~{DEBORAH'S POV}~
*
I watched how his eyes twitched, making me know that I had bruised his ego.
If he thinks he is smarter than me then he should think again because I know his every move now.
He had once said that to me in the past when I was a little out of character and I had swayed, making him take that to his advantage but not anymore.
I can go many more years without doing such a thing as long as I was far from him.
My father could easily get me remarried or make me rule by my brother.
In fact, I won't be getting married again once I end things with Lauren. I prefer a life of solitude.
Surprisingly, he let go of me as he suddenly became sober.
Did that work?
He was still staring at me like I was a cruel person and I loved it that way because the sooner he gets fed up with me, the sooner he files for the divorce himself.
"Leave." He coldly said and a cool feeling spread all over my body.
That word didn't hold any weight but it did something terrible to me which I didn't want to accept.
Deep down I knew that no matter what we go through, a piece of me will still want him.
Without saying another word to him, I turned and left with a prick in my heart.
I was still haunted by everything and hadn't forgotten the way he behaved with Peculiar. In my past before my unfortunate death, I had witnessed him openly show affection to her. It had left a deep cut in my heart to this very day and my hatred only amplified.
With renewed hope, I marched up to the closed doors and as if on cue, they were opened for me since they sensed my footsteps approaching.
Nevertheless, when I stepped out with that same look, I found Peculiar standing outside with Thomas beside her.
Seeing her nearly shattered my strong will because I knew that the moment Lauren sees her, he would become a different man. More gentlemanly, loving and calm.
Those were the things I couldn't get from him and it hurt so much but I reminded myself that I shouldn't care.
I could still remember how he listened to her over me and had me sent underground even when I was severely ill just because of Peculiar's false accusation he failed to investigate properly.
She immediately bowed to me and I lingered as I watched her closely until she slowly lifted her head to look up at me in confusion.
I said nothing but kept staring while reminding myself of my mission; To make her miserable.
With that, I turned and walked away as tears of rage blurred my vision with my ladies in waiting trailing behind me.
***********************
~{PECULIAR'S POV}~
I stared at her back as she walked away and wondered what must have put her in such a mood.
I could feel the dangerous aura emitting from her and I knew that if I do or say something to her, she would pour it out on me.
Looking away, Thomas gestured for me to go in without bothering to let the guards announce my presence.
Before I even got in, I found Lauren's broad back facing us as he stood close to his throne in silence.
It was obvious he was in a bad mood which is why he didn't face us.
"You majesty?" Thomas softly called but he said nothing.
"Peculiar is here to see you," he announced.
For a moment he didn't move until after a few seconds before he slowly turned to face us.
He looked at Thomas briefly before shifting his weary gaze to me and I gave a warm smile just to lighten the atmosphere and it worked because he gave a small smile and gestured for me to come closer.
When I walked closer, he pulled me to himself and wrapped his strong arms around me, possessively.
My small arms went around his waist as I returned the same fervor, making him hum in satisfaction as he buried his face in the nook of my neck. He was so tall and broad that when he held me, I nearly got lost into him.
"Whatever must have happened between you two, I want you to know that I am always here for you." I softly reminded him and he hummed in response.
In silence, I heard Thomas' retreating steps as he left us to ourselves.
Once we were finally alone, Lauren held me a little longer before slowly pulling away before cupping my face and leaning in to kiss me. It was a deep and heartfelt kiss but I also noted that it came out of pent-up anger.
Something must be bothering him to kiss me this way because it wasn't like every other kiss he gave me, I could tell.
Then he moved to my cheek and went to my neck but stopped and sighed heavily before taking his hands from my face and holding my hands.
He brought them upwards and planted soft kisses on my knuckles as he closed his eyes briefly before opening them to stare at me.
Now this was a problem.
He never stops halfway when kissing me. He always saw it to the end, so what changed?
Was it because of the queen?
Was it because of the way she gave him headaches continuously?
If so then it was time I did something about it.
"What is wrong, my lord? Talk to me." I patiently coaxed him and he sighed again while still in that position.
"What did the queen do to you?" I further inquired out of curiosity.
"It's nothing you should concern yourself with, my dear." He simply said as he kissed my knuckles again before lowering my hands to my sides.
"But I am concerned especially with the way you are now." I truthfully said and he forced a smile as he looked at me.
"Don't worry. I am fine."
He said but I wasn't assured because I knew he wasn't.
And when I wanted to say something, he beat me to it by saying, "Tomorrow, I will hold a public announcement that I will be taking you as a second wife."
I blinked in surprise and relief.
Finally!
It was happening!
I will be his proper wife and gradually, I will also become his queen.