Chapter 36 Lies and more lies
“Done with your escapades?”
The voice sounded as Victoria stepped into her quarters, making her shiver.
“What are you doing here?” Her stable voice was a stark betrayal of how she felt within.
“That’s not fair, now is it?” The voice dripped in sarcasm as he ambled towards her.
Victoria could feel him close to her despite the darkness surrounding her.
“Can't I come visit my darling wife?”
There was little to no distance between them.
“Y…you can.” She stumbled, aware she was shaking.
“Where are you coming from?” His hot breath spluttered on her face, as his hands moved to her neck.
“Why do you care?” She inhaled, breathing hard as she felt his touch on her neck. “I at least have the liberty to step out and have some time for myself or have you also revoked that?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she swallowed lightly.
“Oh come off it, Victoria!” Damien laughed, his voice dripping with mockery. “I'm the last person you would want to play such games with.”
His hands circled her neck as he tightened his grip.
“W…what are you doing?” Victoria widened her eyes, her voice filled with panic.
She could feel him sniffing the air around her.
“I know you went to see Isabella.” Damien began, ignoring her earlier question.
“I…I did…didn't, y…you don't know…”
Damien scoffed as his grip tightened. “Do not for any reason lie to me. You and I know that I am not to be messed with.”
He released his grip and stepped away.
Victoria huffed, breathing heavily as she held her neck, afraid that letting it go would make it fall off her head.
“You're evil.” She whispered, panting. “I wish I knew…” her voice cracked.
“Oh, you know. You knew what you were getting into.” He interrupted her, waving her off as though she were insignificant. “But, getting an edge over Isabella made you blind momentarily.”
“You son of a…”
“I dare you.” His voice was icy. All the previous playfulness and sarcasm were gone, replaced by barely contained fury.
“I dare you to complete your words.”
Victoria gulped fearfully.
“How was your meeting with your sister?” Damien resumed after a bit, his arms folded as his eyes travelled around her body.
“Seems you were not received as warmly as you'd expected.”
Victoria rolled her eyes. “I still don't know what you're on about.”
“You never learn, do you?” He was clearly amused. “My men saw you step into Isabella Thorne's chambers and dare I say, I have the proceedings from your discussions.”
“You are following me now?”
“Following?” Damien's laugh was harsh and belittling. “Why would I do that? There are better things to do with my time than to follow an insignificant woman.”
His words hit Victoria like a rush of storm. He'd called her insignificant. She bit her lips, her knuckles clenched as she stopped herself from tearing up.
“I just need you to know that I will have the Kingdom whether you approve or not.” She could hear the happiness in his voice.
“But wouldn't it be nice to have you by my side as the King's mate?” Damien mused, talking to no one but himself.
It was Victoria's turn to scoff. “We both know I'm not going to be by your side when you become King… If you become King.” She corrected, immediately.
“Ah,” Damien smirked. “I see it now. You're jealous aren't you?”
Victoria looked away.
“You know you're not going to be queen. Isabella will and so you're doing everything to thwart my plans.”
“That's rubbish,” Victoria muttered. “Why would I want to be a party to the rubbish you're doing? You're not gonna succeed. No one will support you.”
“Now, my dear wife, that's where you have it all wrong. Say I have no one to support me, I at least have your father in my palms, doing my bidding.”
The words stung.
“That won't be for long.” She muttered.
“There's one thing I admire deeply about you,” Damien said abruptly, steering the topic away.
“You don't give up.” He was suddenly standing by her side. “Just like when Isabella was to be married to me, and you took her place, drugging her and allowing me claim you as mine.”
Blood rushed to her face as she was reminded of the dirty things she'd done.
“Do you remember, dear wife?” He taunted her as his hands slipped from her ears to her hair. “Or do I need to make you remember?” He untangled her hair, as he twirled with her locs.
“Why?” Her voice broke. “Why are you doing this? What did I do to make you hate me?”
