{Whatever Happens In This Room Is Real}
"Not everyone has the power of choice. To some people it's more like a luxury that can never be acquired" Anastasia said. "Does it mean you're being threatened?" Azriel asked.
"I never said that your grace.... I don't seem to belong anywhere. I'm just useless to my family" Anastasia said. "From what I heard you are the golden child of Demetrius"
"All of that is just for show. No one knows what happens behind the closed door.... It's all fake. There's a lot everyone doesn't know. They keep a deep dark secret, hidden inside their wall.... They're monsters" Anastasia said.
"What secret are they keeping?" Azriel asked. "I can't... It's family stuff" Anastasia said. "I will protect you if you're in any danger" Azriel said. "Your members of the council are waiting for you, your grace. Don't worry about me" Anastasia said.
Azriel knew he can't push further. He went to the court. Anastasia sat down on the bed. She's scared of what's happening to her, she seems to be letting her guard down. If she tells the emperor everything, he'll kill her and her entire family including Hannah.
Perhaps it's because she's close to him, that's why her mind isn't functioning. Azriel got to the court, he met everyone seated. "What's the reason for this urgent meeting" Azriel said coldly.
Azriel is a cold and ruthless emperor to his people. "Two pregnant citizens were kidnapped three days ago but their bodies were found in the market this morning. There was a message written in their blood" Henry the elder of the court said.
"The message said. You know it's me, don't be a coward. I'll wait for you" Grace said. Azriel broke a wine glass he had in his hands. "He keeps doing this to get my attention" Azriel said.
"I suggest, we retaliate" Vivian said. "He expects us to strike.... It must be a trap" Charles said. Azriel tried his best to stay calm, he knows that is what Andrew wants. He wants Azriel to be driven by rage.
"I'll have to review this problem personally" Azriel said. "Very well" Vivian said. Azriel left the room, he returned to his room. Anastasia wasn't on the bed. He searched the bathroom, the toilet, the closet but she wasn't there.
"Your Majesty she went to her room" A maid said. Azriel left to find her, he walked like a man possessed. Luna tried to approach him but he ignores her. He opens the door to Anastasia's room. Hannah was startled to death.
"Where is she?" Azriel asked. "On the bed" Hannah replied. He goes to her bed, he sees the cover moving. He takes the cover off to find Anastasia trembling on the bed.
Azriel's anger melted seeing her like this. "Why did you leave?" Azriel asked. Anastasia couldn't speak, she cried so hard. "Guinevere look at me" Azriel said.
Anastasia didn't reply. Azriel carried Anastasia in his arms. "Don't carry me this way outside" Anastasia said in a whisper. "If you're embarrassed then bury your head on my shoulder" Azriel said. She obediently did as she was told, Azriel carried her to his room.
He gently placed her on the bed. "Why did you leave? Didn't I tell you, you need to be strong before returning to your room?.... Are you sad because I asked personal questions?" Azriel asked.
Anastasia couldn't speak. Azriel placed his hand on her chin, gently making her to look him in the eyes. "Say something, you're scaring me" Azriel said. Anastasia could see something flash across his eyes, like fear or concern.
"I... I think there's something wrong with me. My body... I think it belongs to someone else. When you left it felt like I was about to expload. I'm terrified... I think I'm defective" Anastasia said. "You're not, it's just the illness making you feel this way" Azriel said.
"What if I don't get better? What if I remain this way?" Anastasia asked. "I'll make sure you get treated by the strongest wizards I know. You'll be fine" Azriel said. "Why are you helping me? Why are you being nice to me?" Anastasia asked.
Azriel paused. "Because, Adeline would have my head if something happens to you" Azriel said. "She's not here your grace, there's no need to pretend" Anastasia said.
Azriel voice hitched. "But regardless I want to keep you safe and sound" Azriel said. Anastasia gave a bitter laugh. "You'll abandon that idea the moment you get tired" Anastasia said.
Azriel fell silent. "Guinevere.... I don't know what made you hate someone's help. Yes, when this blows down things may return to the way it was but always know that whatever happens in this room is real and I will protect from the shadows"
"Promise me that you'll never ignore me fully...." Anastasia said. "I promise" Azriel cupped her cheeks. "How was your meeting?" Anastasia asked. "Fine" Azriel said.
Anastasia placed her hands on his face. "Andrew troubles you?" Anastasia asked. Azriel froze. "How did you know?"
"He wants you to break... He has joined forces with higher power to bring you down. What did you do to him to make him hate you this much?" Anastasia asked. "He killed my friend, I killed his brother" Anastasia said.
Anastasia hugged him. "If you want to get back at him then wait for eight days. Play the game of mystery, let him be the one breaking bit by bit. Every silence, every wait would make him lose his mind" Anastasia said.
"You want me to watch my people die?" Azriel asked. "Yes, I never said it would be easy. All you have to do is trust me" Anastasia said. Azriel sighs in exhaustion. "Very well, I trust you" Azriel said. "Meet me on the eighth day and I'll tell you what's next" Anastasia said.
Azriel nods once. "I want to sleep" Anastasia fell asleep on Azriel's arms. He placed her head on a pillow.
Azriel watched her sleep peacefully. "I'll protect you my dear wife" Azriel murmured. Anastasia stood up abruptly from the bed. Azriel who sat beside her on the bed looks at her in surprise.
"What is the problem" Azriel asked. "I want to pee" Anastasia simply said as she stood up from the bed. The room spun around causing her to sway back. Azriel went to her with minutes. "Don't move" Azriel said.
"I need to use the bathroom" Anastasia said as she massaged her head. "I'll take you there" Azriel said. He carries her to the bathroom. "Your grace what are you doing?"
Azriel didn't reply, he took her to the bathroom. "Call me when you're done" Azriel said. Anastasia nods because her voice could betray her.
Azriel stepped outside. Anastasia finished her business. "Your grace" Anastasia called gently. Azriel entered the bathroom, he carried her to the bed. "How are you feeling?" Azriel asked.
Anastasia took a deep breath, this sudden attention still feels overwhelming. "I'm fine" Anastasia said. Azriel raised his hand to check her temperature but she flinched.
"I just want to check if your fever is back..... May I?" Anastasia nods in assurance. He touched her forehead with the back of his palm.
"Hmm... Seems to be fine but you still have to take your medicine" Azriel said. He gave her the medicine and fed her before she fell asleep.