SYZYGY:The raise of the Monarch

Chapter XXIV

The next morning, Eva awoke to a heavenly warmth enveloping her, a gentle fabric caressing her face, and that alluring scent, now a bit stronger. She rubbed her eyes, attempting to open them, but the comforting warmth resisted her efforts. Battling the sleepy feeling, she sat on her bed, determined to shake off the drowsiness. Noticing that her cover was unusually heavy and soft, confusion set in as she finally opened her eyes.

"Where did this come from?" she wondered, gazing at the white fur and gently touching it with her fingers.

Foggy memories began to surface—the white hair reflecting moonlight, the imposing figure leaning on her, and the fingers that played with her face. Suddenly, a snap echoed in her head, and she remembered what seemed like a dream: the Tsar was in her room. But for what?

"He said something, but what was it?" she pondered, frowning and closing her eyes tightly in an attempt to recall his words, but it proved futile. 

"Was he here to kill me? No, if he was, then I wouldn't be alive, tucked warmly with his cap."

After some seconds of thinking ,her heart raced, and her face grew warmer by the second. She hid her face with her hands, muttering, "What the hell is going on with me?"

Peeking through her fingers at the expensive fur, she reached for it, pulling it towards her. It was warm and filled with that enchanting perfume. After hesitating for a few seconds, she slowly planted her face in it, inhaling the scent. A fleeting feeling erupted in her stomach, her mind growing blurry, and new sensations were experienced for the first time. Not quite old enough but not too young either, she knew what she was feeling but was confused about what to do or feel.

"Seriously! Out of all the people, why does it have to be him?"

She felt disappointed in herself. Many men had been kind to her, treating her with adoration, but she found herself falling for the one she feared.

Standing up aggressively, she washed up, donned her attire, and, after some touches up, slammed the door, heading to the training grounds to vent her anger at herself.

At the training grounds, she saw a familiar face.

"Vernon?"

 Walking towards him, she noticed his fake warm smile. Smirking in response, she remarked, "You don't need to fake your smile whenever you see me. Give a genuine one or look away."

Ogen smirked, a proud expression as if he liked her hurtful words.

"Why? I just don't feel like smiling, but I couldn't just glare at you," he said, walking towards her.

 However, as they got close, she deftly dodged him, flipping her hair and hitting his face with it. Stopping in his tracks, a loud laugh escaped from him. Eva didn't glance back; she just picked up a sword and called for her comrades.

"Pick up your swords. Come at me, all at once. I want to test my limits today."

Ogen's heart quickened with excitement. Staring at her, feeling the blood rushing to his head, his entire body responded in ways he couldn't decipher. Pushing through the men, he snatched someone's sword, pointing it toward her.

"Bring it on!"