Chapter 12

VLADIMIR'S POV 

Something was wrong, definitely wrong. I couldn’t shake off the feeling, that voice in my head repeating the same words over and over as I stared at my palm again and again.

I couldn’t see myself, but I knew my forehead was creased and my brows were tightly drawn as I tried hard to figure out what was going on.

My hand looked fine, no cuts, no bruises, no signs of anything. But it still felt strange, like something had happened to it when I was vulnerable. Could Zamora have done something to me last night?

The more I thought about it, the more I started to wonder. Surely, she wasn’t bold enough to try anything and even if she was, my dragon would have stopped her. Still, something didn’t feel right.

Zamora might act like she feared me, but I knew better. That woman was more dangerous than she let on. She was trouble.

It felt like something inside me was missing. I didn’t know what it was. My lips pressed together in a tight line as I stared into nothing.

My mind went back to that potion I saw slip from her hand this morning. I was going to pick it up, see what secrets it held but of course, my dear mother stepped in. She stopped me, just like she always does when she’s hiding something. Fertility potion? That’s what they want me to believe?

Lies. All of it.

I rose to my feet, my hands clenched behind my back as I paced the room like a caged beast. The walls felt too tight, too quiet, like they were listening.

I don’t like being played.

My curiosity burned like fire, but I had no proof yet. That was the most frustrating part. They were bold enough to scheme behind my back, but careful enough to cover their lies.

They think I don’t see it. But I do.

“My mother and Zamora, they are plotting something,” I said under my breath, then louder, like a command. “Something foolish.”

I nodded slowly. No woman my mother ever met lasted more than a few polite smiles. But with Zamora, she acts like she’s found a daughter.

Pathetic.

She defends her like she belongs here. Like she matters.

But Zamora is not family. She’s not royalty. She’s just a distraction. A dangerous one.

I have heard the whispers, Zamora sneaking into her chamber at odd hours, always to meet my mother. Always in secret.

I don’t believe in coincidences.

It’s become too frequent. Too bold. And I don’t allow boldness unless it serves me.

Whatever they are hiding, I’ll find it. And when I do, Zamora will learn what happens when people try to outsmart me.

“Is anyone out there?” I roared.

No answer.

The silence was insulting.

“Anyone there?” I shouted again, louder this time, my voice doing nothing to hide my anger. 

“Yes, sir,” a voice finally answered. The door creaked open and a guard stepped in. His face was stiff. He stood straight, hands by his sides, eyes full of fear he was trying hard to hide.

“Your Majesty,” he bowed slightly. “What do you need?”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “So, you didn’t hear me the first time?” I said coldly.

He dropped his eyes like a dog that knew it had crossed the line.

Coward.

“I want you to bring Lady Zamora to me. Now.”

“Yes, sir.” He turned and left without a word, shutting the door behind him.

I stood still for a moment, breathing in the silence. This was how power worked. They all flinched when I spoke, all scrambled to obey. As they should and I need Zamora to understand the same. 

Zamora thinks she’s smart, thinks she can move pieces behind my back. But I know. I see everything. I smell fear. I taste lies.

She won’t last under pressure.

All I need is one look into her eyes, one crack in her voice, and I will know everything. I will pull the truth from her lips, even if I have to rip it out word by word.

Tired of standing, I sank into the sofa behind me, my hand tapping softly against the chair arm.

The guard returned minutes later, agitated. “Sir! She's not in her room sir. We have also searched around but there's no sign of her.”

The word came as a rude shock to me, taking a while before I could process it. 

I frowned, infuriated. “What do you mean you can't find her? Is this some kind of joke?” 

I fumed, immediately rising to my feet. 

At this point I was confused. The frustration I felt had also doubled. “I need you to comb the entire palace. There's no way she could have gotten so far.”

“Bring her to me no matter what it takes!” I commanded, trying my very best to keep my anger in check. That Zamora was becoming a pain, I wanted to burn her but I will, it is all a matter of time before I get rid of that insignificant being. 

I remained where I was, my hands tightened into fists.

Minutes later, the guards returned, there still was no trace of Zamora. “We still didn't see her sir.”

”How can you not find a single person? Is that how incompetent you all are?”

“We think she must have escaped before now sir.” 

“I will have your heads hung by morning if she manages to escape with numerous of you supposed to be watching her.” 

“Sir, we found someone who might know where she is,” one of the guards said suddenly. I raised my head to him, curious.

“And where's this person?” 

They brought in a lady, flinging her right on the floor. “She's Larissa sir, the lady Zamora’s handmaiden.”

I remembered seeing her with Zamora on various occasions, so it wasn't a bad catch. Surely, she must know where her lady is. 

She shook with fear as they brought her before me. A cloud of tears had welled in her eyes, ready to trickle down her face.

“Where's Zamora!!” I thundered, watching her recoil like a frightened hen. I ogled hard at her, awaiting words from her. 

I knew she knew better than lying to me. I was the last person she would want to do such a thing with when she knows only death awaits her and her family if she dares tell a lie.

“I.. I have no idea sir,” she shuddered hard as she spoke. One glance at her and I could tell she was telling a lie. Such a pathetic liar she was, and she had the guts to do it in front of me.

I pulled out a sword, pointing it right at her throat. “Do you wish to die?”

“No sir. Please have mercy on me.” She fell on her face, sobbing profusely.

“I'm going to ask one more time. I won't hesitate to behead you this time if you fail to speak.” 

My hand tightened around the sword and I meant every word I had uttered.

 “Where is Zamora?”