A Plea To Be Seen And Wanted

When they stopped in front of a double-door room, Nikolai pushed one door open and stepped aside.

“This will be your room for now,” he said in that low, controlled tone he always carried, the kind that gave nothing away.

“I’ll take care of your enlistment in the army. I’ve already had clothes brought for you. They’re in the closet along with other essentials you might need. If there’s anything else you need, you can let me know, and I will get it for you.”

Cassie glanced past him into the room and her eyes slightly widened.

It was beautiful, but it felt like someone's dream room... mostly, a girl.

There was no warmth here, only perfection.

She nodded without much thought. She wasn't going to be there for much longer anyway. It's just a place to sleep.

But she had to admit, Nikolai’s action was… efficient. Too damn efficient. It was comforting, in a way, but there was also a wall in every word, every gesture, as if he made sure nothing between them became too personal.

Nikolai turned to leave, and Cassie thought to let him go. But as his hand reached for the doorknob, her heart betrayed her.

“Wait.”

It came out softer than she meant, almost swallowed by the silence.

He turned back to her, his brows drawing together slightly before lowering his gaze to her hand.

Cassie realized her hand was wrapped around his wrist, firm at first, then loosening when she became aware of what she’d done.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

She quickly let go as a faint heat spread over her cheeks.

His eyes... those unreadable gray eyes... searched her face. He didn’t say anything but questioned her with his eyes.

“I… I just wanted to say thank you,” Cassie murmured, her eyes flicking to the floor.

Nikolai’s expression became skeptical for a brief moment. “You don’t have to thank me,” he said coolly. “This is an alliance between us. I help you now, and you help me when you return from the army. Gratitude isn’t necessary.” He said before continuing, "Dinner would be served downstairs by the time you are done with your shower."

The words landed like a glass of cold water on Cassie, sharp and clarifying.

Without another word, Nikolai turned and left the room.

Cassie stood there for a moment, staring at the shut door. She’d been expecting… maybe not warmth, but something. A

Perhaps a flicker of humanity. Instead, she’d been given rules and boundaries.

She let out a long breath and moved to the bathroom. What did she expect from just an alliance anyway?

The mirror in the bathroom caught her reflection... slim figure, faint shadows under her eyes, and the faint mark of exhaustion etched into her face.

She removed her clothes and stepped under the warm spray of the shower, letting it rinse away the lingering tension from the day.

After her shower, she put on one of the nightgowns hanging in the closet. It was pale blue silk, smooth and cool against her skin.

Once, she would have worn such nightwear with a princess’s pride. But Raymond had stripped that part of her away... her sense of worth, her ability to feel beautiful without fear.

Her gaze lingered on her reflection. For a moment, her lips trembled. But she clenched her jaw, refusing to cry.

Downstairs, the dining table was already set. Cassie ate quietly, the clink of her fork against the plate sounding almost too loud in the silent room. The food was flawless, but it tasted like nothing.

Nikolai didn’t even join her for dinner. Again, Cassie wanted to cry at how lonely she felt but she sucked it in and ate silently.

When she’d finished, she went wine cabinet beside the main lounge. The rows of bottles gleamed darkly under the cabinet’s lighting, labels from all over the world.

She trailed her fingers over the glass until one caught her attention, a deep red vintage.

She knew she shouldn't touch anything without Nikolai’s permission per the rules. But Cassi was done with rules! It won't hurt if she breaks one, right?

She uncorked the bottle, poured a glass, and drank it at once. It was smooth, warm, almost soothing. So she poured another... then another... And another, until the world began to blur around her.

Her head felt light, and her thoughts loosened from their usual guard.

She didn’t know when the decision came to her mind. Before she knew it, she found herself walking, glass still in hand, until she was in front of a heavy mahogany door. Nikolai’s study.

Earlier, she had seen him entering that room. Without knocking, she pushed it open.

The warm glow of a desk lamp gave the room a little light.

Nikolai sat behind his desk, papers neatly stacked, a fountain pen in his hand.

He looked up instantly, and his gaze sharpened when he saw her.

His eyes swept over her... her flushed cheeks, loose hair tumbling over her shoulders, and the faint unsteady sway in her stance.

“Who told you to get drunk in my house?” His voice was like steel, but colder than before.

He stood up from his desk and walked toward her.

Cassie swayed, a half-smile tugging at her lips. “I want to do something crazy tonight,” she murmured, her words blurring slightly. "Can I skip rules for... for today? We got married today. Can't I... no, no... Am I not even allowed to celebrate?"

“Cassie—” Nikolai called, tried to catch her when she stumbled.

But before he could finish, Cassie leaned forward, the scent of wine on her breath, and pressed her lips to his.

It wasn’t the kiss of a fairy-tale bride... it was desperate, almost reckless.

A plea, a challenge, and a confession all tangled into one moment. Even in her drunken state, she wanted... needed... someone to see her as a woman again, not a burden, not a victim, not an obligation... But just her... Cassie.