Chapter 74: What Happened To You, Lucian Red
Cercei’s POV
I found myself trapped in a claustrophobic glass cage for the entire night, and the discomfort had taken a toll on my back as severe pain lingered. The space was so cramped that I couldn’t even stretch out properly.
I wonder if he despises me now, does he?
Morning arrived, and they transferred me to a room below ground level without any windows. Though still far from ideal, it’s a better improvement over the dreadful cage.
Doubts about this plan had been creeping into my head even before its execution, but now my hope has completely dwindled. Lucian hasn’t bothered to visit me since his guards dragged me here.
I half-expected a furious rant, or perhaps I’m just being too self-absorbed. Was he hurt when I left? Because I certainly was, and my heart pains at the thought that it meant nothing to him. Was he merely pretending?
Or could it be that capturing me was his plan all along, and he merely grew tired of pursuing me physically? What a despicable man!
The sheer silence in this room is unbearable! It bored me to death! Apart from a bed, a bathroom, and a bedside table, there’s absolutely nothing. A prison cell would probably be a more exciting place to be. At mealtimes, they simply slide a tray of food through a small opening in the door as if I were some infectious being. This treatment is utterly absurd.
What about my own plan? How am I supposed to remind him of it from here? It’s frustrating! I wish I could punch his impeccably chiselled face and watch his perfect teeth bleed. That would certainly be a sight to enjoy.
I was daydreaming about my revenge on Lucian when the door suddenly opened, startling me from my thoughts of violence.
Well, it seems the power of manifestation truly works, for there, he stands before me. He was wrapped in a black button-down polo with undone buttons, black trousers, and stylish brown shoes. His sleeves folded up to his elbows, showing his tattooed arms. He appears rather dashing. Wait, did he get a new tattoo? It looks rather appealing. Wait, what again, Cercei?! Are you admiring this arrogant Alpha now?
“With what do I owe the honour of this visit?” I quipped sarcastically while sitting on the bed, and he leaned casually against the door frame.
His gaze remained cold as ten men suddenly entered the room, each carrying boxes from renowned luxury brands. I couldn’t help but feel baffled. What on earth was going on?
“What’s all this?” I furrowed my brows, seeking an explanation. He waved his hand dismissively, and his men promptly left the room.
“We’re attending a ball tomorrow night. Dress yourself up,” he said with an air of dismissal. He was about to leave, but I couldn’t let him go so easily. I stood up.
“Wait, what?” My eyes darted to the boxes, and there were literally hundreds of them. How many balls did he plan on attending?
“Ball tomorrow night. Dress up appropriately,” he repeated sternly. I gritted my teeth; what an utter jerk he had turned out to be.
“I heard you perfectly well when you uttered those words, no need to repeat yourself,” I shot back, looking at him sharply.
“Then why bother asking?” he snorted. I’m not one to advocate violence, but some people seem determined to test your patience.
“Why are you taking me to a ball?” I folded my arms. Oh, you’re missing our little date, huh, Mr. Pancake?
“Don’t flatter yourself. I want to show Remus that you’re also under my control,” he casually mentioned. Show Monsieur? Did he mean the Ruler’s Ball?
I had heard that the Ruler’s Ball was where all the Alphas and important figures, more specifically wolves, gathered. Was he really bringing me along? I knew he only wanted to provoke Monsieur’s emotions, but did he genuinely want to be seen with me in a gathering filled with elegant aristocrats? Numerous refined ladies were vying for his attention, and if he appeared at the event with no companion, it would fuel unpleasant rumours.
“I’m certain there are plenty of ways to let him know that I’m under your control,” I retorted mockingly.
“It’s not a request; you’re going whether you like it or not,” he declared with a clenched jaw. I glared at him with piercing eyes. I had forgotten how bossy he could be.
“Then why on earth give me a million options if my opinion doesn’t matter, huh?” I gestured toward the mountain of luxury brand boxes scattered on the floor.
“I don’t want you standing by my side looking like a beggar, wearing rags,” he said mercilessly. My mocking expression vanished, unable to hide how deeply his words affected me.
“Beggar? Rags?” I glanced down at my outfit, a yellow dress paired with brown slippers, pieces my Aunt had bought for me. She’s a fashion icon, for Pete’s sake. How dare he refer to it as rags? Or was he implying my previous maid attire or waitress uniform?
A hollow laugh escaped my lips, devoid of any emotion.
“Okay,” I shrugged my shoulders, keeping my response concise. I refused to let him think he held power over me or affected me in any way.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.
As I avoided looking at him, my eyes fell on the countless boxes scattered around the room. I could sense his eyes on me for a moment before he left.
Once the door closed, tears welled up in my eyes like an unstoppable river. I had grown so accustomed to his care and politeness that I never anticipated witnessing his Alpha demeanour turn ruthless and evil.
I had been fooling myself. Part of me had hoped that he would be pleased to see me again because, despite everything, I was glad to see him. Yes, what I did might have been cruel, but I did it to protect him.
But now, I don’t recognize him anymore. He seemed like a walking robot, devoid of emotions, authoritative, and ruthless. A far cry from the man I knew from that dreadful mansion or the loyal customer who frequented the café.
What had happened to him during these past months? I hadn’t heard a word from him, and then suddenly, his men appeared at the airport and took my mother. Initially, I foolishly thought he did it to get back at me, but now I’m not even sure if I hold any significance in his life. I feel like an invisible speck of dust to him.
What does he truly want? Why did he take my mother? What happened to you, Lucian Red? The questions echoed in my mind, but I knew that finding the answers would not be easy. It seemed that the man I once knew had become a mystery wrapped in a riddle, and I feared that digging the truth might shatter my heart even more.