Shadows and Threats

Lilian's POV

I watched Kaiden walk away, leaving me standing alone in the midst of the celebrating crowd.

I felt so much anger and frustration at him as they coarse through my body.

How dare he? How dare he kiss me like that, only to abandon me the moment no one was watching us anymore?

Did he simply take me to be a tool?

An object with which he could toss and throw at any corner as he pleased?

And why the hell was the kiss so perfect?

These thoughts and more swirled in my mind and hindered me from doing anything or concentrating in the party.

It was all for show, every single gesture was for a show. Sadly.

I looked around the room as I scanned everyone's face, my eyes searched for Henrik. But he was nowhere to be seen.

Thank goodness he was out of sight now. He probably must have left,I thought. The relief that came with me knowing that Henrik was nowhere in sight anymore was instantly short-lived, it was immediately replaced by a deep-seated exhaustion.

I felt tired, fed up with this charade that Kaiden was making me put up and the constant tension.

With a weary sigh, I decided to retire to my chambers for the night.

No one would notice my absence anyway. And that would be for the best.

As I reached my room,I got in and I locked the door behind me with hopes for a few moments of peace.

I turned my tired body and made to dive straight to bed to catch a few slumber but the sight that greeted me made my heart stop and I almost screamed.

Henrik stood there, right in the middle of my room and watching me with a low and definitely evil smirk on his lips that made it crooked.

Holy shit! My subconscious exhaled.

"Henrik," I whispered. I could feel the panic setting in, my hands were becoming jittery.

Henrik stared at me for a moment and we both remained silent.

He watched me as if he was going to pounce on me at any moment. Then he stood straight and walked towards me, his steps were more deliberate and threatening that I feared for my life. What now? I wondered.

"Lilian," he whispered in a voice that sounded so dangerous, I practically gulped. "I hope you're not getting too comfortable with your new life here." He asked me and I gulped again.

I backed away, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.


"I-I'm doing my job," I replied, my voice trembling as I stammered helplessly.


"Are you?" He reached out and grabbed my neck and i almost screamed as his grip tightened around my neck, I gulped loudly as my fingers found his hand and tugged helplessly. "Because from where I stand, it looks like you're beginning to fall for the enemy” what with that kiss and all.? He breathed.

"I didn't kiss him." I managed to say. "He grabbed me." I said and he smiled so sinisterly.

"Sure." He said. "And I'm sure he is also making you fall for him, huh?" He almost raised his voice and I almost choked.

I gasped for breath, the pressure on my throat was making it hard for me to speak.

"I'm not," I managed to choke out. "I'm doing what you asked." I forced out.

He leaned in closer, his eyes were cold and bloodshot.

"You better be, Lilian." He said. His face was so close to mine as his grip on my neck tightened.

It was a good thing I wasn't putting on any neck pieces, otherwise I would have been hurt more than I already was. "Because if you're not, I'll kill you. Do you understand?" He asked me with an icy voice and I nodded repeatedly as best as I could, my vision blurred from the increasing lack of oxygen.


"I understand," I croaked out.
There was a sudden knock on the door, but we both stood there, his grip on mine and his eyes searching mine. I wanted to scream but I was scared that it could be Kaiden.

Henrik's eyes narrowed to slits as he released his grip, and I stumbled back, gasping for air.


"Are you expecting Kaiden?" he asked.
"No," I replied, still trying to catch my breath.


The knock came again, this time it was hard and more insistent. I stared at the door and Henrik stared at me. More like he glared at me. Then Henrik moved quickly towards the window, his eyes never left me as he moved and I wondered what he was doing.


"Don't fucking answer until I'm gone," he ordered. With that, he slipped out the window and disappeared into the night while I watched.

I coughed painfully as my fingers rubbed my sore neck. My throat felt so hoarse.

I took a moment to steady myself, then went to the door. It was a maid, her expression was that of concern as she regarded me.


"Have you retired from the party, my lady?" she asked.

"Yes," I replied, forcing a smile. "I'm just very tired. So I had to retire early." I told her. It was the truth anyway so I did not see a reason to lie over it.


The maid nodded her head, her concern was so evident.

"Very well then." She said, "If you need anything, please let me know." She told me.

"Thank you," I said, and closed the door as she left.

I walked to my bed and collapsed onto it, the events of the night overwhelming me.

The tears fell down my cheeks unbidden, it was a whole torrent of frustration, fear, and helplessness. The weight of my situation pressed down on me, making it difficult for me to breathe.

Kaiden's actions, Henrik's threats, the constant deception—it was all too much. I buried my face in the pillow and cried until I had no more tears left.

The sobs wracked my body, and completely left me feeling hollow and drained.