Chapter 5:

Maxima and Emily were in the dark and secluded environment of Emily's bedroom. The only source of light was a flickering blue orb on the nightstand, casting an ethereal glow that accentuated Maxima's playful smile. Emily was lying on her bed, her petite figure and blonde hair overpowered by Maxima's imposing tall body, glowing green eyes, her pointed ears, and alluring presence.

Maxima leaned over Emily, her hand reaching toward her head with deliberate grace. "Don't be afraid, darling," Maxima cooed in a husky voice, her eyes glows and suspicious. "Just surrender to me; let me just touch your head and enjoy the experience."

Emily felt her heart racing as Maxima's hand approached, and she could feel the magnetic pull of Maxima's aura. Despite her fear, she was unable to resist Maxima's strength.

"I can't do it, Mistress Maxima," Emily whispered, her voice trembling. "I feel so strange after we tested the spell a month earlier. Let's just put her information in the paper"

Maxima's smile turned into a smirk as she whispered, "Just trust me, Emily. I promise you won't regret it." And with that, Maxima's hand made contact, enveloping Emily and delivering all the information straight to her mind.

"Mistress~"

***

Akiko and Emily were admiring the glowing flowers in the garden. As Emily dozed off, Akiko called out to her, waving her hand in front of Emily's face.

"Hello?"

"Oh!" Emily jolted awake, her cheeks turning red as she realized she'd been lost in thought. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"The flower is beautiful, and I am mesmerized by it," she lied, still feeling violated by Maxima's earlier actions.

Akiko's which in the queen body, scrunched up her eyebrows in suspicion. 

"Is this flower actually shining all on its own?" "Like, it's not just a hidden little lightbulb hiding under the petals?" she questioned skeptically.

Emily turned back to her working mode and smiled. She knelt down beside her to get a better look at the flower. "Yes, Akiko, this flower is real." We call it the Rose of Twilight because its soft, lavender glow resembles the peaceful aura of twilight. Believe me, Miss Akiko, there are no hidden lightbulbs or sneaky tricks involved; this flower simply shines naturally. "I don't know what a light bulb is, though."

Akiko couldn't resist the urge to touch the glowing petals, but she held back, not wanting to interfere with their natural beauty.

"Emily?" Akiko asked, dropping the formalities. "Can I request that you just call me Akiko from now on?"

"Sure thing... Akiko," Emily responded, giving a nod of understanding. "But is everyone in your world usually addressed like that?"

Akiko let out a heavy sigh as she thought about the act she had to put on every day. "To be honest, I don't like being addressed that way. I prefer having more relaxed conversations, but as you know, I have a certain image to maintain."

Emily could tell that Akiko was in pain and tried to offer comfort. "From what I saw in your memories, it seemed like you were happy," she said sympathetically.

"That's just a façade," Akiko answered with a touch of bitterness in her voice. "I have to act a certain way, even though it's not really how I want to be."

Just as Emily was about to say something, Maxima suddenly appeared.

"Boo!" she exclaimed, startling Emily with a playful poke in Emily funny bone.

"Haaa!!" Emily cried out in surprise, she immediately stop Maxima's action.

The two armored soldiers in the garden watched awkwardly as Maxima put her arms around Emily. "Hey there, I'm back!" Maxima announced, giving Emily's cheek a playful pinch.

"And of course, I didn't forget about you, Akiko, I know I said I will talk to you tomorrow But! why not just tonight alright?" she added, noticing Akiko's unease.

As Maxima approached Akiko, she explained, "So, what do you think of this place?" "We're in a the best place since we're at the center of Eden!" She emphasized her words by raising her hand in the air.

"So! Did you like this place?" Maxima asked, her voice filled with excitement as she raised her hand to accentuate her words.

She was standing in the heart of the palace, in the garden. a place that was both peaceful and magical. The air was heavy with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sky was ablaze with stars glowing the dark serene atmosphere. It was night, and the cold breeze was swaying the plants around them. The towering castle is looming in the near distance and there's a noticeable city lights at the far distance.

Akiko, who was standing next to Maxima, timidly responded, "It is a nice place." "It is peaceful... and magical." She was still uncomfortable talking to Maxima, and her tone reflected that.

