Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Diana’s P.O.V.

Life sometimes is so unfair to us, punishing us for a crime that we’ve never even committed.

Never in my life, I have ever tasted the euphoric feeling of being in love. The foreign and overwhelming desire to which I was never introduced before. Moreover, I had never imagined that I would meet someone who would become so indispensable to me in such a short period that I would be ready to go against my family.

Since childhood I was a pampered child; I was worshipped in Moonland as if I have done a favor to my parents by being born into their family. My every wish was their command. Though I was a doted kid they kept me aware of my responsibilities which were to keep Moonland safe, secure, and prosperous.

No doubt I was blue blood but my dreams were simple. Marry the man of my dreams and live a spartan and peaceful life. I was never a fan of aristocracies instead Rose’s austere lifestyle desiderated me. I wanted to be like her, a free bird with no restrictions, who is neither afraid of being judged nor gains satisfaction in flaunting its skills. Just do whatever I desire and wander in the limitless sky until my wings give up.

Ari rebuked me saying that I tried to destroy her plans of making me the future queen. But doesn’t she realize that she was imposing her dreams on me? I never asked her to do that nor do I wish to be the queen of Heaven.

For the first time in my life, I fell for someone. My heart desired someone, longed to see a smile on his face, and dreamed to spend my entire life with him. I know this was forbidden rather say a sin. Zachary was a demon and not just any demon but the Lord of demons, their leader, the King of Hell. He is our rival who can easily kill us within a blink of an eye, crush my small realm between his fingers and paint our lives with sorrow, misery, and pain. My family kept warning me to stay away from that fire but in the face of all opposition, I touched it and let him burn me.

Love has no boundaries. We can control everything but not our hearts. The man who was supposed to be a danger, I found solace in his arms. The man whom the world called a tormentor was my savior. But the ones who promised to protect me were today ready to tie me with the one whom I’ve always seen as my friend’s brother. And the one whom they called a threat was today trying to save me from getting destroyed by their hands.

I am too scared. What will happen now? I don’t want to marry Theodore. I wish this fiendish nightmare end soon but with every passing second, it’s turning into my reality.

Ara and Ela after dolling me up tied my hands, locked the door, and left to God knows where. Perhaps to unlock the seal of the secret exit where they would be taking me to the church. Ela made sure to blindfold me before leaving so that I can’t pull any stunts.

And they tell me that it is for my own sake. Can’t they understand that they are forcing me into all this??

Today I came across this extremely painful truth. Ariel doesn’t want me to marry Zachary because she hates him for her reasons and needs someone powerful to tackle him down. And for that, she is relying on Theodore. But what I am failing to understand as to why Theodore is so eager to marry me? I know George always shipped me and him but he is well aware that I don’t love his brother. I don’t feel anything for him. In our school days, Theodore never even spared a glance in my way but today even after knowing that this marriage will be platonic, he is ready to sacrifice his life. Did my rejection hurt his pride that bad or is there any hidden agenda behind it?

Such an irony. The pureblood and beautiful people who always badmouth the demons, calling them selfish, and barbaric are unveiling their masks indirectly by showing their desperation and madness to accomplish their mottos anyhow. George wants Rose that’s why he is ready to help Ariel. Everyone has their axes to grind and for that, they are even willing to put my happiness at stake.

Suddenly The sound of heavy footsteps coming from the desolated hallway pulled me back from my la-la land.

Are they back this fast?

Oh my god! Are they going to take me to the church?

A tear slid down my left eye wetting the already soaked blindfold. I stifled a cry as the door rattled and soon burst open making me flinch hard.

“N-No, please. I d-don’t want to go”, I started crying hard while sinking in the chair trying to save myself which was again one of my futile attempts. Suddenly heavy footsteps rushed in my direction and before I could comprehend, a pair of strong arms pulled me in a warm embrace. Relief washed over me when the familiar male cologne hit my olfactory bulbs.

“Princess.”

That deep voice was my doing. I buried my face in his chest and started sobbing like a child. Zachary tore the tight ropes with his bare hands and removed the blindfold. Cupping my face in his palms, he started leaving multiple kisses on my face while my eyes continued spilling endless tears of joy.

Zachary pressed his lips on my forehead before pulling me back in his embrace, “Sshh, I am here. Your Zac came hmm, you’re safe now Princess,” he cooed softly in my ears while rocking me back and forth. I also wrapped my arms around his torso and clung to him like a bear. I was too scared, alone, and helpless. Every ticking second was like torture for me.

I have accepted Zachary with my heart. After confronting the real faces of my dear Ari, I swore to never leave his side no matter what.

Zachary finally broke the hug but I was still hugging his neck as I was afraid to leave my lifeline.

“Don’t worry Di, we’re here to save you.”

A soft voice came from his behind. Fisting his shirt, I took a peek only to see Jasmine staring at me with a soft smile.

“Jasmine? Where’s R-Rose? Is George-”

Before she could complete Zachary rudely cut her in midway, “Don’t worry, she is with Calix. Now hurry up we need to leave.”

“Leave? Where?“, his words took me off guard. But he simply sighed and answered while wiping my tears with his thumb.

“You’re coming with me. I can’t leave you here Angel, it’s too risky. That’s why I am taking you with me to Hell.”

His words struck me like a lightning bolt. I immediately shook my head in denial, “We can’t. Ariel is with Theodore. If he comes to know that I have escaped, God knows what he will do to my family?”

