Dark Lord's Obsession

Chapter 10: An Angel

Louisa’s Point of View

“You are improving, my lady,” Miriam spoke after our practice.

“Thank you,” I huffed.

That was my new routine. Miriam used to teach me the element control every day, starting at dawn break, when the castle was asleep. Like any other day, we concluded before others could wake up.

“I will prepare a bath for you,” Miriam informed with a smile as she walked out of the courtyard.

I nodded, giving her silent consent. She soon disappeared into the hallway, and I made my way towards the chamber. After resting for a few minutes, I stepped inside the bathroom. Miriam had already prepared everything. The hot water on the tub soothed my sore muscles. She was the only one around me in this castle. A master for my element control, a guard and a friend.

After the much-needed bath, I dried myself and dressed up. Miriam helped me again. She was waiting for me in my chamber. After drying my hair, she was making a braid when a gentle knock brushed our ears.

“My lady,” a guard called out for me.

Miriam stood up and walked towards the closed door, whereas I stayed at my place, fixing my gaze at the entrance. Soon she opened the door, revealing one of the royal guards. With furrowed eyebrows, I stared at him as it was rare to see one of the duke’s guards at my doorstep.

“My lady, the Duke has summoned you.” He spoke, bowing his head. “The Duke of Lumina is here to see you.” He clarified.

Duke of Lumina? Albert! A sigh left my mouth as I knew the reason behind his arrival. It had been more than a month since our last encounter, and he was here for the answer. His arrival only made me realise I was left with less than two months now before the King would come for me unless I found some other way around.

“I understand,” I stood up with my words and the knight left.

Miriam closed the door promptly and stared at me, “Duke Albert?”

“Yes. He is here for the answer.” I briefed her.

“What will you say to him?” She asked worryingly.

“He is a good man, but I cannot accept his offer.” I bit my bottom lip.

She didn’t speak another word after that; instead, she just nodded her head with a smile of assurance. She gave me the strength to survive in this den. I left the room to see my uncle and Duke Albert. My legs felt heavy as I walked closer to my uncle’s office. I knew they were inside, probably talking about me.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door; then waited patiently. Soon a guard opened it, and his humble voice greeted me, “my lady.”

I stepped inside. My eyes fell on the huge chesterfield where uncle was sitting with Duke Albert by his side. Naturally, my appearance gained their attention. Duke Albert stood up from his position with a bright smile on his face, but my uncle didn’t look happy at all.

I greeted them, “uncle! Duke Albert!”

“How are you, Louisa?” Albert spoke, stepping forward, closing the distance between us.

“I am well. Thank you, my lord.” I muttered, hanging my head. Though I was clear about my choice, it would be hard to say no to this man. He was one of those very few who were well-behaved and reasonable.

Albert smiled again as his eyes fell on my uncle, “may I have a moment with her?”

“Of course,” uncle replied with a bitter smile as he left the room.

Albert and I stood there in silence, and finally, he spoke, indicating the chesterfield, “have a seat.”

I walked around it and sat on the corner, whereas he sat just before me. His warm eyes were glued to me.

“You know why I am here.” He started without any foreword.

“Yes,” I replied.

“What have you decided, Louisa?” He asked in a severe tone.

I kept silent for a moment before starting, “you are an honourable man, my lord, but….”

I bit my bottom lip to prevent the sigh. Then, swallowing my emotions, I spoke again, “I want to marry the man I will love.”

I peeked a glance from him, discovering his disappointed face. Those creases on his eyebrows added toughness to his expression. He was in his deep thoughts. Silence filled the room again. I sat there, hanging my head low, waiting for his answer patiently.

“I understand, Louisa.” His voice made me look towards his face again. With a sad smile, he continued, “I only wanted to give you protection. Your father was close to mine, and I feel responsible for you. I will wait until you leave Narodnye.”

He rose from his position, “take care, Louisa.”

And with his words, he left the room. I stayed on the chesterfield, trying to hold my breath. Did I make the right decision? I didn’t know. I was only following my heart. I had already refused him, leaving everything on fate. There was nothing to overthink. The door of the office got opened again, and Uncle came in. His expression was relaxed this time. Probably he had heard our conversation.

Slowly he took a seat by my side and placed his hand on my shoulder as his lips formed a pleasant smile.

“You did the right thing, Louisa. The King is the only one who can give you protection.” He spoked.

