2. Conception 
The following chapter contains mentions of sexual, emotional and physical abuse

Noy dressed her mistress up like a doll, sprayed her with the sweetest perfume, and escorted her to Loch’s chambers. Noy knocked on the heavy door and stood back waiting for an answer, there was nothing for a while, but the moment she raised her hand to knock again Loch opened the door with a not particularly inviting ‘Come in, wife…’ Loch’s chamber was larger than any other space in the palace. Reena looked around while following behind Loch, she didn’t like any of this, not the golden decorated furniture, nor the atmosphere. 

She found the whole palace and the design tacky and over the top, just so the Royal family can show off their wealth. This was not at all something she grew up with, their sect in Gour was minimalistic and solely lived for their people and nature. Gour was a paradise that was following its core to their own standards and values. ‘Nature is god, nature is superior, be thankful for nature allowing you to exist besides it.’ If you strictly followed the core rules you were accepted in the sect no questions asked.

Reena always thought that the amount of money and the effort should’ve been used to make life better for their people in Eugola rather than greedily keep them for themselves. But that wasn’t why she was there… It was made clear for her from the beginning that she will be used to breed strong heirs who can overpower the continent Eugol. The capital and mainly the royal family wanted to be omnipotent over everyone and everything and making this happen by any means necessary. 

When Loch gazed at her Reena quickly lowered her gaze, Loch scoffed ‘You’ve been here a couple of times there is no need for you to look around.’ Reena replied while not moving her eyes from their feet ‘I apologise, but every time I come here, I feel like a tourist in a different country’. Loch stopped his steps ‘That’s because you’re a tourist in my country, it’s a shame your father wasn’t clever enough to give you up willingly. Since you’re the only one that can carry forward the Iridium blood.

Oh well, he definitely learned his lesson now that he is six feet under.’ Loch gave a mocking smile to Reena who was dumfounded. ‘What do you mean…six feet under?’ Loch grabbed her arm and dragged her towards the bed. ‘That’s not at most importance now, we need to get moving if you’re going to give me the heirs for Eugola.’ With that he started undressing while Reena was holding back her tears… She couldn’t help but tremble, ‘It cannot be true… he promised he wouldn’t hurt them’.

This wasn’t the first time Loch took advantage of Reena’s situation, there were several times before, but with a promise of keeping her parents alive Reena was willing to endure the pain. This time it was different, knowing what had happened with her father she couldn’t think of anything else but if her mother is still alive. While Loch took full ownership on her body, her tears were falling she thought, ‘but that wasn’t in the agreement.’ 

-

Back then when the court hearing took place in Gour, Reena was getting ready for her secret rendezvous with Khanna and followed her usual route to be able to get out of the mansion unnoticed. She heard people talking but could not make anything out of the conversation, so she pressed herself to the wall and slowly crawled towards a door where she could make more sense of the conversation. Suddenly, she heard her own name mentioned. It was Morag, Reena's father, arguing with an unfamiliar voice. She decided to listen in on the conversation. 

'Unfortunately, I cannot fulfil this request since Reena was promised to be a successor of the LaSei sect, "– objected Morag, then continued, 'Our agreement never mentioned anything about marriage, especially about my only child. ' The stranger countered - 'The agreement also did not specify the award for the information Eugola gave his lordship. 

Gour could have never thrived without the information on the precious stones. His Highness did not send me here to plead with you but to take what belongs to him, if you are unable to hold up your side of the truce, we will have to take actions… We can assure you that her marriage to the prince will satisfy our country's and your sect's needs. We can also assure you that nothing and no one will harm your daughter.'

     Morag was speechless; he felt backed into a corner this situation could be a bigger problem than it seems since Eugola is the mighty capital of the continent. They are known for getting its way, no matter what it costs. Reena’s hand started shaking as she listened in further. After a long pause, Morag began to speak again. 'As I said, his Highness can ask for anything but this; I will not be able to break my promise to the LaSei sect just for Eugola. Ask for anything, precious stones… gold… another maiden. ' 

'Another maiden? Does your lordship mean that other maidens are as powerful in spiritual energy as descendent of the Tress family? His Majesty would begged to differ.’ The stranger took a long pause waiting for a reaction from the Sect leader Morag, but he kept quiet trying to keep it together. I have another message, just in case you rejected our fair and generous offer.' Morag pressed his lips together, barely holding on to his sanity. - 'My final answer is no to this arranged marriage. Marriage was never discussed and claiming my daughter as an object to the agreement is highly offensive, to her and our whole family. ' The strangers lips curled into a grin and continued.

