chapter 33 love you like you can never imagine

Emily's mind reeled, her thoughts tangled in a web of suspicion. Sophia's words echoed: "Don't trust anyone." Suddenly, a knock at the door broke the silence.

"Enter," Emily called out.

The door swung open, revealing Leo, his face etched with concern.

"Emily, I've received disturbing news," Leo said, his voice low.

Emily's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

"Victor's involvement in the poisoning goes deeper than we thought," Leo revealed.

Emily's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Leo's jaw clenched. "One of our trusted guards has been working for Victor. The poison was meant to weaken you, making you vulnerable to Victor's control."

Emily's blood ran cold. "Who?"

Leo's eyes locked onto Sophia, standing frozen in the doorway.

"Sophia?" Emily's voice trembled.

Sophia's face contorted, tears streaming down. "No, Your Highness! I didn't mean to!"

Emily's world shattered. "You're the one who poisoned me?"

Sophia collapsed, sobbing uncontrollably.

Leo's arms wrapped around Emily, pulling her close. "I'm sorry, Emily. I should have protected you better."

Emily's mind whirled. Sophia, her loyal maid, betrayed her. But why?

As Emily's thoughts swirled, a shocking revelation emerged.

"Sophia isn't the traitor," Emily whispered.

"She was forced and made a mistake, she won't make again," Sophia quickly agreed.

Later that evening

Sophia's voice was barely above a whisper. "Your Highness, I heard His Royal Highness having a conversation about you in his study. I know I shouldn't tell you this, but I think the conversation would be useful to you."

Emily's curiosity was piqued. She quickly threw a warm coat with fur trim around her shoulders, the softness enveloping her like a gentle hug. Wrapping the coat tightly around herself, Emily walked swiftly toward Leo's study room, her heart pounding with anticipation.

The corridors were dimly lit, the flickering candles casting eerie shadows on the walls. Emily's footsteps echoed through the hallway, the only sound breaking the silence.

As she approached the study room, Emily slowed her pace, her ears straining to catch any sounds from within. The door was slightly ajar, and Emily's hand reached out to push it open, her heart racing with anticipation.....

"...my little bunny wifey is just going to help me get the throne," Leo said, his voice laced with calculation. "I helped her, so she has to help me also."

His friend, Ryker, raised an eyebrow. "She can't be your weakness, but that doesn't mean she should be left in the dark, not knowing what she's in for."

Leo leaned back in his chair. "Tell her everything. Let's see how she can help. Don't you think she has a secret?"

Ryker's gaze narrowed. "You're not considering falling for her, are you?"

Leo's expression turned cold. "No. Though I admit, I have this strange reaction towards her...this possessiveness. But I won't fall in love. Women are stressful. If not for the curse and the prophecy, I wouldn't get married."

Emily's heart shattered. She had thought Leo cared.

With a forced smile, Emily stepped into view. "Let's get married early, then. What are you waiting for? Isn't it love?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Tears streamed down her face. "I would love you like you can never imagine. After that, we're done. You're a heartless scum."

Leo's eyes widened, his face pale.

Emily turned, fleeing the study-room.

Ryker watched Leo's reaction, concern etched on his face.

"Try to chill, man," Ryker said, standing.

Leo's fists clenched, his aura suffocating the room.

Ryker quickly exited, finding it hard to breathe.

"Leo, what have you done?" Ryker whispered to himself.

As the door closed, Leo's gaze fell upon Emily's departed figure.

He yearned to wipe away her tears, wrap her in a warm embrace.

But his pride and fear of vulnerability held him back.

The darkness within Leo stirred, warning him:

You're losing control.