Evil Iris

Chapter 18

Andre's Intrigue 2

The next night Andre approached the door to the empress's private chamber, he caught sight of a familiar figure inside - Iris.

He could hear the low murmurs of their voices, like distant echoes bouncing off the lavish walls.

He decided to stay hidden in the shadows and observe from afar.

"I see you've gotten too comfortable here," the empress said with a cold chuckle, her eyes locked on Iris.

Iris smiled back calmly, her composure unshaken. "It seems so, that you still have that sharp tongue."

The empress's hand flew out, and she slapped Iris across the face. The sound echoed in the chamber.

Andre's heart clenched at the sight of Iris recoiling slightly. He wanted to rush forward, to shield her from harm, but he knew he had to stay hidden.

"I see that jealousy is eating your soul," Iris said, her voice firm despite the sting of the slap.

Once again, the empress's hand struck Iris, and this time, a thin line of blood trickled down from the corner of her lip.

Andre's fists clenched at his sides, his heart pounding with anger and concern.

"It's not my mother's fault that your husband can't control himself," Iris continued, her voice unwavering.

The empress's face contorted with rage, and she raised her hand to strike once more, but Iris intercepted it with a steady grip.

"Don't mistake my silence for fear," Iris said, her voice firm and unyielding. "I won't be intimidated by you or anyone else in this palace."

"Also, I can't tell why you aren't appealing," she added with a hint of sarcasm.

Iris wrenched her hand free from the empress's grasp and turned to leave the room, leaving the empress speechless and seething with rage.

Andre couldn't remain hidden any longer. He stepped out from behind the pillar and locked eyes with Iris as she glared at him.

Iris stormed away, her eyes blazing with anger. Andre couldn't bear to see her like this, so he followed her, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Iris, wait," he called out, reaching for her hand.

She whirled around, glaring at him.

"What do you want?" she demanded, her voice laced with annoyance.

"I just... I wanted to make sure you're alright," he stammered, taken aback by her sharp tone.

Her eyes softened slightly as she looked at him, but her guard remained up. "I am fine, don't worry about it," she said, brushing off his concern.

Andre still couldn't let it go. He gently touched her lips, feeling a trace of blood on his fingertips.

"Your lips are bleeding," he murmured, worried for her.

"I said it's fine," she insisted, pulling away from his touch. "It happens sometimes."

"Why are you so stubborn?" he asked, his frustration rising.

Iris turned to face him, her expression unreadable. "I told you-," she replied, her voice soft but distant.

Ignoring her response, Andre swiftly removed his coat and stepped closer to her.

"Here, take this," he said, gently draping the coat over her shoulders.

"I don't need your coat," she murmured, but she didn't make a move to remove it either.

"I just don't want you to get sick." Andre insisted.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Iris stood before Andre under the moonlight, draped in his coat that gently billowed around her like a soft embrace.

Iris looked at him, her eyes searching his face as if trying to understand his motives.

"What do you really want, Andre?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

I want to know you," he said honestly.

She seemed taken aback by his words, her walls crumbling slightly.

It was like she was asking why.

"I am not interested and I can't trust you," she said finally, and then, she shook her head, as if trying to clear her thoughts.

Her eyes, like two shining stars, met his gaze, Andre felt fascinated ho her golden hair caught the moon's glow, the way her lips curved into a gentle smile and the way her eyes sparkled.

As Andre stood before her, he felt an inexplicable desire to reach out, to touch her cheek and feel the warmth of her skin.

Iris cleared her throat, breaking the silence, and Andre reluctantly took a step back, giving her the space she needed.

"I should be going," she said softly,

Andre nodded, trying to hide the disappointment he felt. "Of course," he replied, his voice gentle.

Andre stood there, his heart pounding as he watched Iris walking away, her golden hair gently swaying with each step.

He couldn't let her leave without saying something, without letting her know what he felt.

"Iris, wait." he called out.

She turned, her emerald eyes locking with his, curiosity and surprise evident in her gaze.

"Is there something you want to say?" she asked, her voice soft.

"I just wanted to say that I won't give up."he smiled victoriously.

Iris seemed to consider his words, and then she sighed, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"You're persistent, I'll give you that," she said.

Andre chuckled, feeling a sense of relief at her response.

Iris seemed to waver, her eyes searching his face for something. And then, to his delight, she nodded.

"Alright," she said. "But don't expect me to open up easily."

Andre beamed, feeling a surge of excitement. "I won't," he promised.

"Goodnight, Iris," he called after her, waving, as she turned around to leave.

She looked back at him, her eyes softening.

"Goodnight, your  highness," she replied, and then she disappeared into the night.

Andre couldn't help but smile as he watched Iris walk away because his heart spoke the words his lips dared to utter.

Thank you so much everyone  for reading please don't forget to vote and comment Ily you <3