Valice Black - Aether's Sovereign

I hate the mechanics of royalty. Why do I have to wait each night or morning to see my husband? Why is it so hard to see one another? Gods, I hate this.

Standing outside the throne room, I waited for the ministers to introduce me. It was a grueling thing to wait. And I know I should be accustomed to it, but I swear that each year, I find it harder and harder each day I stand here. But is it not my duty to stand here? To support him, despite the inconvenience?

The doors began to open as a booming voice resounded, " Introducing, the queen of Aether, the Goddess of Wealth, Valice Black."

Marching inside, ignoring the pesky ministers and the Second Consort on one knee, I smiled at my husband, who lifted his lips in surprise each time he saw me. I don't know why he always seemed so surprised to see me, but by the Nine Hells, I just loved that look.

It always made my day!

"You're looking lovely as ever," He complimented as I walked over, kissed him on the cheek, and took a seat by his side.

God, I wanted it on the lips, but these bitch ass ministers' cock block at every turn. I swear once you become a king, regulations find their way up everyone's ass.

"What brings you by?" Orthis inquired, pulling his attention away from the Second Consort.

"Her," I pointed out. "And a little of you."

Orthis expression dipped a little as he nodded. "Care to explain why Mr. Blackwater is tormenting my children? One of the hidden guards said that this slave humiliated two of my children."

"And whose hidden guard is that? The one who works for the Second Consort? Or my Zanta's hidden guard?" I inquired, noticing the crooked expression struggling to be contained by Jessica. "The reason for my visit is to inform the Second Consort to leave my child be, as he is in the middle of training with a notable figure."

Orthis paused and narrowed his eyes, "What was wrong with who I picked?"

"He belongs to you," I said, watching the look of confusion spread, "Today, Zanta had over seventy bones broken, four severely punched organs, a damaged spine, cellular damage, and a severe concussion. Internal bleed was but one of the many injuries he had." I informed, clenching my fist, "Tell me, would Mr. Falrack have been able to do any of that? Would you be able to train our child in such a way?"

"But he's a slave! People talk!" Jessica announced, with her long lilac eyes that added to her beauty. I could not deny this woman was beautiful; in many ways, she surpassed me, and I was the one who told Orthis to take on another so that he might have a child, as even after so many Dao Cycles, I was without child.

I felt guilty, and I knew Orthis didn't wish to bring it up, but— Gods. I wanted to kill this woman. She is such a bitch! Does she think my husband married her due to falling in love?

"And?" I questioned, " I was born into slavery. By the time I was ten, my old master had already slapped me so hard my eye had lost its light; by the time I was fifteen, I was poisoned and almost raped by my father. At the same time, I don't wish that on my children; there is an expectation in the Cultivation world that if you are weak, you die. I don't care what form of torment a parent does. If they truly love their child, they will make them stronger no matter the cost because anything is better than death."

Bearing down on Jessica, who had somehow involved herself so much in my husband's work despite my warnings, I did very little to stop her.

I was the wealth behind my husband. I generate almost fifty percent of his wealth through various businesses through taxes, something I never bothered to fight him against despite the empire sucking me dry at times, causing quite a few firms to fail.

"My point is that we knew nothing aside from the fact that 'I like Little Boys' may, in fact, be a pedo. He could very well be a wolf in sheep's clothing."

"As I said, power doesn't come without risk. I am doing all I can for my child, and this wolf has an added risk of hurting him. But since you are not a Paragon, your understanding of the finer details elude you. Speaking of wolves, Mr. Blackwater said he will kill you if you strike."

Jessica's expression contorted from beautiful to derange as she stomped, " And you let him!"

"He cost me over a billion credits; you bet your ass I did. He's a major deal, not to mention—" I paused and slid my gaze to Orthis, who understood my intent.

"Leave us, Jessica."

"Your Majesty, I—"

"Leave!" The emperor commanded in a regal tone that turned my loins hot.

God, I want another baby!

Stomping her foot down like a child, I knew it was only a matter of time before she struck. I'm glad orthis didn't tell her not to fight back.

Waiting for the Second Consort to leave, Orthis chuckled, " Will he really kill her?"

"The boy is like a devil, if not worse. I'm sure they informed you of that killing intent he released." I said, " We had to call in a few angels to purify the ground beneath his feet. Mr. Blackwater is a monster. While not at Paragon, I can see him reaching it. It's just a matter of time."

Orthis narrowed his brow, " Blackwater. That name has a lot of history, you know. Can we trust him?"

"I only trust you; you know that," I said, and he looked at me, his gaze seeing right through me. "He wants to meet you. It seems like this one is dangerous."

"How much does he know about you?"

"I'm leading him around regarding my relationship with you, but he does have a good point or two. I may just let him kill Jessica."

"So your not fine with it, me taking on another wife. I asked you like seventy million times!" he argued in a harsh tone.

"I'm allowed to change my mind, you know!"

"GOD DAMN WOMAN! Let me ask! What do you want to eat?!"

'Chicken, no beef, no, let's try Lotus duck! No, wait, what do you want. No!—"

Feeling his furious gaze upon me, I giggled and snatched his collar, pulling him close to me, " I'm your queen. You got to put up with me!"

"That you are," he whispered, pressing his lips against mine.

"My Lord, please excuse yourself to the bedroom!" One of the Ministers uttered.