Predatory Marriage

Chapter 25 – Intruder (2)

It was a unique trait, especially among humans. And when angry, it can invoke a deep fear, instinctive as that of a prey when faced with a roaring beast, when you make eye contact.

Soon her thoughts returned to Blain, and she wondered if he would tell Cerdina what had occurred today. The very thought bothered her.

I don’t think he’ll tell Cerdina, but what if he does? She frets, Will he just leave it be? She worried continuously. Cerdina was not like Blain. He wouldn’t just let it go like Blain would. I must figure out a way to get out of this. She thought to herself before a sharp pain ran through her head.

The pain was unbearable, and she quickly downed her drink and stood up with a wince.

“Kindly cancel my schedule for today,” she tells the Countess, “I’ll just be in my room, reading the reports,” she said, and the Countess approached her with a worried look.

“Princess-”

“It’s alright,” Leah interrupted, and gave her a soft smile, “I’m alright.” she reassured, “Truly, it’s only the strict diet I’m on, I just need to rest.”

But Melissa was doubtful of her words. She knew there’s more to it than that—Leah was really not well. But she also knew that Leah wouldn’t let her help, and so reluctantly, she gave her a short nod before leaving her alone to allow her the rest she needs.

When the Countess had left, Leah had also instructed the maids still in her room to leave her be, prohibiting them from further entering until tomorrow morning. Once she was alone, she got dressed in her nightgown, before promptly collapsing on the nearby chair.

She didn’t think she had enough strength to eat dinner tonight. Besides, she needs to tone down her eating in anticipation of the upcoming conference. Perhaps for dinner, she’ll only request two slices of apple, as she wanted to rest as soon as she could. She really wanted to be alone for now.

With a sigh, she turned to her window, staring at nothing in particular. She watched the skies turn red as the sun was setting, and perched on her chair, she watched as the daylight ended and darkness descended.

Her knuckles clench on the edge of her armrest, watching as the moon lights up the night sky. Her fingers twitch, as the urge to open the window grows strong…

And along with it, the urge to jump.

It’s a fleeting sensation, one she’s become accustomed to every now and then. But she never had the guts to go through with it, only passing fantasies whenever the thought crosses her mind. But now…

Just a little more, she thinks. Just a little more time.

She counted down the days in her head; the peace treaty, and when the Kurkans are gone. After that, then it could end. All of this will end. Once she brought the royal family of Estia to ruin and shame, then will she be able to rest truly.

Her eyes fluttered shut, imagining the pain and agony she would see on their faces…

Imagining the way the wind would whip through her body when she finally takes a leap.

A light tapping resounded in her silent chambers, and Leah’s eyes snapped open, a frown marred her expression. Nothing.

She thought it had been a mind trick, but then it happened again, and then again.

Thrice, she thought. It sounded like it was coming from the window.

And so she stood up, and drew closer to the window with cautious steps. Her hand closed in on the lock of it, her fingers flipping them open before she lightly pushed the windowpane open, and let out a gasp of surprise.

She brought a hand up to her mouth to prevent her from alerting anyone else.

“How?!” she gasped at him in surprise, but it came out as a stutter. On the other hand, the person outside, who was perching on top of the tree’s branch, only stared at her calmly, playing with a pebble in his hand, tossing it up in the air and catching it with the same hand, as if he was only doing a simple prank.

But Leah was rather taken aback. This late at night, the security of the royal palace was second to none, and quite difficult to slip past through. Should they be found out, this would surely put them in trouble, and Blain wouldn’t be as forgiving as he was in the garden earlier today.

So lost in her grim thoughts, and at a loss at what to do, she hadn’t realized Ishakan had already moved, jumping from the branch and into her room without permission.

In contrast to his broad body, he moved light and swift on his feet, landing rather gracefully on her balcony. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched him leap off the branch.

“Where do you think you are?!” she hissed quietly, as he straightened up.

“In your room,” he stated matter of factly. He thought it odd how she had to ask, when she knew perfectly where he was.

Ignoring her growing protest, he walked into her room, glancing around without shame. Leah rounded after him, but he only ignored her warnings and complaints.

Once he was done touring her room, he finally turned his attention to Leah, to whom he gave a soft smile.

“Cute nightgown.” he told her, “Is that what you sleep in?” he asked

Forgetting she was in a nightgown, Leah grabbed the nearest blanket and covered herself with it.

“What are you doing here!?” she hissed in a whisper towards him. She was so surprised by his presence, she couldn’t think of anything else to say. It was like her thought had scrambled in her mind, as she felt the blood rush to her face in embarrassment.

“I was curious of something, so here I am.” he answered languidly, and she frowned and moved to let him leave. She also thought for a moment of requesting his presence and to officially apply as one of the attendants for tomorrow’s banquet, but she was cut off when Ishakan continued and looked at her seriously…

“Why hadn’t you asked for my help?