I stared at him in amusement. I knew his concern was fake, and he had some hidden agenda deep down in my heart. But it was time to clarify everything. I had no intention to be a concubine.

“Pardon me, uncle, but I can’t accept the king’s offer either,” I spoke boldly, removing my fear and helplessness.

His expression changed in a blink as he spat venomously, “Louisa! Watch your words.”

“I am a woman with dignity, uncle and I would never end up in a harem. I have told you before, and I am telling you again. I will never be a concubine.” I declared out loud, making uncle furious.

He stood up promptly and glared at me, “you will. You are the only path to save my daughter. Why don't you understand? You will become his concubine, and you will please the king and pursue him to take Kiara in the palace.”

“What did you say?” Those words came out of my mouth voluntarily. I knew he had something in his mind. He never cared about me. And now, everything was as clear as daylight. He wanted to save his daughter, and I was only a mere tool.

Pointing his finger at me, he warned, “you will do as I say. Do you understand?”

“It is all about your daughter. Why should I bother?” I replied, unable to hold back my tears. Only if my parents were alive, I wouldn’t have to see days like this.

“She is your cousin, Louisa….” I stopped him in the middle.

“And the daughter of the man who tried to kill me. I am your niece. Have you ever thought of me? I meant nothing to you.” I raised my voice, trying my best to hide the emptiness of my heart. If it weren’t for that masked man, I would have died by now.

My words caught him off guard. He paused abruptly, and a sigh left his lips.

“Listen, Louisa; things are different now. The dragons will appear at our doorstep any day. Think wisely.” He spoke defeatedly.

“I will rather die, uncle; I will rather burn in hell than living in a harem,” I repeated before storming out from the room.

I didn’t wish to listen to him any longer. He wasn’t my uncle. He was no family to me. How could he be so selfish? First, he wanted me dead for his offspring to win the title, and now he wanted me in a harem for his daughter's safety. It was always about them. What about me? What about my emotions? Did he ever consider how lonely I spend my days after my parents died? Behind these tall walls, I grew up alone, like a nobody. No one was there to hug me, console me, or even ask whether I had my dinner. He even tried to kill me. He never cared until he needed me. Why was he like this? Why couldn’t he be the uncle I needed? My home became a snake hole, and my family become my enemy. Was it even a life?

While striding through the hallway, I saw Kiara in the garden, chatting leisurely with her mother. They were laughing from the heart, which made me even sadder. Why couldn’t I have these moments? Wasn’t I just like her, even younger? Why did I have to endure all these troubles? Why couldn’t someone be there to take care of me? I wanted the warmth of my mother's love. I wanted protection from my father. I wanted to feel loved and cared for. Was it too much to ask?

Unable to bear the sight, I ran towards my room. My lean torso was standing in front of the mirror. I had grown thinner, and the dark patches beneath my eyes were showing my everyday struggle. Tears welled my eyes while I slowly fell to the ground.

“My lady!” Miriam rushed near me worryingly.

Sitting on the carpeted floor, she held my hand as she spoke again, “are you alright?”

 I bit my lip to retrain my sobs. I had to be strong. Wiping my eyes, I stood up. I couldn’t show them my weakness, even if it were only Miriam. My shaky legs dragged me to the bed. Avoiding any encounter with her, I stayed there, quietly, the entire day.

~**~~**~

I didn’t know when I fell asleep. The last thing I remembered was Miriam making me eat my dinner forcefully. Then, with low noise, the silence of the night was disrupted, which woke me up. A soft moan left my mouth as I turned my body. The cold breeze brushed my face. My eyes were still closed. I was about to avoid everything when I heard another noise, and with that, I felt cold, moist chains around my ankles. A sudden fear rose in my heart, and I opened my eyes promptly, only to feel those cold chains around my wrist as well. Suddenly I was pulled out of my bed and thrown against the wall even before I could realise.

“Ah!” I heard a low scream coming out of the courtyard.

That should be Miriam. But before I could do anything, my eyes fell on two warriors standing before me.  With a grin, they moved their hand and imprisoned me using water chains, making my back pressed against the wall.

“I don’t know why others failed. It was so easy,” one of them spoke, taking out a sword.

Of course, uncle sent them, and there was no doubt. The bind was tight enough. I could hardly move, and Miriam was also in trouble. There was no way I could walk out of this mess. I was terrified and defeated. Was it the end of me? Of course, even if it were, I wouldn’t cry. I would never give them satisfaction. I would never show them my weakness.

