22 Karl and Kristine The night before

Completely his.

That is what he wants of her.

At another place and time, she would have jumped for joy. She only have her eyes for him. Only him. She can't count how many times she think of him in a day.

When she surrendered her wings to his control, she knew her life as a mistress is different than of her elder sister.

While Emerald is only to answer him when he call, she is the one to wait for him. She can't decide freely as she wants. Like a caged bird she isn't allowed to fly.

This was the least she expected the day before. He might enslave her for the day her sister is away, or probably take them both. But to replace Emerald completely without freedom? She never thought about it.

But nevertheless, their goal was achieved. Karl didn't seem to get suspicions at all as he take her out of the island into a vast forest the day after she came.

It is a magical forest. The sun almost never pass through yet it doesn't get dark inside. Thousands of fireflies roam around giving a soft light. The florals seem to glow with pixie dust. The river reflects the light of the fireflies that made it look like a reflection of the milky way.

She realized she is walking on the Master's hidden lair. Untouched and unknown by anyone but him, and now her too.

They had entered the perimeter at high noon, but they walked so long and so far that she wouldn't be surprised if the sun has already set outside.

Another realization dawned upon her. She can't use magic when she's inside of it! She felt it as they go deeper into the woods. Her magical spirit weakens until she can't sense it anymore. She wonder if its the same for him.

She rubbed that idea away. This is his. Clearly he is in control of everything and that includes her.

When they reached a clear field, it is night. The almost full moon is up in the sky. They indeed walked a long path and she felt her legs giving up.

Seeing her worn out, Karl carried her to her surprise.

Ah, there's a villa in the middle of the field. She could walk some more however she wanted to savour this moment, being carried by him like a newly wedded common couple as they enter their threshold.

She smell his scent and intoxicated by it.

He stole a kiss from her soft lips, and softly whispered in her ear, "You're mine."

Her distracting him from what is to happen tomorrow night doesn't seem like a task anymore. She buried her face is his neck.

'I can't allow him feel my guilt.'

The three story villa is made of glass and steel. As Karl walk into it while carrying her, she can't help but admire the interior at she see it through the glass walls.

She beckoned for Karl to put her down. But he doesn't seem to want to. Although he stopped as he see what she is trying to do. Karl let her admire the view.

The first floor has the kitchen, dining area, bar and living room. The second floor has the master's bedroom and study. She can't see the third floor but it seems to be an open rooftop.

Eh? One bedroom? She looked up at him.

He only smiled slightly.

'Huh, why do you think I brought you here little faerie?'

"You're the only other person who's ever been here." He look at her but Kristine can't read his mind at all. While her face shows being surprised.

"Then you built all these?"

"Hmm"

What could this possibly mean? Does this place hold a meaning to him? Or her stupid heart just making stupid assumptions?

She look at the villa again in awe. He singlehandedly built these. When had he been able to? Realizing that they still don't know a lot about him, Kristine's heart thumped nervously.

Karl, aside from his father, is one of the most powerful magical being alive. Though their clan is the gentlest, they must not neglect the fact that between a standoff, Karl will not lose easily from any wizard wolf in full rage.

What would happen to her if he found out of her betrayal? That could be as early as tomorrow night. Though her mother really is dying (she didn't lie about that, but they prolong her life until it could be used as a perfect excuse), soon the rebellion of the underlings will be revealed. And her role in it.

Karl had been studying her facial expressions. There was awe, then there was fear. Did he scare her? She adored the place clearly, then what is she afraid of? Of being caged?

"What worries you?"

Kristine choked. She must control her emotions. But what to do? She's never schemed before.

"I'll never get out of here ever again, would I?" Her voice laced with loneliness.

"Mmn, if you're good I might. Come I'm starving." Hmmn, I might let you out to play once in awhile, but that maybe after a very long time.

He went straight to the kitchen, putting her down in one of the counters.

"Stay there."

Kristine watched him prepare food for both of them. She never heard him to be like this. Isn't he the pampered young master? Though he raised Franschesca, the nanny is always there. His presence is to only guard the realm they are in.

Almighty Karl preparing pasta hmmmn. Am I the doted wife?

For awhile, she wanted to hold on to that thought.