Dark Lord's Obsession

Chapter 14: Night Affair

Third Party’s Point of View

After the day’s long drama, Louisa was finally in her room. The noble council of Narodnye called for a meeting right after those warriors left. After tons of discussions and paper-works, Louisa officially took over the castle of Narodnye as the new Duchess. A formal ceremony would be held soon to let the others know about her victory. She was young, courageous and kind, which won over those hundred hearts of that small island at the end of the Frozen Sea of South. Above all, she cared about her people, which touched them most. She was no less than her father, who never thought twice before marching for the war, whereas her uncle stayed in the castle under security and warmth.

Louisa leaned over the chesterfield, exhausted. Miriam also retired to the servant quarter for rest. Since Louisa was the duchess now, many warriors were following her everywhere and hence she didn’t need Miriam any longer to guard her. Besides, Miriam required to rest as well.

As Louisa finished reading the last scroll, she put it down on the tea table and leaned on the sturdy wooden frame covered by the soft mattress. She was exhausted; still, her mind denied falling asleep. The only wish in her heart was to see her savour once again. Closing her eyes, she pinched the middle of her eyebrows. A lot was in her mind, and the only one she wished to share it with was that mysterious masked lord with magnetic blue eyes. She opened her eyes again as her hand touched the pendant unknowingly.

“I wish you were here!” She whispered.

Her pale, lean torso gave in to the exhaustion and slowly fell asleep on the chesterfield while waiting for him to show up. Her left hand held onto that green locket carefully, whereas her right arm was placed gently over her forehead. Those candles were burning timidly in the silence of the night. Only the crackles of the fireplace could be heard.

After the day’s hassle, the castle became peaceful. Those tall, stoned pillars were standing in silence, watching over everything. Those heavy, dark clouds finally released their sorrow through tiny, alluring snowflakes. A cold northern breeze gave them wings. The castle of Narodnye again was covered under those white ornaments. Suddenly the peace of the castle broke as a rowdy wind blew over the area. A dark frame entered the castle with a light tap on the ground and moved stealthily towards the royal quarters. His steps avoided those warriors with ease and, in the end, stopped on the rooftop of the courtyard.

His eyes scanned the area to find five warriors around the courtyard, making him wonder. This area of the castle had always been unprotected. What could be the possible reason behind this change? His frowned face was enough to tell he wasn’t happy with the new arrangements. It might hamper his plans. Sighing in silence, he jumped off the roof and landed perfectly on his feet inside the courtyard. With another fast movement, he was by the entrance of the chamber.

“Useless warriors!” He muttered as he made his way inside the chamber.

Closing the door, he inhaled deeply. The mild fragrant of lavender filled his nostril, making him more excited. That intoxicating scent dragged him towards the chesterfield, where the source was lying. His enticing blue eyes met that pale face. Silently, he made his move. Sitting on the chesterfield, he leaned over her face. Those pair of soft hazel eyes were closed, revealing her long eyelashes. Her dark brown eyebrows were curved perfectly, in the middle of which that sharp, little nose ran down to those thin, rosy lips. She was indeed beautiful. The brown curls were touching her skin, making her more appealing.

He bent his head and, closing his tired eyes, he smelled her neckline, inhaling the scent. Slowly he opened his eyes again only to find her little hand holding onto the locket he gave before. A smile curved on those thin lips while his heart filled with a distinct satisfaction. His big, warm hand touched her cheek once, feeling her skin. Those blue eyes closed on their own, satisfied.

Louisa was in her deep sleep when a sudden familiar touch woke her up. Her brown eyes instantly meet those blue ones, staring at her with so many emotions. Her heart warmed up, and a smile appeared on her lips. He was finally here!

Supporting on the frame, she straightened her posture, “you are here!”

He couldn’t help but chuckle, seeing her excitement.

Moving a little, making space for her, he asked, “why are you sleeping on this chesterfield?”        

“I was… I was…” Louisa mumbled. Quickly lowering her gaze, she continued, “waiting for you.”

Her voice became a mere whisper as a blush crept on her face. Biting her lips, she kept playing with the hem of her dress. Uncertainty filled her heart. Was she doing the right thing? He was a stranger, after all. Then again, why it felt right?

