CHAPTER 15
She was crying. Not the kind of crying he'd seen from actresses forcing their emotions. This was raw, gut-wrenching. Like someone whose entire purpose had been shattered.
He felt a strange chill. This woman believed every word she said. And for the first time meeting her, Kael didn't know what to say.
He stared at her kneeling before him. Her shoulders shaking as her tears stained the floor. Her red hair was draping it like blood on the surface. His chest tightened. What the hell was he supposed to do? She was begging for punishment. Begging to die.
"Shit." He muttered under his breath. He wasn't cut out for this. He is an actor, not a damn therapist for delusional knights. Without thinking, he reached down and grabbed her by the arms. He pulled her up. "Hey, stop it." He sat her down on the sofa where he was sitting and let go of her as he scooted back to his side. Even crying, she was still breathtaking to look at. He even noticed it. Damn it.
His voice was rough, impatient. "I take it back, alright?"
"What?" Her tear-stricken face looked up at him.
Kael exhaled sharply. Running a hand down his face. He was really doing this.
"Listen to me." He started. Voice firm but careful. "It's not real. I don't know what's going on with you, but Fiona isn't dead because she never existed in the first place." He continued. "It's just a story. A made-up tale for entertainment. You need to calm down."
Her breath hitched. She looked completely lost, as if the ground beneath her had been pulled away. "A story?" She whispered.
Was it just a freaking story? Diandra thought. But the feeling of grief was too close in her heart. Like it was what really happened before. Like she really did have it, but the memories were just buried. And the mention of Fiona. Even just the princess' name, she may not remember her by memories, but her heart seemed familiar with the name and the feeling it brought to her. It was an ache.
But he was saying that it wasn't true. That he was just bluffing. That it was all a story. But why did it feel like he was telling her the truth? A memory.
"Yes. A damn story." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "And regardless of whatever you believe, tell me—how are you supposed to protect me if you throw your life away?"
Diandra flinched. She didn't know what to believe, but if that was really true, then her emperor should have punished her for it. But he wasn't doing anything. But even then, he shouldn't have joked about it. It wasn't a nice joke.
Regardless of anything, he was right. How would she protect him if she was dead? She slowly looked up at him. "That wasn't a good joke, Your Majesty. But you are right. I cannot protect you if I surrender to despair."
Kael sighed. A little relieved.
"Good. So, no more talking about dying. Got it?"
Diandra took a shaky breath and bowed her head. "As you command, Your Majesty."
Kael groaned. What had he gotten himself into?
He sneaked another glance at her. Her eyes weren't glassy anymore, and he didn't like seeing them in those emotions. It stirred something in his chest. He just didn't like it. Even her crying made him panic right then, despite how he looked calm on the outside.
Just as Kael felt like he was reaching his breaking point, a knock on the door interrupted the madness. It was a more than welcome interruption.
"Sir, Mr. Coda has arrived. He's waiting for you downstairs." A maid announced from the other side.
Kael exhaled, rubbing his temple. Finally. Though what came was another headache, it was a familiar one. Not like her, a total alien to his sanity.
"I'll be right there." He replied, his voice laced with exhaustion.
"Understood, sir." The maid walked away.
He glanced back at Diandra, still sitting just a few inches right in front of him. Her face was in solemn determination. He didn't know whether to feel relieved or even more frustrated.
"Stay here. Don't do anything crazier." He ordered and stood up on his feet. Just as he turned around, she bowed at him and didn't respond anymore to her courtesy. He headed out quickly and closed the door behind him.
As he was out of the room, he felt a shift in the air. It was less suffocating now, and he felt that he had just gotten off a rollercoaster ride.
Diandra, inside the room, remained in her position. She stared at her hands. What His Majesty said still lingered in her mind. But she had to believe him. He was what she only had left in her mind of a hollow, bottomless pit. He was the only one that she was certain of.
Kael made his way downstairs. And he could already see Coda lounging on the couch like he owned the damn place. He was dressed in his usual high-fashion style, and a smirk was playing on his lips.
"So, where's this so-called knight of yours?" Coda asked directly, crossing his arms. Kael had just stepped on the ground floor. "I've got to see this with my own eyes."
Kael sighed, shaking his head. He wasn't even going to try to explain. How could he? It was madness—pure and absolute madness.
"You want to see her? Fine." He grumbled, motioning for Coda to follow.
Coda stood up and arched a brow, intrigued. "That bad, huh?"
He didn't answer. He just started up the stairs again, taking them two steps at a time. He wanted Coda to witness the insanity firsthand. Maybe then, he'd understand why he was losing his mind and needed a private investigator.
When they reached outside the door, Kael paused, hand on the knob. He turned to Coda. "Prepare yourself."
Coda rolled his eyes and waved a hand. "Oh, don't be too dramatic."
He ignored his comment and pushed the door open.
Diandra was still there, sitting stiffly in the same spot on the sofa where he left her. Her posture was perfect, her hands resting on her lap. Her expression was now composed. Like she didn't just shed tears a few minutes ago. But it got him relieved that she looked normal—as normal as can be. Her hair covering her front. She was like a calm goddess, waiting inside the room. But her eyes were sharp, as if assessing them for any potential threat.
Coda blinked. Then he blinked again. "Oh…" He uttered, staring at her as he tilted his head. "She's stunning."
Kael scoffed. "Seriously? That's your first reaction?"