Maxima's face lit up upon hearing Akiko's response. "Absolutely!" she shouted, clapping her hands together.

Realizing that the guards were not needed, she turned to them and said, "Okay boys, you can have a leave." With a bow, the two guards went back to the castle.

Maxima then turned to Emily and said, "Well, how about you, Emily?" "You want to join us or..." Her tone was sarcastic, but she signaled for Emily to leave as well.

Emily composed herself, bowed, and said, "As you wish, mistress. "Let's meet again, Akiko." She looked at Akiko with a sympathetic gaze before turning to leave.

Once everyone had left, Maxima and Akiko were alone. Maxima grabbed Akiko's arm and pulled her along as they strolled through the garden. Although Akiko was still uncomfortable with Maxima, she went along with her.

As Maxima and Akiko strolled through the peaceful garden, the only sounds were the leaves rustling in the wind and the distant symphony of crickets.

Maxima released a deep sigh, her voice barely above a whisper, as she said, "Whew, that meeting was stressful. Oops, I probably shouldn't have said that. Oh well."

She turned to Akiko, her eyes twinkling with mischief, and playfully asked, "So, how are you feeling now, Akiko? Still thinking about making a run for it?"

Akiko shifted nervously, fidgeting with her fingers. "Umm... you're making me a bit uneasy. So yes, I still have the urge to run." she responded, her voice trembling slightly. Despite her attempt at humor, she took a step back from Maxima.

Maxima let out a chuckle and said, "Haha, that's not the first time I've heard that." well if you really mean it."

Maxima's personality took a sudden shift and she spoke with a tone that reflected a heightened sense of gravity. She was no longer playful or lighthearted, her voice had become somber, giving off a vibe that she was serious. It was a clear indication that the situation was no longer a joke and that Akiko needed to listen carefully to what was about to be said.

"I'm sorry if I'm so very rude to you. This whole situation is just so unexpected. I know it's not your fault, and I don't blame you for this... accident." Her expression became more solemn, and her entire aura shifted.

Akiko finally figured out that Maxima's behavior was just a show, and not who she truly feel was. Despite the facade, Maxima put on in front of others, Akiko understood that it was all just a performance, just as same as her.

Maxima, with a genuine look in her eyes, asked Akiko, "Do you really want to go back, Akiko?" to your own world?"

Akiko hesitated for a moment before answering, "I still find it hard to believe that this is real." It feels like I'm going to wake up from a dream at any moment. But the longer I'm here, the more I realize that this is no dream. I can feel the wind brushing against my skin, smell the sweet aroma of the flowers, and even feel the sweat on my forehead when you were interrogating me."

Maxima chuckled lightly at Akiko's words, and Akiko kept talking. "This is real, but I want to go back to my home." Akiko beamed, her eyes locking on Maxima's.

"Celesta," Maxima whispered, but Akiko didn't hear her.

As Maxima gazed at Akiko's expression, she couldn't help but feel a sense of disconnect. Despite Akiko's expression, Maxima knew that the real Queen was not there in front of her.

Maxima chuckled, but her smile faded as she looked into Akiko's eyes. She could see the fear and uncertainty in them, since Akiko is good at hiding it, and she felt a pang of guilt for being the cause of it all. She knows Akiko came to this strange world by accident, a world where she was the queen, and she was trapped here in her world. But still she feels so bad.

"I'm so very sorry for all that you're going through, Akiko," Maxima said with a sorrowful tone, her voice echoing with empathy.

"I can understand that this must be a super overwhelming experience for you, but I want you to know that I will do anything to bring back to you this world, but of course, I need to prioritize the queen."

Akiko's gaze was fixed on Maxima, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and glimmers of hope. "Wait, you can make me go back to my world?" "How can I return to Earth?"

Maxima took a deep inhale and looked away, her eyes scanning the room as she picked the right words to say. "Well, you see, I am the only one with the ability to send you back to your world. It will require a big sacrifice. a sacrifice that only I am willing and able to make."

Akiko's eyes widened with shock as she grappled to understand. "What exactly do you mean by sacrifice?" she asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Maxima stepped forward, bringing herself closer to Akiko as she gazed directly into her eyes. Her eyes were filled with an unwavering determination as she spoke.

"I need to die."