Chapter 21 Fierceness Vs Madness
Fernanda was too stunned to do anything when Sebastian pulled her into his embrace. She just stayed in place, taking in his warmth, his scent, his body mass and overwhelming yet safe presence, revelling in it and wishing they stayed like that forever.
"I hate him. I hate him so much." Fernanda was no longer sure if she actually does or just saying that convince herself. "He is ruthless, unkind and merciless." Her subconscious kept screaming at her, fighting against his warmth that was beginning to cloud her senses.
Even though his voice was barely a whisper, Fernanda could hear Sebastian's soft apologies. And to her utmost disbelief, she could also feel his hands trembling. Fernanda thought she was imagining it, because there was absolutely no way Sebastian Kozlov, a man who had fought and won so many battles, whose entire personality was carved out from war, would tremble in fear because of her.
"I won't ever let you get hurt. I won't ever let you die." He said promisingly, although it was more as if he was promising himself.
Back at the stables, Levi had already gotten informed through mind link by Sebastian that Fernanda was fine. He couldn't understand the relief he felt but his gaze was on Maya when it coursed through him. Although his face didn't give it away, infact, his expression was still as stoic as ever.
Maya's face was pale with worry as they kept waiting for the King to arrive, they all knew what Sebastian would do if Fernanda got hurt or worse, died. She glanced at Levi and flinched a bit when she saw he was also staring at her.
She wondered what he was thinking, "He probably hopes this current situation won't favour me. That way, he can get rid of me without even bothering himself, because I'm a witch." She thought, biting her lips gingerly.
"What have you gotten yourself into again witch." Levi thought, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
His ears shot up when he heard some galloping coming from a far distance. Maya must have sensed it too because she stood more upright. Not long after, Sebastian was seen on his horse with Fernanda sitting right in front of him, galloping towards them.
"Your highness!" Yolanda gasped in relief when she saw Fernanda. Everyone let out a collective sigh, including the guards.
Sebastian got down first, placing his right hand firmly on Fernanda's waist. He lifted her up as if she was weightless and gingerly placed her down on the ground. He gently touched her chin and tilted her face up to study her, checking for any form of injury.
"I am fine Sebastian, you don't need to act like you care about me that much." Fernanda stated, withdrawing from his touch. He didn't say anything but his eyes started blazing with something much worse than fury.
"If I didn't care I wouldn't have come to save you. Infact, I'd be so happy to watch you die because that's the way I am, that's the way I'm built. To not care, to kill and not feel any remorse." Sebastian said, his jaw ticking.
"I have gone out of my way to show I care Fernanda. But your friends... " Sebastian hesitated, trying to calm himself down.
"Your friends don't care so much about you, do they? They let you rode off on a horse that wasn't properly saddled, yet you believe I pretend to care about you." Fernanda eyes widened when he referred to her Maidservants, she didn't like where the conversation was going.
She glanced at Yolanda and Maya, noting their pleading expression, then back at Sebastian. "Leave them out of this, Sebastian." Fernanda's voice was low and daring.
"No. Their main priority was to protect you from harm but they neglected it. I don't see any reason why they shouldn't go unpunished." Sebastian replied, shooting a quick glance at Levi. "Execute them. Now." He informed the vice commander.
Levi shot an eyebrow up but immediately obeyed. His eyes were on Maya, and to his surprise she seemed ready. He just wasn't sure if she was ready to fight or die. "What a pity. I had so many plans for you." Levi thought as he advanced towards them.
Maya already had her fist tightened, she hadn't accomplished the mission the order had given to her, so it seemed futile to die like this in the land of the Lycans. Fighting back would mean revealing who she was but right now, she has no choice. "Come on commander, I'd love to see you try."
"You will not!" Fernanda's scream was piercing. Perhaps it was out of shear willpower, fear of losing her friends or anger but whatever it was made Fernanda ran so fast and stood in front of Levi and the people he was about to execute.
"You will not harm them in any way." She repeated firmer this time. A small smile tugged at the corner of Sebastian's lips, he was thrilled to see Fernanda fight back. It always intrigued him whenever she challenged him.
"Go ahead Levi." Sebastian said, folding his muscular arms. Fernanda shot him a hateful glare, "Then he will have to get through me first!" She retorted, her eyes locked Sebastian. "Step aside your highness." Levi said, hoping she would listen.
"I said no," She snapped her head back to face Levi, "You will have to execute me first. Since we have decided to make this place a slaughter ground." She stated, her eyes widened with fury.
Levi hesitated, making Fernanda scoff, "What's the matter? This should be so easy for people like you, why are you hesitating?" Fernanda felt like she was going crazy. Perhaps to deal with somebody like Sebastian Kozlov, a little crazy was needed.
Suddenly she couldn't move, Fernanda felt like she was held in place by something cold and hard. She glanced at her feet and gasped when she saw a heap of ice coating her feet. Sebastian had done that.
"Oh no!" She whispered.
"Do you want me to come do it myself, vice commander Levi?" Sebastian asked coldly. Levi's subtle hesitation didn't escape Sebastian's acute observation.