"Cyrus!" Reign cried, spinning around, his heart leaping, a small but relieved smile tugging at his lips. There, standing before him, was his beloved, the same kitten nestled against him, providing comfort. Reign moved closer, scanning him for any signs of injury. "Where did you go, Cyrus?", Reign asked worry lacing in his voice, caressing his face ever so slightly.
"Nowhere." Cyrus replied softly, his gaze fixed on the ground, not daring to look in Reign's worried eyes. Cyrus didn't know what was going on with him, He wanted to cause a scene so desperately, but didn't know why he felt that way.
"What's wrong, Cyrus?" Reign asked, his voice tight with concern. "Look at me. Did I do something wrong?" He reached for Cyrus's chin, attempting to lift his gaze, desperate to understand. Was it something he'd done? Was it because of Adeline earlier? Or was it the whole situation that weighed on Cyrus? Reign's anxiety simmered beneath his calm exterior.
"Nothing's wrong, I just went somewhere for fresh air. Also... I thought you and your fiancée might appreciate some privacy.", Cyrus said, his tone laced with unintended sarcasm. As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them, biting his tongue in realization.
Reign blinked, taken aback by Cyrus's words. "Privacy? What privacy? And for what?" he asked, confusion lining his features. "What do you mean?" he asked again not understanding what Cyrus was hinting towards, of Course typical him.
"I don't know, forget about it. Let's move on ahead.", Cyrus muttered with a small sigh, his words were thick with unspoken hurt, because of how oblivious Reign was, Cyrus took a deep breath, turning his head to the side not wanting to face Reign directly because of obvious reasons.
"Cyrus- "
"My lord.", Someone interrupted when Reign was about to speak up about Cyrus's response, cutting through the tension.
"Damn it," Reign muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes. Another interruption. He and Cyrus both turned to face the butler, who bowed respectfully. "What is it this time?" Reign asked, frustration evident in his tone.
"His Grace requests your presence, my lord," the butler said, lowering his head in deference.
"His Grace?" Reign echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Did he say why?" He was curious that his father had called for him so suddenly.
"I'm afraid not, my lord.", The butler voiced out. "Hm, I'll report to him shortly, you can go back.", Reign said dismissing the butler as he turned back to Cyrus who has been quiet this entire time.
"Cyrus, I have to go. Father is looking for me.", Reign said as he looked at Cyrus, "Will you be okay?", Reign asked. "Hm, yes, I'll be okay. You should go, His Grace won't like it if you get late.", Cyrus said looking down at the ground, petting the fur of the kitten who purred softly.
"I'll be back soon, okay?" Reign said, gently cupping Cyrus's chin to lift his face. He held Cyrus's gaze, hoping to reassure him.
Cyrus couldn't help but soften at Reign's tender touch. His lips parted slightly, lost in the warmth of the moment. Reign leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his lips, pulling him close to himself by the waist.
"Hmm, what if someone—" Cyrus tried to speak, but the kiss deepened, cutting off his words. He closed his eyes, melting into Reign's embrace, his body relaxing. Cyrus couldn't help but lean into the kiss more. He was helpless to Reign and his gestures.....
"Bye, My Love. Take care.", Reign said as he gave Cyrus one last gentle kiss before he headed his way towards his father's office. Cyrus stood there watching him leave with a content lip but anxious heart, taking deep breaths to calm himself down, it was all a lot for him too........
Reign had many scenarios playing in his head about what might've caused his father to summon him, so suddenly....
..........................
* Later at The Office. *
"Greetings, Father" Reign said as he entered the grand office, shutting the door behind him. He turned to face his father, but the sight of the person seated at the desk made his blood run cold. "What the hell are you doing here?" Reign's voice raised in disbelief as he stepped forward.
"Father what is the meaning of this?", Reign asked with frustration as he clenched his jaw slightly.
"Sit down and stop shouting like a madman," Duke Preston Volks, the official Duke of the Northen Empire, commanded. His imposing presence, with his well-groomed beard and statuesque figure, made him one of the most respected men in the empire. Even the Emperor regarded him with deference.
"I've got to discuss something with you.", Duke Preston continued as he looked at Reign in a warning stare making him reluctantly sit down in one of the chairs across from him.
"It's about your wedding," the duke began, his tone serious. "Given that your engagement was kept a secret, the wedding will be publicly announced soon.", Duke Preston announced, as he sat down on his seat behind his desk, resting his elbows on the desk with his chin on top, staring at Reign. "I suppose so father.", Reign said timidly.
"Also, Adeline here shared something with me.", Duke Preston said, his voice going deeper in seriousness, he continued, "Any explanation?".
"I didn't mean to father. My deepest apology to Miss Adeline for my behavior earlier.", Reign said with his head down to hide his true feeling about this situation. His hands clenched into a tight fist under the desk with his jaw clenching in pure anger towards Adeline.
"She's your fiancée, soon to be your wife" the duke noted with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. 'Miss Adeline', sounds so distant, doesn't it, son?", The Duke smiled but Reign could clearly make it out that it wasn't meant to be a nice smile. "I understand, Father.", Reign said through gritted teeth, the pressure in his hands building to the point where his nails left small crescents in his palms, drawing some blood out. Adeline was smiling at Reign proudly, her gaze filled with smug satisfaction.
"I hope you take your steps carefully, Reign. That's all, You two may leave now", The Duke said shifting his attention back towards his paperwork.
....................
Reign was about to get the hell out of there after walking out of the office, but he felt a sudden hand on his shoulder, knowing who it is already he jerked his body away. "What the hell do you want, Adeline?", Reign asked barely containing his anger within himself.
"Watch your tone, Reign." she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "His Grace's office is just around the corner." She grinned, almost mocking him.
Reign ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
"Why's your hand bleeding?", Adeline asked as she caught Reign's hand in hers, examining it.
Reign snatched his hand back quickly, his face contorting in disgust. "Leave me alone, Adeline." He turned and stormed off, eager to escape her poisonous presence.
"Run, Reign, run. You're going to be mine, whether you like it or not." Adeline whispered to herself, watching him walk away. As she too walked out of there with a smile forming on her face full of malice, and a dark, twisted plan began to form in her mind.
...........................................
To Be Continued. End of Chap-5.