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Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: "The Price of Malice"

After Princess Ophelia's harsh instructions, Aria, Kaida, and Zephyrine were left to clean the already spotless grand guest house. The princess's maids periodically checked on their progress, but the trio knew it was a pointless task.

"I don't see any dirt here," Kaida said, inspecting the immaculate floor.

"The Alpha had instructed the maids to clean everywhere before her arrival," Zephyrine added.

"I know," Aria sighed. "She hates my guts because I'm a witch."

The duo nodded in understanding. "Oh, we see!"

Resigned, they cleaned the already clean area again.

Meanwhile, Elijah waited impatiently in Aria's room, his telepathic voice calling out to Lila.

"Lila, where's Aria?" Elijah demanded.

Lila hesitated before responding, "My lord, she's at the guest house. The princess took her there."

Elijah's anger flared. "I specifically ordered you to safeguard her, and you left her in Ophelia's custody? Weren't you at Wolfsburg when she hit Aria?"

Lila trembled. "My lord, she's not hurt! I'm watching the princess and her ladies. They're still here at the palace while Aria is at the guest house with her friends."

Elijah stormed out of the palace, determined to protect Aria.

On his way out, Princess Ophelia intercepted him. "Greetings, Alpha Elijah."

Elijah's response was curt. "Your highness, Princess Ophelia."

Ophelia pouted. "I didn't get to see you today. I'm told you're busy all day."

Elijah took a step forward, but Ophelia grasped his arm.

"I came to Blackwood to be close to you, my mate," Ophelia said, her voice dripping with malice. "But I only get to see you less."

Elijah's eyes narrowed. "I'm busy with pack duties. I need to meet with someone."

Ophelia's grip tightened. "Is it someone important?"

Elijah's patience wore thin. "Yes. I heard you have that person in your custody. I need to see her."

Ophelia's eyes flashed with jealousy. "You mean Aria, the witch of Netherlands? She's a good slave. She offered to help me clean up my residence."

Elijah sensed the lies and removed Ophelia's hand from his arm.

"I need her help for something important," Elijah said firmly.

Ophelia's face twisted. "I can help you with anything. I don't mind at all."

Elijah's rejection was swift. "No, you can't."

Humiliated, Ophelia watched Elijah walk away.

At the guest house, Aria made a breakthrough With Eira Shadowfire's spells and Kaida's bracelet, she broke free from malakai's magical restraints.

Aria did an unexpected thing, she said the spells given to her by Eira shadowfire and kaida's bracelet came off. The girls celebrates the success of such accomplishments. She tries it again on Zephyrine and it breaks off too. There's joy around the girls. They all used their magic to do the rest of the chores.

As they finished their chores using magic, Elijah arrived.

"Follow me," Elijah instructed Aria telepathically.

Aria bid her friends farewell and followed Elijah back to the palace.

Outside the palace gate, Ophelia awaited them.

"Alpha Elijah, I have a request," Ophelia said, her voice dripping with entitlement. "I'd like to move to the palace. The guest house doesn't fit royalty like me. I suggest Aria stays at the guest house while I move to the palace."

Elijah began to refuse, but Aria intervened.

"That's a brilliant suggestion, my Lord," Aria said sweetly. "I like the guest house, and it befits me perfectly."

Ophelia's face darkened, realizing she'd been outmaneuvered.

Here's the elaborated story:

Elijah's telepathic voice pierced Aria's mind. "Why are you doing this? You should have allowed me to refuse that."

Aria didn't respond, knowing Elijah's frustration.

Turning to Ophelia, Elijah said, "It won't be tonight, Your Highness. Let's wait until tomorrow and see how it will be arranged."

With that, Elijah walked away, leaving Ophelia visibly displeased.

Aria bowed respectfully to the princess before following Elijah.

Once inside their room, Elijah's demeanor shifted. He grasped Aria's neck, his discipline evident.

"I won't tolerate you making insensitive decisions that concern us again, understood?" Elijah's voice was firm.

Aria nodded, wincing slightly at the pressure on her neck. The sensation sent a shiver down her spine, and to her surprise, her panties grew wet.

"Undress me!" Elijah ordered.

Aria obeyed, her hands moving swiftly to remove his clothing.

Elijah usually bathed with Aria present, and she knew the ritual well. They shared a bath twice daily, scrubbing and washing each other in an intimate dance.

Elijah undressed Aria, lifting her slender body into the tub in bridal style.

"What did she have you do at the Guest house?" Elijah asked.

"Cleaning a clean space," Aria replied.

Elijah's expression darkened. "You should have refused."

Aria explained, "She's a princess and your guest."

Elijah's gaze locked onto hers. "And you're my mate. My queen."

Aria's cheeks flushed at the declaration.

As they bathed, Aria washed Elijah's stomach, her hands drifting lower to his hardened member.

Elijah noticed her gaze. "Your breasts look fuller. It's amazing how they grow."

Aria's voice was barely above a whisper. "It's painful these days, I don't know the reason."

Elijah's concern was immediate. "I don't want you feeling any pain. I'll order the doctor for check up tomorrow morning."

Aria protested, "Don't, my lord, it's probably nothing. Just my body growing and adjusting."

Elijah's response was tender. He took a breast to his mouth, his lips sending shivers down Aria's spine.

As Elijah's lips caressed her breast, Aria's pain melted away, replaced by desire. His touch ignited a flame within her, and she arched her back, inviting more.

Elijah's hands roamed her body, washing away the stress of the day. His fingers danced across her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

Aria's thoughts drifted to Ophelia's malice, but Elijah's gentle touch erased those worries. In this moment, nothing else mattered.

As they bathed, Elijah's passion grew. He lifted Aria onto his lap, his hardness pressing against her.

"I love you," Elijah whispered, his breath hot against her ear.

Aria's voice trembled. "I love you too, my lord."

Their lips met in a tender kiss, the world outside fading away.

Later, as they lay in bed, Elijah's arms wrapped protectively around Aria.

"Sleep, my queen," Elijah whispered.

Aria nodded, her eyelids closing. Elijah's warmth enveloped her, and she drifted into a peaceful slumber.

The next morning, Elijah summoned the doctor as promised. Aria's breast pain concerned him, and he wouldn't take any risks.

As the doctor examined Aria, Elijah paced outside, his mind racing with worries.

The doctor emerged with a thoughtful expression. "My lord, Aria's breast pain seems to be hormonal. Her body is adjusting to the bonding process."

Elijah's brow furrowed. "Is that normal?"

The doctor nodded. "Yes, my lord. Witch physiology can be complex, but hormonal fluctuations are common in bonded pairs."

Elijah's concern eased slightly. "Ensure she's comfortable. I won't have her suffering."

The doctor bowed. "Of course, my lord."

Aria smiled weakly, relieved the examination was over.

Elijah's gaze softened as he approached her. "Feel better, my queen?"

Aria nods.

Unaware of the gathering storm, Aria and Elijah shared a tender moment, their bond strengthening. A maid of princess Ophelia sees it all.

But amidst their tranquility, a subtle change within Aria grew, hidden from prying eyes...

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