that doesn't mean they can't be a villain. Just like how a villain, though tainted in black, can end up being a savior."
"The world is filled with mysteries, and without action, a narrative can be painted to benefit the side that wants nothing but rulership," Otis reasoned. "You need to paint one narrative while letting your actions prove another."
"Be the evil queen on the outside, while creating a plan of power and peace on the inside," Adonis continued. "It won't be easy, but we're cheering you on, Cass. Fight what begs to tear you apart, and you'll reap the reward your heart begs to acquire."
The bedroom around us was beginning to make a fleeting exit as it began to fade in fragments. I looked between the two of them as they both kissed my cheek and moved to sit in front of me.
I frowned at their lustful eyes, only to lower my gaze to see my bra had been ripped to shreds and was laying in my lap.
"Adonis!" I huffed but couldn't say anything more as he laid a solid kiss on my lips. Moving back only gave Otis the opportunity to do the same, and by the time he released me, I was out of breath as the two of them began to fade away like static on a television screen.
"We got bonus time," Adonis admitted.
"It's cause we're two, idiot," Otis dryly declared.
"Fuck off," Adonis huffed. "You're lucky I got to see Cass's tits or I'd beat you up."
"You can go ahead and try," Otis grumbled. "You’re lucky I'm in a good fucking mood."
"Guys," I whispered and got their attention. Their bodies were almost gone from my sight. "Stop arguing. See you soon."
"So long, Cassandra," they said in unison with sad smiles, and just like that, I was standing once again. The ground beneath me was two-toned - one half of the circle glowing red while the other glowed purple.
Together they moved to the final circle, but I needed a second to calm myself down. All these emotions left me drained, and it felt as though I hadn't slept for weeks. I felt dehydrated, sleep-deprived, and starved, and my body struggled to stay up.
"You're almost there, Your Majesty."
I felt the hand on my shoulder, and to my surprise, there was Marigold in her older form. Her long green hair was up in a ponytail, while she wore combat gear as her wings fluttered swiftly.
"One more. It will be the hardest and most painful, but remember, you're dealing with the mental burden of it all. Your body will heal. Your mind will recover. I'm at your side and will aid you to the throne."
"Marigold," I whispered, and I moved to hug her. That seemed to surprise her as she grew a little tense. "Why are we hugging, Your Majesty?"
"I've always felt as though I've only given you a fraction of what you need from a mistress like me, and yet you've shown loyalty beyond your years. I'm nowhere near worthy of such devotion, and yet you give it endlessly, even with you dealing with my unbalanced emotional state."
She quietly giggled as she hugged me back.
"Cassandra, my devotion and admiration for you began the moment of your creation. I may have been locked away and unable to give you my aid, but I felt your strife through the years. You need to get through this to understand your strength. You have to witness what the rest of us see."
"But...aren't you ashamed to have someone like me as your mistress? Someone who can't remain confident when she needs to the most?"
"Everyone has good and bad days, Cassandra. Your feelings are valid, and that's why you have people like me in your life to remind you of your worth. You've made it this far. Don't give up. Omarion's waiting for your return. He believes in you. I believe in you. Tristian, Dominick, Otis, and Adonis all believe in you. Now you just have to believe in yourself."
She leaned back and gave me a confident look.
"You are a survivor and deserve to rule, Princess. Let your fear drive you towards a path you wish to pave for yourself and those you love."
I knew she was right, and these troubled times would pass. I merely had to stick it out a bit longer, and then I'd be free to recover before seeking the next step in retrieving my men.
This is for them. I have to do it for them.
"I'm also here to aid you," Quil-Zu