Chapter 71: Chapter 71

Stone's POV

With my hands tucked in my pocket, I walked down the hallway dressed up for the royal banquet. Actually, I don't always attend such parties, but I know Xavier will be there. I just want to speak to him.

"Master, are you sure you really want to attend this banquet? You haven't done this in years now, won't this be bringing back unwanted memories?" Emery walked behind me, and I kept mute like I wasn't listening to her.

Attending this banquet will actually bring back memories to me. Unwanted memories to start with. The last time I attended the royal banquet, I did that with my wife.

"If you don't keep your mouth shut, I'll have you locked up and tortured in the torture room" I stared at her with disdain, and she gulped hard.

"I'm sorry Master" She snapped, and I rolled my eyes.

"I hate that word. Just keep quiet if you still appreciate the fact that you're breathing" I said, as we headed outside the castle.

Emery was going to be my escort for today's event because I can't go to the banquet without a date. The Range Rover sport stopped in front of us, and I hopped in.

"Master, I have an update for you" I could hear Axel's voice as he knocked on the car's window. I rolled down the car louvers blowing the smoke from the cigarette I was holding on his face.

"What update?" I glared at him. All I felt in my heart was bitterness and regrets. The tears I saw in Zara's eyes made my heart bleed. Why didn't I think of her when I ordered the slave Madison to be killed? I was carried away by the bitterness of the stolen jewelry which happened to be the only memory of my late wife. I forgot to think of my Zara, and that she would get hurt.

"Madison went to the royal banquet with Master Xavier of the valleys third mansion" Axel reported, and I widened my eyes in shock.

"She is his date?" I asked. A sting of jealous bit me, and I felt envious immediately. I can't explain the feeling, but I felt so furious on hearing what he said.

"Yes Master. She's his escort to the party" Axel responded, and I clenched my fist in fury.

Didn't he say he was going to punish her? Maybe he actually took her because he had other plans for her. I have to take back what belongs to me tonight, and Madison is mine.

"Are you sure of what you just said? Have you forgotten that Xavier has a fiancée? Tara, Xeus's daughter is his fiancée. He won't dare go against Xeus unless he has a death wish" I arched my eyebrows at Axel.

"Yes Master, I also got the information that Tara is present at the banquet" Axel replied, and I exhaled deeply.

"What exactly is Xavier planning to do? Is he out of his senses or does he want to get Madison killed in that way?" I thought within myself before rolling up the car louvers.

"Let's go, Gregory" I said with a cold voice, and the driver took off immediately. From the mirror, I saw how excited Emery looked. She should be since it's a privilege being my escort to such a banquet.

No matter what happens, I need to take away what is mine tonight.

Madison's POV

Fear gripped me even more, and I tried to free myself from Master Xavier's grip seeing her coldly the beautiful lady in front of him stared at me.

Oh, God! Why do I keep getting into trouble everywhere that I go? Why can't I just have a happy life for once?

"Don't you dare call her that again, Tara. Besides, we're in public, and you don't want to cause a scene here. Do you?" Xavier glared at her, and she smirked with pure hatred in her eyes.

"I don't mind causing a scene in public, dear fiancé. I just want to know what you're doing with that low life. Aren't I supposed to be the one holding hands with you to this banquet?" Tara, like she was called growled angrily.

"Let's talk about this later Tara. I don't want to cause a scene here even if you solely wish for it" Xavier turned to go, and Tara caught his left arm.

"How dare you Xavier? How dare you turn me into a laughingstock? Who the hell do you think you are?" Tara whispered into his ears as hot tears welled down her cheeks, but she quickly wiped it off with her left fist.

"Tara please... Don't do this here. There are many people watching us, and you don't want us to be the first page of tomorrow's newspaper" Xavier whispered back to her, and she sniffed hard giving me a deadly glare.

"Fine! You'll get what you're asking for. I can't let this slide" Tara smirked before walking away, and her handmaid ran after her.

I was still shivering in fear, and my teeth chattering. What do I have to get into trouble anywhere I go?

"Calm down, Mandy! I'm right here. Don't worry about her threats, they are empty ones" Xavier patted my hair, and I forced a smile at him. I was so pressed due to the fear I was feeling.

"Can I... Can I go to the restroom" I stammered, and he let go of my hands with a warm smile of assurance.

I ran off heading to the restroom, and then I rushed straight into the restroom slamming the door behind me. My heart was racing even faster as I stared at myself through the mirror saying some inaudible prayer.

Just then, the doorknob clicked. Someone walked into the restroom. From the mirror, I saw Tara staring at me with hatred all over her face.

"Hello, slave" She smirked as I turned to her with fear.

Before I could say a word, she already stabbed my arm with the knife she was holding, and blood gushed out of my arm. I growled in pains, and she smirked again.

"What have I done to you? What did..." I was still speaking when she injected the syringe she was holding on my neck.

I struggled for a minute before I passed out.....