(ICARUS'S POV)
I can still feel her essence, her sweet fragrance lingers in this enclosed space. I should have been more careful. But I got lost in her presence, wanting to hold her close to me.
I cannot wait for the day I can call her mine, in front of the whole Empire. I vow to be anything she needs me to be. May it be her sword or her shield, I don't care what I have to do to set her free.
As I was lost in my thoughts, Damien came inside and cleared his throat, snapping me out of my bubble.
“Your Highness, I have some important matters to discuss,” he says curtly, cutting straight to the chase. “Fill me in,” I look up at him.
“We've found an underground tunnel that goes from the Atticus estate to the “Kingdom of Eryndor”,” my brows furrow at the mention of the Kingdom of Eryndor.
“If I remember correctly, we have a peace treaty with them,” I say, opening a book and going through the information of our peace treaty with Eryndor. My finger glides over a line in the book, “the peace treaty has been in practice for the past 26 years. Do they plan on going against us?”
“That'd be a very foolish approach, considering we have a stronger military force,” Damien replies, he seems to be deep in thought.
“Think about it like this. They formed an alliance with the Atticus Family, one of the most influential families in the Empire. Their influence is second to only the Royal family. Aristocrats can never be trusted. They'll turn wherever they see profit,” I speak thoughtfully.
“They might be trying to decay the Empire from within,” Damien looks furious, “We need to report this to his Majesty!”
I pick up the documents Damien has collected and start walking to the Emperor's wing, Damien following me close behind. Seeing the serious look on our faces, Father's brows furrowed, “Did you get any leads?”
“We've found the culprit,” I say, containing my nerves. “Who is it?” Father's eyes seem to have grown stricter, determined to punish whoever it is.
“Caius Von Atticus,” Father's eyes seem to widen at the mention of his name. I put down the evidence against him.
“The seal we've found on the letters to Lei and Siegel was found in his office,” I say, showing the newly sealed paper provided by Lily.
“He was the mastermind behind that assassination attempt. We are still not confident about his motive,” I say thoughtfully, “it could be for power and influence.”
“Caius, son of Arnel Von Atticus. Perhaps I have been too blind to his actions due to my friendship with his late Father,” Father sighs, the creases on his forehead are becoming more visible.
“We've also found an underground tunnel that goes from the Atticus estate to the Kingdom of Eryndor,” Father's head snaps up in an instance.
“Those Eryndor mongrels are showing their true colours again,” he huffs, rubbing his forehead, “that woman lied to us,” he whispers under his breath.
“Which woman?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. I wonder who he is talking about.
“Rena…”
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(RAYA'S POV)
After returning to the estate, it felt awfully silent. I approach a guard and ask him, “Is the Lord not home?”
“The Lord is out to visit the borders,” the guard replies firmly. I nod and start heading to my chambers. Lord Caius often visits the borders, perhaps he's worried about breaches and smuggling due to the estate bordering Eryndor Kingdom.
“My Lady, shall I prepare a rose bath for you?” Lisa asks, looking at my exhausted self. “That'd be lovely,” I give her a small smile.
I play with Eryx while she prepares the bath. Eryx is rolling on the floor on his mat. He starts to crawl slowly, it warms my heart as I spread my arms, encouraging him with a smile, “Come to mama, my sweet baby.”
After some struggles, he gives up halfway, he seems tired. I pick him up as he yawns, cradling him gently. He falls asleep suckling on his thumb.
I put him down in his crib and headed for my bath. Lisa massages my stuff shoulders, the faint fragrance of rose is intoxicating. The image of Icarus floats in my mind as I close my eyes. I don't know how wrong this is. But it feels right…so very right…
Once the bath is over, I get out and dry myself, putting on a comfortable dress. Night falls soon enough, the Lord hasn't returned yet.
I feel much more at ease when he is not home. I make sure everything is in order before heading to bed.
Everything was going peacefully till I was jerked awake from being pulled up by my hair. I let out a pained scream, my eyes get watery as I take a glimpse of the person holding me.
The Lord seems more furious than I have ever seen. My back presses against his chest as he grips my chin. “Did you think you'd never get caught?”
A knife gets pressed against my throat in an instant. I gulp nervously as the pressure causes the knife to draw a drop of blood.
“Not even a bit of shame in your eyes for betraying your husband,” my body goes numb from fear, my mind going blank.
“You'll pay…”
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To whoever's still reading, I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
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Flower
Fantasy"Your Father has chosen your husband. He'll now lift your veil. So behave yourself," she squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. I keep my gaze down as I wait in anticipation, clutching my hands tightly to stop my body from trembling. Mother has always t...
