Kingdom of isolation - you can't hide

Forty Two - Dual POVs

Aurora

Coming here alone was a bad idea. A really bad idea. Going back is also a terrible idea, especially since my arrival has already been noted by his security. It's rather tempting, though. So is hiding under a rock and never coming out.

But, I'm doing this for my Papa. I'm only doing this for my family. Like a mantra, I repeat the words in my head to stop me from bolting.

After my breakdown last night, Caspian tucked me into bed like a little child and left the penthouse in a hurry. He didn't come back. Crying in bed till midday wasn't my proudest moment, either. I sniff, blinking back the sleep in my eyes.

The events have played in my mind like a reel. This is all my fault. The moment I chose to attend HRU. The time I spent digging up my past. The close encounters with my psychotic fiancé. Everything led me to this very moment. Me and my damn curiosity. The only silver lining is being reunited with my family. But at what cost?

It took immense effort on my part to call Alexander and fix a meeting. My hands had trembled in anticipation while waiting for him to pick up his phone.

But that bastard sent me straight to voicemail.

Not once, but three times.

Then, soon after, he sent a message—one I'm convinced was AI generated—telling me to meet him at his office. For months, he's been sending me unwanted messages and now his attitude has completely changed. Asshole.

I like to believe that powerful people are only powerful if you believe they are. As I stand here today, with my pride in shambles, I have no doubt in my mind that Alexander is a powerful and dangerous man.

He's threatening to hurt my family. He wants to ruin me. What else could there be? Trying to make him understand that I never had a say in what happened over a decade ago would be like hitting my head against a wall.

I close my eyes momentarily. I don't want to think too much about this. I've exhausted myself already, thinking about his intentions. I pace the length of the hallway, thinking about what I'll say to him.

My heart is heavy with guilt. Of everything. I don't know how everyone will react. Not too great, I'm sure.

It must only have been a few minutes since I arrived, when the security guy comes running at me. I'm afraid he'll crash into me, so I quickly step back. He stops in front of me, panting slightly.

"Y-your highness, I apologise! You can go inside right away." His words are rushed and his voice is all squeaky. He's quite young looking with a boyish face that's on its way to maturing.

And he looks absolutely petrified that I almost feel sorry for him.

"Uh, okay..thanks?" I mumble, confused.

"Matty, what did I tell you?"

I didn't know a voice could rattle someone so much, but it does. Including myself.

Matty jumps like he's been caught doing something naughty.

"Y-yes, sir!"

The man is sweating profusely as he literally bows to me and skitters away. No one has done that before. What the hell was that?

I try to stay calm and collected as I watch Killian Whitlock step out of the study room. The one Alexander is currently waiting in for me. My fiancé is an intimidating man, but the one heading my way? A wolf in sheep's clothing.

There's no other way to describe Killian. He has an eerie charm that feels more like smoke and mirrors than anything else. Someone you shouldn't take lightly just because he's capable of smiling.