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Deva felt warm sweat all over her body and an empty bed. She couldn't even remember getting into bed let alone knowing if her husband had joined her. Deva's head was spinning with questionable pain. Why did it feel like a hammer was pounding her skull?

There was no sun up and the room was dark. More confusion clouded her thoughts. 

"You awake, sleeping beauty?" The voice was low and playful. It was a voice she hadn't heard in a while. 

"Max. How long have I been sleeping?" She slowly tried sitting up. 

"The whole day actually. You've been in and out of these random heat flashes." He went over and handed her a glass of cool water. 

"Heat flashes?" That was strange. It had never happened before.

"Yes," Max explained. "We thought it had to be a lycan thing. There's no other explanation for it." 

Did it have to do with the Relic Moon? 

"Not that I'm not happy to see you but what exactly are you doing in my bedroom?"

"It was the king's idea actually."

She wasn't quite getting the picture. "What do you mean?"

Max fiddled with his fingers. "He basically wants me to look after you."

"You're joking, right?"

"Nope," he popped the p at the end. 

Everyone in the kingdom knew the queen could take care of herself. With her ability, it was hard for any to stand a chance against her. She didn't think it had anything to do with protecting but everything to do with trust. Maybe Darius didn't trust her anymore. Maybe he was tired of her secrets. 

"This is fantastic," she murmured before trying to get up. 

"Am I really that awful to be around?" 

Deva shook her head. She had actually missed him since he was away for so long. He wanted to travel the world and took one year to do it. 

"You still look the same but you've lost your accent." British accents ran in their family. 

He smirked. "I had to. Women would crawl all over me once they heard it." 

She laughed. "You have to defend yourself somehow."

"Precisely."

"I'm going to take a shower." Deva didn't take long to wash off the sweat of the night. She hadn't realized how bad her sleep had been. 

Back in her room she found Max in the same spot looking at his phone. Once he heard her footsteps he put down the phone and waited to speak to her. Something was on his mind. 

"How was your trip?" 

"I'm glad you asked." He stood straighter in his seat. "In my travels I also got to see my Aunt Emma."

She hadn't heard much from her mother in law; not since Alcide was born. "Go on," Deva said while taking the seat across from him.

"The first few days I arrived in Paris I went unnoticed. I saw her with a man."

That didn't surprise Deva much. It wasn't like she expected the widow to go on forever without another person to keep her company.

"This man had a strange resemblance to Adamarius."

Deva did a double take to be sure he wasn't lying. "You're sure of this?"

Max nodded. "I swore I was seeing things or perhaps making it all up in my head, at first but now I'm certain of it. She kept calling him Agron."

Deva had never asked Adamarius for the name of his father so she wasn't sure of it. Could it be? Did the late queen find her long lost lover?

"Who else knows of this?"

He shook his head. "No one."

"Let's keep it that way. I don't want word of this going around. Who knows what Darius might do when he finds out?"

"Agreed." 

Deva sat back in the couch baffled. "It's a wonder King Asher never found him. She hide him in the human world." It all made sense now. Only a royal could have brought him there. It just never crossed Deva's mind that the Queen would have betrayed her husband.

"Clever."

"Deceitful," Deva added.

She collected the information and stored it for later. Now was not the time to think about it. She needed to see her husband. "Where's Darius?"

"In the training room, I think." 

Darius always took pride in training his men himself when it came to combat. That was the exact place she found him. She walked in on him viciously throwing one of his men in training across the room. The stone wall behind the body cracked. 

Something was telling her he wasn't in a good mood. 

Darius barely looked her way when she came in but the rest of the subjects rapidly got to their knees. With their heads bowed low Deva dismissed them, "Leave us."

Her tone was fierce. She wasn't happy either. The room quickly emptied and she had to turn to Max and give him a signal before he too walked out to give them privacy. Darius took a towel and wiped the sweat off his neck. The irritation was eating away at her like a vindictive insect. 

"I have a bodyguard now?"

