The Phoenix King

Truly

I was so tired after the battle I was glad to head back to Callisto and rest. I took a warm bath and headed to my room. I tried to rest my eyes but suddenly Sam came bursting in.

"Oh my god, are you okay?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine just tired," I responded. I didn't realize I had a few cuts on my face and arm. She gently brushed her fingers on my cheek.

"I was so worried," she said. I held her hands and looked deep into her eyes.

"I'm okay, really," I said. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I can't die." She looked even more sad at those words. She came in closer and I was thrown off by it. She leaned in some more and kissed me.

"I can't," I said quickly as her lips touched mine. "I'm sorry."

"Oh, I thought, no I'm sorry," she said panicked and then quickly got up and left. I felt like I had hurt my oldest friend but I could not let that go any further. I threw myself back on my bed and fell asleep.

~

I let myself get caught up in the moment, I was a fool to think he actually had feelings for me. For a moment, a single moment I thought he might. He named me his concubine and even though he explained to me that it was to protect me and make sure no one questioned why I was here and what purpose I served. I thought maybe there was hope he can see me as something more than a friend. I ran out of his room as fast as I could. I was looking down the entire time I didn't notice anyone in the hallway let alone in front of me.

"Oh, I'm sorry, excuse me," I said. When I finally looked up I saw her. She really was very beautiful. Her skin glowed and her eyes were bright and blue as the ocean or the sky. I knew I was no match for her but I loved Axel.

"No, it is my fault, I did not see you there," she said gently. Her voice was even perfect and she apologized but I was annoyed at the I didn't see you there remark. Am I not noticeable like her?

"Would you like some tea?" she asked me. I didn't want to be rude so I just nodded and followed her to her room. Venus was there. She was always so quiet but nice. She never smiled or looked to have any emotion at all. I sat down at this beautiful golden chair with a matching table. It was awkward, to say the least.

"How are you doing?" she asked. "You look troubled."

"Oh no, I'm fine," I said. I kept my eyes on Venus as she poured the tea. Looking at Selene was looking at a black hole or an eclipse. It was interesting, wonderful and beautiful but it could suck you in and hurt the more you looked at it. I hated that she was so nice.

"I wish I could help Axel," I said. She smiled and said

"You are helping him."

"No, I mean with the war. I wish I could fight alongside him," I said and then whispered, "Like you."

"Why don't you train," she said.

"Don't mock me, I'm serious," I said annoyed.

"I know, you should go to the trinity spirit church and meditate," she said. "So many people think that we are either born with spirits or we are not. I believe that the spirits come to us in our time of need and they help us grow."

"Okay," I said a little confused.

"My point is that you can find the power you need to help Axel if you truly believe. Go to the church with me tomorrow," she said.

"Yeah, sure, thanks," I said.

"Good, Axel will be pleased," she said.

"Yeah, we are really close and good friends," I wasn't sure why I said that.

"I know, he cares about you a lot," she said.

"Of course he does, I am important to him," I shouted slightly.

"You and Hunter are very important to him," she said softly.

"No, I mean, nevermind," I said getting up from my chair. "Do you think you know him because you don't."

Selene didn't say anything but gave me this gentle understanding look.

"You think you know him, you don't know Axel just this Alexander person" She took a deep breath but still remained calm. "Do you think you are the only one who truly loves him." She looked at me with concern.

"No, but I am the only one he truly loves," she said. I felt my heart drop and I know she was telling the truth. I knew I was a fool and I knew I was lying to myself all this time. I got closer to the door and as it slid open she said: "I hope you will still come to church tomorrow." I ran out of her room and went to mine. I jumped on my bed and began to cry until I cried myself to sleep.

~

The minute Samantha left my chambers I knew I had said too much. I wish she understood our connection and our love. Alexander may not be awake fully but he is in there. His eyes still show me hope every time I look at Axel and even if he never awakens I will love Axel just as much. They are one and the same. I told Venus I would go take a hot bath and she could prepare my bed for when I get back. I entered the grand bath and laid on the glass pool. I closed my eyes for a bit and I knew the moment Axel entered the room. I kept my eyes closed but spoke.

"Can't sleep."

I could hear him studdering. "Oh, um not really," he said. "I was going to take a hot bath and see if that helps, I didn't know anyone was in here."

"Only you and I have access to this room and I thought you already took a hot bath," I said amusingly.

"I, I did already take a bath and I think... I think I knew you were already in here," he said nervously.

"Join me," I said softly. He slowly took his clothes off and came into the water.

"It feels nice," he said.

"I know," I smiled.

"So royals take baths in large pools," he said.

"Your family built this palace so I guess so," I told him. He came a little closer and I decided to open my eyes.

"Why am I so," he began to say.

"Yes?" I questioned.

"Why am I so in," he tried to speak again.

"Axel," I called out.

"Call me Alexander," he said. My heart started to beat faster.

"Are you sure," I asked.

"Yes," he said.

"Alexander," I said.

"Sorry, it does sound weird," he said jokingly.

"Axel," I said again. "Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"I don't want to talk about that now," he said. He came closer and held me tight. He looked into my eyes and then kissed me with so much force it hurt at first. He pushed me closer to the pool wall and began to kiss my neck and went lower and lower with each kiss. He slowly pushed himself inside me. I put my arms around his neck and he picked me up gently and pushed even deeper inside me.

"Selene," he moaned. "I need you." I kissed him over and over again.

"AXEL!" I shouted as I felt him release inside me. We washed each other up and then he walked me to my chambers. I told him Venus was in the room so I didn't ask him to stay but I also knew he needed to focus on tomorrow's battle. I kissed him one last time and watched him leave to his chambers.

~

I walked to my room and Hunter was there.

"Dude, where have you been?" he asked.

"Have you ever been in love?" I asked him.