Chapter 56 Catherine's hold
Daevir's POV
"Amarien!" I fought through the guards and their silver armour. "I'll get you all killed," I swore at the guards. "I promise you all. Stand down!" They didn't, only closing in on me.
I couldn't believe it. The Emperor gave a command? He was unconscious. He was dying. How could he? How did he?
Rage boiled in my blood. That godforsaken pervert! I'd kill him with my bare hands. I swear it!
Should they touch Amarien, I'll bring this whole Empire down with my fist!
Argggghhhhh!!!
I threw the men around me off, making them stumble to the floor, rolling unconscious.
"Amarien!" I ran to the door, but it was buckled shut!
No! I slammed into it. Once. Twice. Thrice! Several times! The door didn't bulge.
What could be happening right now? What could they be doing to her? Had they hurt her? Had they…touch her?! I felt my rage reach its climax. I will bring this wall down if I have to.
"Amaaaariiiieeeeennnnn!" I screeched and just as I was about to lung for the door, I heard a soft call.
My gaze whipped around to see who it was. It was Catherine. What's she doing here?!
"Do you have the key? Or are you just going to stand there?!!!" Sweat dripped down my brow. I could see fear in her eyes. She was shaking like she wasn't sure what sort of monster lurked beneath those eyes.
I heaved deep breaths, stilling myself. I wouldn't want to terrify the Princess.
"I'm sorry I scared you," I said, tears in my eyes. "I need the key to the door. Get every guard…anyone! Tell them to search everywhere. I need to get out of here!"
"Your highness!" Catherine threw herself at me, embracing me. I stood stiff, unsure of what her reaction meant. Moments ago, I thought she was terrified for her life, but now I'm just confused.
When she pulled away, she smiled reassuringly. "I've had Malrick put the guards in check. Not a soul of them will hurt her. She is kept in a safe cell in the imperial courts."
This was supposed to make me feel better, but I felt nothing but pain and discomfort. "I need to get to her. I need to get to my father! There is a misunderstanding."
Catherine pressed her palm against mine. "No need for agitation for highness. The Emperor knows everything he needs to know."
I snatched my hands from her. "You told him?!"
Catherine slowly nodded, yes. Her smiling face suddenly morphed into a malicious stare. "I've known about your affair with that wrench for a while now."
I felt my hands trembling. By the gods, I would have strangled Catherine on that spot and fed her body to the birds of the air.
I quickly turned away from her before I acted on that thought, running my hand through my hair.
I felt my rage slowly dissipating, getting replaced by a nagging sense of guilt. Guilt that I failed Amarien. Guilt that I didn't tell Catherine off earlier enough.
I could tell Catherine could feel my guilt from a mile away, so she leaned into it.
"It's not everyday you travel for miles from your far country only to be greeted by a man who values nothing about you. A man who will choose a mere slave over you."
"Amarien is not a slave!" My gaze whipped back to her.
"Oh, really?" Catherine taunted. "Well, forgive me for misspeaking your highness. She is nothing close to a slave; she is a curse to this earth!"
"Watch your mouth, woman, or I will…!" I lashed but stopped, my eyes blazing into hers. Catherine didn't flinch once. All the fears and trepidation in her eyes had given way to an eerie stare that made me uneasy.
"What will you do to me, Daevir?!" She mocked. "Pound me down like you did your guards?" Her eye atafvkeld to the unconscious men on the floor. My eyes floored her. They were barely breathing. They were probably dead. "These are your men, Daevir. Killed by your hands, all because of that darn woman."
My breath caught in my throat. I took my eyes off the men. Catherine stepped up to me again, leaning in.
"I'm sorry I made you feel that way, your highness. It's never my intention."
I wouldn't believe her apology if she made the gods swear on it.
"All I want is to protect this kingdom I have so grown to love. All I want is to protect you and your secret."
"You know nothing of me, Catherine." I spat, cutting her off.
Her lips curved into a small smirk. "Yes, I do, your highness. I cannot be oblivious of the man I will be married to soon."
I looked up to the ceiling, irritated.
"There will be no marriage, Catherine." My eyes returned to her. "I will marry Amarien or die with her."
Catherine's eyes blaze with a hint of jealousy and fury. I cared less for that ll I want is to be out of here. I made to storm out of her presence to the door when her voice cut me sore.
"I know all your secrets. Your highness."
I turned around, looking at her chuckle as she walked up to me.
She leaned into me again. "Know for sure, your highness, that before you burst out that door and race to your lover, I know her secret. I could tell you everything if you want." She sniggered.
Her pompousness made me sick. She is only wasting my time. I've got to get out of here. I ran my hands through the door looking for what it's made of.
If I'm going to break this down, I need a weak point.
Damnnit! Amarien will be crying right now. I never want to see her suffer!
"Are you looking for this?" Catherine's voice cuts in again. I shoved around and saw it.
The key!
I made to snatch it, but she pulled back. "Don't get all werewolf on me, your highness. I will tell."
My eyes widened, my finger trembled.
Her face curved into a smirk.
"Yes, your highness. I know you're a werewolf."