"You must think me a villain," Nicklaus said as they both sauntered the halls after their meeting, with the company of five knights behind them, not that he needed them, it was just protocol.
"N-No my liege, I understand your rage towards the Sun Realm, after everything that has happened between you and them," Bartholomew said.
"Well DO think of me as such"
His gaze lands on Nicklaus, he faces him. "I’m no hero"
He gulps, Bartholomew thought the Emperor has kept his dark side behind ever since he met Yelena but seems like it was still lying dominant, he wasn’t called the bringer of darkness and wrath for nothing, seems like not even Yelena his beloved could kill that part of him. Magnus Nicklaus Darkmore, the god of Vampires shall forever be his nature.
"Windows?"
"What is it my liege?" he asked curiously about the sudden stop and then he froze as his eyes went wide, seeing the broken walls on the paths of the halls, broken in the form of a window shape.
"What in the world is this?" he hissed.
Nicklaus’ eyes narrowed. "I gave no orders for this"
"You there!" Bartholomew snapped at a worker probably responsible for this. "Do you want to meet your ancestors so soon?"
"M-M-My liege" he went on his knees.
"You should know the structure of this palace, windows are prohibited," Nicklaus said sternly.
"F-Forgive me my liege... I know"
"Then why have you gone against that decree?"
"The Empress, My liege... she requested for windows to be made throughout the palace"
"The Empress?" Bartholomew said, stunned.
"Yes your holiness"
Bartholomew frowned, surely that was out of line. "My liege surely you mu-" he paused when he saw the smirk on Nicklaus’ lips. "My liege?"
Nicklaus was amused by her, he couldn’t stop the smirk that crossed his lips and the thrill that stormed his insides like an unsettled wave, gods that woman was stubborn, a unique quality of hers that always excited him.
Bartholomew only pondered why the Emperor was amused? The Empress stated a decree without conversing with him first, which was out of line.
"Where is the Empress?"
"At the grand hall my liege preparing for the Royal ball"
"Bartholomew, we’re done for the day," he said walking away, leaving him speechless.
¤●¤
"Do you really think this is a good idea? You would have talked with the Emperor first before anything..." Celeste said.
I shrugged, staring at the outline of the windows. "Well, there is no need to" I forced a smile.
"Oh Yelena I know you and Nicklaus are not on good terms but you should have really told him about this first. Windows in the palace are prohibited"
"What?" I turned to her in a snap. "But you didn’t mention that!"
"Well I would have but you were so quick in your actions"
Oops! Maybe I went too far, if Celeste had mentioned windows were prohibited EARLIER then I would have paused. I turned to the view, biting my bottom lip... well the deed has already been done, I wonder how Nicklaus will act if he found out I broke his decree without telling him.
"The Emperor"
I gulped, I guess I was about to find out.
"I and the ladies will work on the champagnes"
"Celeste!" I hissed silently at her to come back here, but she was already gone, I wouldn’t blame her for running, she did try to warn me, but I was quick to act.
I whirled, clearing my throat and arranging myself properly, Nicklaus marched in and I froze in place, the highlight of the hall now thanks to the open walls, highlighting his perfect features, I realized that since I came here I haven’t seen Nicklaus in the light. gods this man was drop-dead handsome, I couldn’t even breathe properly, I would never get used to his godly looks.
"H-Husband" I mentally cursed myself for stammering.
"Wife" he mused.
Okay, I was expecting him to be angry but he looked happy?
"I apologize for the sudden change of structure, I found out that windows are prohibited"
He made a hmm sound walking behind me, why does it seem like he was enjoying this. I whirled to him.
"Surely you must know I didn’t do this on purpose"
"I see," he only just observed the windows, his full concentration on them, I frowned.
"Aren’t you gonna say anything?" I said with a hint of anger.
"Not really" he rubbed his chin still observing the windows, I growled coming to his front to finally gain his attention and finally his gaze fell on me.
"I went against your decree!" I said with clenched teeth.
He leaned toward me, not taking his eyes off me even for a second. "I always love a challenge" he mused as a wicked glint flashed in his eyes, his hand rubbing the back of my neck, I fought back the urge to moan, gods I missed his touch so much and I only just realized that now.
I opened my eyes and then I saw the longing within his green orbs and his need for me, but as quickly as it was seen it was gone and he let go of me. We both stared at each other for what seemed like seconds.
"I will leave you to your work, wife," he said before turning to leave, and then I felt my chest twist in pain.
"I hate you!" I barked, and then he came to a halt. I heard the servants gasp at my harsh words but I didn’t care, it seemed like it was just him and I right now.
I heard him chuckle silently and then he turned to me, gaping at me like he was about to bounce on me any second and the thought thrilled me, but he only spoke.
"And I love you more than the universe itself", the sincerity of his words and the boldness of it, a shiver shot through me.
And then he walked away leaving me hot and bothered.