Flower

Chapter - 31

(CAIUS'S POV)

Everything is going south, how could that bastard be alive? Those good for nothing lowlifes couldn't even kill a 14 year old. My men have confirmed the arrest of all three of them.

Those buffoons have never seen my face, so I should be safe for some time. I've been notified of suspicious people entering the domain. Could the Emperor be suspicious? Or is it that brat?

I wanted to rip out his throat when he laid his filthy hands on my wife. Stealing someone else's property seems to run in their barbaric blood.

Soon there won't be anything left of that wretched bloodline. As I was lost in my thoughts, there's a knock on the door. “Come in,” my voice echoes through the walls. I suppose it's Viktor, no one else would bother me at this hour.

Viktor walks in with a worried look on his face. My brows furrow as I ask him, “What's wrong? You seem worried.”

“My Lord, our guards have observed suspicious behaviour from some newcomers. They have been asking around about the ruling family,” he mumbles worriedly.

“I see, investigate them. I won't tolerate any harmful activities in my domain,” I glare down at the papers in front of me.

As Viktor turns to leave, I speak up again, “Tell Mister Groudon that I'd like to meet him tomorrow.”

“Sure, my Lord,” he bows and leaves. I open the drawer and take out the seal, the raven, the beacon of loss and ill omen.

All hell will break loose soon enough, and it will bring back the age of Vultures and Ravens. The stench of blood and the glory of crushing skulls of the traitors.

I lock away the reports and lay down on the Divan. My eyes flutter shut as some distant memories resurface…

“My sweet child, I hope you'll forgive your mother,” I heard a faint whisper as I felt a faint kiss on my forehead while I drifted off to sleep. It felt like a dream back then. But…was it really?

The next morning I woke up to an empty bed, it was quite unusual. Mother would always greet me with a kiss and a pat. Where's mother?

I got up and ran to Father's office, he seemed to be lost in thought as he frantically paced around his office. I ran up to him and hugged his leg, he was startled but managed to give me a small smile.

I looked up at him and asked, “Where's Mama? She didn't give me my morning kiss.”

My innocent younger self didn't notice the small shift in his expression as he knelt down in front of me and ruffled my hair. “Son, your mother has gone to the temple to pray for your health.”

“Mother is so silly, I'm perfectly fine.”

Days passed as I grew more anxious about her absence. I missed her affection and care.

Why's she at the temple? Doesn't she know I'm in my best health when she's holding me?

Father came into my playroom as I was playing with a wooden horse Mother carved herself. He sat down beside me and pulled me in his embrace as he whispered, “Your Mother has passed away in an accident in the temple.”

LIES!!!

I wake up in a fit of rage. The elaborate lies they have created, they'll all pay.

Feeling annoyed, I get up from the Divan and head to Raya's chamber. Dana greets me at the door, “My Lord, the Lady is asleep. Would you like me to wake her up?”

“No, it's fine,” I dismissed her and went inside. She's laying on the bed like an angel, her ebony hair splayed beautifully on the pillow. She looks so peaceful. I want to hold her close, but is she trustworthy?

Or is she a beautiful yet poisonous flower? My eyes fall on her scarred wrists. The scars seemed to have faded, but there will always be faint markings.

I trace the marks with a feathery light touch. They're exactly how I wanted them to be. The marks on the skin cannot be removed unlike a ring. She's mine, body and soul.

Will she ever betray me for that brat? I don't like it when she goes to the royal palace. I like to be able to keep an eye on her at all times. But all my spies in the palace have been weeded out.

How can I protect my little flower from getting tainted by that filth? The mere thought of his gaze falling on her infuriates me.

I unknowingly grip her wrist, she winces awake. Her eyes widen slightly as though she's scared. I smirk at her, “I apologise for disturbing your sleep. I simply could not resist touching your beautiful skin,” I buried my face in her neck and absorbed her beautiful fragrance.

“M…my Lord, do you need anything?” She whispers out. I let out a chuckle and caressed her cheek, “Can't I visit my wife and child?”

“Of course you can, you should have woken me up sooner,” her voice is gentle as the morning breeze.

“I was enjoying watching you sleep. You look beautiful,” I press a kiss to her forehead and get up.

“I shall not disturb your sleep any longer. I know you have to visit the royal palace tomorrow. Sleep well,” I say calmly and head back to my chamber.

I need to plant new spies in the palace to keep her away from that pest. I will not allow him to take what is mine…

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