CHAPTER 250: ZAINA’S PLAN

[Capital City.]

Akamir moved through the streets of the Krivos Kingdom with his hands in his pocket.

The place was devoid of many merchants since he last visited it.

Most of them have already run away from the kingdom.

’They are probably sure that Krivos will lose the war.’

Akamir didn’t blame them for thinking that way.

He was also more or less sure that if not for him, the kingdom would definitely lose.

It wasn’t that Inara wasn’t a good leader, in fact Akamir found her quite competent.

But the kingdom was just not ready for any type of war, not with the change of their King.

"What are you thinking so hard?"

A voice echoed from his side, snapping him out of his thoughts.

He looked as he found a lavender hair girl staring at him.

Her ember eyes looking deeply into his eyes.

"Nothing much." Akamir replied with a smile. "Just about the war and its effect."

Zaina nodded her head as she could feel the changes around her because of the war as well.

"...it’s not really weird for you to be worried." She mumbled gently. "You are Royal Consort of this kingdom."

There was a weird smile on her face, it was both mocking and concerning.

"If the kingdom loses the war." She mumbled with a smile. "You would be first to die along with the queen."

"You do know what you are saying is treason." Akamir asked, slapping her head gently. "You would get yourself killed because of it."

She moved away from his reach, rubbing her head. "Did I say anything wrong?"

Akamir shook his head. "Not really."

There was a silence between them as they kept on walking.

"...If you feel like you can’t win just come to me." She said after a while, her voice earnest. "I will do everything in my power."

Akamir chuckled. "If I can’t win against it then you can’t either."

She pouted crossing her arms. "I still have the church behind me, you know."

Zaina’s laugh was soft, almost teasing, but her eyes stayed serious. "The church will support my future husband, hopefully."

Akamir glanced at her, weighing the meaning behind the words.

She was younger than most but she was still smart.

"Useful to remember," he said. "Keep your tongue friendlier to the queen."

She stuck out her tongue and then sobered. "I really hate her though." She grumbled. "Like she is above me or something."

Akamir opened his mouth to speak but chose not to.

’It will be wise not to get involved in their drama.’

Though the entire drama was because of him.

They walked in silence a moment, the capital around them quieter than it had been a month ago.

Windows barred, fewer lanterns lit at dusk.

The people who remained moved with hurried routines, as if pretending business as usual could keep disaster away.

Akamir’s walk brought them past the barracks.

A handful of soldiers drilled in the yard, armor clinking, swords flashing.

He watched them for a long breath.

’Well, looks like things are going to get serious.’

"Why did you want to meet me anyway?"

Akamir asked as he looked back at Zaina.

The girl blinked as she looked at him. "Do I always need a reason to be with you?"

Akamir wanted to say ’yes’ but that would only make things more difficult.

’I wonder why do I even care so much about this girl?’

Akamir let out a sigh rubbing his temples in frustration.

Part of the reason why he always helped was because of what Nayomi told him.

He still felt a little guilty for ruining her life in the novel even though it had nothing to do with him.

’....It was Asher’s fault for fuck sake.’

"No." Akamir replied, looking forward. "You are my fiance, you can call me anytime."

Zaina’s confidence grew as she puffed her chest. "Thought so."

Zaina walked beside him with a little bounce in her step now, clearly pleased with his words.

"See?" she said with a grin. "You’re finally learning how to treat me properly."

Akamir gave her a side glance. "Properly? You just want me to spoil you."

She tilted her head, smiling. "And what’s wrong with that?" She said. "The apostle of a goddess deserves this much."

"Yeah, sure." Akamir mumbled rubbing his neck. "But really you have nothing to tell?"

Zaina didn’t reply as she kept looking down on the ground.

Her eyes dimmed down just a little as she smiled.

"I will be visiting the main Church." She whispered softly. "The church says they are ready for my arrival."

Akamir looked at her as he asked. "When?"

Zaina’s fingers twisted together as she kept her gaze on the cobblestones.

"...Tomorrow," she finally said, her voice quiet. "They’ve been calling me for weeks now. I can’t delay any longer."

Akamir studied her.

The playful arrogance she always carried was still there, but beneath it, he could see the unease she tried to hide.

"You don’t look happy about it."

She gave a small laugh, though it sounded hollow.

"Who would be happy?" She scoffed. "I was born and lived my entire life here, I just don’t want to go to a new place."

Akamir slipped his hands deeper into his pockets, eyes narrowing. "Do you want me to go with you?"

Zaina glanced at him quickly, startled, then shook her head.

"No. The church won’t like it. They barely tolerate your existence as it is." She gave a weak smile.

"Besides, if you’re there, they’ll try to use you against me. Better if I go alone."

Akamir didn’t answer right away.

He wanted to laugh at her naivety but knowing she wasn’t aware of his powers it made sense.

’For her I am just stronger than most but not bigger than the church.’

Akamir wondered something that no man should have. ’Can I take on the entire church alone?’

Given enough time and preparation Akamir was fifty percent sure, he can.

The only thing that could actually stop him is the goddess herself.

He may have plans for most but he can’t take on the absolute power.

Not yet at least.

Akamir turned his head toward the barracks again, watching the soldiers finish their drills.

Their shouts and the clash of steel carried faintly in the air.

"...You’re not alone," he said at last, his voice steady. "No matter what they try to pull."

Zaina blinked, her lips parting slightly, but then she looked away with a small scoff.

"Hmph. You really know how to say dangerous things without sounding like it."

"Maybe I mean them."

For a moment, silence settled between them.

Only the faint breeze and the distant sounds of the city filled the gap.

Akamir began to walk as they were close to an empty place.

"By the way." Akamir said gently. "If you ever get in trouble just think about me."

Zaina smiled as she found his words amusing. "And what will happen if I do?"

Akamir’s lips curved into a small smile. "Who knows." He said. "Maybe something will happen."

Zaina tilted her head, studying him as if trying to decide whether he was joking or not.

The ember glow in her eyes flickered, catching a hint of curiosity.

She sighed and asked. "What are you going to do now?"

"I will be going to the other side of the world." Akamir told her truthfully.

Zaina blinked. "Wait, isn’t it dangerous!?"

"It is." Akamir replied looking around. "But I would be fine, don’t worry."

The place they were in was relatively empty as there was no one around.

Zaina seemed to notice it as well but she didn’t say anything.

Slowly she began to walk closer to Akamir. "So, we are not going to see each other for a while, huh?"

"Probably." Akamir mumbled, noticing her getting closer. "What are you doing?"

Zaina didn’t reply as she slowly wrapped her hands around his neck.

Her smile deepened even more. "You want to know something crazy."

Akamir tilted his head. "What?"

She tiptoed to reach his ear as she whispered. "Today is my safe day."

Akamir blinked as his hand grabbed her waist. "I wonder." He said. "What that might mean."

Zaina’s cheeks flushed red, but her mischievous grin never faltered.

"You know exactly what it means," she whispered, her ember eyes glinting.

Akamir chuckled under his breath. "You’re getting bolder every day."

"I’ve always been bold," she replied, her voice carrying both pride and playfulness. "You just notice it more now."

Akamir let out a slow breath, his hand steady at her waist.

"You know this isn’t the right time," he said quietly, though his grip never loosened.

Zaina leaned closer, her forehead nearly brushing his. "There’s never a right time," she murmured. "I just want to have a special time with you."

Akamir smiled softly. "But don’t you have to keep yourself pure for the church—."

"Fuck them." She replied, her voice grumpy. "I will do whatever I want with my body."

Her words lingered, soft but heavy, settling into his chest.

She looked up at his face. "What is your answer?"