Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Chambers of Silence

Zack

Zara had somehow managed to put me on a smiling face in spite of whatever was happening. Looking at her sleeping, there was a protective instinct that possessed me.

I had awoken before her at 7am on the dot. I wore my morning garments with the aim of checking on my father.

After what the doctor had revealed days back, this had been my regular morning habit as I was so scared of loosing him. Myself, Fernánda, Ricardo and my mum always showed up at his room to pay our respects.

We decided to do this till we found the answer to our problems. We set out a royal announcement that whoever healed the king, would take a very big reward. Our intentions were straight forward—heal the king, who we didn’t want to die, in spite of all the wrongs he had done.

No one considered the numerous affairs, bad father hood or illegitimate children he had outside. All just wanted their king to survive.

The moment I got around the corridors of my father’s Chambers, I started getting awkward glances from the servants and maid.

Everywhere was silent.

Dead silent.

This made me wonder what was up. I hastened my footsteps and barged into my father’s room. When I entered, I noticed the people where in the room.

My mum with Fernanda on her side, Ricardo and Esmeralda. Their faces looked sullen. Mum was laid limp their. It was as if she was in shock from something. Fernánda was crying so deeply, Ricardo was soliloquizing to himself, while Esmeralda just sat there, calmly holding her crucifix.

“What happened?” I asked. There was no response. I looked around the room and turned to father’s bed. Walking there, I held his hand. I noticed he wouldn’t even blink his eye.

His body was so white and pale. Lips, chapped with a hint of lifelessness. There was just no sign of live in him.

This made me look back at them.

“What happened?” I asked again. It was a maid that came forward. Her lips quivered as she attempted to speak. I nodded at her, giving her permission.

“I’m afraid my prince, but your father is dead,” she weaved out. My face immediately let out a startled expression. I just couldn’t process what I’ve been told.

It was impossible!

“No, no.” I said. I walked up to my mum.

“Mum? Please say something. Tell them that my father is not dead. That I saw him yesterday and we both made him good night. That…” I trailed out, looking for words to say. Mum didn’t answer me. She just stayed limp there, without moving.

I therefore moved to Ricardo.

“Ricardo, wasn’t it me and you who fed dad his meal yesterday? Tell them to stop joking!!” I exclaimed at him. He looked at me before saying.

“I-I'm sorry brother but father is really dead,” he explained. My eyes bulged immediately then directed to Fernánda who was crying furiously.

“Fernanda, don’t cry. Father can’t be dead? Aunt Esmeralda, tell them this is untrue. Why isn’t any of you answering me?! Say something, please,” I pleaded at them.

I walked back to my father feeling so numb.

“Dad, dad, wake up. Prove them wrong that you're alive not dead. That soon, you would heal. Please.” I whimpered and knelt on the ground. I rested my forehead on the back of his arms. My inner hurt began to give in.

Where they right?

Was he d-dead?

I received a pat at the back of my shoulder instantly. I had expected it to be my dad but it was Fernánda. She moved me to stand up and wrapped me into a tight hug. She was crying furiously and I knew that deep down, this was the sister I had grown to know.

The vulnerable Fernánda who I had protected as an elder brother. Ricardo came forward to us too.

We all hugged each other, trying to consume the great loss we had just had.

~      ~     ~

Zara

I woke up with a bit of soreness which came from in between my thighs. I chuckled adorably as I remembered yesterday's events… Zack had been so caring. He made every single moment of loosing my virginity worthwhile.

Tell me reasons why I shouldn’t love him.

I outstretched my hand to the other side of the bed only to be met with empty mattress. I opened one eye, then the other and covered my eyes from the evil rays of sunshine that seeped from the window. Standing up with so much confidence, I assumed Zack had definitely gone on his morning expenditures.

It was then I noticed the blood stained bed sheet on the bed. A hint of blush over rode my cheek that moment. After remembering how Zack had thrusted deeply inside me, I could see why there had been so much blood.

Deciding that I’ll take care of it later, I went straight to the bathroom to brush my teeth. The bathroom was a white and fantastic room which I mostly preferred to have my alone moments there.

I stared at the basin glass which showed the exact reflection of me. It was then my last night's thoughts consumed my head. I had to tell Zack what I felt. It was better to tell him sooner before it might be late. I knew he definitely thought I hated him. This was not the case and I really wished he knew.

“Hey, Zara,” I called myself, slowing my brushing paces and staring head-on into the mirror.

“You were born to voice out your feelings to anyone. You can’t hide this. Tell Zack what you feel now!” I crazily shouted. When I was done, I washed my face and came out of the bathroom, dragging my flip-flops on the ground, lazily.

The duvet was still wrapped around me. As I moved to change it, I heard the front door open. I looked at the direction and found my the one who made my heart stop.

Zack!

He moved with so much style. Though, his shoulders were slightly bend down like he was in defeat. So was his coal black hair which covered his face like the devil himself.

“Zack, we need to talk,” I started out. I noticed his eyes were dark and misty but I chose to ignore that.

“Zara, please not now,”

Ouch?

Was that what you said to your wife after you just took her virginity the night before?

I clenched my heart at first but swiftly recovered. Perhaps, he just needed the chase. Like the novels I read, people fought for love. That— I was about to do.

“It’s really important,” I cried out.

“Later, Zara,” he replied emotionlessly. I wondered what had come over him but decided to carry on anyway.

“I love you, Zack.” I finally admitted.

“I know none of this was meant to happen. This is an arranged marriage. I swear I don’t know how did, I just do,” I added.

“I don’t care if you reject me but at the end of the day, I told my feelings to you and I’m glad I did.” I conclude, waiting for the rejection.

He just froze there.

His eyes were dark and filled with various emotions I couldn’t read.

All I could see were his dark orb eyes, looking at me.

“I’m sorry, Zara. I can never love you. At least not in the way you want me to.” He let out, walking away.

The door slammed shut and I crumbled to my knees. And, it didn’t matter if I was on the floor. Cause sometimes, even Real Queens broke down.

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A/n Wrote this till 2am in the morning. I hope you leave a review to support me. Thanks, for the valuable coins, guys!!