SPELLBOUND

Evie ended up spending the entire time waiting up for Gavriel in their room, sometimes pacing up and down, sometimes sitting on the bed in a daze – but he never did appear. She eventually fell into a troubled and fitful sleep, plagued with a painful and heavy heart.

When she finally woke up, her gaze immediately fell to the empty side of their bed before she turned her head towards the window. It was already night. Though she slept, it felt as though she did not get any rest but suffered greater mental torture if it was even possible.

A bitter smile curved on Evie's lips. Her resigned heart could only conclude that he must have gone ahead and slept with those beautiful concubines of his. No matter how she tried to deny her feelings nor ignore it, the reality is that she hated how her heart squeezed in pain. A soft bitter chuckle escaped from her lips as she buried her face in her palms. She could not help but laugh because now that her husband finally did what she had been expecting from him to do since the very beginning… she was in utter despair… why in god's name did it hurt so bad? She was not prepared for something like this, for a pain like this. This was definitely not included in part of her plans. Things have truly taken a detour – and a major one at that!

The entire night, Evie did not bother to leave her chamber. Elias had brought her meals to her and she ate them silently, not even bothering to speak to Elias. The butler could not help but worry because she was acting indifferently again. Though she wasn't being ridiculously stubborn like last time back in the capital, she worried him this time because of her utter silence.

And just like that, morning came and it was time for her to go to bed again. She had just came out from the dressing room, dressed in a night gown and robe, when she froze at the sight that welcomed her.

The man she had been waiting for since yesterday was finally back in their room, wearing a white robe. His raven black hair was damp, indicating he had just come from the bath.

Evie's throat suddenly became very tight. All the thoughts that nearly drove her to tears were now crashing onto her like painful waves as she stood there as still as a statue, silently and forlornly looking at the general area where he was standing at.

She of course did not notice the yearning look in Gavriel's eyes as he gazed at her as though he had finally seen someone he had been longing to see after a long time. Though it was only a day and a night that had passed since they last saw each other.

With a soft smile, Gavriel took a couple of steps towards her.

She flinched and he halted. His eyes narrowed as his soft smile abruptly faded. Confusion danced in his eyes but a moment later, he smiled again. He remembered how this wife of his responded to his kisses the last time they were together. He could still vividly visualize in his mind's eye, her exact expression when he promised her that he would return and continue where they left off. So, despite her suddenly flinching again, Gavriel's thoughts were still positive.

"Are you mad at me, wife?" he asked, a hint of something mischievous blended in with his deep firm voice. His eyes never straying from her, holding her gaze, and never blinking that Evie was forced to break her eye contact with him.

"No, I'm not mad at you." Her words came out, hollow sounding and seemingly drained of all emotions that had Gavriel's smile fade suddenly and made him freeze in his tracks with narrowed eyes.

His gaze became serious as he moved closer to her. He could tell something was off.

Evie stepped back but Gavriel did not stop until he cornered her and Evie's back hit against the edge of the table.

"I think you are mad, Evie. Is it because I failed to accompany you for dinner?" he decided to test the waters.

"No, Your Highness." She answered so formally that it sent chills up his skin.

His gaze faltered again, not liking the sound of her voice and the way she refused to look at him.

"Stop lying to me like that wife, you're obviously upset." He said, his lips touched her ear and Evie flinched again. She attempted to slip away but Gavriel's hands and arms had effectively already caged her, trapping her between him and the table and his strong hands on both sides.

"I told you I'm not. Please let me go." Her voice was clipped, and short. Totally absent of the shyness and warmth he clearly remembered was still present the last time they had their last conversation.

He stared at her for a moment, his eyes darkening in displeasure.

"Stop being stubborn like this Evie… it's making me want to torture you."

Her eyes flew wide as she finally looked at him. The shock and accusation in her eyes made him bite down on his lower lip hard. Did she truly think that he was going to harm her? That he was even able to bring himself to do so? Gavriel couldn't help but let out a half-hearted chuckle at the thought.

"Don't be so shocked Evie… I'm talking about a sweet, pleasurable torture I am certain you would like." He said, his eyes glimmered mesmerizingly as he flashed a smile that was deadlier than anything else in her dictionary. A smile so tantalizing it was enough to make her forget about her predicament momentarily.

But she shook herself awake inwardly, determined not to let him entice her any further than he already had. What she went through the entire day and night had scarred her internally too much. Accepting his advances was the same as digging a hole for her inevitable demise in the end. What she had already experienced was enough to wake her up from this beautiful but deadly dream. It was time for her to face her reality before it was too late. She must stop dreaming now and remember and focus on keeping her vows. Or else… one day, she would find herself broken and helpless, long before any rescue would reach her.

"I said I am not lying. Why would I get mad just because you didn't eat with me?"

"Then tell me, why are you… could it be because you were waiting for me?" He blinked, surprise furrowing his brows.

"You… you're wrong." Her voice faltered and that was enough for Gavriel to realize that he was on the right track. And just like that, the sour look on his face dissipated. He was damned happy that she had actually been waiting for him.

"Good Lord, Evie…" His breathing hastened as he moved closer, his cool breath touching her lips. "I just warned you not to lie to me like that… Could it be that you're doing this on purpose because you want to experience the torture I'm talking about?"

His sensual deep voice and the way his breath caressed her face nearly drove Evie to give in to her inner temptations. But she bravely persevered with her iron will, reminding herself of the heartache she had just went through.

"There is no such thing as sweet torture. I at least know that's a joke."

"Oh no, Evie. I can show it to you right now –"

"Please let me go." She cut him off. Her voice dropped a few degrees and was colder as she placed her hands against his chest to push him away.

He stared at her, the lines of his face set in hard ridge, not expecting her cold response. His confusion was back again, and his patience was wearing thinner. And then, his eyes narrowed as though something came in his mind.

"Tell me, Evie… did something happen? Did someone upset you? Who is it?"