Her King Of Shadows

Chapter XXXIII.

He was standing in the library thinking about that conversation for days. She had pushed him away. Twice. She didn’t want him. Even now, she avoided all contact with him. Having her meals in the kitchen or in her chambers. And he had agreed to it just to make sure she had enough food. He was watching her through the window. She was walking in the park with Seth. A part of him wanted to kill the warrior next to her. Just squeeze his neck till it was broken. But he didn’t do it. Seth was there to protect her since she didn’t want him.

-Everything is done.-he heard Victoria's voice behind him. They had been discussing so many times on how to proceed and had finally agreed.

-When will you be leaving?-he asked her coldly. Since their confrontation, they have lost all signs of closeness. They were not friends anymore. If they ever were.

-Tomorrow morning. I will show her to her rooms and make sure she is situated. I will stay in the city for a couple of weeks to make sure all is running well..-she informed him. He turned around, looking her in the eyes.

-If anything happens to her I will kill you personally.-that was the only truth. Victoria nodded her head. She didn’t expect anything less from him.

-You are making the right decision.-she confirmed. He got closer to his desk and sat down.

-I want you to talk to her in front of me. Now.-he asked. Victoria went away from the room to get her. After a couple of minutes, she came back with a confused Shana. He could smell jasmine and lilies on her.

-Sit.-he ordered, showing an armchair opposite to him. She listened to him not making a sound. The black eyes didn’t look at him. Victoria sat in the other armchair. He nodded to her to start talking. He wasn’t planning to say anything.

-Shana, we have decided that the best thing for you at the moment is to continue with your education. There is a university in the nearest city and I have arranged everything for your enrollment.-Victoria spoke in a gentle voice. Shana didn’t react. She was waiting for all the information to say anything.

-I have also arranged for you to stay in an apartment you will share with two other people very close to the university. You are free to choose any classes you like. We will cover all the costs and provide a monthly budget for you.-she said. Finally, Shana looked at him. She was waiting for the warning. For the threats.

-How are you going to explain this to everybody? They would raise questions.-there was doubt in her. Victoria stood up and poured herself a glass of water. She put the glass on the desk in front of her. Maybe Victoria was talking but all the decisions were coming from him. She knew that. She was expecting to hear the part with a punishment.

-There is not much to explain. If anybody asks questions, just tell them your family has sent you here for a change of surroundings. You are young. You will fit right into it. It will give you time to learn new things and decide on your future. Of course, we will always be there to protect you. You will not be alone. I will always come to visit whenever I can.-she sounded cheerful. The black eyes still looked at him. As if asking if he was planning to visit also. It didn’t sound real to her. She was scared it was all a trap.

-Victoria get out.-he ordered. But she hesitated.

-I don’t really think it’s the best thing for your two to be alone in a room.-she was being careful.

-Get out!-he yelled slamming his hand on the desk. She retreated, closing the door. Shana carefully took a sip of water, not looking at him anymore. Araphel stood up, not wanting to be too close to her. -I own a hotel in the city. Every Friday night after your classes finish you have to come and stay at the penthouse. You are allowed to leave on Monday early in the morning. Sometimes I will be there and sometimes not. But you are to come anyway. Every school break and holiday you will return to the castle. A car will be waiting for you on both occasions. If you ever miss the car or do not show up, your university days will be over.-his voice was cold. There was a bitter smile on her face. That sounded more like Araphel. Controlling. Cruel. -My warriors will be watching over you. And if I don’t like what they see. If I only sense someone getting too close to you. There will be blood, Shana. I promise you!-he threatened. She sat in the armchair, not daring to move. She looked at her hands, slowly realizing that soon she would be free. If this could be called freedom. But it was the closest thing she had right now. Was it really possible? Is this really happening? She looked at him standing in front of the desk.

-Why are you doing this?-she asked him calmly. Dark eyes were impenetrable to her.

-You wanted me to go to the hell where I came from, as I remember from your words. Since I am not willing to go that far away from you, this was the second-best thing. I'm sure you will agree with me.-he answered ironically. Was he actually listening to her? Impossible.

-I will do it, but under one condition.-she said. He almost laughed. But then he realized she was serious. He crossed his arms over his chest as if readying for an impact.

-What is it?-he asked. Shana observed him standing in front of her. She never imagined they would be able to talk to each other like this. Almost not trying to kill one another. She will put an end to it.

-I don’t want to see you for a whole year.-she demanded.

-No.-he refused in a second. She stood up. For her, this conversation was over. But she realized she was standing right in front of him between her chair and his desk. She raised her head because he was so much taller than her.

-I don’t want to see you there. I don’t care if I see you here. But there. That’s going to be my world. My space. My life. Out there I can be whatever I want. Whatever I was to become before you came into my life. And I don’t want you to be a part of it for an entire year.-she offered him a compromise. He thought about it. It did make sense to him. It would make her feel better. He could take it. One year wasn’t too long.

-After one year there will be no limitations.-he said. She wanted to step away but his head came closer to hers. She had a feeling that the best thing to do was not to move. Not to provoke him at that moment. -I will come back in a year, Shana.-his voice turned into a whisper. She could feel his breath on her face. She closed her eyes on purpose. He would not see her tears. Not ever. -And I will tell anyone there that you are mine. I will take your hand and make you stand next to me. Everyone will see your surrender. You will come to me when I call you. I will leave you no choice about this. You are free for a year but I get to have your entire life after that.-she was making a deal with a devil. -Not to mention that I will see you when you come back here. Each and every time.-he added.

-But not in the penthouse. You will not have me in the penthouse.-she reminded him. And she hated how little her voice had sounded. She could imagine a smile on his face. He was enjoying this so much.

-Don’t worry Shana. I will have you in the penthouse also. With time.-he whispered. Those words made her back away. Not realizing the armchair was behind her, she stumbled to fall down. His hands reached around her waist and pulled her up. Instinctively she touched his shoulder, trying not to fall. She opened her eyes, seeing his lips close to hers. Dark eyes were waiting for her next step. He pulled her closer to him. His chest was crushing her against him. One more moment and he would try to kiss her. She felt it in him.

-Let me go.-she asked with pain. He blinked as if waking up. Slowly and carefully he pushed her away until she could stand by herself.

-Tomorrow you will be leaving. I want you to come down for dinner.-he ordered in a strict voice. She knew better than to refuse. She nodded her head. Shana backed away without turning her back on him. She didn’t trust him to do as much.