‘-The message follows: The refusal of the offer, therefore denying the agreement by Morag Tress and his followers, we must declare war on Gour and see to the end of this disagreement. Eugola will take what is owed to them. May justice be revealed for either one of us this way.' – The messenger closed his parchment and bowed to Morag., - 'With this, I will take my leave.’ He turned on his heel and made his way to the exit where Reena happened to be eavesdropping. Her blood ran cold, when she heard hurried footsteps from the back. 

Morag, in his fear, did not know what to do. His hands were shaking, and he did not know what to do... On impulse, he drew his sword, grabbed the messenger, and stabbed him through the chest. The guards accompanying him charged at Morag. After moments of struggle, Morag managed to fight them off, and there they lay, dead in a large pool of blood. Morag rushed out of the council hall, took a few steps, and immediately became sick. – 'This cannot be it; we are fucked... ' he mumbled as he fell to the ground. Reena rushed towards his father and hugged him from behind. ‘Father, what on earth is going on?’

Morag didn’t speak he was panting from the rush of killing three people and having to vomit at the same time, when he remembered. ‘Though the situation is not so similar, Gourians isolated themselves. They made a few acquaintances, including the LaSei sect that has always stood by the Iridium, which is why Reena’s engagement was so crucial for Gour.

His life flashed before his eyes, knowing that if the messenger gave this information to the King, Eugola would declare Gour an enemy, the war is inevitable… The King’s motivation was obvious. He wanted to be secured in his position, if Eugola would’ve give this chance up, the LaSei sect would have the upper hand and possibly take over Eugola and Eugol in one blow. Gour and LaSei were allies, and they wanted to be even closer by the marriage of Reena and the Sect leader’s son. Their children would’ve been the leader of both Gour and LaSei, this two would’ve been a united country by the time they grow up, but well of course Eugola wanted to stop this.

In the end, it was how Morag expected it. Few Iridium families sided with Eugola and turned against the Tress leader, betraying everything they had believed in. There was no choice but to sail to LaSei but they were caught by the Gourian army before even sailing out. Reena was married off the prince and her parents were imprisoned for treason and breech of agreement. There was not one day at the first week of their marriage where Loch didn’t force himself on her or raised his hands on her when he couldn’t get hard. 

Reena endured everything in return of her parent's safety, but this was not enough… When Loch finished, Reena laid there looking at the ceiling and she couldn’t deal with it anymore she broke down, sobbing. Loch rolled his eyes and grabbed Reena by her nightgown and pulled her closer, you haven’t been this obedient yet, I hope that this will lead for my son to be born. She then dropped her back on the bed and shouted, ‘My wife is ready to leave.’ Towards the door, when Noy stormed in to collect her lady, she was stunned for a second her eyes widened on the state Reena was in. Without hesitation Noy scooped Reena up and left the chamber while saying ‘Have a night you deserve sir.’ Loch didn’t seem to hear this he was already preoccupied with the stack of papers on his desk. 

Noy wasn’t particularly strong, but the years of physical labour made her strong enough to carry her lady back in her room with no problem. She slowly laid her down the bed and asked if she wants to take a bath. Being raped by her own husband sounded all too familiar to Noy. She knew exactly what Reena went through. Reena still in tears fighting for her breath said. ‘Take…hic… me down…hic… to father…hic…. I have to see this with my own… hic… eyes’.

Loch was a cunning yet tyrannical ruler who sought to maintain ultimate control over his subjects, including the innocent Reena. With his manipulative tactics and cruelty, he devised a plan to emotionally break Reena and ensure her unquestioning obedience. He was convinced this way he will have her all to himself and will win Reena over. 

Since the beginning he isolated Reena from her parents, who were known for their unwavering support and love for her. He subtly created a divide between Reena and her family, using his influence to cut off communication and distance them physically. By severing this vital connection, he aimed to weaken her emotional foundations and make her more susceptible to his influence. Luckily Reena’s bond with Noy strong, Noy knew how internal affairs would affect Reena. She kept the enemies close and managed to arrange several meetings between Reena and her parents. On the night of the conception, she managed to get Reena out and meet with them.  Confirming that Loch lied yet again to weaken Reena’s mind.

He tried to further cement his hold on Reena's emotions, and most of the time he succeeded. Reena frequently worried and believed that they were in grave danger or facing dire circumstances, causing her great distress and worry. By manipulating her fears, he gradually shattered her soul, understanding that a broken spirit is more likely to submit to his authority. King Loch played on Reena's love and concern for her parents, exploiting these deep emotional ties to ensure her compliance. He skilfully used emotional manipulation and gaslighting techniques to keep her constantly on edge, constantly fearing for her family's safety. Over time, this emotional turmoil wore down Reena, leading her to submit to King Loch's will and obey his every command.