“Whoa whoa whoa, slow down.” Damien widened his eyes. “I don't hate you.” He giggled revealing his broken tooth.
“We all want what's best for ourselves. You latching onto me was best for you. Now, I want to do what's best for me.”
Victoria sniffed. She tried to step away, but Damien's hands held her down. “You won't succeed. Lucien Blackthorn is powerful. More powerful than you are.”
“Watch me.” He was furious as he pushed her away, creating some distance between them.
Victoria heaved.
“You should freshen up, you'll leave for the Royal palace first thing tomorrow morning.”
“What? Why?”
“To turn your story around, of course!” Damien said with sarcasm.
“She's not going to believe me.” She widened her eyes.
“Oh, she will.” He insisted. “You know, you just gave me the perfect plan. One I hadn't actually considered.”
“What?” Victoria answered weakly even though she knew that hearing his answer would only make her more sick in her stomach.
“You're gonna be my eyes and ears in Isabella Thorne’s chambers.”
“I can't do that. You can't do that.” She cried out, huffing.
“Oh, I can and you can as well. It's not like you have that much of a choice.”
“Please.” Her voice softened, her eyes pleading. “She's not going to believe me. Don't humiliate me.”
Damien laughed, truly amused. “You already humiliated yourself trying to out your husband, so I'm not going to add to that.”
Victoria opened her mouth to speak, but he stopped her. “But you will go, and she will believe you.”
“You do not know what you're asking of me, Damien.” The fight in her voice had dissipated.
“I think you're getting this all wrong.” Damien whistled. “I'm not asking, my darling wife. It's an order.”
She nodded. “You're right, it's an order. What will happen to me when His Majesty finds out?”
“I think that's up to you.” He said as he made his way to the door. “And frankly, I'd rather you offend Lucien than me. He'll have you killed, but I won't.”
He opened the door. “Killing you will be a far easier punishment. Instead, I'll have your daughter's blood drained bit by bit, till she's barely alive then he'd body chopped into pieces and fed to you.”
Isabella shuddered at the gory image. “She's yours too,” were the only words she managed to mutter.
“Oh, don't I know that?” He waved as he took the first step out.
“See you later, I have some important things to do like punishing your father for your disobedience.”
The soft click of the door made Victoria tremble. There was no way out of this.
She sighed heavily as she made her way to the mirror.
Her hands ran gently through her neck as she circled the scars that Damien had left behind.
“We need to hasten the plans,” Damien said the moment he stepped into the study.
“Why the hurry?” Lord Harlan sucked his breath in, as he asked.
“Why else?” He was irritated.
“If not for your daughter's overzealousness, we wouldn't be here.”
“What are you on about?” Harlan blinked, momentarily confused.
“She went behind my back, behind our back to tattle to Isabella Thorne.” Damien’s voice rose. “You should have kept her in check.”
“She's your wife,” Harlan pointed out carefully. “Your responsibility.”
“And she's your daughter,” Damien hissed.
“Anyway, we have to hasten the plans. I need to be introduced to the members of the council by tomorrow.”
“That's too soon.” Harlan objected. “We should…”
The remaining words hung in his throat, as he was immediately jacked up by Damien.
“You do not have the right to refuse me or my demands, is that clear?” His eyes were bloodshot.
“Y…yes,” Harlan stuttered, shocked at what had just occurred.
“Good,” Damien glowered as he let him go. “The plans will be set in stone, the moment I'm accepted into the council. It's your job to make that happen.”
Harlan nodded, still bewildered to speak.
“And as for Victoria,” he motioned at the door. “She'll be our eyes and ears at the palace.”
“You…you…” Harlan spluttered, his chest tightening. “She will be killed!” He growled.
“Not if she plays her cards right.” Damien’s voice was flat. “You may go.” He motioned to the door, dismissing the old man.
“We begin tomorrow.” A soft sly smile danced on his lips as he sat down slowly.