The next morning, Anastasia was busy learning about the history of the Archlys family. After class Anastasia walked back to class, she saw a familiar figure entered a room.
"Something feels unsettling" Anastasia said to Hannah. "What makes you uncomfortable?" Hannah asked. "I have this unexplainable feeling... I don't know why I feel restless" Anastasia said.
"Maybe you're overreacting" Hannah said. "Maybe" Anastasia said. Anastasia slept peaceful that afternoon but she was awoken by Charles. "I have a surprise for you" He said with a smile.
"What could that be?" Anastasia asked trying to keep her eyes open. "You'll see" Charles said with a smug smile. "Since when did you become so mysterious?" Anastasia asked.
"Follow me" Charles said softly. Anastasia followed him silently. "What could he possibly want to show me?" She thought. Anastasia entered a beautiful room she hasn't seen before.
The emperor sat down calmly on a throne like chair. "My beloved sister.... I've missed you" James said. Anastasia pulse quickened. She subconsciously stepped back.
"What's the matter? Aren't you going to hug your brother?" James asked. Anastasia tried to keep her emotions in check.
Azriel could feel the tension suffocating him inside. "James" Anastasia managed to say. James hugged her causing her body to tense.
"What are this lines?" James asked pretending to be interested. The marks blinked faintly. "Why are you here?" She asked. "Don't you remember? I worked hard to become a royal knight and my hard work finally paid of. Which means I get to see you everyday" James said.
Anastasia forced a smile. "Come on Guinevere, I know we fought before you left but I want us to put that behind us" James said. "Don't be silly, I can... I can... never be mad at you" Anastasia said.
"How about I walk you back to your room, so we could catch up" James said. "I... I.. um" Anastasia stuttered. "Actually I have unfinished business with Guinevere" Charles said.
James forced a smile. "I'll see you later then" James said. He left, Anastasia tried to keep herself from breaking apart.
She collapsed but Luke caught her. She began hyperventilating. "I need fresh air" Anastasia whispered. "Are you alright?" Luke asked. "Yes" She lied.
"Your marks suggest otherwise" Charles said. "Is there something wrong?" Rose asked. Azriel folds his hand into a fist. He knows she's lying, he could feel the fear inside him.
"You can tell us if there's something wrong" Charles said. "Nothing is wrong... I..." Anastasia clutched her chest, Azriel touched his chest. "Guinevere... Come here" Azriel said. Anastasia stood up and went to him.
Azriel pulled her into a hug. "Just relax... There's nothing to be scared of. I said I will protect you and I will never go back on my word" Azriel said. Anastasia trembled in his arms.
He stroked her hair gently. Anastasia felt at ease, her breathing began to relax. "Are you feeling better now?" Azriel said. "Yes" Anastasia said but the marks said otherwise. Azriel sighs in exhaustion, he has no idea what the problem is but Luke said this would be a good idea and it doesn't seem like one.
Anastasia stayed in his arm for a long time till she eventually fell asleep. "Your Majesty you have a meeting with the duchess" Daniel said. "I'll be with her shortly" Azriel said.
"What about the girl?" Luke asked. "There's no problem with it. I find it relaxing" Azriel said. "What would the duchess think?" Rose asked. "I don't care what she thinks. I like her this way, she looks like a doll" Azriel said.
Azriel went to the study room where he met duchess Harriet. "To what do I owe this visit aunty?" Azriel asked. The duchess observed Azriel for a long time. "What's this? Another one of your toys?" Duchess Harriet asked.
Azriel didn't see it as a necessity to say anything. "You know when I heard about this.... I thought it was just for show but this madness has to stop" She flatly said.
Azriel leans in to inhale the smell from Anastasia's hair, he smiles knowing that he found it fascinating. "Stop this madness Azriel. Who are you carrying?" She asked. "My wife" Azriel calmly replied.
The duchess breath was caught in her throat. "What?" She managed to asked. "The lines on her body is due to the fact that we've marked each other" Azriel said. Duchess Harriet dropped the tea cup with trembling hands.
"Marked? That's just a legend. A mare myth" Duchess said. "But the truth stares you in the eyes duchess. This is my fated wife" Azriel calmly replied. The duchess shook her head, trying to erase those words from her head.
"If that's true then why don't you have to mark?" She asked. Azriel stretched his hands, the same lines on Anastasia's body appeared on his hands. "I was able to conceal mine but it turns out that my wife can't" Azriel said.
"Why?... How?..." She asked. "I don't know how it's possible. A demon and a human sharing a bond but I know I will protect this mortal with my life" Azriel said as his eyes changed to something not human.
"Why don't you call off the games with the other girls?" The duchess asked. "Honestly she doesn't know we're married yet" Azriel said. "Excuse me?"
"It all happened suddenly. But we marked each other... Meaning she's mine and I'm hers. She doesn't know about that yet.... I don't want her to get hurt because of this" Azriel said. "The mark proves that she's yours already"
"She mustn't know. The wizard told her I saved her with my powers that's why the marks are visible.... I know it's risky, just weeks ago someone threatened her life.... I don't understand why but I'm terrified of losing her so bad... I just want to protect her" Azriel said.
The duchess watched her nephew. All she could see is a little boy and not an emperor. A boy who can't navigate the storms of his heart. "Azriel she's lucky to have you by her side" She said.
"You don't understand I don't know what I'll do if she's hurt. I worry that if I lose her I will lose myself completely. I have enemies, who would be willing to hurt her just to get to me and I can't risk it" Azriel said.
"I know you will protect her son.... I know that no matter what happens she has you and that is more than enough" The duchess said. "I never knew this would happen... I just thought that I would find a random girl as my wife but I never imagined this... Finding the person I was destined to love... It's bezoar"
"How does it feel?" The asked gesturing to the marks. "Oh, it's like we're connect to each other. I can feel her every emotions and she could feel mine. Unfortunately hours ago she felt scared it's like something is making her scared" Azriel said.
"Or perhaps someone" The duchess replied with her eyebrows lifted. "I never thought about it that way. Now that you mentioned it the moment she saw her brother she was so tensed that I felt the pain in my chest" Azriel said.
"Perhaps there are things from her past she's running from that only you could prevent" The duchess said.
"But she won't tell me what the problem is.. it's frustrating" Azriel said. "An injury puppy never trusts it's owner completely but if you give it time it will warm up to you. Give her time Azriel... She'll come around" She said.
"And if she doesn't?" "Then eliminate whatever or whoever makes her uncomfortable" The duchess replied. "Thank you aunty, I find peace talking to you" Azriel said. "Take care of my daughter in-law for me... I'll like to meet her on better circumstances" The duchess said with a smile.
Some hours later, Anastasia woke up from the emperor's arms. "You're awake" Azriel said looking down at her. "Your grace.... I'm so sorry" Anastasia said trying to stand but Azriel pulled her back.
"Don't move.... You woke me from my nap, so sit" Azriel said. "Your grace I can't sit on you legs, we are in the throne room. What if my brother see us?" Anastasia asked.
"Why are you scared of your brother?" Azriel asked. Anastasia froze. As expected she hesitates. "You don't need to tell me but don't lie to me. I will keep you safe regardless" Azriel said.
Anastasia placed her head on his chest. "I don't know why but I feel safe in your arms" Anastasia said.