Dark Lord's Obsession

Chapter 4: A Proposal

Louisa’s Point of View

My eyes stuck to the chain at the end of which a round coin-shaped locket was hanging. The gold rim was enclosed around the green stone. Flowers were imprinted on the golden part, making it distinct from all other jewellery I had. I took a good look at the pendant only to find a little snake in the centre. What an odd gift!

The stone in the middle had a strange aura around it. I could feel the warmth coming out as if it was breathing. Who was that strange man? My mind was going back and forth on what happened just a few minutes ago. I couldn’t thank him enough for saving my life twice in a row. Again, he stole my first dance and touched me. He was too close that I could feel his breath brushing my face. No man was supposed to be that close to me. Rage built up in my heart. Why was it me all these times? Humiliating, suffering from loved ones' death and now trying to be murdered.

My eyes were still fixed on the locket when I realised someone was behind me. A ball was going on, and everyone was supposed to be in the hall. Another man outside the castle wasn’t a good sign. I exhaled deeply. My sight concentrated on the ground, cutting through the cold vapour coming out of my mouth. The faint shadow assured me of an unknown presence. Another attack!

I clenched my fist around the locket and prepared myself. The area was covered with snow, and I could melt them with ease, turning them into a water whip which would be enough to tie him up or at least distract him for a moment.

Inhale and exhale. I stabilised my breathing. My sixth sense told me to be prepared. He was close, just behind me. I moved my hand, pointing at the snow carpet. In a blink, they turned into water. Taking a portion of it, I gave it the shape of a whip. Rotating it around my torso, I turned to attack my predator. All my hopes fell apart when I realised who was standing before me. His hands moved in a rhythm, and soon my water whip was dancing around him at his fingertip. Slowly he let the water flow to the ground, turning it into the snow again. Then his eyes fell on me. A gasp left my mouth.

“I was unaware of this deadly beauty. Impressive.” The king of the Frozen Sea of South uttered, taking a step forward.

I stepped back. Those brown eyes were fixed at me as if they could swallow my existence. I tried my best to stay calm, but nothing helped. His aura was intimidating. Above all, he was the king, and I had tried to harm him. I wasn’t unaware of the consequences.

“I have never met a lady who is so fearless. After attacking the king, she is looking right into his eyes.” He chuckled, making me realise my mistake.

Everything happened so fast that my mind couldn’t register my actions. I lowered my gaze instantly. Bowing my head, I apologised, “please… forgive me, my king. I never meant any harm.”

My voice shattered. Fear and rage were building up inside my heart side by side. His burning gaze was becoming intolerable. Only if he weren’t the king, I would have done the same again, only harder this time, to blind him forever.

I saw his legs moving forward again. They stopped right before me. Then I felt his filthy fingers on my chin which held my head high, forcing me to look into his eyes. A mischievous smirk was decorating those lips.

“Brave like your father.” He spoke. Keeping his smile, he continued, “I don’t believe in apologies, Louisa. I want action.”

His eyes left mine and moved towards my lips. I stepped back quickly, understanding his intentions, freeing myself from his dirty touch.

“It is not appropriate, my king,” I mumbled.

“It will be soon, Louisa. I have chosen you as my next concubine.” The king declared in pride.

His words rang in my ears like a death bell. My sight moved swiftly at him. A concubine? Never. I would never become someone’s concubine. I would rather die than become a mistress with a fancy status.

“No…” A whisper left my mouth in protest.

My displeased reaction wasn’t what the king was looking for. His eyes filled with resentment. He walked closer. His face was hovering over mine. So close! All my emotions turned into fear. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see his face while moving my head to my right to avoid his exhalations.

He sniffed along my neck as he muttered, “your rejection makes you more charming. I can’t wait to have you under me and devour every inch of this beauty.”

A shiver ran down my spine, hearing his words. I couldn’t help but cringe at his voice.  

“Prepare yourself, Lady of Narodnye. I will come for you in three months.” He spoke the words with a hint of menace, pulling away.

I heard his steps going away, further and further, and after a moment, they disappeared. With a sigh, I opened my eyes. My heart was pounding. I never wanted to be someone’s concubine. A tear made its way on my cheek. If my father were alive, would he have done the same?

No, Louisa, you cannot cry. You need to be strong. Remember what father has taught you? My inner self yelled, pouring courage in my veins. I had to stop this.

Wiping my tears, I walked towards the castle. The sound of the clock was telling me it was nine. The banquet was over certainly. My assumption proved correct when I couldn’t find any carriages by the entrance. That was for the better. I had to speak with my uncle, the duke. He was the only one who could help me with the situation.

With a faint hope, my legs dragged me inside the castle. I rushed through the hallway, forgetting about royal etiquettes. Soon I reached a wooden door moulded in a golden frame. My eyes travelled through the flowers and moon imprinted on them. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door twice.

“Come in,” my uncle’s deep voice greeted me. Slowly I made my way inside, opening the door. Then, turning around, I closed it to keep our discussion private.

“Louisa! I was about to send for you.” Uncle smiled, putting down his pen on the side. I took a quick look at the dark desk. He was busy with piles of paper works, and my arrival gained his attention. Leaning on the velvet cushion, he stared at me.

“Your Grace,” I bowed in respect, showing courtesy.

“Rise!” He repeated. “Come, have a seat.” His voice was politer than usual.

With a sigh, I walked to the chair and sat opposite his. He offered me another warm smile.

“I have news for you. You will be delighted to hear the king has chosen you as his next concubine.” He announced. Why would anyone be pleased with such news? That was beyond my understanding.

“Forgive me, Uncle, but I never intend to become a concubine,” I exclaimed.

His expression changed with my words. With furrowed eyebrows, he spoke, “Louisa, the king has honoured you. You better not offend him in any way.”

“Uncle, I…” I was stopped in the middle.

“The king has ordered you to be prepared. You have only three months left.” He reminded me.

“I can’t, Uncle. Please… Don’t force me,” I pleaded.

His expression changed again, abruptly.

“Very well. I thought you were willing to live a longer life.” He smirked.

“What… what do you mean?” A sudden fear wrapped my chest.

“A little accident and the beloved lady, the daughter of the late duke, will be gone.” He clarified his intentions. Those assassins! Now I could see why they were after me. My uncle was the one who set them up.

 I stood up from my position. Then, looking into his eyes, I accused, “You want me dead? I am your niece.”

“And here lies the problem.” Uncle stood up as well. “The law of Narodnye states the eldest from the family will take the title of the next Duke or Duchess. Which is you, my dear niece, unless you are sent away in the name of marriage or concubine.”

He stepped closer as he continued, “I don’t want anyone in my way to the title.”

I lost my voice. The only family I was left with wanted me dead. I knew they detested me, but my heart was unaware of their hatred. Even if they wanted me gone, why couldn’t they fix a marriage rather than sending me to be a mistress?

“You are beautiful, Louisa. The king himself asked for you. Make him happy, and you will have his protection.” His voice was warm again.

“Why a concubine, uncle?” A tear escaped my eye.

“Because it was the king’s order, and we can’t defy him.” He remarked.

 “You invited him on purpose, didn’t you?” I questioned again.

“And the purpose was served.” He grinned. How could he be so shameless?

“Think carefully, Louisa, before taking any step.” He warned again.

A chuckle left my lips. My gaze fell on him as I stood tall, "there is nothing to think, uncle. I accept death over losing my dignity."