Dear Immortal Tyrant

That night, Kaden and Lina cuddled for the longest time. They talked about their future with or without children, their dreams, the weather, tomorrow's meals, their schedule, and everything that could be talked about. Kaden held her for the longest time, ignoring how quickly his arm fell asleep. He didn't mind not feeling his limbs anymore. Soon, her eyelids grew heavy and she slept. He watched over her the entire night.

Kaden didn't sleep a wink. He was worried. Terrified, even, that he'd wake up and she would be gone—stolen right under his nose. Atlas, the morning light flashed over them.

Kaden pretended to sleep and wake up at the same time as her, for he knew she'd get concerned about his lack of sleep. The pair refreshed themselves together, with small banter and nudges in the bathroom, then began their morning.

"Will you be keeping your secretary?" Kaden asked, watching as she placed a condensed milk spread over her white toast. She peered at him, blinked a few times, and then nodded her head.

"Yes, Estella is very helpful," Lina responded, biting into the delicious toast. She nearly moaned at how sweet yet creamy the spread was. She loved it and knew Isabelle would as well.

"Even though she was selected by your grandfather?" Kaden questioned.

"Of course," Lina said. "Before my resignation from the race, I hinted it to her and she was smart enough to figure it out, but didn't tell my grandfather. When I went to their house yesterday, they were completely caught off guard."

Kaden hummed in agreement, nodding his head with humor. Estella was a loyal secretary to Lina, but at what cost? Lawrence would be furious.

"What is your agenda for the day then?" Kaden mused.

Lina finished the toast in a few more bites. She didn't know what her next steps were. In fact, she had yet to unpack her hobby supplies.

"When you moved my things into your house, did you happen to pack my instruments and art supplies?" Lina asked.

"My people should've packed it. Theodore will know where everything is," Kaden said. "And if not, we'll get you new ones. The auction for my heirloom is coming soon, I'll buy you the most expensive violin and brushes you'll need—"

"For my brushes, I specifically ordered mine from a Japanese family, who specialize in the same brush-making technique as centuries ago and you'll have to preorder a year in advance," Lina mumbled.

"We'll have it made within the month," Kaden decided for her. "It'll be fine, dove."

"Let's not burden them," Lina responded, her eyes flashing with amusement.

Soon, a gentle silence fell over them. Lina resumed eating. Out of boredom, she picked up the tv remote and turned it on. She lifted her morning tea to her mouth, just as the audible news reporter's voice filled the room.

"Good morning, Ritan, we have special announcements for you all today. Let's start with our sharply declining crime rate. This phenomenon has been happening all across the country!"

Lina sipped the tea, but found the sweet drink to be bitter on the tongue. Even Kaden gazed at her, for they both knew what caused the decline. Atlantis was harvesting organs from criminals. Her fingers trembled at the revelation. She wanted to stop him. As horrible as these thugs were, they had families, siblings, and children to take care of.

"Don't."

Lina froze.

"I can see right through you dove," Kaden murmured. "We will not intervene."

"But their families—"

"They're criminals, thugs, and gangsters that wreak havoc across Ritan's slums. Drug addicts and people without homes. The frequent gun shootings, murder, and rap—"

"I get it," Lina snapped.

Kaden narrowed his eyes. His jaw ticked. Why did she have to be kind to all the wrong things in life? How could he forget she possessed a heart of gold? What was she thinking attempting to intervene with this good news? The crime rates were decreasing. Everyone could use that every once in a while. Especially Ritan, who's technology and reputation were quickly on the rise, faster than any other city in the country.

"What is on your schedule then?" Lina finally asked, realizing she shouldn't have angrily responded.

Lina supposed there were truths in both of their answers. It was the same old ethics question. She dug into the fruit salad, only to pause at his response.

"Is there nothing else on your schedule?" Kaden mused.

Lina slowly blinked. Was there something else?

"Are you going to walk down the aisle in your current outfit?" Kaden teased, glancing at her attire. She was dressed in one of his silk button-ups, the shirt swallowing her body. He was certain she was wearing shorts underneath it. Or was she? His gaze darkened.

"Oh, wedding dress shopping!" Lina chirped, instantly brightening up at the idea of it. "I don't want to shop for it, though."

"I'd still like to see you in white."

"So do I," Lina responded, her eyes flashing with amusement. "I don't need to shop for it, in fact, I think I have a sketch somewhere!"

"You drew your own wedding dress?" Kaden teased, watching her face light up like a kid on Christmas Day. He could feel her happiness from across the table. It was contagious, forcing his lips to twitch.

"Yep!" Lina quickly rose to her feet, her heart racing with anticipation. "At that time, I wasn't even trying to draw a wedding dress, you know. It was just drawing to uhm…"

Lina paused. She remembered why she drew that dress. "I was in a dark mood at that time," she muttered.

"But the dress is beautiful," Lina exclaimed, attempting to think where she left her sketchbook.

Kaden chuckled at her enthusiasm. His chest felt full from her happiness. He liked the sound of her laughter, craved the sight of her smile, and adored the scene of her bright eyes.

"Finish your breakfast, dove. We'll have Theodore locate everything afterwards," Kaden reassured her, gesturing for her to take a seat.

Lina bit her bottom lip.

The humor left Kaden's eyes. He rose to his feet, knowing what kind of woman she was. Before he could even blink, she was already dashing to the doors to find Theodore. Unfortunately for her short legs, he caught her by the hips.

"Kaden!" Lina squealed, her feet dangling in the air as he hugged her from behind.

Kaden let out a laugh at how easy that was. She had a head-start, but he caught her anyway.

"You can never run from me, dove of mine," Kaden teased, pressing his mouth to the side of her head.

Lina chuckled in response, her hands resting on top of his. The sound of his laughter filled her with warmth from head to toe. She curled her feet and grinned up at him, eager to see his face. She loved it when he smiled, for the entire world stopped to admire it.

Kaden was handsome in every way possible. His sharp jawline, his chiseled nose, his full lips; there wasn't a single flaw in sight. He had panty-dropping eyes that were smoldering hot and dangerous, warning people away, but many were still drawn to him.

Unfortunately, their laughter never lasted long. The news reporter's somber voice filled the room.

"Up next, we have a discussion of immortality. In fact, our very Heir Kaden DeHaven is rumored to be immortal! Just look at his resemblance to the Second King of Ritan, His Majesty Kade. Even his name is similar, don't you think so?"

Lina's smile slowly dropped. Kaden turned their bodies around in time to see the images flash before their faces. The portrait of Kade was placed side by side to Kaden's face.

Even the blind could tell they were the same person. On national te levision, Kaden's immortality was broadcasted for everyone to see.