He didn't even look up at her when he replied, "Yes." 

"Do you not think I'm capable of handling myself?" Why wasn't he at least looking at her?

"It doesn't hurt to have extra protection." Darius trusted Max completely and knew Max's abilities would be of great use. 

"Extra protection?" She repeated. "From who? My people or...me?" Was Max there to help her control her powers? Was he there to stop her from hurting others?

Darius' eyes were bright blue and they weren't saying anything. He wasn't saying anything. 

Was she really that bad? He was making her feel like a monster. "I see."

He called her name before she could walk away. "Deva! Perhaps this has nothing to do with protection."

"What do you mean?" Was her theory right from the beginning?

"Alcide told me about the little visit he had with Uncle Marius," his teeth were clinched when he said the name. 

She sighed in frustration. "I was going to tell you."

"Were you?" He looked doubtful. "When exactly would that have been sweetheart?"

He was upset and his mocking manner was only provoking her. She didn't answer him.

"You went behind my back after you promised. After you promised," he shouted, "me that you wouldn't see him again."

Betrayal was the worst feeling in the world. Deva was no stranger to it so hurting her husband now was crushing her heart. She never meant to go behind his back.

"He just showed up." There was no other explanation. That was the truth. 

"Is that all?" He was acting like he didn't believe her. 

But she decided she wasn't going to have any of it. It wasn't all her fault. "Well perhaps if Alcide's father was there, we wouldn't be discussing this in the first place."

Darius' flexed his broad arms over his chest. It was one way to keep his anger at bay. 

"You know keeping your promises to your son every once in a while would probably benefit you in the long run." She hated arguing with him but this was bound to happen.

"I have responsibilities and a Kingdom to run. Even when I want to keep my promises something always gets in the way. I have a duty and my will is for my people." 

Deva also crossed her arms over her chest. It was hard to watch him get so cold and thoughtless. He was a great family man but lately he was forgetting the meaning of it. Yet she knew it was difficult to balance the two. Family and Kingdom are both demanding. 

"Yes, I've noticed." 

Darius brushed the bridge of his nose. "I thought I told you to stay away from him."

"Are you going to throw something at me now?" Last time they fought about Adamarius, Darius went on a little rampage. 

"Everything I do and say are always for your best interest. Why can't you see that?" He loved her with all he had but she was the most stubborn person he knew. Nothing would stop her from doing what she wanted to do. 

She knew he only meant well. "What if your best interest isn't what I need?"

His face instantly hardened to a savage gaze. "Who knows your best interest then? Adamarius?"

It stung more than she thought it would. It wasn't exactly what she meant. "Darius-"

"Not only did he infatuate my son into liking him but I have to hear from Marcus that there is a Relic Moon." 

Deva dropped her daze. She was only looking for the right time to tell him, lately she hasn't found it.  "Adamarius came back to help me."

"Like hell he did." 

"This moon is a curse for all lycans. It will test our limits and give us an incredible thirst for vampire blood." She took a few steps towards him. "It will affect me differently since I'm both. Adamarius has been through it before. He can help me."

"No! I will not allow it." He was on the edge with rage. "You went behind my back once. Don't do it again sweetheart."

His threating manner was all do cause of Adamarius, yet it still frightened her. "Or else?"

He combed his fingers through her hair. This action made goose bumps run down her back. "I'll lock you away until I've finally put him away for good."

Did she expect any other kind of answer from him? No, no she didn't. Deva turned on her heels and went for the exit. There was no point in reasoning with him now.

Lucian stayed in the shadows till Deva was completely out of sight. It was hard to see them butting heads so viciously. It was unusual as when. Lucian had never really seen his brother and Deva fight so dramatically. 

"Don't you think you're being a bit hard on her?"

Darius shut his eyes in aggravation. "This is none of your concern Lucian."

"But it's ever bit my concern dear brother." He hated when Darius tried tossing his thoughts aside. It made him feel worthless. "Deva is my sister now. And I don't believe your treating her just." 

