<on hiatus> 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 - 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

𝟑𝟑

Nicholas knocked on the door of Vanessa's room, silently hoping for her to answer.

"Vanessa. It's Nicholas."

"..."

"... I'm going in, whether you like it or not."

"..."

Nicholas entered and closed the door to her room. Sitting up the bed was Vanessa, staring at what seems to be nothing with her arms folded and covered by a cozy fluffy white blanket.

"..." Nicholas walked towards her, and sat on the side of her bed, hoping that she'd at least say something to him. Even a word would do.

"... Vanessa."

"... sorry." Nicholas heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing his cousin's voice. "... I just..."

"Feel tired?"

"..."

"... Jason felt that way too."

"... he did?" Vanessa turned to look at him.

"You're not alone, Vanessa."

"... I'm sorry... I acted evil..."

"It's not your fault. You were simply carrying out a task. But how did you know I was his first in command?" Nicholas asked her out of curiosity. "Weren't our identities supposed to be kept a secret from each other?"

"... I only found out after you eliminated me," Vanessa said. "It was in my dying moments that I realised the truth. And now..." there was a long period of silence between the two cousins.

"... do you want to be alone?"

"..."

"... okay. I'll leave—" he was about to get up when she held his wrist.

"Wait."

Nicholas looked back at Vanessa.

"... don't leave me..."

"... okay," Nicholas sat back down next to her.

"... I found the Joker."

"I found him too... but he went off radar. Again," sighed Nicholas, folding his arms. "I wonder what he wants..."

"... the Ark of the Holy Prayer is gone."

Nicholas was appalled by what Vanessa said. "What did you say?"

"An enemy agent stole the book. I just found out days ago," Vanessa said tiredly. "And I've been... tracing them down... nonstop..." she glanced at her laptop on the nightstand.

Nicholas took a deep breath and heaved another sigh. Just less than a month before his wedding, and right after his cousin's return from the dead, the peaceful world he knew was bound to come to an end.

"... tell me the Joker isn't a part of this."

"... sorry..."

"Damn..."

"I have a hunch, but I'm not sure if you'd believe me or not," Vanessa looked at her cousin.

"What is it?" Nicholas said.

"... I should start with this then. You know that Princess Macy was the one who brought me back to life."

"... yes?"

"... She didn't do it intentionally."

"... what are you implying, Vanessa?"

"Someone is controlling her, Nicholas."

"... you're kidding."

"I saw it!" Vanessa exclaimed. "Her eyes... they turned green! Green, I tell you! That was clearly magic at work!"

"Dear God..." Nicholas ran a hand through his hair.

"I think..." Vanessa began, "whoever is controlling Macy is the one that stole the holy book."

"What evidence do you have for that claim, Vanessa?"

"I told you. It's just a hunch."

"... looks like we have to keep an extra eye on the princess," Nicholas huffed.

"No shit," Vanessa sighed. "I already ordered agents to watch her every move."

"... don't tell me you tell them to spy on her in the shower."

"I thought you hated Macy," Vanessa blinked at him.

"I don't hate her," Nicholas corrected her, "I don't have any feelings for her. I like her as a human being. I don't see her as a romantic interest."

"... that's only because you like her highness Princess Cadenza."

"Why is it that you address Cadence formally and Princess Macy informally?" Nicholas couldn't help but notice.

"I don't like your fiancé."

"Come on, Vanessa."

"You saw her face the other night, Nicholas. Ugh."

"Vanessa," Nicholas sighed.

He couldn't help but notice how tired she must've felt. He recalled how mentally and emotionally exhausted his brother seemed when he got resurrected from the dead by the Lazarus Pit. He figured that Vanessa would feel the same, and thought she could use some sleep.

"... get some rest," he told her. "Don't you feel tired?"

"... I can't sleep," Vanessa admitted.

"Just like your father," he couldn't help but chuckle.

"... I missed Father..." he saw her eyes turn watery.

"... there there..." he patted her back as he gave her a side hug.

"... I'm sorry I did that to you... and Liv..."

"It was a task you had to do," he calmed her down. "I know because I had to do it too. So don't worry. I'll stay here until you fall asleep."

Only an hour later did she fall asleep, hugging a fluffy pillow.

Deep down, Vanessa felt that it was the most peaceful sleep she ever got since she came back from the dead. And it's all thanks to her cousin, the one person who understood her hardships, and her feelings, and forgave her despite their differences in the past due to her being forced to act evil as a cover up.

Vanessa was grateful to have a great family by her side.

Nicholas walked out of her room and left her to sleep peacefully.

"... looks like I have a lot of work to do," he muttered as he walked down the hallways of his uncle's manor.