Predatory Marriage

Chapter 64 – Unquenchable Thirst for Power (2)

Even if she acted wronged, even if she became pitiful in front of him right now, Ishakan would still leave regardless. Their lives were worlds apart. And then, Leah would be the one to take care of the mess he had created after he left.

Even though she knew that… Tears clogged the back of her throat. The turmoil she felt in her heart, pierced it like jagged thorns. She was strong but delicate at the same time.

Leah blinked and inhaled the cool air. The musky scent of manliness from Ishakan wafted into her nose at their close proximity. She tried to reign in herself, warning him.

“Don’t sympathize with me if you will not take any responsibility.”

“Sympathy? You’re talking nonsense.” He said in gritted teeth.

“Is that not our lovemaking?”

“…” As if his words were jarred in his throat, Ishakan remained silent. Leah broke loose from his grip; it was as if she were freeing herself from him, both emotionally and physically. As Leah turned back, Ishakan grabbed her again.

“Let go of me!”

However, Ishakan did not release her. Leah struggled, hitting his chest, and trying to twist away from his body. She hated Ishakan for toying with her. For bothering her and creating a mess for her to clean up. For disrupting the peace she had tried so hard to maintain.

But above all, she hated herself for letting Ishakan drag her around.

The difference in their strength was like heaven and earth. Ishakan simply overpowered her, forcing her to give up on her incessant struggle.

He opened his mouth, his voice cracking. “I…”

Leah glared at him. The golden eyes that were filled with anger a while ago had subsided.

“If I say that I’ll take responsibility…” Her strength left. The fight inside her dissipated as she held her breath.

As if he were under a spell, Ishakan fixed his gaze on Leah, unblinking. The next words that he uttered with cautiousness was a confirmation of their relationship.

“Then, what will you do?”

***

Blain only stared unmoving at the empty chair. However, no matter how long he looked at it, he knew she would never return. Time would not unwind, and the person was no longer here.

His teeth bit down hard on his frozen lips, and words of resentment came out.

“Huh…darn it.”

Even though the king was seated right next to him, he could care less, and cursed.

BANG.

The table shook as he poured his rage, clattering the porcelain tableware. Untouched sandwiches and delicacies toppled over, crashing into the other food on the table. A wine glass rolled over and smashed to the floor.

The sharp piercing sound of glass colliding with the ground and shattering fuelled Blain’s fury.

Immediately, he grabbed the edge of the cloth, and dragged the whole thing off the edge of the table. Along with it, came all the tableware and finely served food.

BANG!

CRASH.

PANG!

Blain cursed and threw the remaining glasses and plates everywhere. Sharp forks and knives flew behind the maids on standby. However, they fortunately were able to dodge the onslaught of silver.

No one was able to stop Blain.

Even the king did not say anything and only witnessed his actions, anxiously. It was only when Cerdina returned to the luncheon that Blain, who was venting his anger, ceased his destruction.

In a new, elegant dress, and a powdered face, Cerdina came back looking in her usual regality. She no longer smelt like she was drenched in alcohol, rather, the essence of jasmine from a fragrant perfume emanated off her body.

Regaining her elegant composure, she returned to the luncheon and looked at the hollow seating where Leah and Ishakan had once sat at. But they had long disappeared, only Blain and the king remained.

Seeing her son like this, she pressed her hand on her chest.

“Blain…”

The king, who was overjoyed upon seeing her return, was not even acknowledged by Cerdina. Only Blain was in her sight. He panted heavily, and slowly raised his eyes to meet hers.

“I certainly thought it was mine, but apparently, it wasn’t.”

He muttered with trembling eyes. The state of insanity he was in, was clear as day. “It seems that even if I were to become king, I cannot beat him. It’s not enough to just be King of Estia.”

His eyes shone, a wicked delusion formed in his ice-cold irises. His pupils dilated, overflowing with crazed delirium. A smile stretched across his lips, distorting his face.

“If only I had more power.” The sinister tone that underlies his voice conveyed his evil intentions to the full.

At his statement, Cerdina’s eyes widened. However, her reaction was not because it pained her to see her beloved child suffering.

Rather…

“Yes, my beloved Blain…”

Overwhelming joy filled her as she whispered her agreement, understanding his thoughts immediately. Such was their bond between mother and son.

“The lack of power is indeed a great embarrassment. Hence, be greedy, be ambitious and seek power.”

“Mother…”

Cerdina lovingly smiled at Blain, who was engulfed with emotions—self-inadequacy and envy. She fuelled his wicked desires, with sweet words of support. An atmosphere of false affection sank on the luncheon that had been completely devastated just moments before.

“You will be seated in the highest position in the continent, Blain.”