Sinister Obsession: Macsen Massey (Emperor Series, #3) ✔️

Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Reluctant to give in to duty and the entreaties of an apologetic Emperor, the Duke of Aastha allowed Macsen to visit Bellona behind the walls of the Aastha mansion. The Emperor arrived with a solemn air of expectation as the massive gates opened.  The cool morning air mixed with Emperor Macsen's anticipation as he neared the intimidating Aastha manor. The old stones were covered in an ethereal glow from the sun, concealing the danger that was waiting around every corner. Unaware of the harsh turn fate had in store for him, his heart grew heavy with hope that he may find comfort within those walls. 

As the Emperor ventured closer to the halls, a sudden searing pain erupted in his back. The world blurred as an arrow found its mark, embedding itself in his flesh. Macsen crumpled to the cold ground, shock and agony etched across his features. Before he could grasp the gravity of the situation, a forceful punch collided with his already wounded back. The Duke, a formidable figure cloaked in shadows, stood above him, a glint of authority in his eyes.

"You are the Emperor, but I am the supreme of this manor. You can't just face my daughter without taking a punch from me!" Declared the Duke, his voice resonating with an unsettling authority.

Struggling to rise, Macsen pleaded. "I'm not here to fight, just let me see her."

"I believe this is not what a Vassily should do," the Duke retorted, unyielding in his stance.

"I believe so too, but I am desperate to see your daughter," the Emperor confessed, determination overshadowing his pain.

Along with the Duke's contemptuous remarks came yet another, even more vicious blow. The weight of physical and mental agony was overwhelming Macsen's already fragile body. Rifles aimed at the already wounded Emperor were loosened by barbarians stationed on the manor's ramparts, and each one struck him. The agony was getting worse, and he winced, but he was determined.

"Why won't you fight back?" The Duke questioned, his authority ringing through the day.

"As I've said, I have no intentions to fight back. I just want to see your daughter," Macsen responded, his voice strained but resolute.

The Duke, seemingly satisfied with the Emperor's submission, grunted. "Fine."

Permitted to continue, Macsen staggered ahead, his body a living, breathing painting of agony. His quest to see Bellona—the woman he was after—became an endurance test as he wound his way through the hallways, his steps reflecting the fortitude of a monarch unfazed by his misfortunes. At last, he was standing in front of Bellona in a room filled with tapestries and soft candlelight. A testament to the extent a determined heart would go for love in the middle of the devious intrigues of the Aastha mansion, the anguish engraved on his face revealed a story of sacrifice. 

"I'm not doing this because you're the Emperor. I'm doing this for my daughter's sake so don't let me down. If you do anything bad, I will never forgive you even if you rule this entire place." The Duke warned and removed the last arrow on his back, the last piece of evidence that he was hurt before fully seeing Bellona. "You're the emperor but that's my daughter, your majesty."

"I know what to do and I won't do anything that'll harm her." Macsen replied.

Inside the opulent manor, Bellona, secluded in her room, gazed through the window, her thoughts weaving a tapestry of emotions that danced in the soft glow of daylight. Unbeknownst to her, the air tinged with tension, heralded the arrival of a visitor whose presence would disrupt the tranquility of her solitude.

Emperor Macsen, bound by the constraints of a history marred by mistakes, stood at the threshold of Bellona's room. He couldn't go near her physically, the intangible barrier a manifestation of the emotional distance between them.