Chapter 36 Chapter 36: A Wolf in Silk
Chapter 36: A Wolf in Silk
Vishea’s POV
I wasn't surprised at all when these nobles kept on asking me about my mother.
"I heard what happened to your mother. I’m looking forward to her fast recovery," one of Lucan's king's advisors told me. I smiled at him.
"Thank you, sir. My mom would really love to attend this event; however, due to unexpected happenings, she couldn't show. That is why I attended on behalf of her," I explained to them. For how many years, I finally had the power to accompany higher nobles.
Such a great opportunity. I was once exiled as Vishea in this kingdom. However, I went back with a different identity. Now, he doesn't even have suspicions about who I really am.
"Lady Anastasia, we heard that you're great at everything? They always say that Cullens are talented and powerful," a woman beside Rachelle spoke. I’d never seen her before. Rachelle gave me a death glare. I smiled in return.
You can’t threaten me by simply glaring at me like that. We both fight. I will not dare to give you the chance to win.
I smirked, showing a hint of wolfish pride. "Talented and powerful, perhaps. But let's not forget being a Cullen comes with its… privileges. Mother Kiara knows exactly how to strengthen her connections and expand her knowledge of a certain crucial thing," I answered, making them surprised.
Mother Kiara had worked all her life to be known. To stand out as a woman—she showed that she could do what men can.
"You're really great. I want to know more about you," Christian suddenly uttered. Cassie chuckled.
"Sorry, she's definitely a great woman. Aside from her beauty, she's also smart. Too wise," he added. Too many compliments for me will lead to Rachelle’s life becoming miserable.
"Oh, please. Don't compliment me too much. I am just a simple one," I told him. Cassie stared at me with a teasing look while smiling widely.
After some time, I excused myself. Everyone continued to talk about me while I walked away from the table. I searched for the nearest restroom in the palace, and fortunately, I found one.
I went inside and stared at myself in the mirror.
"I have been adored by these Lucans, while in the past… they killed my dad. My mother was sick; however, my father told me someone killed her. They killed the two people important to me. My mother and father. They exiled me from this palace. How funny. They compliment me and shower me with good deeds," I uttered while looking at myself in the mirror.
If it weren't for the king's order to kill my father, he would still be here. If it weren't for Darius, who ended our relationship, things wouldn't have happened like that. And if it weren't for that bitch who seduced Darius, I could still be with my father.
I’m back, and I will make sure Darius and Rachelle regret what they did to me.
My life was ruined by their doing.
Let them shower me with compliments. I’ll enjoy this event for the meantime.
I fixed myself and went out of the restroom, but before I could leave, someone forcefully entered.
My eyes widened in disbelief. "Your Majesty," I gasped. What is he doing here? This is for women.
He suddenly held both my arms and slowly pushed me against the wall.
"Your Majesty, what are you doing?" I asked him curiously. What is he up to? Did he follow me here?
Our eyes met. I tried to push him, but he's too strong.
"You're not Anastasia Cullen. Just admit it," he demanded, trying to force me to reveal who I really am.
Why is it so hard for him to believe that I am not Vishea? He should be happy that his mate was exiled and didn't return for years to this kingdom to show off her face.
Now he's acting like he actually cared about her—by making me admit that it’s actually me?
That's not going to happen. I will never admit it’s me. Because Vishea had gone years ago. I am now Anastasia Cullen.
I pretended to get hurt by the way he treated me.
"Your Majesty, you're hurting me. Please let go." I played my part even though I was disgusted by being near him.
He must be out of his mind. He just left the table to follow me and act like this? Too desperate, Darius.
"Just admit it. You're Vishea, my mate. Drop the act, Vishea. I know it’s you," he said, stepping back slightly. I looked him directly in the eyes, showing my disappointed look.
"Your Majesty, I thought I cleared myself? I am not Vishea and I will never be her. I don't want to experience what she had experienced from your hands. It's… cruel. No one would ask to be her. I am not her. I am Anastasia Cullen. Please, stop bothering me with this thing," I said, which made him fall silent.
I bowed my head and walked past him.
"You can't fool me, Vishea," I heard him say while I stood in front of the door. I tried to ignore it by walking away.
Does he actually know it’s me? But how? No, it can't be. He must be too desperate.
I fixed myself and smiled while walking back to the table. I sat on my chair, and soon the king arrived. I didn't lay my eyes on him.
The nobles were talking with each other. Cassie seemed to have noticed something, but I only smiled at her.
"So, Anastasia. Can you tell me your experiences when you were just a kid?" Darius suddenly spoke up. It made others fall silent. They all looked at me.
I began to think further to avoid his suspicions. Why did he suddenly ask questions like that?
All my childhood experiences—he knows everything about them.
"That's a random question, Your Majesty. I haven't had so many experiences when I was a kid. It’s because Mother Kiara treasured me. I am her only daughter. Instead, she taught me different things. I spent my childhood reading books and taking care of our pack," I answered him.
He wasn't pleased with my answer.
"Really? Is that too suspicious? Just an experience, aside from reading books," he added, trying to pressure me.
Everyone's eyes were on me. Rachelle could no longer hide her furious expression.
"Your Majesty, it seems like you're implying that you're not pleased with my childhood experiences," I told him. He scoffed.
"Maybe you're hiding something. That’s why you can't even answer my question properly. Do you really know who you are? Who really are you?" He started questioning me in front of everyone.
This bastard. I held my dress tight in frustration.
I was about to talk when Nathan interfered.
"Your Majesty. Lady Anastasia cleared that she's Cullen’s daughter. Everyone knows her identity," Nathan said. I looked at him and smiled politely—saving tonight.
Everyone started a new conversation while Darius stopped asking. However, I could feel his stares.
"Thank you," I whispered to Nathan. He nodded his head and smiled.
You really don't want to stop pestering me, Darius.