Chapter 54 You’re my cure, Amarien.
Amarien's POV
I stepped into the room…
My heart raced, yet I remained calm. What does Zephyr mean by these words? Did he know what's going on? Does he know something I don't?
I quickly looked back, hoping for a means of escape, but it was too late. The door shut behind me.
"Amarien…" I heard his voice, high and excited, echo through the roof. It was Daevir, in the crimson Emperor's robe, looking dazzling, radiant, and powerful.
"Your Highness," I bowed, hoping I hid my fear well enough. It was strange meeting his highness in such formal settings. I tried hard to compose myself.
He chuckled and walked up to me, his hand crossed behind his back. He seemed to be in great spirits today. "What's with all the formalities, Amarien? Are you nervous?" He held me up, so I matched his eyes.
I forced a smile. "No, your highness." I looked around the room. It was a library. "All of these. It's new to me."
Daevir nodded, as if he accepted that response. "That's right." He held my shoulder. "I'm finally doing the right thing, Amarien."
I blinked.
"I'll be letting Princess Catherine off the hook. I will announce the cancellation of our engagement by noon."
I tried to speak but I couldn't.
The gods finally heard my cries. Now I will be free from the onslaught of the cruel princess. All my sacrifices did pay off at last.
"Your highess…" I said in a gasp.
"That's right, Amarien." He said, pacing briefly. "I realised one thing as I was through the fields of the South, Amarien. "He said, looking out the window. "The allies of Alpha Theron are humans just like you. They are people who wish to be nothing but their true selves." He scoffed. "Just like me. I felt nothing but sorry for them. I wish I could help them all out of their delusions. Theron is never their friend. He is never anyone's friend."
I looked down at the bracelets Theron gave me, swallowed.
"But they are traitors anyways. Anyone who accepts friendship with Theron is an enemy of the empire and must be punished likewise. I will never forgive them."
I opened my mouth to speak, but I couldn't find words.
He sighed and turned to me. "But you…" He stepped forward, his warm eyes settling me. "You are the best thing to happen to us…to me. You are my cure."
"Your highness…" I could only find myself muttering.
"I realised I will never find an ally in anyone but you, Amarien. You brought me the Alpachipa rose to tame my werewolf urges. But the roses can only do so much when the cure is here." He leaned into my ear. "You are my cure, Amarien."
I ruined away, slightly. This wasn't the plan. This wasn't the goal. I've always wanted him to stay true to himself. How could he say this now? That I'm the reason he will never be his true self. That I'm the cloak he will hide behind till the end of time, so that he won't face his destiny.
"Being with you suppressed every urge. Ezriel, my wolf, has always been a demon that haunts me. Yet, you tamed him with your words." He leaned into my ears, kissing them tenderly. "I'll never let you out of my sight, Amarien. You will reign with me as Queen of the realm, and no one will take that away from you ever again." He pressed his face on my neck, taking in my scent.
"Your highness…." I muttered, but suddenly thought against it. The last time I tried to persuade him to embrace his werewolf identity, we got into a serious spat.
Yet…
I wished I could tell him to stop it. I wish I could scream out loud that if I were the reason he won't embrace his true self, then I didn't want to exist near him.
I wish I could tell him that he is the saviour Alpha who will bring the human and werewolf races together in harmony and end all wars for good.
I wish I could tell him where this bracelet came from. Theron might not be the enemy; this age-long secret could be the enemy!
"Are you okay?" Daevir's eyes trailed mine when he saw the hesitation in my eyes.
"Yes, your highness," I quickly nodded. But he wasn't convinced. "Tell me why your countenance is dull…" he ran his hand through my chin.
I hesitated, thinking about my words before I spoke. "I just want to be sure I please you in any way, your highness."
Daevir smiled. "You pleased me from the very first day I set my eyes on you." He leaned in, pressing his lips against mine.
Suddenly, Daevir pulled away, his eyes serious. He searched my eyes. "I've told you everything I know to be true, Amarien. Is there something you wish to tell me in return?"
My mouth opened to speak, but I couldn't hear the words come out.
There was so much to say, it felt like the words clogged in my throat.
How do I tell you, your highness? That you're doing everything wrong, and that you're meant to embrace Ezriel as your beast.
How do I tell you Theron might not be the real enemy? Would you consider me a traitor if I told you he tried to help me by giving me this bracelet?
How do I tell you I'm with your child?!
I can't even let this news get out, or we could both get in trouble. This scandal could cost you your throne in the courts, realizing you impregnated your father's virgin concubine before he could even touch her?
How could I tell you the fear in my heart, the anxiety that none of this is right? That I'd get into so much trouble by just existing by your side as your Queen? That I'm scared this curse they call me might just be real, and it's spreading to everything I touch, everything I love!
How can I tell you I'm SCARED DAEVIR!!!
"Tell me, Amarien…, tell me anything." Daevir's eyes searched mine longingly.
I bowed, "All I have to say is that I'm pleased to serve you, your highness…"