Unmasked

Chapter 39

Am I bothering him?

"Goodnight, then." I begin to walk past him but he catches my arm.

"Where are you going?" He asks me, his tone seems hard.

"To my room." I answer. Avoiding his gaze, I mentally try to calm myself down before I can panic again.

"This is your room now, Mary."

"Then outside." I've been in this room for way too long.

"Why?"

"Because I need to-"

"No, you don't, you're staying here." His voice begins to raise and I freeze.

He's at his limit with me. He's already grown tired. I never should've stayed when he asked, I need to leave but maybe it's already too late for that too.

What can I do? Go against him again? Then he really would be angry.

"Mary?" Maybe I'm not meant to be anywhere, what have I done? If even he hates me then what?

I continue to avoid looking at him because if we meet eyes then I'll cry, which would probably get him even more angry.

Just then my stomach rumbles again and I bring both my hands to try to cover the noise.

"I'm sorry." Is all I say.

He takes a breath and lets go of my arm. Suddenly, I'm in his arms and he breathes out.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to take it out on you. I promise I'll explain everything later, okay?"

I stay quiet but hold him back. Just like that, I'm reassured again.

"Let's go then." He pulls away but takes a hold of my hand.

"Where?" I ask him, remembering his words about me not leaving.

"I'll get you some food."

He leads me out of the room and for the first time in what felt like hours I breathe in new air. Even if it's not the outside, I feel free.

We eventually make it to a kitchen I have yet to ever step foot in. He seems to know where to head towards and once we enter, he lets go of my hand and heads towards a container. I take a look around and notice this kitchen seems a lot smaller than the others I've been in. Maybe this meant purposely for room parties?

"Do you like these?" He stands in front of me with a handful of fruit.

I nod at him and can't help but smile at the sight. It's feels like forever since I've eaten fresh fruit. I take them from his hands.

"Let's head back, we shouldn't stay out too long." He begins to guide me back until another maid suddenly comes in.

"You're majesty! What is the news?" A maid suddenly appears before us.

I freeze. Are we in trouble?

"Not now." He answers, sounding more angry than shocked.

"But, if it's true then-!" She seems frantic.

"I said not now." He repeats himself.

I stand still processing her words and trying to fill in the blanks.

He grabs my arm and we move past her and make our way back towards the room. Before I know it, we're back in his room but he stays put. He stares at me as I think things through.

What news does he not want me to hear? Does it have to do with why was he gone for so long? Why did he leave me locked in his room?

"Mary, look at me." His voice is calm it calms me down too and my mind is no longer racing.

I look at him. He wears an expression I've never seen on him before. Is he in some sort of pain?

"I don't know what you're thinking, but, whatever it is, just know... that I love you first and foremost."

"What?" I don't understand a thing.

"I took advantage and I know I shouldn't have. Our night together, should've been more romantic but I used it for personal gain instead. I'm so sorry, but I love you, Mary, I do."

"I don't understand." Is all I can say in response.

Our night together? When he asked for me?

"It's politics- it's-" he runs a hand through his hair, "we're married now."

We stare at each other in silence. Both of us take in his words.

Finally, he moves towards me and takes me into his arms for a long, warm embrace. I hug him back. My mind is blank.

After a long while, he pulls away.

"I need to go again, if the maids have heard of it already then I need to go discuss some other things now."

I can only nod at him.

He leans in and kisses me.

"I'll be back soon."

And with that, he leaves again and this time I wait patiently with the door open.