Dawn of Arcane Destiny

Chapter Thirty-Four

“You should have let me leave.” Lillia said coldly as she sat on their bed in her night rail, her back towards him.

“Why would’ve I have done that?” Drayce responded with forced lightness. He felt a mixture of guilt and sadness that she had chosen to do that. That she didn’t feel like she could talk to him.

“Drayce, you might as well of signed your own death warrant.” She turned to face him. “I’ve been through this with both of your cousins. If you die before your coronation, then it will just happen to the next Crown Prince as well.”

“You could’ve gotten yourself killed running away. Or do I need to remind you what happened the last time we left the castle?”

“That was your idea.” She said pointing at him. “Don’t try to pin that on me. I know how to be safe.”

“Lillia.” Drayce said, his voice strained. He stood. “We’re married now. We have to be able to trust each other. Trust me to be safe and to keep you safe. Or did you forget we’re in this together?”

“It doesn’t matter if we work together or not. It’s a hopeless situation.” Lillia said frustrated. She rubbed at her temple like she was fighting a headache.

“Yes, it does!” Drayce said throwing his hands up in the air. “You wouldn’t have achieved anything by leaving. Lillia, you will never be happy if you continue to look at the past.”

“I was doing it for you! Why can’t you see that?” Lillia exclaimed.

“Why didn’t you feel like you could talk to me? You never have. I hardly knew anything about your past till today!”

“There are reasons for that too.” Lillia said standing.

“Reasons? More like justifications. Lilly, how am I supposed to do my duty as your husband if you won’t let me in?” Drayce stepped closer to her.

“You wouldn’t have to if I was gone.” Lillia raising her voice, despite the late hour.

“Don’t you see that I want to be there for you? Why would you leave me with no notice or explanation? People don’t do that to the ones they love.” His statement held a question.

She gripped his nightshirt. “I thought it was for the best. I did that because I love you!”

“Lillia, there’s more to love than kisses and flattering words.” He took hold of her wrists and set her hands down at her sides again. “Love means being there for the other person through the thick and thin. Love is unconditional no matter what the circumstances.”

He saw her eyes fill with tears. “It’s easy for someone who’s had love all their life to preach.” She turned away from him as tears started falling down her face. Drayce felt a stab of guilt.

He touched her shoulder. “Lilly—”

“Don’t.” She hit his hand away. “I was just doing what I thought was right. I didn’t want to live with my husband’s blood on my hands.”

She got into bed without another word, turning away from him. He sighed. Why did he always make a mess of things? His intentions were good, but so were hers. One of them, or both of them were just going about it in the wrong way.