Biting my lower lips, I shut my eyes tight as I felt that metallic blade on my neck. That cold, sharp touch slit my skin, making that warm liquid ooze out. My lips shivered, and my heart was pounding. Only if my parents were alive, nothing would have happened to me.

‘I’m sorry, father, I wasn’t strong enough.’ I mumbled as the burning sensation spread across my neck, making me remember those sapphire blue eyes.

‘Thank you… for saving me every time…  even though my own family betrayed... only if I could know you better.’ I muttered for that mysterious lord who kept saving me.

I was ready to die, waiting for the pain to be over when the sword stopped. A loud thud rang over my ears. I could sense something happened, but I was too scared to open my eyes. My limbs were trembling, and my legs gave up slowly. I was sliding down the wall until those familiar arms embraced me, making me feel warm again.

“Louisa! Open your eyes,” an apprehensive masculine voice touched my ears, making me feel safe again. My emotions flooded my mind and my heart as my eyes welled up. Without even thinking twice, I hugged him tightly, burying my head on his toned chest. My sobs echoed in the empty room.

I felt him lifting me and carried me to my bed. I curled into a small ball, leaning against his warm torso. That feeling of safety was undeniable. I never knew how badly I wanted that.

“Hush! Everything is alright. Don’t be scared,” He kept muttering soothing words though my mind could hardly concentrate on any of those.

I wanted to stay in his embrace, but he forcefully parted from me. A coldness surrounded my heart. Was he going to leave? But his action proved me wrong. His hand cupped my face while he whispered, “let me see the wound.”

Those blue eyes were drowned in worries. His long fingers touched my chin, holding my face up. After monitoring it for a while, his expression relaxed.

“My lord,” another shaky voice gained my attention, making me realise Miriam was also in the room. Her forehead was bleeding so was the corner of her lips. There were several scratched on her hands and neck.

“Miriam!” An anxious whisper left my mouth.

“You are bleeding, my lady. Let me treat your wound,” she spoke again while looking for the medicine box.

I wanted to ask her to treat her wounds first but couldn’t make any word. My lips shivered as she rushed towards us, holding the wooden box.

“Miriam, go and treat your wounds first and take some rest. I will take care of her.” That mysterious lord instructed, taking the box from her hand.

“As you wish, my lord.” Bowing her head, Miriam disappeared.

He opened the box and took out cotton balls and medicines. Then his eyes fell on me. Cupping my face, he muttered, “stay still.”

I nodded in response. He cleared my wound and then applied some ointments with great care as if I was some fragile porcelain doll. It stinted in the beginning but became comforting at the end. Then he stood up. Putting the box on a table, he grabbed a bowl of water. He came back soon and sat by my side. Using the cotton balls, he wiped the blood from my neck and my hands. Once he was done, he caressed my hair.

“Take rest.” He spoke, making me lay on my back. I flinched a little as I still could feel that cut on my neck. It wasn't that deep, so it would heal soon. But that was the least of my worries.

I held his hand as I whispered, “thank you.”

Those deep sapphire eyes were drowned in silence for a moment. Then a smirk formed on his lips, “aren’t you gonna ask why I am behind a veil?”

He spoke as if he wanted to light up my mood. I shook my head, “no!”

“No?” He sounded confused.

“I know who you are.” I paused, swallowing the sob, trying to smile a little. “An angel, sent by my parents to take care of me.”

My words made him chuckle. “And what if I am the devil?”

“Devil never protects,” I protested, earning a sigh from him.

Suddenly his eyes changed, and he stood up, “get some sleep.”

Fear surrounded me again. “Are you leaving?” I asked. For some reason, I wanted him to stay. Maybe that was the feeling of safety or his warm embrace.

He sat on the bed again. His eyes warmed up. “You don’t want me to leave?”

“No. Please, stay. Just a little longer.” I murmured. To be honest, I wanted his company. I was afraid to be alone again. I wanted this security, just for once. Was I wrong?

“You want to talk?” He asked as if he could understand my thoughts. I nodded. Soon I told him about my uncle and the king.

“I wish somebody showed up to change all these… to change the system we are living.” I sighed at the end.

He was silent all these times. A warm smile formed on his lips as he spoke, “don’t wish for the change, Louisa. Be the change.”