Chapter 88 Chapter 87

Chapter 88 Chapter 87
"I'll get ready in my chambers," he said as he walked up to her. "We'll talk when I get back, okay?" He said, kissing her forehead. Maya nodded, letting out a small smile. She watched him leave before collapsing on the bed, a grin breaking out on her lips. The ache on her body momentarily forgotten, all she could feel was the giddiness from last night and the tenderness Dexter had treated her with this morning.

Wrapping her hands around herself, she smiled till her cheeks hurt, already she couldn't wait to see him again.
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Time passed slowly but soon enough evening arrived. Maya had gone back to his chambers, where she spent most of the time, reading and sleeping. Just like he promised, Dexter returned early and looked glad to see her back in his chambers. He immediately peeled off his ceremonial wear, joining her on the bed, and placing his head on her chest. Maya immediately began patting his curls, reveling in their new closeness.

She asked him about Gavin's trial and waited for him to speak. Taking in a deep breath, Dexter began speaking. They were finally having the conversation that had been long overdue.
"To be honest, I don't know what to do with him," Dexter said.

"You don't?"

Dexter nodded. " I know he serves punishment daily but as for his sentence, I don't know what to do. It's why I've been delaying it all this while."

Well, she did know what to do. Biting her lips, she murmured. "Do you mind if I took over instead?"

"Really?"
"Well, I did promise that I would be the one to end him when I was kidnapped." She quietly let out. She felt Dexter stiffen but he didn't say anything.

"It won't be too much work?"

"Hardly. I'm still angry you know? I just couldn't do anything all these while because you weren't talking with me. I needed to clear that up first."

"Yes, I'm sorry about that. I didn't know how to approach you afterwards. I didn't even ask you about what you had gone through. It must have been scary." Though his voice was gentle, Maya could sense the angry undertone. A small smile hit her lips.

"I had to trust that you'll come to save me. And you did. But you're right. It was scary. I've never felt so helpless. Now I know why.". Her voice trailed off as her pats lessened to a stop.

"In a way... I'm glad I didn't know about the pregnancy before that happened. It would have stopped me from doing what I did to survive. But then, I also wish I didn't lose it." She turned Dexter so he was looking at her. "Which is why, Gavin has to pay for that." She stated, staring into his eyes. Dexter pressed his lips into a thin line, his eyes darkening in rage. He soon settled back to her laps.

"You're free to do whatever you want with him." Came Dexter's low voice after a while. Maya felt a thrill of pleasure at his words and she resisted the urge to fist her hands together.

"Thanks." She whispered, kissing his hair. She felt his tension dissipate and he soon let out a yawn, rubbing his eyes.
"Aren't you going to eat?" She asked when she saw his eyelids drooping. He shook his head, wrapping a hand around her waist as he snuggled closer.

"Not hungry. Just tired." He murmured, sounding sleepy.

Though her legs ached, Maya couldn't pass up a chance to watch Dexter fall asleep in her arms. She resumed with patting his hair, watching the gentle rise and fall of his chest and subtle breathing. He soon fell asleep, the events of the night finally catching up to him.

As Dexter drifted off in her arms, Maya felt her earlier elation get replaced with righteous anger. Her fingers curled protectively around his neck and she let all the bitterness she had locked down brim to the surface. When she opened her eyes, all she saw was red.

Time for vengeance.
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Maya arrived at the dungeons first thing the next morning. Surrounded by guards, she oozed power, authority, and revenge. Dexter has allowed her to do whatever she wants and she's not about to let it go to waste. Her lips were set into a thin line and the Royal air that clung to her like a cloak did well to shoot people away from her.

Once she arrived at the undergrounds gate, the soldiers guarding it bowed on her arrival and proceeded to open it. Their heads stayed lowered as she walked into a dark, stench-ridden place.

"Show me Gavin's cell." She muttered quietly and watched as a guard took the lead, making her follow. They led her to the innermost parts of the cell where there was barely any light or fresh air. The acrid smell wafted through her nose and it took everything in her to crinkle them. Armed with a torch, they led her to the cell that was barricaded with steel doors instead of bars. Locks were opened and the door swung wide. All to reveal a tiny, dingy man who looked nothing like the noblemen she remembered. Her eyes narrowed into slits as she sought him out.

Huddled in a corner with chains on his hands and neck, lay Gavin. He looked horrible, Maya quickly realized. He's lost some significant weight, his hair unruly and clothes torn and dirty with a vacant expression on his face. It took a while for him to realize he wasn't alone as he slowly turned his head to the entrance. Then he saw her and whatever was left on his face hardened into a disgusting scowl.

"You...." He croaked out, his booming voice now feeble. Maya clenched her fingers as she took a step forward, a sinister smile working its way to her face. Inside, she was boiling.
"Yes, it's me. But I would prefer to be called your majesty," she watched his face change as anger filled him.

"What are you doing here?" He grated out, hai face contorted with rage.

Maya began pacing around then. "Remember my promise? I said that I would be the one to kill you. Well, I'd like to fulfill that." She answered.

"What can a measly woman as you do to me?"