Chapter 55: She Was Gone
Cercei’s POVUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
“Leave,” her voice, as cold as ice, sent a shiver down my spine, permeating every fibre of my being and bringing me to my knees.
I tried to beg, locking eyes with her, desperately hoping for a spark of mercy. Her eyes, once windows to her soul, now appeared vacant, devoid of any emotion.
I am at a loss as to what she thinks or feels this time.
Eventually, I respected her wish and walked away, but I knew deep down that I would return. I would grant her the time she needed, although not too long. Cercei, patience has never been my forte.
Gritting my teeth, I exited the café.
“Lucian, wait,” Vienna called me from behind, struggling to keep pace in her heels. I just ignored her.
I retrieved my phone from my pocket and dialed one of my trusted commanders.
“Join me in alley three,” I spoke, my voice devoid of warmth, before ending the call. Vienna continued to trail behind me.
“Wait,” she grasped my arm. I promptly withdrew it, facing her. Anger blazed in my eyes, fully aware of every misdeed she had committed, not only against Cercei but her entire family. For now, I restrained myself, as it was not my place, and she was a woman. The most satisfying revenge I could exact was disassembling their damned empire, leaving her penniless.
Seizing her hand, I drew her into a secluded corner.
“The next time you dare to harm her, it will be my revenge you’ll face,” I warned her with fierce intent, witnessing a glimmer of fear in her eyes.
“I haven’t harmed her; I merely wanted a cup of coffee,” she retorted, denying her obvious ulterior motives.
“You know exactly what you’re doing, Vienna. Quit this charade! Trust me, you won’t enjoy the consequences I will unleash against you,” I reprimanded, turning my back on her.
“I will find a way to destroy you, even if I have to burn that wretched woman to the ground!” she cried out in desperation, but I paid no attention and moved towards alley three.
“Forgive me, Sire. I was unable to-” I swiftly punched my subordinate before he could complete his sentence.
“I explicitly instructed you to keep a vigilant watch over anyone entering or departing this city!” I erupted in fury, seething with frustration. This imbecile was trying my patience.
“I did not employ you to offer empty apologies!” I bellowed, his head remaining bowed. He held the position of lead commander amongst all the men under my command in this city.
“You’re bloody well dismissed! Leave my sight this instant!” I growled grimly, running my hand through my hair in exasperation. Utterly useless!
“Find me a replacement commander immediately,” I demanded, swiftly retrieving my phone from my pocket and directing my request to Frank over the call.
If only he were here, this tragedy could have been prevented. Yet, my company relies on Frank’s competence in my absence. He is the sole individual I can trust in such matters.
“What went wrong with the previous commander?” he inquired.
“Utterly useless and devoid of any capability!” I retorted, my tone laced with harshness.
“I will send Roger immediately,” he responded calmly. I took a deep breath, attempting to contain the inferno of rage inside my chest. Oh, how I longed to burn the world with my fury.
“Vienna has made an appearance,” I informed him. Silence permeated the line for a moment.
“What has she done?” he inquired.
“She provoked Cercei, foisting her to tears and pushing me away,” I disclosed, pacing restlessly. I could hear his sigh resonating through the phone.
“Clearly, she wants to handle her battle against Vienna independently, without involving you,” Frank stated the undeniable truth.
That’s utter nonsense. Who would scorn my alliance? Even the lords would crawl for my allegiance. And yet, she persistently pushes me aside. Does my presence annoy her? Does she despise me? The mere thought caused my heart to crumble.
I laid bare my intentions and emotions from the very beginning. I never expected her to reciprocate with equal intensity when I confessed my feelings. I simply wished for her to be aware.
I had prepared myself for this outcome, understanding that there was a chance she might not return my sentiments. But that wouldn’t hinder me; I intended to pursue her until she fell for me. However, at this moment, the pain is excruciating.
“Fuck that!” were the only words that escaped my lips.
I understand her desire to fix this predicament on her own, but should she push me out that way?
I have endured physical beatings, suffered through gruelling training, and believed myself impenetrable to pain. Yet, no one prepared me for this anguish. It engulfs me entirely, stifling my every breath as if a perpetual lump in my heart bursts with each passing second.
I yearn for her to view me as someone she can trust, a pillar of support, someone who will always be by her side.
I returned to the café the following day, anticipation coursing through my veins. Yet, to my dismay, she was nowhere to be found. It was Thursday, not her usual day off.
Taking my usual seat, I waited patiently, hoping she was merely occupied in the kitchen or running behind schedule. Normally, time seemed to fly when she was serving me, but today, it felt like the hours had frozen, the sun lingering in the sky for far too long.
My gaze remained fixated on the counter, searching for any sign of her presence. Alas, there was none. I attempted to inquire with her friend, but she told me she had no idea.
Is she sick? She rarely misses work. Could fear of Vienna be the cause? I had made certain to banish her from this city. She is no longer a threat; I made certain of that. None of the MoonStone packs remain except for Cercei and her family.
Across the street, I peered up at their building. Their residence occupied the third floor, a wealthy penthouse owned by her aunt, according to my sources. The second floor housed a tailoring shop.
The next day, I arrived at the café at my usual time. Yet, it mirrored the previous day, devoid of any trace of her presence. Not even a fleeting shadow.
Where in the bloody hell is she? I couldn’t bear it any longer. Driven by frustration, I went to the second floor, where the tailoring shop was housed, and inquired about her aunt.
“How do you know Melanie?” the old woman queried, adjusting her glasses while diligently sewing a sequin onto a dress.
“I don’t, only her niece,” I responded, my hands tucked into my pockets. She peered at me, adjusting her glasses once more.
“You know Cercei? Are you her suitor?” she asked curiously. I cleared my throat, slightly taken aback by her candour.
“Yes,” I replied, meeting her gaze.
“Well, boy, I don’t know where they are. Melanie has never been a talker. She just mentioned they were on vacation,” she shrugged casually. My brows furrowed in confusion.
They left?
She left?
But I had the entire city under my watchful eye. I had men stationed everywhere. How did this escape my attention? Why wasn’t I informed?
Returning to my accommodation, I unleashed my frustration on everything in sight. Damn it all!
How could she vanish without a single word?
I understand her fear, which is precisely why I brought an entire bloody army to this city.
I will hunt you down, and when I do, I will ensure you never want to leave me again.