.
Orchid's heart quickly increased its pace. She wanted to utter something or perhaps do something to stop him...but she couldn't feel her body
His actions was totally unexplainable and the confusing part was how she wasn't trying to stop him
His eyes locked hers as his lips grew closer to hers. Subconsciously, with closed lids, she inched closer
Ciaran was actually looking forward to the kiss, he also wanted to kiss her badly. But sadly, he needed to stop as what he was aiming at, was already there
"Now!" the door burst open and Grae stepped in. A loud shriek was heard and Orchid's eyes snapped open
"W-what the -" Ciaran sat up from the bed and so did Orchid, confusion lacing in her eyes
"Yah!" she yelled being held down by Grae. Black lines drew from beneath her lids down to her cheek and her eyes were black
"How shabby" Ciaran commented, crouching to the level of the woman held "To think you could murder a royal and get away with it"
"This-"
"This demon" Ciaran cut in, having Orchid look at him "Murdered the Crown Prince. I did my own investigation. They had been several cases of dead men found here. The lady at the front desk is also involved. Offering souls to this demon to feed on in order to maintain a suitable reputation. She feeds on the lust of men and only appears when she senses the arousal of a man, luring them in and feeding on their souls"
"Did I ruin your lovely time?" the demon questioned with a smirk "I had to interrupt because I sensed a deep-"
"Why did you kill him?"
"Who are you talking about? I've killed so many men, if you could be more specific..." the demon drawled
"The Crown Prince"
"As you said, I feed on the soul of those men, the Crown Prince just happened to be my latest victim but still...I wasn't satisfied with it, you see...he was rotten, they all are but he was worse that I ended up not feeding on him and ending him directly! Hahaha!" she laughed maniacally
"Take her away" Grae forced her up and dragged her outside "Are you okay?" Ciaran asked seeing Orchid in a dazed state
"What were you doing?"
"What do you mean?"
"All these. Dragging me to this room and doing...you were using me?"
"Well, if you say it like that... it'll make it sound like you didn't enjoy what happened "
"Nothing happened. You...ah"
"Did I disappoint you? It's not too late, we can still get back-"
"Enough with your teasing, you find fun in doing this and then turning the whole situation around so it'll come out as a joke?"
"Orchid -"
"You were investigating the Crown Prince's death, I was out from the very beginning so why bring me in? So you could capture the demon who killed your brother? Ah! I am an idiot"
"Orchid -"
"Our marriage was nothing but a trade, Ciaran. You have no right over my body, don't you touch me...again. If it's blood you want, then I'll offer it. Just don't go as far as this" Orchid said and stormed out
Was she mad? Yes, she was mad. Why was she mad? Because the thought of her being used was sickening
"I am such a fool, why was I so expectant in the first place?"
.
Walking in the hallway, Brenda stared at the half moon as it glared back at her with Its shining light
Hearing the sound of footsteps in the hallway, she hid behind one of the pillars to see who it was
"Is the carriage ready?" she could hear Leon ask one of the servants who nodded in response
Where was he headed so late?
He had been leaving the room more than usual lately, and he only did when it was night time
She wanted to trail after him to see where he was going, but she was in her nightdress. But then again, she wanted to know where he always went the times she had caught him sneaking out of the room
With that thought, she followed Leon.
"Excuse me. Can you prepare a carriage for me?" she asked one of the coachman
"Of course, milady" he said with a bow
.
Brenda stepped down from the carriage feets away from the huge manor before her. The carriage Leon was in had gone through the gates, but she couldn't go in
"You can load the carriage somewhere else" she said to the coachman, to avoid them getting seen
This was stupid, she knew. But she badly wanted to know why her husband would sneak out at night and head to this manor
Standing behind a small bush, her eyes scanned the gates of the manor. Her hand went to her arm as the cold air hit her skin
Right, she was in a slim night dress after all
With her eyes glued to the manor, she failed to notice the slow footsteps from behind her
And slowly, she felt something warm draped on her shoulders
With her mouth slightly parted, she whipped her head around
"Y-your Highness?" she gaped at Alexander who carefully arranged the coat on her shoulder "What.."
"You were so determined that you forgot to take a coat. Winter is fast approaching and you step out in this..." he paused "Dress"
"If I may ask-"
"No, you may not, princess. Why are you tailing your husband?"
"I...I am not-"
"You won't get a better view out here. You think you could see whatever's going on inside by standing outside?"
"His Highness is asking too many questions"
"Am I?"
"This has to do with me and my husband...you shouldn't be out here"
"And you should? Ah, the problem is you care so much about what he's doing. If he sneaks out and leave you cold in the bedroom, you should find another company"
She cringed her brows "Is His Highness perhaps suggesting himself?"
"I am a better option, aren't I?"
"I-I do not do such, Your Highness" she retorted and turned around to gaze back at the manor "Perhaps it's work related?"
"Of course, working extra hard to cater for Seaton. By having extra night meetings, we know Leon's too lazy to do that. Think that to clear your head, If you please"
"Would His Highness mind telling me who owns this house?"
"Why does the princess think I know who owns the house?" he questioned in return
Brenda's eyes moved over to his, he was obviously trying to avoid her question. She was tired, it was so cold and his gaze wasn't helping at all. A cold breath left her lips as the wind grew heavier
She walked over to where the coachman had parked the carriage and she got on
"Return back to the Palac-" her words were left incomplete when another weight was added to the carriage "Your Highness?"
"Ride" he said to the coachman who immediately snapped the reins "Looks like it's going to be a windy night" he commented
"His Highness came by a different carriage, I presume"
"A wrong presumption, princess. Would I ride with you if I came with a carriage?"
"Then how-"
"The Princess is asking too many questions" he said with a grin, repeating the words she had used on him earlier
Minutes later, the carriage rode into the tall gates of the palace and came to a stop at the entrance
"Your Highness" she called out and Alexander who walked before her, halted "Thank you for the coat" she said, rolling it off her shoulders and handing it over to him "Have a good night, Your Highness" and she walked inside
Staring at her retreating figure, his eyes went back to the coat he held
Bringing it over to his nose, he took a whiff of her scent which was smudged over the coat