It was 2 AM. Alia sat on a comfortable sofa in a corner of the kitchen. Her maid Maria stood behind her, attending to her. But Alia's gaze was fixed on the kitchen counter directly in front of her.
There, Viktor and Anashia were cooking together. Both were shirtless, wearing only their pants. The heat from the stove and the aroma of the food filled the kitchen with a strange, intimate mood. They were laughing and talking, perhaps sharing old war stories or joking about last night.
As Alia looked at them, she noticed their bare backs. On Viktor's back, the deep scratches from Alia's long red nails were clearly visible, and on Anashia's back, the marks left behind were just as prominent.
Realizing that she was the one who had left those marks and seeing how close these two people were to her, Alia turned bright red with shyness. The tough 'Mafia Queen' persona shattered instantly. She couldn't take her eyes off them, yet she felt embarrassed to look.
Viktor: (Looking back and laughing at Alia's flushed face) "What's wrong, Alia? There's no need to be shy looking at your own handiwork. You're the one who carved these marks."
Anashia: (Chimining in with a smirk) "Exactly! No point being shy now, Boss. Your 'signature' looks quite good on us."
Maria stood behind them, smiling silently. Alia turned her face away and muttered
Alia: "Both of you are crazy! Just finish cooking already, I'm exhausted."
The warmth of the kitchen and the sight of their bare backs brought back vivid memories of last night's frenzy. Alia realized that this empire, these people, and the marks on their skin were now her entire world. Viktor put down his spatula and smiled at Anashia, saying, "Alright, Anashia, you handle this for a bit, I'm coming." Anashia nodded, taking over the cooking.
Viktor picked up a small bowl of hot broth or sauce from the kitchen counter and walked toward the sofa. His broad, shirtless back moved with every step, showcasing the vivid red nail marks Alia had left behind.
He came and stood before Alia, who was still sitting there, slightly stiff with shyness. Viktor leaned down and held a spoonful of the food near her lips.
Viktor: (In a very soft voice) "Alia, you threw a lot of curses at me in your anger, now calm down a bit. Taste this how is it? I made it specifically with special spices just for you."
Alia looked into Viktor's eyes. There was no trace of a ruthless mafia leader there; only deep love for his beloved wife. Alia took a small sip. The unique taste of the food combined with Viktor's care instantly melted her exhaustion away.
Alia pulled back from the spoon and smiled slightly.
Alia: "It's amazing, Viktor. Are you trying to distract me with your cooking now?"
Viktor laughed and took Alia's hand those long red nails and all into his own palm.
Viktor: "Who has the power to distract you? I just want my Queen to have some strength, because the nights ahead might be even more thrilling."
Anashia shouted from the kitchen, "Hey, you romantic couple! The food is getting cold, come quickly!"
Holding Viktor's hand, Alia stood up from the sofa. In the warm light of the kitchen, their moment felt like a perfect completion of their bond. Viktor gave Alia a soft kiss on her forehead before taking his leave, that triumphant smirk still lingering on his lips. He gave a small nod to Anashia, as if sharing a silent signal.
Viktor: "Good night, Alia. It's late; get some rest now."
As he walked out of the kitchen, Viktor turned his gaze toward the maid, Maria, who was standing by the door. His voice was now firm and commanding.
Viktor: (To Maria) "Maria, follow me. I have some urgent work in the study room that needs to be finished right now."
Maria bowed her head respectfully and began walking silently behind Viktor. Only Alia and Anashia remained in the kitchen. Alia watched Viktor as he walked away. She knew that when Viktor called someone like this in the middle of the night, it was never just ordinary work—it likely involved a new conspiracy or the exchange of top-secret information.
Anashia leaned against the kitchen counter and smirked at Alia.
Anashia: "Sometimes Viktor scares me. It's hard to tell what he's planning. So Boss, what kind of work do you think he has for Maria right now?"
Alia didn't reply; she just looked at her long red nails and smiled to herself. She knew that every wall and every person in this palace was under the dual control of her and Viktor. She wasn't particularly worried about why Viktor took Maria, because she knew whatever he did would ultimately be for the protection of their empire.
As the night deepened, the silence of the palace grew heavier. Viktor and Maria vanished into the shadows, while Alia remained in the warmth of the kitchen, already contemplating her next move. After Viktor and Maria left, a mystical silence settled over the kitchen. Alia remained on the sofa, lost in thought. Suddenly, Anashia walked slowly and stood before her. Her muscular frame and the sweat on her bare skin glistened under the kitchen lights.
Anashia leaned in close to Alia. Looking at her perfect features and tired eyes, all of Anashia's hardness seemed to melt away. She placed her hands gently on Alia's shoulders. Alia's long red nails rested lightly on the arm of the sofa.
Without saying a word, Anashia pressed a long, tender kiss on Alia's forehead.
Through this single kiss, Anashia seemed to end all the conflict, hatred, and tension of the past night, offering a promise of deep loyalty instead. Alia closed her eyes, feeling the warmth. She realized that while Viktor's dominance was an absolute truth in this palace, Anashia's silent support was equally her greatest strength.
Anashia: (In a very low voice) "Sleep in peace, Alia. As long as I am here, no one can scratch your empire. Even if Viktor ever crosses the line, remember I am right by your side."
Alia opened her eyes and looked at Anashia. For a brief moment, a spark of gratitude appeared in the eyes of the Mafia Queen. She gently took Anashia's hand. When Alia tried to speak after Anashia's tender kiss and reassurance, her lips only managed to whisper—
Alia: "Anashia... listen..."
But Anashia didn't let her finish. She placed a finger gently on Alia's lips, signaling her to be quiet.
Anashia: "Shh... not another word. Your body and mind need rest now."
With those words, Anashia swiftly and powerfully lifted Alia up in her arms. Taken by surprise, Alia's long red nails instinctively found refuge around Anashia's neck. Her body pressed against Anashia's broad, muscular chest.
With steady and firm steps, Anashia walked out of the kitchen and headed toward the bed. In the dim light of the corridor, their shadows danced on the walls. Alia didn't try to resist anymore; she leaned her head against Anashia's shoulder in exhaustion.
Upon reaching the bedroom, Anashia carefully laid Alia down on the soft bed. As Alia settled into the sheets, the fierce glow in her eyes had softened. Anashia pulled the blanket over her and ran a hand through her hair.
The entire room was silent. Alia could only feel Anashia's protective presence. While Viktor seeks to conquer her through dominance, Anashia had won her over with this silent, powerful love.