Chapter 20
Azalea remained motionless, scanning the grand hall with her eyes. The ceremony had ended, and now she was standing beside the man who had just become her husband. Federico’s name. The name by itself held a significance that caught her off guard. She still sensed the warmth of the gazes from those who had seen their marriage, the murmurs that trailed her like a chilly wind. However, right now, standing in such proximity to him, everything seemed dulled.
Federico stood next to her, his eyes far away, his face icy and mysterious. He had remained silent towards her since their vows were exchanged, and now, as the formalities carried on, it appeared that he was happy to maintain the silence.
Azalea sensed a tight feeling in her stomach. Her wedding day did not go as she had envisioned, nor did meeting her future spouse. However, she had not anticipated kindness from a man such as Federico. She had heard about his cruelty and goals long before she got to his realm. However, speculation was a different matter. Next to him stood another person, sensing the distinct chill coming from him.
She quickly looked at him, wanting to see a sign of kindness, something more than the tough facade he displayed so easily. However, there was no presence of anything. His gaze, while sharp, lacked any feeling as he gazed ahead, showing no interest in her being there.
The stifling tension among them was palpable. Azalea, no longer able to tolerate the quiet, inhaled deeply and found the courage to speak.
“Your Majesty,” she started, her voice calm yet unwavering, “I-”
“Don’t,” Federico interrupted abruptly without facing her. He spoke with a low, cold, and definitive tone. We are simply fulfilling our obligations. Pleasantries are unnecessary.
Azalea’s mouth closed suddenly, feeling her throat constrict as she heard his rough words. Initially, she wanted to resist and assert her independence but she controlled her anger. This was not the right moment.
“Okay,” she whispered, her hands tightening into fists by her sides. She wasn’t a delicate, shy princess who would allow others to disregard her importance. “I grasp your stance, Federico,” she stated, this time with a stronger tone in her voice. “I’m not here to be disregarded.”
Federico’s eyes quickly flashed before he turned his head slightly, meeting her gaze. He had a calculating expression on his face when he looked at her as if he was trying to figure out how to react to her sudden boldness.
“Do you believe you hold significance here?” He asked softly, with a touch of amusement in his voice. You’re present because it aligns with my agenda. “Nothing beyond that.”
Azalea clenched her jaw. “What are your intentions, may I inquire?”
Federico narrowed his eyes and stepped closer to her, looming over her petite figure. Azalea briefly felt a spark of fear, but she stood her ground. No matter how intimidating he appeared, she refused to retreat from him.
“My intentions,” he murmured gently, inclining closer so his breath caressed her cheek, “are of no importance to you.”
Azalea felt her heart thumping in her chest as she struggled to swallow. She had not anticipated any kindness from Federico, but this turned out to be even more terrible than she had thought. His words stung more than she expected, each one filled with contempt.
“I understand,” she murmured, her voice trembling slightly although she tried to remain calm.
Federico stood up tall, his face once again showing no emotion. Before walking away, he looked at her one more time, as if their chat had no significance at all.
“Let’s go,” he commanded, striding towards the hall’s exit without pausing for her. “We have spent too much time here.”
Azalea paused briefly, her ego insisting that she remain in her current position. However, she was aware. No matter how much anger she harbored for him or how much resentment brewed inside her, she knew she couldn’t let it influence her actions. Not at this time. Only when she grasped a deeper understanding of the situation she was suddenly thrust into.
Taking a deep breath, she went after him.
The silence accompanied the walk to Federico’s chambers. Azalea found it challenging to concentrate on anything other than the man walking ahead of her, as she hurried past the magnificent interior of the castle. She attempted to communicate with him to understand the situation, but his defenses were impenetrable.
Upon arriving at his chambers, Federico stopped at the entrance and gestured for her to go in first. Azalea entered the luxurious room, quickly glancing around. A spacious window let in the moonlight, giving a soft gleam to the luxurious furniture and royal decorations. The sight was gorgeous, yet imbued with a chilly sensation-similar to the man positioned behind her.
Federico gently shut the door, the quiet click reverberating in the stillness that surrounded them. There was a long silence between them before either spoke. Azalea stood next to the window, her hands intertwined as she attempted to clear her mind. She was clueless on how to navigate this… marriage. They were strangers connected by obligation, but the animosity between them seemed intimate.
Federico finally said that you will spend the night here, his voice breaking the silence. “After all, we need to maintain our public image.”
Azalea’s expression turned into a frown as she shifted her gaze towards him. “Is that how you see me?” Is it only a small aspect of your overall look?
Federico locked eyes with her, his gaze icy and stern. “That is everything you require.”
She reacted defensively to his reply, but before she could reply, he walked by her and headed towards the door.
“I’ll be in my study in case you require assistance,” he mentioned, but his tone implied he preferred if she didn’t need anything.
“Stop,” she shouted as he was about to grab the door handle. Federico stopped briefly, looking back.
“What did you say?” He spoke with a sharp, impatient tone.
Azalea paused, uncertain about what she wanted to say. She was unwilling to plead for his focus, yet she couldn’t allow the situation to persist. They were tied together, and despite her dislike, she had to figure out a way to make this situation bearable.
She finally asked in a hushed voice, “What’s the reason for you being this way?” “Why are you behaving towards me as though we are foes despite our recent acquaintance?”
Federico’s face clouded over, and for an instant, Azalea believed he might leave without responding. However, he then completely faced her, his eyes filled with a new intensity she had never witnessed-something more menacing and ominous.
His voice filled with bitterness, he said, “You fail to grasp the importance of the situation.” This marriage is not focused on you. It all comes down to power and control. What about you? You are simply a way to achieve a desired outcome.
Azalea was hurt by his words, but she made sure not to display it. She responded, “I comprehend more than you believe.” However, that doesn’t entitle you to make me feel insignificant.
Federico gazed intensely at her, his jaw tight, for a long moment. Without saying anything else, he turned and exited the room, the door shutting firmly behind him, causing Azalea’s chest to constrict.
She was by herself.
And it was not until now that she fully realized the impact of her new reality since she got here. This was now her reality, and Federico, being cold and calculating, would become her spouse. However, if he believed she would passively accept being used as a tool in his plan, he was gravely wrong.