He couldn’t help but smile at her adorable expression. Those red cheeks and shy eyes were making him miserable. He came here in search of comfort, but her actions would never let him find any. His eyes fell on the back of his hand, making him realise his skin was tinted with that scaly texture. Thankfully, the room wasn’t bright enough for a human eye to distinguish the difference. After taking a deep breath to regain his composure, his long fingers held her chin up, making her look into his eyes again. Those beautiful hazel orbs were worth dying for. She was so small and fragile even in front of his fake human. How would she look like before his true self?

“Why were you waiting?” He asked, trying to divert his mind.

“I took the step.” She shyly spoke though her eyes were glistening with hope, pride and many more. He kept silent, patiently waiting for her to continue.

“I… I took the title… Now, I am the Duchess of castle Narodnye,” she giggled. This was the first time he saw her laughing from the core of her heart. He could tell she was delighted.

But her decision made him worried. She was the duchess now! Did she do the right thing? Her uncle wasn’t an easy person to deal with. He remained silent, thinking about the possible consequences. They were still living under the same roof.

His silence didn’t go unnoticed. The smile from her lips disappeared. The vagueness of the situation made her anxious.

“Will you remain silent? No words for the new duchess?” Louisa questioned, holding his palm on hers.

He sighed in return. Louisa slowly releases his hand, moving away from his embrace. She could read his disagreement with her decision. He was the man always guiding her, saving her and showing her hope. His silent disapproval broke her courage, hitting the softest corner in her heart. Her victory seemed to be meaningless. A sadness wrapped her face.

Hanging her head to hide those teary eyes, she whispered, “are you unhappy? Did I do the wrong thing?”    

Sadness was dripping from her voice. He focused on her again. Only if she could understand his worries, cupping her face, he looked into those teary eyes as he spoke, “I am concerned, Louisa. Your uncle is a vile man, and he can do anything for the power.”

With a sigh, he continued, “I am worried; he will try to harm you.”

Louisa kept staring at him blankly, trying to understand his words. How could her uncle harm her? She was the duchess now! A tear rolled down her face.

“Don’t cry.” His deep voice made her realise that she was crying.

“Don’t overthink, Louisa. I will arrange some warriors for your protection.” His warm voice touched her heart.

“But I have guards now. I am the duchess. Warriors are everywhere, guarding my door. They are under my command.” She reasoned.

“Even so, I am here, Louisa, breaking their guard. I don’t trust those filthy warriors. What if one of them is working for your uncle?” He clarified, making things more transparent.

Louisa kept staring at him blankly. A man who came into her life from nowhere, protecting her from every possible danger, making her feel safe and warm. She was lost in his eyes, forgetting to speak up. Who was he? Was he a real angel? 

Then she heard him again, “Never look at me like this, Louisa. Else…”

“Huh? Else?” Those words came out of her mouth voluntarily, earning another sigh from him. His eyes lingered over her face, then her slander neckline, to her newly bloomed curves covered under those thin nightgown. The attraction was undeniable.

Suddenly, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into a tight hug, pressing her head on his chest, making her listen to his pounding heart. Louisa was bewildered by his sudden action. Those muscular arms surrounded her petite frame possessively, making her unable to move. It was warm and comforting but not appropriate at all, especially for a Duchess. She struggled to free herself.

But his words stopped her, “please, let me hold you. I’m tired, Louisa.” His voice was laced with sadness. Louisa couldn’t help but ask, “are you alright?”

Another sigh made its way, “I missed you, my princess.” 

She felt him bury his face on her shoulder. Her smell was intoxicating. Closing his eyes, he tried to absorb the moment only to be interrupted by a sudden urge. He opened his eyes and glanced at his arm, only to find that scaly texture was growing faster. He moved his eyes to discover his reflection on the mirror hanging on the opposite wall. Those reptilic slits reflected his true self. Suddenly he freed her and stood up, facing away from her.

“Please forgive me for my behaviour, duchess.” A sad voice came out from his lips, trying hard not to shift.

“Are you leaving?” She asked, standing up from her position.

“Yes, I must leave.” He replied, taking long strides towards the exit. 

Before Louisa could reach the door, that tall frame disappeared, turning into a gigantic reptile. The pieces of his torn clothes shattered on the snowy ground. A sigh left his nose. He was on the verge of shifting tonight. Those scaly arms warned him at the right moment, and he couldn’t leave her fast enough. His wings carried him high above the castle and everything. His eyes could still see that worried girl standing by the courtyard entrance, looking for something aimlessly. Only if he could go back to accompany her again!