Before I begin, for everyone whose been adding to their library as well as voting for the story when they can, I really appreciate it. I am trying to get a stable updating schedule, though things are a bit tough, I will try to update as many times as possible in a week, 2 being the minimum.
Also, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the book thus far, so please do leave a comment letting me know! (I could've put this in the Creator note, but eh [And if you don't know, there is a creator note at the end of every chapter uwu]). Well then, let us begin!
Chapter 24:
Zachary froze.
It was unlike him to do such a thing. Usually when people asked questions that were unexpected hed answer without losing his composure, but with Winter, it was different. Right at this moment he seemed baffled at the idea that the two had met before he could prepare.
How could Azef let his guard down? It was unlike him as well. but he couldn't think about Azef, he was worried about what Winter would say.
Worried? Him? He thought. How could he ever possibly feel worried, heck how could he feel? He didn't know. Clearing her throat, Winter called out to him bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Is this something I am not supposed to ask?" she questioned.
It didn't matter, because the moment Azef's name was mentioned, Allen had already dragged all the servants out.
"Not really," Zachary said quite annoyed at the series of events. "It's just I was supposed to tell you a little after our wedding," he said. Now it seemed as though he was showing her he didn't trust her.
Yes, he was still suspicious of Winter, but he had slowly begun to trust her, and really was going to tell her, but he didn't know how she was going to react. Whether she liked the news or not didn't bother him, it was what she would do after that kept him quite alert.
"…I see," she said as she fidgeted with the hem of the dining table cloth. He knew she was curious, but for some reason, he also knew she wasn't going to continue her questions.
In some way, it was a relief, but for some reason, he wanted her to be curious and to ask.
"He's my son," Zachary said carefully as he observed her reaction.
"Oh," she simply replied.
'Oh?' Was that all she had to say to this sudden revelation. As simple unrealistic shocked expression? How bizarre. Zachary being the man he was didn't continue saying anything as they continued their meal.
And for the first time, it truly felt like a marriage of convenience.
Did he care? No. but he wanted her to be happy. How she decided to pursue that happiness though was up to her and to Zachary that was okay as long as she didn't become a hindering chess piece in his game.
A knock echoed through the dining hall as Allen rushed in without a reply. Zachary raised his eyebrow quite ticked at the sudden intrusion as the sudden air around him turned dark. For winter who was quite oblivious, Allen shuddered in his master's presence as his change in demeanour showed his mood.
"You best have a good reason in coming in here, Allen?" his tone sending shovers down Allen's spine.
Allen feeling flustered stuttered a yes, as he glanced toward Winter, not knowing whether he should be saying this before her.
Zachary noticing Allen's eye movement and his unsure gaze simply nodded towards him. "You may speak," giving the green light. Zachary couldn't understand His servant's iffy posture and slightly sweat covered forehead.
"I have a message to relay from the main palace," Allen began.
"The main palace? Can it not wait?" Zachary asked with a glare.
"I-I'm afraid not your highness,"
"Very well, what is it?"
"His majesty the emperor has fallen ill-," and at that moment a clack of silverware falling down on the floor as both heads turned towards Winter.
And for the first time, Watching her entire reaction, Zachary had become wary of Winter and his suspicions grew. His eyes glowed dangerously as he observed her, his posture alert.
She was hiding something he didn't and for the first time since they had met, she was a threat in his eyes.
*
Azef sat in his room quite elated. The servants that tended to him were quite wary at this sudden mood. The master they knew was known to only be cold and never said a word to any of them. In normal circumstances, he would sit still until they left and they wouldn't be allowed to draw the curtains. But today, he requested they drew the curtains, and the normally dark and gloomy room had become brighter, literally and figuratively.
there he was, sitting on his bed, smiling by himself.
He couldn't help it. He had met her! he had met the big sister who was going to be his mother. Could anyone be as kind as her? he didn't think so.
And funny enough, she smiled at him! How perfect that smile was. Her voice gentle and soft, though it was only a few words, she had spoken to him.
Their meeting was an accident, and he should've avoided it. Surely his father would be angry, but he didn't care at that moment. He was too happy to worry about the consequences of his actions.
"I wonder when father will introduce me to her," he said.
Though he knew to Zachary he was a pawn in a big plan, he was still happy that Zachary was going to give him a mother. Something he never had.
He felt normal at that moment. Like every other child in the world. The wind blew through the curtains passing his blond hair as his blue eyes glimmered in the sun that shone into the room. As he giggled in happiness yet again.
"I'm going to get a mother…"