"Yes. She may be your sister but she's my wife." He said it like he was rubbing it in his face. "I treat her the way she deserves." 

"She deserves more than your accusations and the wave of your hand."

"I deserve to trust her, do I not?" Darius anger ran deeper than hate or jealousy. Darius was afraid of losing her. And to have her love someone else would be the death of him. 

"She would rather die than betray you in such a way." Lucian would bet his life on it. 

"You seem so sure of it brother." Darius cast his head to the ground.

Lucian was surprised by his doubt. "Are you not?"

"You know better than I the bond and connection she has with Adamarius is strong and undeniable." Darius forced his eyes open even though they were exposed with fear. "For so long I've tried to block him out of her life but it's like she can't. Like her lycan won't let her." 

"It's nothing compared to the love she has for you. I have never come across a love greater and stronger than the one you both share."

Darius exhaled. "I'm a fool for doubting her, aren't I?"

Lucian laughed and nodded. "The biggest. " 

Darius grinded his teeth. "She just... drives me insane sometimes. I can't lose her. She is my life."  

"You won't brother," Lucian comforted.

"We'll kill Adamarius before he gets the chance to hurt you or Deva," Marcus said walking into the room. He heard every part of their conversation though their mind link. 

"We won't let him destroy our family again, " Lucian sounded extremely determined.

"We need to get rid of him." Darius wasn't sure if killing him was the best answer. How Deva would react or be? It always scared him to think she needed Adamarius to survive. 

Their link, bond was unusual and unpredictable.

"I don't think he plans on leaving till after the Relic Moon. He's determined to help Deva through the ordeal." Marcus commented.

"Then we give him reason to leave."

"And how do you propose we do that?" Lucian asked in wonder. 

"We beat him with his own ability," Darius answered. 

They only knew of one other person with the equal ability to manipulate and persuade. Izzy could have anyone wrapped around her finger and played like a puppet if she wished. That's why for so long they kept her in the castle. She abused her ability and lost control of her power. Through the recent years she's managed to keep it in check. 

"I'm certain she'll be on board." Marcus would make sure of it. 

The three brothers plotted with a vengeance. 

"I know father wouldn't have admitted it but he would be proud of you. You've become a great king Darius." Coming from Lucian it meant a lot to him. 

"Thank you brothers, for having my back."

"Always." 

"Always," Marcus repeated.

Darius felt blessed beyond belief for having such incredible brothers. "If you'll excuse me gentlemen. I think it's a good time to apologize to my wife."

"Might I suggest you go with a white flag. Last time I saw her, she looked like she was about to set something on fire." 

"She probably already has." Darius joked walking out of the room in search of his wife. 

He heard what he thought was her voice coming from his father's old study room. He dreaded the place just as much as he dreaded his father. 

A few second later the voices stopped. His presence was known. Inside Max was leaning against the bookshelf and Deva was wondrously looking out the window. Max took the hint and left without having to be asked. 

"Are you sure that's wise, him leaving? I'll be unprotected." She was still mad. 

"I'm here." 

"I'm doing this to humor you," she said turning around to face him. "You know very well I can slip through anyone's grasp."

Darius frowned. "That's what I'm afraid of. That you'll slip through my hands." 

She went to him and wrapped her small arms around him. He welcomed her warmth and touch. "Nothing in this world can keep me from your arms." 

He wanted to believe it. 

"Well except perhaps our son," She joked.

"I'm sorry. " He kissed her sweet soft lips. "I love you." 

She smiled and cupped his cheek. "Darius something bad is coming. I will do whatever it takes to keep you and our family safe.. even if it's from me." 

He pressed his forehead to hers and desperately pleaded. "Let me help you."

"What if you can't?" She wished he could but she wasn't sure if it was worth the risk. 

"Let me try." 

His pleading was always her weakness. "You have to promise me one thing." He was silent. "You have to kill me before I try to kill you." 

He shook his head like she knew he would. 

"Darius I-"

He cut her off, sealing her lips with a kiss once again. "That won't be necessary." 

