Galaxy On Fire Chapter 27: 27. The cruel game

Maya sat by the window, gazing at the alien landscape that stretched out before her. Kai was in a meeting with the Council again, leaving her alone with her racing thoughts. The tension with Arin had grown unbearable, and Maya couldn’t shake the feeling that something was brewing.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Before she could answer, the door swung open, and Arin strode in, her presence commanding and cold.

“Arin,” Maya said, rising to her feet. “You can’t just barge in here.”

Arin’s lips curled into a smirk. “Oh, but I can, little human. You seem to forget who I am in this kingdom.”

Maya crossed her arms, forcing herself to stand firm. “And you seem to forget that I’m Kai’s wife. What do you want?”

Arin stepped closer, her emerald eyes gleaming with malice. “I came to warn you, Maya. You’re playing a game you can’t win.”

Maya’s stomach twisted, but she refused to show fear. “What are you talking about?”

Arin leaned in, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. “The Council is growing tired of Kai’s defiance. They want a queen who understands our ways, who can rule by his side without dragging him down. And that’s me.”

Maya’s heart pounded in her chest. “You’re delusional if you think Kai would ever choose you.”

Arin chuckled, the sound cold and sharp. “Oh, my dear, naive Maya. This isn’t about choice. It’s about survival. Yours, to be exact.”

Maya clenched her fists. “What are you planning, Arin?”

Arin straightened, her smirk widening. “You’ll see soon enough. Let’s just say... I’ve set the stage for a little game. And by the end of it, we’ll see who truly belongs at Kai’s side.”

Before Maya could respond, Arin turned on her heel and left, leaving Maya feeling both furious and unsettled.

\---

Kai returned later that evening, his expression weary but softening when he saw Maya.

“How was the meeting?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Frustrating, as always,” he admitted, pulling her into his arms. “The Council is relentless. But don’t worry, I won’t let them push me into anything.”

Maya hesitated, then decided to tell him about Arin’s visit. “She was here, Kai. Arin. She said... she said the Council wants her as queen.”

Kai’s jaw tightened, and a flicker of anger crossed his face. “She’s overstepping. Again.”

“She said she’s planning something,” Maya added. “Kai, I’m scared. I don’t trust her.”

He cupped her face, his golden eyes fierce. “Maya, listen to me. Arin can plot all she wants, but she’ll never take your place. You’re my wife, my queen. No one can change that.”

Maya nodded, comforted by his words but still uneasy.

\---

The next day, a grand feast was announced in honor of the kingdom’s unity. Maya suspected Arin’s hand in the event, but Kai assured her it was just a formality to appease the Council.

As they entered the grand hall that evening, Maya couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The room was filled with nobles, Council members, and warriors, all dressed in shimmering alien attire. Arin stood at the center of the room, her emerald gown glowing under the crystalline chandeliers.

“Maya,” Arin said, her voice dripping with mock politeness. “You look... charming.”

Maya forced a tight smile. “Thank you, Arin. You look... yourself.”

Kai stepped between them, his expression cold as he addressed Arin. “What’s the meaning of this feast, Arin? This wasn’t part of the Council’s agenda.”

Arin’s smile didn’t waver. “Oh, it’s just a little celebration to remind everyone of our kingdom’s strength and unity. Surely you don’t mind?”

Kai’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, leading Maya to their seats.

\---

The feast began with music and laughter, but Maya couldn’t relax. She watched Arin closely, noticing the way she interacted with the nobles and Council members, her charm and confidence undeniable.

Halfway through the evening, Arin stood, raising a glass. “Friends, tonight we celebrate unity and loyalty. But we must also confront the challenges that threaten our kingdom’s future.”

Maya’s stomach sank as Arin’s gaze landed on her.

“We all know the struggles our prince has faced, torn between his duties and his... personal attachments,” Arin continued, her tone laced with false concern. “As his cousin, it’s my duty to ensure he has the support he needs to lead.”

Kai shot to his feet. “Enough, Arin. This is not the place for your schemes.”

“Oh, but it is,” Arin said smoothly. “After all, the Council has already agreed that the prince’s focus must remain on the kingdom. And I intend to ensure that happens.”

Before Kai could respond, Arin clapped her hands, and a group of guards entered the hall, their weapons drawn. The crowd murmured in confusion and fear.

Maya’s heart raced as two guards approached her.

“What are you doing?” Kai demanded, stepping in front of Maya.

“Ensuring the kingdom’s safety,” Arin said, her voice cold. “Maya is a distraction. A liability. She doesn’t belong here.”

Kai’s golden eyes blazed with fury. “If you think for a second that I’ll let you take her—”

“You don’t have a choice, cousin,” Arin interrupted. “The Council has already decided. If Maya stays, it will be at the cost of your crown.”

The room fell silent, all eyes on Kai.

Maya stood, her voice trembling but defiant. “You can’t do this, Arin. This isn’t about the kingdom. This is about your jealousy.”

Arin’s smirk returned. “Think what you want, human. But this is bigger than you.”

Kai grabbed Maya’s hand, his voice steady but deadly. “If you touch her, I will destroy anyone and anything that threatens her. That includes you, Arin.”

The tension in the room was palpable as Arin and Kai locked eyes, the air between them crackling with unspoken threats.

Maya tightened her grip on Kai’s hand, her resolve hardening. No matter what Arin threw at them, she wouldn’t let their love be torn apart.

\---

The night ended in chaos as Kai escorted Maya back to their chambers, his mind racing with strategies to counter Arin’s latest move. Maya, meanwhile, knew the battle was far from over.

“Kai,” she said softly, “whatever happens, we face it together.”

He turned to her, his expression softening. “Always, Maya. Always.”

But even as they clung to each other, the storm Arin had unleashed loomed larger, threatening to consume everything they held dear.