Chapter 151: Not Listening
Zane~
The moment Natalie vanished, the room seemed to exhale—finally letting go of the tension that had nearly shattered the walls. The silence she left behind was deafening. I stared at the spot where she’d stood just moments ago, her scent still lingering in the air, her words echoing in my ears. My fingers curled around the phantom shape of hers, remembering the heat of her grip, the fire in her voice.
Red was pacing in the corner of my mind, restless and angry. He wanted to chase her, to find her, to apologize. But I knew better. She needed space... and I needed to clarify somethings with my hotheaded father.
I turned slowly to Abel and Roland. They stood quietly near the arched doorway, both looking equally stunned and unsure of whether to speak.
"Thank you," I said finally, my voice still rough with emotion. "For backing me up... and for helping with the investigation."
Abel nodded. "You sure you’re alright?"
No. Not even close. "I will be," I muttered. "I just... I need to speak to my father. Alone."
Roland exchanged a glance with Abel and gave a small bow. "Take care of yourself, Your Highness."
"We’ll be around if you need us," Abel added, bowing before they turned and left.
The heavy doors shut behind them with a soft thud. I stood there for a beat longer, then sighed and headed toward my father’s wing.
The guards stationed outside his chamber doors straightened when they saw me, but didn’t move to stop me. They knew me by now. In the few days I’d been here, they’d learned one thing: the king always let me in.