Chapter 84: Lacked Up
Vienna’s POV
“Is this room the best you could manage?” I said with evident disdain. My walk-in closet back home surpasses this space in size, the sheets are far from silk, the windows exude a rustic charm and goodness, and they are covered with those ghastly green wallpapers! I can’t help but wonder, who lives here, Shrek?
“Hush yourself and step inside,” the guard barked, shoving me forward and locking the door with finality.
How utterly despicable!
Naturally, my measured plan came to nothing. I had anticipated catching sight of Cercei the moment I crossed those gates, yet she was nowhere to be seen. Instead, it was Lucian who ‘graciously’ welcomed me. All the effort I had poured into that performance was utterly in vain. He didn’t buy into a word of it, not even flinching in the slightest.
And now he has caged me to this wretched room. Well, I suppose this isn’t a dungeon, right? I couldn’t bear a day spent amongst other prisoners who undoubtedly had not heard of dental hygiene if this place is among the dungeons.
They stripped me of everything-my bag, phone, makeup, and skincare. There is no sign of a television or any other amenities. Just a bed, a lamp, and a most wretchedly rustic door and window.
I fear I’m losing my sanity. I can no longer contain it, so I bang on the door with all my strength.
“Lucian, let me out!” I shout at the top of my lungs.
“Allow me to see my sister!” I swear, if I utter that word once more, I may vomit. ‘Sister,’ my foot.
“When you were at my mansion, I didn’t lock you away!” I scream in frustration. It was an entirely different scenario, but he was at least treated with a trifle of hospitality. The least he could do is return the favour.
Amidst the fierce clash between my father and me, I wonder why I must be dragged into this dispute. Can’t Lucian see that? I, too, was a victim in this situation! I never wanted any part in this tangled mess since it started.
The door suddenly swung open, and I was roughly pushed to the floor. Damn it all!
“You…” My gaze narrowed as I recognized the person before me. Cercei’s little friend, Maria, wasn’t it? She held a tray of unappetizing food, porridge, and fruit. Ugh! I’d rather starve to death than eat them.
“Could you please keep quiet?” she snapped harshly.
I dusted myself off, raised an eyebrow, and crossed my arms defiantly.
“Even when you’re free, you still play the servant rule?” I jeered at her.
She shot me a look, placed the tray on the bedside table, and crossed her arms in return. The audacity! Just a few weeks ago, she was in my kitchen scrubbing floors.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“I’m not a servant here,” she retorted. I scoffed, finding it hard to believe.
“I just thought I’d check on how miserable you appear,” she smirked, but her smile quickly faded into annoyance.
“Have a splendid day,” she waved dismissively, about to leave when I halted her.
“Wait!”
She paused, and I bit my tongue. This is utterly humiliating.
“Could I please see my sister?” I mustered a pleading look, hoping it might sway her. She scoffed and raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. Why does my once-charming face seem to fail me lately?
“Do you genuinely think I’ll fall for that?” she chuckled happily. I rolled my eyes.
“Fine!” I relented.
“I simply wish to get out of here and speak with her. My father just revealed the truth to me. I was overwhelmed and couldn’t bear to stay in the mansion any longer. My feet led me to this place,” I spoke as sincerely as I could.
“And you think it’s wise to come here?” Maria snorted, her doubts lingering.
“I don’t know, alright? I felt betrayed and deceived by my father-well, I was. I just… I just need to talk to her,” I pleaded, hoping she might believe me with just a little more effort.
“You could leave Vienna; no one would stop you. But you can’t see Cercei anymore. You’ve already caused enough damage to her,” she stated firmly before leaving. I watched the door shut before me.
Leave? And return empty-handed. That’s a clear failure. And to endure my father’s constant scolding? No way!
I’m not leaving until I see her, no matter how dreadful this place may be. How can I ever become a capable leader if I can’t accomplish a simple mission?
“Lucian!” I exclaimed as he entered the room.
“You’re finally here,” I beamed, feeling a glimmer of hope now that he stood a few steps from me.
“Return to your mansion Vienna and go back to your father. I won’t allow you to lay a finger on Cercei,” he said firmly, hands in his pockets, a sombre expression on his face.
“Look, I only want to talk to her,” I pleaded.
“About what?” Lucian’s voice grew more intense.
“Does she know?” I swiftly changed the subject, noticing a hint of anxiety in his eyes. I couldn’t help but laugh as I caught him off guard.
“She has no idea, does she?” He didn’t respond to my question; instead, he simply stared at me.
Ah, I remember a typical Cercei-sweet, innocent, naive, and foolish. I wonder how she’ll react when she hears the truth.
“I can’t wait to see her reaction,” I teased him. His jaw clenched, and I found even greater amusement in cracking the code. So that’s why he’s so desperate to keep me away from her; even Maria did the same. It’s been two days since I arrived, and I haven’t caught a glimpse of Cercei’s shadow.
“You’re protecting her? How romantic,” I chuckled.
I stepped closer, my fingers gently touching his chest as I sensually fixed his collar. Oh, Lucian, you’re so breathtakingly handsome, perfectly crafted. But you’re also cruel and merciless, and that’s precisely why we make a perfect match. Your infatuation with her will wither, and eventually, you’ll fall for me.
I caressed his chin, but he turned his face away and pushed me back.
“You’ve set your sights on the wrong woman, Lucian,” I winked.
“And who should it be? You?” He retorted in a condescending tone, eyeing me from head to toe.
“You don’t even measure up to her toe level,” he snapped before leaving. His words stung, and tears threatened to escape my eyes.
Just wait, Lucian, you’ll see. I’ll make you hate Cercei more than I loathe her.
And as for you, my dear sister, I’ll face you with the truth. I’m certain you’ll despise it even more than I do. The man who abused your mother and killed your father is your real father. Oh, what a horror it will be when she realises that her trust has been betrayed by the very people she trusted with.
That sight will be priceless. I’ll remain in this wretched place for as long as necessary. I won’t leave until she trusts me or until I’ve ruined her life. That’s how it will end. I won’t return until my work here is complete. Don’t worry, Daddy, I won’t disappoint you.