Chapter 22
As darkness descended, Azalea perched on the edge of the grand bed, absentmindedly running her fingers through her hair while her new maid, Vick, delicately undid the complex buttons of her bridal gown. The day’s heaviness burdened her shoulders, and despite the luxurious setting fit for a queen, she still felt completely confined.
“Here you go, madam,” Vick whispered gently, moving away as the final button was unfastened, causing the dress to slide down Azalea’s arms. “You are now liberated from it.”
Azalea gave Vick a tired but appreciative nod and smile. She was still unfamiliar with being spoken to so formally, but she guessed it was something she would have to become accustomed to. She had not fully accepted the reality of her new life yet, and as she looked at her reflection in the mirror-now wearing just a plain nightgown-she pondered about what her future held. How would her life unfold in this unfamiliar realm? She had been informed about the significant differences in customs between her culture and theirs and how intense and hazardous the power struggles were in that place. And at this moment, she found herself in the midst of it.
“Do you need any additional items, madam?” Vick inquired, her tone courteous yet detached.
Azalea nodded her head. “I appreciate the offer, but I politely decline.” That is it.
Vick left the room with a nod of respect, gently closing the door behind her. Alone now, Azalea released a lengthy, profound exhale and ascended onto the bed. She had not encountered Federico since the wedding ceremony, which made her feel uneasy due to the lack of communication. She had no desire to interact with him; he was cold and showed no warmth in his eyes. However, she remained restless due to the ambiguity surrounding her role in the marriage.
She looked towards the grand, decorated bed. She questioned if Federico would stay the night, but eventually, the tiredness from the day started to affect him. She lay on the bed, wrapped in the blankets, and soon drifted off to sleep.
His generosity knew no bounds, as he was always willing to help anyone in need without expecting anything in return.
Hours after, Federico walked into his chambers, feeling even darker than his usual mood due to the events of the day. Tonight, he was not interested in any formalities. All he desired was tranquility, to break free from the burden of his thoughts-his brothers’ recent visit, the ever-present possibility of disloyalty hovering over him, and now this sham of a marriage. As he entered his room, filled with thoughts of plans and strategies, he stopped in his tracks, his eyes fixating on the bed.
Azalea was fast asleep, tucked under the blankets in a delicate doll-like position. Federico stood there watching her as the only sound in the room was her gentle breaths. He experienced no emotions – no feelings of love, no hint of interest. She was simply a piece of the scheme, a means to strengthen his grip on the throne, nothing else.
Wordlessly, he headed towards the bathroom, dropping his clothes as he went. The warm water from the shower brought some comfort, cleansing the dirt from the day, yet the tightness in his chest lingered. When he came out, with a towel around his waist, he scarcely looked at Azalea before getting into bed next to her. She was still sound asleep, and he was perfectly happy with that. He covered himself with the blankets, shut his eyes, and let sleep take over him.
*******
The following day, a small beam of light seeped in through the curtains, creating a gentle radiance in the room. While asleep, Azalea began to stir, and her eyes slowly opened as her eyelids fluttered. Upon regaining consciousness, she noticed the comforting warmth of a solid presence next to her, which was not present when she had drifted off to sleep.
She became motionless, with her breath getting stuck in her throat.
Federico had his arm hanging over her waist, his body close to hers, their legs intertwined under the sheets. She felt her heart pounding in her chest when she recognized she was in his embrace. This was not included in the plan. She was surprised to be close to him, as she hadn’t anticipated any intimacy.
Initially, she wanted to create distance between them as he slept, but when she tried to move, Federico held onto her tightly, bringing her closer. She took a deep breath, her heart racing as she looked at his face. She was relieved to see that his eyes were still shut as he was in a deep sleep.
She remained motionless for a while, her thoughts running wild in a tense manner. What actions would he take upon waking up? Was this a form of assessment? She was aware of his lack of interest in her, yet being in such proximity to him felt risky. She wanted to escape, but every time she moved, he came closer.
Right when she was going to make another attempt, Federico’s body suddenly became rigid. His eyes quickly opened, frigid and analytical, and in a moment, his face transformed from slumber to frosty detachment.
He forcefully pushed her, causing her to fall from the bed to the floor with speed.
Azalea was taken aback as she landed on the ground, feeling momentarily dazed by the sudden motion. From her seated position, she gazed up at him with a blend of perplexity and sadness showing in her wide eyes. However, Federico’s expression conveyed only contempt, with no hint of regret.
He asked angrily, with a harsh and unfeeling voice, “Why are you in my embrace?”
Azalea quickly got up, her face flushed with shame. “I-I couldn’t-” she stumbled, attempting to articulate her thoughts, but they escaped her. She couldn’t provide any reasons for the incident. She didn’t choose to be there and didn’t anticipate this happening.
Federico rose from the bed, looming over her, his cold stare locked on her as if she were a nuisance. He warned Azalea sternly not to come up with any ideas. We may have tied the knot, but our marriage is simply a legal agreement. Have you comprehended?
She nodded quickly after swallowing. “I comprehend.”
“Great.” The sound of his voice was piercing, slicing through the air with precision like a knife. “Since there will never be any future for us.” You are here solely to fulfill your obligations as agreed. You are insignificant to me beyond that.
Azalea felt more pain from the words than she had anticipated, so she glanced downward to evade his intense stare. She understood that this marriage was a sham, with no love or companionship involved. However, his bluntly stated words made the situation feel even more authentic.
Federico averted his gaze from her, his back tensely straight. “Put on your clothes,” he stated, sounding uninterested. “We must fulfill our obligations.”
Azalea silently nodded and moved to the opposite side of the room, where her maid had placed a plain dress for her. She shook with fear while covering her head with the fabric, her thoughts in turmoil from the confrontation. She didn’t anticipate anything from the marriage, however, the frostiness in Federico’s words made her feel empty.
While getting dressed, Federico stood by the window, gazing at the expansive kingdom that he now had authority over. His hands balled up into fists beside him, his mind distracted. The marriage, the authority, the crown – they were all components of a bigger scheme. A game he aimed to emerge victorious from.
Azalea quickly glanced at him, feeling uncertain and burdened in her heart. Now, more than ever, she realized she was merely a pawn in his schemes. However, nestled within her, a flicker of rebellion and resolute will arose. She refused to allow him to shatter her, regardless of how distant or icy he stayed.
However, as she completed getting dressed and stood next to the door, prepared to obey him, the disturbing question remained in her thoughts: how much time could she endure this marriage, this existence of icy detachment and concealed perils?
“What cost would she need to bear to preserve the integrity of her soul?”
While Federico gazed at the horizon, a knock reverberated in the room, disrupting the tense quietness. He said to come in without looking.
Azalea observed as the door slowly opened, feeling her heart drop as an unfamiliar person entered the room.