Dark Lord's Obsession

Louisa’s Point of View A sudden uneasiness woke me up. I sat on my bed for a moment, leaning against the bedframe. My eyes fell on the silver water container sitting on the bedside table. It was empty. I sighed inwardly. The maids didn't even care to keep some water for me. I looked towards the bell once. If a royalty needed something, they just had to pull the rope to ring the bell, and a maid would be in the room instantly. But things were different for me. I knew pulling the rope was of no use. None would show up in these late hours, even if I were being slaughtered. What else could I expect from them? After all, I was a neglected lady of Narodnye. With another sigh, I left my bed. My body shivered as I let go of the warmth of the blanket. Our land, Narodnye, was at the end of the continent, the Frozen Sea of South. Narodnye was surrounded by the great sea, just like other lands on this frozen continent. All these dominions of this continent were covered with snow for twelve months a year. It was no different for Narodnye. The entire kingdom was made from never melting ice. When the magical emerald broke, all the humans acquired a small part of it. We learnt the magic to control the elements of nature. The Frozen Sea of South was home to those who possessed the power of water element control. Our magic was another reason we could survive in such freezing weather. As I let go of the comfort of my bed, I stepped towards my closet and grabbed a heavy cloak. Wrapping it around my torso, I pressed my hands tightly near my chest. Then, opening the door silently, my legs trudged down the long hallway. At the end of the long corridor, I took the stairs which led me out of the royal chambers towards the royal garden. The chilly wind pierced through my cloak, touching my skin as soon as I stepped onto the paved path in the garden. I shivered a little while tightening the cloak. Anxiety filled my chest as I felt being watched. I hurriedly scanned my surrounding but could see no one. It was a night of a full moon. The frozen castle of Narodnye was sparkling. The never-ending lines of evergreens that were circling the cold seashore could be seen from afar. I walked towards the kitchen quarters silently, taking long steps. But a sense of uneasiness built up in my heart. I hung my head to peek at the ground. A chill went down my spine when my eyes fell on the shadow. Someone was following me. But why? I was nothing but a worthless daughter of a late duke. After my father died, Uncle Adonis took over the title, and my life changed drastically. I was no longer the beloved lady I used to be. They kept my status only because our people loved my father very much. After all, he died protecting the people of this land. I stood still in the middle of the garden. I could still sense my chaser, who certainly had no good intentions. Many in the duke family would be happy to get rid of me. After all, I was a threat to the position. I closed my eyes and gathered all my strength. My father always taught me to be strong. I would never give up. Taking my stand on the ground, I tried to sense where exactly he was. Before he could realize it, I moved my hand from left to right, and with that, the surrounding snow melted, and a chain of water moved with my hand gesture, hitting the night-chaser. I glanced at him once, only to find him on the ground. His face was hidden under a black mask. My sudden action took him by surprise. Wasting no time, I instantly took my stance and hit him again and again before he could stand up. My father always used to teach me how to control water. I never thought I had to use it someday for my protection in my own castle. Once I was done, I stood back, panting. I wasn't a warrior. My uncle never permitted me to train, unlike others. Even so, I felt proud of myself at that moment. I was not utterly worthless, after all. And soon I realized how wrong I was! My ears caught some sounds on the roof of the royal chambers. My eyes shifted towards the source, only to find out ten more assassins standing there. A scream left my mouth. Standing there would be foolishness, so I ran. It was hard to track which way I was going. I could sense them running behind me. They were controlling water too, to capture me. I tried my best to avoid them. Each time I used my element of control, I could feel my energy draining out. My legs became weak. I was unsure how long I could run further. My breathing became heavy. Suddenly I realized they had driven me towards the woods, further from the castle. None could help me here. A chill went down my spine. My legs never stopped. My torso crashed against the branches as I ran deeper. My hands were burning. I could feel the warm liquid on my skin. My wound got rubbed against the evergreens repeatedly. A small whimper left my mouth. My cloak was torn apart. The freezing wind was additional torture. Suddenly, I stumbled on something and fell to the ground. My eyes peeped at what was ahead. I was at the end of a ridge. There was no way out. Gathering myself, I sat back. Those men were standing there in a half-circle. I backed away little by little until my hand couldn't feel the soil anymore. That was it! That was the end of me. Getting help in these woods during such hours was unthinkable. Exhaustion took over. I could barely keep my posture straight. I used my hand as support, and my face was leaning over the ground. I was defeated this time, once and for all. My limbs were trembling. Was it cold, or was it fear? Might be both. My heart was pounding. Closing my eyes, I waited silently for them. But nothing ever happened. A sudden noise of splashing water made me look upwards. My eyes widened in shock as my gaze fell on the man lying on the ground. The red, warm liquid was flooding his neck. Then my eyes moved to the other dead body. Soon I found another hanging from the tree. I saw blood everywhere, decorating the white snow. All those assassins were killed. How was it even possible? Reality hit me hard. The only explanation was I wasn't alone. There had to be some other people, and they helped me for nothing. A gasp left my mouth. I crawled back in fear, gulping hard, forgetting that I was at the edge of the ridge. A scream escaped my mouth while I slipped down. Would I die? Just like this? I closed my eyes. My hope was all gone when I felt a muscular arm gripping on mine, stopping the fall. Then it pulled me up, and I crashed against a hard chest. Everything happened just in a fraction of seconds. A warm embrace surrounded me. My mind was clouded. I could not even perceive I was standing there in the arms of a stranger. Then, a deep, seductive voice brought me back to my senses. “Don’t be scared anymore. They are gone.” His voice was not warm or affectionate. Nevertheless, it brought strange security to my heart. A feeling that nothing could touch me with him by my side. I pulled away gradually, placing my palm on his chest. I looked at his face gently. His face was covered under a black mask, only revealing his hypnotic, dark blue eyes. “Thank you for saving me”, a feeble voice left my mouth. I hardly had any energy left. “A lady shouldn’t wander around at these late hours”, he spoke again in the same voice. So he knew who I was! My eyes widened again. How could it be possible? I was about to turn eighteen, and according to the law, a noble family had to present their daughters to the nation on her eighteenth birthday. Yet, none outside the castle knew how I looked like. Was he someone from the royal guards? “Who are you?” I asked him in curiosity. He stared at my face. His eyes were piercing through me. “Learn to take care of yourself, princess. I will not be here to save you every time,” he responded before leaving me alone in the woods. --------------------- Hi everyone, Hope you are doing well. Thanks for giving it a chance. Please let me know your opinion? Love you all <3 <3 <3 --- Gratsiya ❤