A Treacherous plot
1013 Words
At the marina, Livvy waved eagerly as the prince approached. Discreet bodyguards trailed behind him. He embraced Livvy, then extended a hand to me.
"Damien! So glad you could join us today."
I shook his hand, cringing internally at the hypocrisy. My self-restraint was fraying dangerously thin.
We boarded the lavish yacht and a crew member escorted us to a table laden with champagne and fruits. Livvy sipped bubbly, cheeks flushed with excitement.
"To adventure on the open seas!" Prince Alexander toasted. We clinked glasses. The boat pulled from the dock, sails unfurling.
Livvy wandered to the railing, wind whipping her sun hat. The prince followed, placing a steady hand on the small of her back. Hot jealousy bubbled up inside me.
"Damien, come see the view!" Livvy called. I joined them reluctantly, forcing a tight smile.
"Stunning, isn't it?" said Alexander. "But not nearly as beautiful as present company."
He grinned at Livvy, who swatted his arm playfully. "Oh, stop it! Poor Damien has to put up with you flattering me all day."
I dug my fingernails into my palms, drawing blood. Livvy was eating up the attention, lapping it up like a cat with cream.
We sailed for hours, exchanging inane small talk. Livvy and the prince bantered and laughed, thick as thieves. I stewed silently, responding in grunts and terse nods.
Finally, we returned to shore. As we disembarked, the prince turned to me.
"Thank you again for coming today, Damien. I hope in time we can be good friends." He extended his hand once more.
The gesture was so guileless, so sincere. It took every ounce of self-control not to smash his regal face into the deck. Instead, I forced a smile and shook his hand.
"The pleasure was all mine. Safe travels, Your Highness."
After Alexander departed, Livvy turned to me with a dreamy smile.
"Wasn't that just the most perfect day?"
I swallowed down bile. "It was lovely. But I'm feeling quite unwell actually. Why don't you go on home without me?"
She squeezed my arm, smiling kindly. "Of course, darling. I hope you feel better!" With a cheery wave, she left.
I watched her go, simmering with impotent rage. The potion couldn't come soon enough.
Days crawled by. I avoided the prince, lying that work kept me busy. At last, Madame Renard summoned me to collect the obedience elixir.
The liquid shimmered pale violet in a crystal flask. My heart raced as I swirled it, mesmerized. Here lay the solution to all my problems.
"Have her drink it mixed into a cocktail. Its effects will be...potent," said Madame Renard.
I tucked the flask inside my suit jacket, an eager smile creeping across my face. " Madame, you are a genius."
She shook her head. "Give your wife my regards when the spell destroys you both."
Ignoring her cynicism, I hurried home. Tonight, Livvy and I were having a romantic dinner. The perfect chance to administer her dose.
In the bedroom, I watched her dress for the evening. A slinky black gown hugged every curve. She took my breath away. I wrapped my arms around her waist, kissing her neck.
"What's gotten into you lately?" She giggled. "You're insatiable."
"It must be you, my love," I murmured into her hair. Soon she'd burn for me and only me.
At dinner, I slipped the potion into Livvy's wine glass, then raised my own. "To my beautiful wife. Each day with you is a gift."
We sipped. Her eyes softened, regarding me with affection. My chest swelled - the potion was working!
We spent the rest of dinner lost in each other. My touches lingered, and Livvy welcomed them. After dessert, I swept her into my arms.
"Take me to bed, Damien," she breathed in my ear. My pulse quickened at her sultry tone. Success!
In the bedroom, clothes dropped to the floor in our frenzy. I relished having her full attention again. We had just tumbled into bed when the front gates buzzed.
Frowning, I wrapped a robe around myself and went to check the security camera. My heart dropped into my stomach.
There was Prince Alexander at our front gates, clutching red roses, his eyes full of ardor and intention.
No. It wasn't possible. The potion was supposed to guarantee her devotion!
I raced back to the bedroom. Livvy sat topless on the bed, eyes distant.
"Darling, you seem unwell. Maybe you should lie down," I said gently.
She blinked slowly. "No, no I'm fine. Just feeling a bit...strange. What's going on?"
The gates buzzed again. Alexander wasn't leaving. I had to keep Livvy away from him.
Taking her shoulders, I guided her to a chaise lounge and fetched a blanket. "Rest, my love. I'll take care of everything."
Kissing her forehead, I hurried to intercept our royal guest, my mind racing. The night was far from over.
POV of the drug lord:
My hands shook with rage and desperation as I strode to the security gates. How could the prince be here now, when I was so close to securing Livvy as mine forever?
I composed myself before opening the gates with a polite, strained smile.
“Prince Alexander! To what do we owe the honor?”
He beamed, extending a bouquet of roses. “Good evening, Damien. I hope it’s not too late for a visit?”
I gritted my teeth. “Of course not. Please, come in.”
He followed me inside, gazing around eagerly. “What a magnificent home! Livvy has done well for herself.”
My eye twitched at his familiar use of her name. The potion was supposed to erase this presumptuous fool from her mind, yet here he was.
“Yes, she’ll want for nothing. Now, I’m afraid Livvy has already retired for the evening...”
“Nonsense, I’m sure she’ll see me,” he said breezily, wandering toward the bedroom before I could object. Cursing under my breath, I hurried after him.
I entered the bedroom to see Livvy sitting dazed on the chaise, the prince kneeling before her.
- Writer
