with determination. She knew that she had to play the part of the devoted queen, at least for now.
With her maids escorting her, Lika made her way downstairs to the grand hall. The guests were already seated, and Derek was waiting for her at the throne.
Together, they descended the stairs and walked towards the throne. The guests erupted into applause as they sat down, and Derek smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride.
"Welcome, everyone," he said, his voice booming across the hall. "Tonight, we gather to celebrate the birth of my son."
Lika smiled, her eyes fixed on Derek. She knew that she had to keep up the charade, at least for now.
"And now, I present to you my son," Derek said, holding up the baby. "His name is Damon."
The guests erupted into applause once more, and Lika smiled, her eyes fixed on her son.
As the night wore on, the party only grew more lively. Derek and Lika mingled with the guests, laughing and smiling as they celebrated the birth of their son.
But as the evening wore on, Derek began to feel his strength waning. He knew that he had to excuse himself, at least for a little while.
"I'm sorry, my dear," he said, turning to Lika. "I'm not feeling very well. I think I'll go and rest for a bit."
Lika's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with suspicion. She knew that Derek's weakness was a result of her plan, but she couldn't let him know that.
"Of course, my dear," she said, smiling sweetly. "You should go and rest. I'll take care of our guests."
Derek nodded, his eyes grateful. He knew that he could trust Lika to take care of things.
With a final smile, Derek turned and made his way out of the grand hall. Lika watched him go, her eyes gleaming with determination.
She knew that she had to keep up the charade, at least for now. But she also knew that she couldn't keep Derek in the dark forever.
As the night wore on, Lika's mind turned to her plan. She knew that she had to be careful, that she had to keep her true intentions hidden.
But she also knew that she couldn't wait forever. She had to make her move soon, before Derek became too powerful.
With a final smile, Lika turned back to the guests,
For now, she would play the part of the devoted queen. But soon, she would make her move, lika thought and smiled mischieviously. "I guess being mated to the devil has its own benefits" she muttered to herself.