A fight for dominance and nobility

Chapter thirty-nine: The bed is empty, and Zadie is missing

A roar of thunder made me jolt awake. I sat up, slowly turning to look if Zadie is beside me but sadly not. Something must have happened. I suspect Zadie slept in the other room. I do not blame her, what I did was utterly stupid, but I doubt she understood it told him. Raking my messy hair, I leisurely got out of bed. I walked to my bathing chambers, I glanced at my shirt. The same shirt Zadie wore when she was...

I shake my thoughts as I splash my face with water. I head to the kitchen, trying to make myself something to eat. I did not eat anything last night and I barely have strength. I grab the toasted bread that I assume Louis made prior to the eventful evening we all had. Sighing, I take a bite of the toasted garlic bread and oddly it tastes much better than bread with marmalade.

I can feel someone behind me, and I smirk. 'Zadie, I apologise for last night's behaviour. He was wrong, I was wrong, and it will never happen again. 'She did not respond. I cannot face her. My stupidity got the best of me last night, but I suffered enough torment from him. His punishment is more...brutal.

'Last night was terrifying for you and I take full responsibility for my actions. I was at a brothel. I admit it. I woke up in someone else's bed and I regret it. 'I breathed out. 'Arius is extremely overprotective of you. He reacted in anger and should not have pushed Louis. That was very insensitive of him.'

No reply. I waited for a few minutes, hoping to hear her say 'everything is fine. I forgive you.' but she said nothing. I wondered, was she still staring at me? Probably contemplating my actions. There is one thing I hate more than myself. Seeing Zadie leaving me alone.

'Please talk to me, love. I was stupid. I was trying to protect you. When people see you, men, specifically, they see a toy to be played with and that insinuates me. It is fucking disgusting.' I push the plate away from me. 'I willing to lose it all, risking everything to protect you because for the first time in centuries I felt something. Arius refused to get out of his deep slumber but upon meeting you he jolted awake instantly. 'I rubbed the back of my neck. 'Your smile, laugh, sarcasm and that tiny body of yours is driving me insane. I am trying my best not to selfishly claim you bit what for your approval.'

Zadie is silent again. No response and I am getting annoyed. I understand what I did last night was horrible but the more she remains silent the more I grow impatient. I yearn to hear her voice, her soft tone soothing my raging mind like watching raindrops cascading down the window to get rid of stress.

'Answer me! I am going insane woman!' I turned only to lock eyes with Louis. Bloody bastard.

He narrowed his eyes at me followed by a smirk. I can see a blue hue underneath his eyes indicating that Arius really hurt him badly.

'Who knew that the big and mighty Alexander, an oligarch, a man who supports the belief that women belong in the kitchen, would be the one begging for a woman's attention.' He smirked.

'Where is Zadie?'

'Probably slept in the other room. I was awoken by raging thunderstorms. It is quite funny how Zadie is sleeping peacefully while we are both here.' I watched as he took out two teacups from the cabinets. He gently placed a sugar container near the cups as well as the jar of milk.

I could smell the tea but was less interested in it. It is perfect for this weather, but I prefer rum at this moment. Louis sat down before filling both cups with tea and a single small block of sugar for each cup. He gestured for me to sit and reluctantly, I did.

'Women think it is romantic when a man begs their attention.' He spoke up as he sipped on his coffee. 'Growing up, you chose any woman you liked. It did not matter if she did not like you only a man's opinion mattered in my time.' He explained.

'It is not like times changed.' I ran circles around the rim of the cup. 'Men still have the power.'

'But you forget that most women have claimed their rightful place in society ever since suffragette movements began.' He winked at me, and I chuckled.

'What is your point, Louis.'

He leaned back against his chair and adjusted his glasses. Lowering them till they rested on his nose. 'Women like Zadie do not care about anyone's opinion. Zadie is a fighter. When men shy away from a battle, she stands on her own two feet and fights whatever challenge is being thrown at her. '

'Sometimes she is stubborn. She refuses help when it is being offered to her.'

'If you were to trade placed with her, you would understand better. Imagine being an outcast, being told you are not enough mainly because you look different from most people. Imagine people of your kind being sold off in different countries like some cheap useless cargo. Imagine being born from a slave who worked hard to give your life only for someone to kill off your only source of happiness.' Louis shook his head at me in disappointment. 'Blame her all you want but she has every right to refuse anyone's help after all she has been through. Look at her, she is young! Nineteen years old and that old hag wanted to sell her off to some old Duke for riches.'

'I understand but Zadie's pain and mine are not equal. Mine is greater. She does not have the burden of watching everyone you love grow old in front of you and die!' I pushed the teacup to the side. 'I lost a wife carrying a baby to continue my legacy but sadly that fairy-tale was cut short before I could even live it!'

Louis stared at me in disgust. 'Losing your wife and child hurt. I understand that. Anthony Davidson deserved to die. Your wife and unborn child were innocent. You unleashed your wrath on Zadie's mother, and almost killed Zadie as well but it refused. Why do you think it strongly forbids you from harming her?'

For the first time in my life, I was rendered silent by Louis. I thought of thousands of answers but none of them were correct.

'Love.' He stated and I shook my head.

'No!' I hit the table with my fist. 'I only loved one woman and that is it. I loathe Zadie, I do not wish to see myself lying beside her. She is repulsive.' Lies. I lied.

'I think it would please you when you find out she is on the verge of dying or she might as well be dead right now.' Louis spat.

My eyes widened in horror as I abruptly stood up from my chair. 'What do you mean Zadie is dying? As far as I know, the mark has not reached up her arm yet.'

Louis chuckled darkly. 'Zadie is a surprisingly good liar.'

I stared down at the table in disbelief. How can she lie blatantly?

'If you think Zadie is going to accept your help you must be dreaming mister. You caged the poor child. She was tormented, humiliated, and degraded by you!' Louis pointed his finger at me.'

'She is fine.' I whispered. I knew this was wishful thinking. She is dying. It is all my fault. Gold coins are not worth anyone's life. 'Where is she?' I asked Louis and he just sipped his tea ignoring my entire existence.

I wasted no time striding down the halls, checking every room for Zadie. Shouting her name repeatedly hoping for a response. That is when thunderstruck, I am the library. Upon instinct, I ran towards the library hoping nothing bad occurred, but I met face to face with my worst nightmare. Books were scattered on the floor, and a bookshelf that looks like a secret door opened ajar. It was lit as if someone is already here

'Zadie!' I called out but received no response. I have never seen this place in my life. My father was too secretive to even let me know of the screen tunnels in this manor

'Zadie!' I had no time examining the drawings on the walls. Zadie needs me and I am not going to let her down the same way I did the last time.

'No!' a loud scream made me stop in my tracks. That is Zadie's voice.