Lina could not understand the extent of human greed. Or was it even human? She heard ringing in her ears, whether it was from disbelief or detachment from the situation.

  Lina realized the world was continuing around her. Kaden was saying something to Holton. The rug was being yanked beneath her feet. Not because she was hurt by the King of Wraith's decision or the revelation about Atlantis job. But, from the history that was fated to repeat itself.

  "Lina?" Holton said.

  Lina jolted back to reality. She slowly blinked. Hazel was clinging to her father's leg, peering curiously up at her. Lina could feel her mouth run dry.

  Hazel's large eyes were like those of the Eighth Princess. Her hesitant smile was as endearing as the Eighth Princess.

  Lina suddenly wanted to run from guilt. She remembered what happened to the Eighth Princess. They said her body was dead upon arrival in Ritan. Poisoned. But by who? History did not know. People said it was Atlan, but he denied it until the very end.

  "Say goodbye to the nice auntie," Holton encouraged his young daughter.

  Hazel was timid for her age, but clung to her father. She flashed Lina a shy smile and then hid behind her father's legs.

  "She's usually more outgoing with her friends," Holton informed Lina. "And by friends, they're royalty. Son and daughter of the rulers of Wraith."

  Lina realized Holton's involvement in Wraith was much more than anticipated.

  "In fact, Kaden saw a glimpse of them before, from the car, though," Holton mused.

  "The royal brats look exactly like their parents. I wonder if they're aware of their father's greed," Kaden sneered.

  Lina's brows drew together. She kept her face composed, even when she wanted to scream the fact out loud—history was playing before their eyes. She'd rather watch her kingdom fall again than let the same thing repeat. How many deaths would it be this time? How many ruined hearts?

  "Kaden," Lina murmured, noticing Hazel had peered out again.

  Hazel seemed upset by Kaden's words. Her bright eyes grew dim and she frowned to the ground.

  "Heave-ho," Kaden called out, raising Hazel into the air.

  Hazel laughed in response, swinging her little legs. Kaden settled her onto his hip and presented her with a slight smile.

  "Will you not say goodbye to your uncle?" Kaden humored.

  "Goodbye Uncle…" Hazel quietly whispered.

  Kaden did not respond. He simply hugged her a bit tighter than usual. It'd be a while before he would see her again. Kaden gazed at Holton. The two shared a mutual agreement.

  The King of Wraith must not find out. If so, death was upon him——

  "I didn't know," Lina told Kaden the minute Holton was gone. "And we don't know for certain that Atlantis is really searching for immortals."

  Kaden slowly turned to her. Lina felt her entire heart pause. He was eerily calm. So much so, it terrified her. His face was blank as a slate. There was nothing she could read from him.

  "Eden, please, let me at least ask Atlantis before either you or Holton does something," Lina said.

  Lina grabbed his hand, hoping she'd somehow reached his sympathetic side. She squeezed his hand with two of her own, but he simply stared at her. Suddenly, he caressed her face, his thumb sliding over her soft skin.

  "I see it too," Lina mumbled. "I see history is repeating itself. I am not blind or stupid. You will give me time."

  "You have one thing wrong," Kaden muttered. "History has repeated itself, but you're not part of it."

  "I don't understand," Lina responded.

  "You've changed."

  "People adapt," Lina simply said.

  Kaden's lips pulled into a soft smile. He tugged her close, slipping his arms around her. He was certain this time he was going to win her over. She was equipped with the memories of the past. And he had enough confidence she wasn't stupid. At least, her long list of achievements said she wasn't.

  "You've stopped begging me," Kaden said. "This is the moment you should've gotten onto your knees and pleaded for my mercy. Instead, you gave me the ultimatum that I should gift you more time."

  Lina didn't know what to say. Instead, she tilted her head and pressed for time.

  "I like it better when you beg," Kaden concluded in a light voice. "But only in bed. Never out of it."

  Then, Kaden bent his head and captured her lips. He kissed her gently like she was made of glass. He pulled away before she could respond. With a final peck on the forehead, he gave her a nod.

  "Go and ask your lover boy for the truth," Kaden said in a quiet tone.

  Then, Kaden peered at her. His long fingers stroked her cheeks, a dangerous smile on his face. He seemed to suddenly regret his decision.

  "Though, I adore you far too much to let you go," Kaden commented.

  "And if I ran away with another man?" Lina shot back, just to humor him. She didn't see the danger signs.

  Kaden calmly glanced at her. "My dear dove, he will face a fate worse than death. Then, I'll screw you again and again, until your insides are molded back into my shape. I'll put you in every position until you remember nothing but my name and the pleasure I've given you… until you remember exactly who you belong to."

  Well damn.

  Lina was at a loss for words. Something about his aloof expression told her he was serious. His grip on her was loose, but it was out of trust. Trust that she would not break his heart. Trust that her heart would only belong to him.

  "That was scary," Lina said. "But hot! Only because you're handsome."

  Kaden scoffed. "Half the things I say and do are only charming because I am good-looking. If someone else said it, you'd be screaming for the police."

  Lina's lips twitched. She felt his hand grip her hip tighter. Then, he yanked her closer. Their bodies brushed against each other. She could feel the clench of his muscles. Her heart lurched in excitement.

  "Now, shall we practice what should be done to you if you cheat?" Kaden teased, bending to kiss her again. This time, she pulled away and shook her head.

  "I-it's still sore down there," Lina mumbled.

  Kaden's brows shot upwards.

  Lina yelped. He suddenly picked her up. She was startled by his strength, but expected as much. Her legs dangled over his arm as he carried her bridal style.

  "You should've told me much earlier, dove," Kaden said. "I would've made you stay in bed."

  Lina wryly looked at him. "And do what?"

  "Rest."

  "You don't seem like you'd let me…" Lina whispered.

  Kaden hesitated. "Only after a round or two," he corrected himself.

  Then, Kaden chuckled. "A joke, of course."

  Lina wondered if he truly meant it. Then, his grip tightened on her and he adjusted her position, so she was more comfortable in his arms. A comforting voice from her heart told her he'd uphold his word.

  "What are we going to do now then?" Lina asked him.

  "A massage and warm bath to ease your muscles," Kaden responded.

  Kaden curved his head and kissed her on the forehead. "Only the best treatment for my dear wife."

  Dear wife.

  Lina wasn't sure if she'd ever get used to such an adoring nickname…… She hoped it would be soon.