Chapter 18: Chapter 18

It was that part of her memory that she wanted both wanted to forget and remember.

The slaughter of her kin…

Madonna despised having to stroll down the memory lane which was wrapped with more of pain and cruelty than pleasure.

Times of yore were the only element that could get her vulnerable and silent. Otherwise, Madonna loved her selfish nature. She liked it when she was not being thoughtful of anything or anyone and just go ahead to do what she desired.

It was those selfish times that made her who she was presently.

But the mention of her kin made her quiver inwardly. She could still see the horrific sight of her father getting slaughtered followed by her mother and brother like it happened just the precious day.

If it wasn’t for Orla, she would have been dead as well but Orla was able to save her and hide her before she was found. And from the day she saved her, Madonna could only think of avenging her kin.

She still did not know why Alder Emor killed her family so brutally with any remorse. She did not know the motive behind ending a strong and powerful Witch and warlock family like hers. It was still a puzzle to her how Alder singlehandedly killed a very powerful ancient witch along with two powerful warlocks who has royal blood in them.

How he managed to kill them alone was yet another mystery to her.

Orla knew the answers to her puzzles and Madonna had inquired her several times regarding the issue but Orla wanted her to learn it herself than hearing it from her.

She knew Orla did not mean it as she once told her that she did not want her to know the truth yet. Orla wanted her to know the truth when the time came.

“You are annoyingly quiet again.” She heard her husband’s familiar voice which held no annoyance opposing his statement.

Madonna looked around and found the sun just rising from between the mountains and the birds are already out of their nest to start their living for the day.

She spared no glance at him as she was still thinking over the fact he knew of her family murder and his father’s contribution in it which he shouldn’t have known.

No one other than Orla and few very close and trusted allies knew of the fact that Thorn household has a girl child. Her mother and father were too protective over her for some unknown reason that they did not ever tell anyone of her birth or her existence.

They made certain she was well taken care of and away from any danger. Orla being her mother’s close friend knows of her. That was it.

“We are nearby the Timber Lake, if you wish to rest for a moment then suit yourself.” Lucius interrupted her thoughts as he left tired Madonna by the lake and walked away to get her something to eat.

They had not eaten anything since they resumed their trip. The previous night had taken a sudden change in ambiance when he had reminded her of her family’s death.

One moment he was feeling something pleasant stirring in his heart for her and the other moment she went quiet and vacant at the mention of a piece of her painful history.

He shouldn’t have talked of her family.

Madonna took a relaxing breath as she sat on a large rock near the lake and looked over the vast water body surrounded by mountains and forest.

It was a pleasant feeling to be alone and surrounded by wilderness when she was surrounded by the thoughts which she was not seeking for right that moment.

She knew Lucius might be having an inner battle with himself regarding the mention of her history, with how he was being cautious before talking to her.

Although she was not blaming him for the precious night, she wants to them to keep the calm for a while and let the Lord try to pacify her for his mistake.

Perhaps she could trade another portion of her magic for her pardon.

“I should be furious but why do I find the whole situation amusing?” Madonna spoke to herself when she realized that she was indeed not angered by the previous night’s revelation however she did wonder how he knew about the secret though.

She was smiling to herself when she suddenly recalled the frown on his handsome face when he found out how I led the demon to him.

That was comical!

The smile immediately turned down as she heard him coming towards her. With a nonchalant glance, she turned towards the lake to see the beauty of lotus growing.

Lucius was away to the small village marketplace nearby to procure some fruits and perhaps freshly baked bread for the sad woman waiting for him by the lake. While he found some good food for both of them, he continued to mull over what he said and slowly the guilt piled up as he thought over it over and over again.

He knew what she might have gone through after the tragedy and he should have reminded her of it in a much better way. In the haze of surprising her with the knowledge he had of her, he had forgone the sentiments that were attached to it.

No wonder she was hushed!

Should he just nonchalantly apologize?

No, what the darn was he thinking? He was a Lord; A Lord to a whole realm and person of utmost position. How can he apologize to her even though it was his fault no matter how tiny it was?

Should he just make her smile somehow and leave the bitter memory back?

‘Oh Lucius, you are a no clown then how could you make her smile. Your mere sight always brings a frown on her face.’ He reprimanded himself as he was walking back to where he left the cold Queen to herself.

His movement faltered instantly as he realized what he was thinking. Why was he thinking of appeasing her to begin with?

He scoffed at as he unwittingly skipped the step in exhilaration as he neared the lake.

By the time he was back, Madonna was the same, silent and far away in thoughts. “Bread. Eat.” He ordered softly as he shoved the container into her hands and sat on another rock in front of her.

Madonna did not glance at him and just ate the food without uttering a single word. “So” Lucius cleared his throat not expecting her to look at him for the first time since the previous night.

“Care to share? I haven’t eaten as well.” He took a loaf of bread and an apple from her and gobbled it down.

What was he to say?

She was not responding her again. Should he just do something to make her happy?

Dear Lord above! He was going insane over her silence again and it was slightly his fault.

“How shall it be if I answer come of your curiosity?” Lucius thought for a moment before offering her to answer her questions.

He was silently praying to the deities above to hear her voice again and see her aggravating victorious grin again even if it makes him irate.

Madonna smiled inwardly as she was having a good time seeing how the Lord was struggling to make it up for slipping those words he shouldn’t have.

It made her much happy for his consideration – nah, she was not just pleased but also entertained.

“You shall?” Madonna first time looked at him and that too with mild interest in her eyes. Her eyes slightly sparked at the thought of having some of her questions answered while she was also slightly pleased that she would be talking to him again.

Why was she feeling so dull without hearing his voice?

Damnation, she could not get attached to him and yet there she was, hoping to have a nice chat with him even if it has to quarrel.

“Some; Aye. I might not answer them clearly but I shall try to hint you sufficiently.” Lucius found the glint in her eyes and finally breathed a relaxed gulp of air.

At least he saw some life in her eyes. Or else she was not pretty when she was dull and melancholic.

“You seem to know some good facts of me which was surprising.” Madonna began as she calculated his reaction before talking further. “Then how come you do not know where Orla is? Do you really not know of your mother’s whereabouts?” The question was plaguing her from a couple of days.

It was not believable that he had no idea.

“Nah. I do not.” Madonna nodded her head as she got the truth from the weight of his tone.

“Wedding me and sealing my magic is just so you could reach Orla? My Lord, I see something else beside the tale you narrated me.” Madonna squinted her eyes as she was fully invested to hear him out.

Lucius smiled mischievously as he leaned forward until his face was just air away from Madonna’s.

“Would you believe me if I say only I shall stay living after wedding you?”

Madonna frowned as she was taken aback by his sudden statement. She did not understand the notion behind his words.

Only he shall stay living after wedding her?

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