He wasn't grasping the full matter of her point. He wasn't panicking or worrying like she was. "Is that why you got Max back here. You think you can contain my transition in one of his force fields?" 

He was serious now. That was exactly what he was thinking of doing. 

"Darius, he won't be able to keep it up for long." 

"I know. I know." He surrendered defenselessly. "But it's all I have for now." 

"I know you want this to work but I will not risk your life or our son's." 

He exhaled. "Let's not think of it yet."

She agreed. "Where's Alcide?"

"I'm not sure but maybe we should find him." 

She nodded. "He'd like the time spent with you." 

Darius went cold and still, she noticed. "He's missed you." 

His eyes were lost when she stared into them. "Am I a horrible father?"

"No," she quickly replied. 

He swallowed and she dragged him to the door. "I bet Alcide is in the play room."

That was exactly where he was. Alcide was playing a video game, completely oblivious his parents were watching him. The huge grin on his face and small fist pumps in the air made them both laugh. 

"Sounds like you're winning." 

The little boy was full of glee. "Dad! Dad! I'm on level five!" 

"No way buddy." Darius lifted his son in his arms and helped him defeat the rest of the game. 

"Dad, do I have more uncles I don't know about? " 

Darius' jaw tightened. "No." 

"Why didn't I know HIM?" Alcide put the controller down and stirred in his father's lap. "Is it because you hate him?" 

Alcide was a curious being just like his mother. Deva watched it all unravel, feeling helpless in the process. 

"He did something really bad to me and momma."

"But momma didn't hate him. She was nice to him." His tiny voice echoed into her ears and her eyes locked to Darius'. They were haunted with disdain.

"Let's not talk of this," Darius said putting his son down so he could stand up. 

"Why," Alcide continued. 

Deva didn't like where this was going. Alcide looked extremely determined to get an answer out of his father. 

"Why don't you forgive him? I do bad things sometimes. You forgive me," he looked so innocent asking.

"That's enough," Darius was close to shouting.

"Why?" Alcide said a little louder, almost demanding. 

Darius huffed and shut his eyes, agitated. She could tell there was something boiling up inside of him. 

"I want you to stay away from him, "Darius' voice was etched with something fierce.

"But I like uncle Marius," he pouted.

Darius jerked his head in the direction of his son. "He's not your uncle. Now drop it." 

His little face began to fume. "Why? What did he do? Why can't you tell me?"

"Alcide, I said that's enough." His voice was threatening but she knew he wouldn't hurt their son. She was afraid there was no way to break it up either. 

"Nooooooo!" Alcide stomped his little feet.

Suddenly objects in the room began to shake. The energy radiating off Alcide's angry body was disturbing the atmosphere. It only happened rarely, when he couldn't control his emotions. Just like Deva with her ability. 

"Why don't you tell me? Why aren't you there to tell me?" 

Alcide's words cut Darius deeper than any sword could. 

The objects in the room were on the verge of shattering. 

"Alcide!" Deva's voice was hard for him to focus on. "Alcide, baby look at me."

His eyes were blazed with a red rim, a sight so familiar and distant to her. Eventually the objects stilled and the room went quiet. 

"Alcide go to your room."

He glanced towards Darius and hesitated.

"Alcide," her voice was full of authority.

"Fine," he huffed before stomping away. 

She could feel the hurt growing through Darius' silence. The comforting words just didn't seem enough. 

"He gets his tantrums from me. He'll get over it." Deva tried to comfort.

Darius finally brought himself to look at her. "That's exactly how I used to act with my father."

She shook her head and pulled him into a hug, knowing where he was going with it. "You're nothing like you're father." 

"I hated him so much growing up." 

Deva drew his face closer. "Your son doesn't hate you." 

He tried to smile. "No but we're getting close."

"Don't say that." She didn't want him to believe it. "He's just confused and wants answers. "

She kissed him then pushed him towards the door. "Go tuck him in. I'm sure that's something your father never did. " 

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