CHAPTER 25 : STILL IN THE ROOM
1015 Words
***NATASHA'S POV**
If I were to interrupt, it would only appear odd and suspicious. I needed to maintain an appearance of impartiality and disinterest. No one could discover my secret. His integrity as a Lord would be questioned. I needed to protect not only myself but also him.
"She isn't what you think she is. She isn't a slave, servant, maid, or a low-ranked vampire. She isn't even a part of this kingdom. She is Lord Alexander's friend and a guest here," Desmond explained. "She was actually the one he was saving before the rogues attacked. She also happens to be the one who brought him in when he lost consciousness."
Cynthia's eyes snapped back to me and I could literally see smoke coming out of her ears. Her black eyes blazed like a raging fire and her face turned red from anger.
"So you, b***h, are the reason my mate is lying in this bed fighting for his life."
"Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration," Desmond tried to correct her, but she let out something that sounded like a low growl which shut him up.
She snapped her black eyes back to me and I could see anger burning in them.
"You are the one who has put him in this condition, and if it weren't for you, he would be fine. What kind of creature are you? What the f**k were you thinking? Trying to cross the border?"
"I didn't think he would follow me," was my weak answer to her questions.
"Are you stupid or mad? Is there something wrong with you? If you are truly his friend, as Desmond claimed, then you absolutely had no reason to cross the border. And if you didn't want him to follow you, you should have told him that."
If I had told him, he wouldn't have allowed me to leave. He would have forced me to stay. And if he had asked me to stay, I would have said yes. Leaving was the best option for me then. I thought it would be not only best for me but also for Lord Alexander. But now it seems I was wrong. Because my actions have landed Lord Alexander in a hospital bed and his kingdom is worried about him.
My attempt to fix a problem only added to them. I already felt guilty, but Cynthia's words only made me feel even more guilty. I felt disappointed in myself too.
Cynthia went back to where she was previously sitting and clasped her hand with Lord Alexander's.
I wanted her hands off of him. In fact, I wanted her as far away as possible. I was meant to be sitting where she was, and she was supposed to be in her good-for-nothing kingdom.
"I want her out of here now," Cynthia looked at Desmond. "I don't want her anywhere near Alexander while he heals. His vampire doesn't need the added stress."
Ironically, it was my presence that was going to help him heal faster, not her presence. Lord Alexander wanted me here, and I wasn't going anywhere. No person could change that. I was tired of listening to her berate me as if she knew me. She knew nothing about me. Both in my pack and in this kingdom, I am of higher rank than her. She should be my subordinate and not stand on her two legs and talk to me like I was a child.
"Alexander wanted me in here. I'm not leaving until he wakes up."
I would not leave her alone with Lord Alexander. He was my mate and he needed me to heal. Though challenging her was foolish, I had to do it.
"Who the hell do you think you are to defy my direct order? I am going to be crowned the queen of this kingdom, and that means I am going to be the first lady here. I am going to be equal to Alexander."
No, it was I! I wanted to scream. All the authority and power she was claiming wouldn't be hers but mine. I am Lord Alexander's true mate, not her. Besides, being a queen or a first lady wouldn't make her equal to Lord Alexander. Therefore, she was wrong in every aspect. I wanted to rub that fact in her face, but I couldn't do it without exposing everything to her and Desmond.
"Cynthia, let me make something clear to you. Natasha is Alexander's guest. You can't kick her out. And though you may be the future queen of the white vampires, you are not a queen yet. You have zero authority in this kingdom at this moment."
"I will be a queen soon. It's just a matter of a few days, so what's the f*****g difference, Desmond? I am Alexander's mate, and I demand that she leaves right now."
Days? Did she just say that she would mate with him in days?
That wasn't right. I thought Zoe said it would be in a few weeks at the very least.
I could feel the sting behind my eyes growing. I was losing him.
There was no way that I could sort everything out with Alexander in a matter of days. There was a lot to discuss and a lot to figure out.
"I'm going to go," I croaked out.
I couldn't let them see tears streaming down my face as I was still holding on to them. It would only raise more questions.
I should have stuck to my original plan and left when I was at his house.
I ran out of the room as if it were on fire. I heard the mumbled voice of Desmond before I heard his footsteps behind me, but I didn't slow down.
"Natasha, stop," he called after me.
But I didn't listen. I just pushed my legs faster and picked up my pace. I was in no state to speak with him, and my heart felt like it was bleeding out.
Why was it that since being here, all I had felt was pain and heartache?
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