My words ticked his jaw. He cupped my chin between his fingers before boring holes in my blue hues, “THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!! THEY TRIED TO SEPARATE US, TAKE YOU AWAY FROM ME AND HERE YOU ARE-”

I quickly grabbed his wrists and interrupted him, “No, you’re misunderstanding. I know it’s Ariel’s fault but my parents and Arthur are innocent. You have no idea about the powers of Lord Ernest. He is like the King of Heaven. We have already offended him by canceling this marriage and now if he comes to know that I’ve escaped, he would unleash all his anger on my family.”

Jasmine also hesitantly nodded, “S-She is right Demon King. I know you’re scared for Di but no one holds the power and right to defy Lord Ernest. If you want to take her with you then we must inform Prince Arthur about this to avoid trouble.”

Zachary swooped me in his arms and abruptly stood up. Startled, I quickly circled my arms around his neck, “Z-Zac please”

“No, I had enough of this shit. For your sake, I was tolerating this fucking baloney but now no more. I don’t have time to make a grand announcement of your departure nor I am interested in being a gentleman anymore. You know me Princess so stop fucking torturing me. Let me deal with everything and you now better zip your mouth or else I’ll do the honors,” he ground his molars in rage before shooting Jasmine a death glare who instantly lowered her head.

Zachary then flapped his huge black wings and covered me with them. I looked at him but he avoided eye contact and started heading outside.

Exhausted and defeated, I joined my hands and looked at him with pleading eyes.

“W-WHAT ARE YOU-” Zachary roared but I rested my forehead on his chest.

“Please, I beg you. I know it’s entirely Ariel’s fault but my escape will only open the gates of doom for my family. I know you’re the Demon King and we all are continuously giving you so much trouble. Because of my happiness, you even abandoned your pride but I kept demanding you and even emotionally blackmailed you. I apologize for everything and also on the behalf of my entire family but I can’t leave them to die, Zac. Theodore will kill them. My family’s reputation will be marred. Arthur is innocent, his whole life will get destroyed. You tell me after throwing my family in danger, how will I be able to live with you happily? How will I be able to forgive myself knowing that I left them to suffer when I could have easily saved them? Tell me, Zac.”

I implored and buried my face in my palms.

End of Diana’s P.O.V.

Zachary felt a tug in his heart watching her tears. The girl who had done nothing wrong was unnecessarily trapped in a war of rage, revenge, and, betrayal.

He wrapped his arms around her and let her cry. She needed to pour out all her pain. After crying her heart out when Diana finally calmed down, Zachary broke the hug. He then grabbed her face in his palms and cleared her tears with his fingers. His eyes which were teeming with unadulterated rage earlier got filled with clouds of grief watching her puffy eyes and blotched face. He cupped her cheeks and lifted her face to look into her eyes.

“Princess”, he whispered but frowned watching her empty eyes that were staring at him aimlessly. His goofy ball looked lost today as if the life had sucked out of her. He couldn’t bear to look in her dull ocean orbs and pulled her lips in a gentle kiss. Threading his fingers in her silky locks, he kissed her tenderly, pouring all his love. Pulling off, he looked at Diana whose gaze was fixed on his shirt.

“I am sorry Princess for being mean to you. I should be protecting you but like others, I am only dominating and controlling you. Ignoring your feelings and tears. I am sorry.”

His genuine apology thawed Diana’s heart. She looked at him through dampened eyelashes. Zachary sighed. His brows puckered in worry watching her empty eyes which slowly filled with tears. He pecked her lips before pulling her closer by her nape.

Joining their foreheads, he closed his eyes before speaking softly, “Princess, I know you’re upset but think from my perspective also. You left me all of a sudden with no explanations. Don’t you know how much I was scared after seeing your hurt expressions? I thought you misunderstood me and would leave me. I came running here to clear your understanding when I got to know that Ariel is forcing you to marry some guy. Keep yourself in my shoes and think? I came here to take my bride who is going to someone else in a few hours. Isn’t it natural that I would lose my temper or I don’t even possess the right to be angry at your family?”

Diana looked at him after hearing his bitter tone. With his clenched jaw and red skin, she could see how hard it was for him to control his wrath. She slowly lifted her palm and placed it on his right cheek.

Zachary snuggled in the warmth of her skin as she slowly ran her slender fingers from his cheekbones to his chin, “I know you’re angry and I am sorry for being judging you this fast. You’re right, I should have talked to you but I was so confused and didn’t think rationally. I know Zac you’re refraining yourself only because of me but I don’t have any other option except marrying Theodore. If I leave and Ara and Ela inform Ari about my escape, Theodore will kill her. Please try to understand.”

Zachary immediately pulled Diana down. She was caught off guard but before she could fall, he grabbed her by her left forearm and pulled her harshly making her bump on his toned chest, “SO? YOU’RE GOING TO MARRY THAT BASTARD? DO YOU EVEN WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU SAYING? DIANA, DON’T TEST MY PATIENCE!!! I WOULD BURN YOUR WORLD IF YOU DARE LEAVE ME!!”

Diana whimpered in pain and tried to pry his hands, “Zac, I-“

“I have a plan.”

They both snapped their heads to the right only to see Calix standing at the door with Rose beside him.

Diana’s eyes glimmered in hope watching her best friend. Rose quickly pushed Calix and ran to Diana, pulling her in a bone-crushing hug, “Thank God, Di, you’re fine. I was so worried”, she cried while tightening her grip on Diana.

Zachary rolled his eyes and tore Diana away from her surprising both the girls. He then wiped her tears and embraced her before shifting his attention to Calix whose gaze was pinned on a crying Rose.

Zachary harrumphed loudly grabbing his attention, “You were saying something, Cal.”

"Huh?"

Calix said and looked at Zachary only to see him smirking at him. Embarrassed he raked his fingers through his charcoal hair before straightening himself.

"If this marriage is bound to happen so let's replace the bride.”

*****