Chapter 27: The "Physician"

I want to apologize for my super delayed updates. I literally started this chapter 3 weeks ago and only managed to finish it today. To everyone that is patiently waiting for my updates and continuously voting as well as those supporting and encouraging me through Instagram DM's, thank you so much, you really mean a lot to me and its because of you I truly continue to try my best to update.

I'll continue trying to update!

Chapter 27:

Zachary paced his bedroom, Winter lay there in pain unable to move. All she could do was remain in a half unconscious state and let the tears pour out of her eyes. His heart clenched at the sight. This feeling unknown to him, all he could feel was anger surging through him.

How had a Shadow entered the palace? If anything Zachary was careful. Even before Winter had come to the palace, he had Azef to watch over for these kinds of things, and he wouldn't have thought that this was possible.

That is, until today.

Allen rushed into the chambers, panting and out of breath. His hands trembled at the aura the young prince was emanating. He had never seen the Crown prince angry before unless it was on the battlefield, but funny enough here he was, quite upset at the fact that his fiance was lying in bed hurt.

If anyone had to ask Allen what he though by seeing the prince in this state he would have thought,

'Ah, he loves her,'

But Allen knew that the word "love" contradicted his master completely. He was incapable of both, receiving and giving it.

"Your highness," Allen said carefully.

"What is it?" he replied in a chilling voice. Allen unconsciously gulped.

"I-I've brought the "physician" as per request," Allen said as Zachary nodded giving permission for the so-called physician to enter.

They both knew he was not really a physician, but they couldn't let word get out that the crown princess and future empress had fallen ill. If anything, Zachary was ready to kill anyone before the news reached the main palace and the current empresses ears. Zachary needed to be absolutely careful. One wrong step and his entire plan was going to crumble. There was no room for mistakes.

The "Physician" entered with a cunning smile glittering on his face. Pulling off his hood, his long black hair falling perfectly and smoothly. His honey-brown eyes captivating. One would think he was the son of a popular couple, but funny enough the bastard was a sly magician and apothecary of the forbidden tower.

"It has been a while Zachary or am I to call you, 'your highness'?" the man's voice like smooth velvet spoke out, but one could hear the bitterness behind every word he spoke.

"Stop spouting nonsense, that is not the reason I called you out here," Zachary spoke out.

"Uh, uh, uhh, it is you who is in need of a favour, not the other way around,"

Zachary could not help but let his frustration peak. This is the only reason he never wanted to call him over, but he was the only person he could genuinely trust, as he was not under the Empresses order and stood by his side through the war.

"Callum, would you leave behind your threats and do what you were brought here to do?"

"Ah! You are no fun," Callum spoke out with a huff. "Well then, who is it you wanted me to check?" he asked as he looked at Zachary.

"Her," Zachary pointed at Winter who had now turned pale.

Callum seemed bewitched as his eyes fell on the young lady, not only was she beautiful, the magic and mana she possessed was quite great and unexpected. Who was she? He wanted to know.

Zachary had caught sight of Callums staring and something bubbled up in him. Hed didn't want him staring at her. Winter belonged to him, so having an intrigued Callum around her was something he did not want.

'Belong?' since when was winter something he possessed? What was wrong with him? He didn't understand this sudden feeling. to his surprise, he was actually feeling something. His eyes snapped to the unmoving Winter, what had she done to him?

Taking a deep breath and trying to clear his thoughts he calmed his surging emotions. This was unlike him. And he had to find a way to fix it.

"Who is she?" Callum asked bringing Zachary out of his thoughts.

"No one of your concern, just check her and disappear before I make it so that you will never be heard of again,"

Callum rolled his eyes. Zachary was still a scary and heartless person. Sighing he walked over to Winter's side and placed a hand on her wrist.

"A Shadow?" Callum asked in surprise as Zachary nodded.

Callum continued his diagnosis, but couldn't help but wonder how a shadow managed to pass the very careful Prince. If anything, a shadow shouldn't have had the ability to infiltrate the prince's palace, let alone get near it. Funny enough Callum could feel it, This Shadow was no ordinary one, this one came with a thirst to kill and he could tell Zachary knew this too.

"She will wake up soon, she's going through a mana surge, her powers that haven't awoken yet are in a disarray inside her and is trying to settle down. It isn't time for her awakening yet, so that's the reason she is the way she is right now." Callum said. "I don't know if you have sensed it and it would be a lie if you say you hadn't, but this girl, the power she inhibits, is it not familiar to you?" Callum questioned.

Zachary did not answer and yet ignored Callum. Callum sighed at his silence, "You and I both know shes a danger to us and to herself, Why have you taken her in? are you doing an orphan collection of some sort?"

"She is my Fiance," Zachary said taking Callum by surprise,

"Did you just say f-fiance?" he asked. "You, Zachary, Has taken someone as your bride? What is the reason exactly? It couldn't have been because you suddenly grew a heart and fell in love." Callum mocked knowing fully well who Zachary was.

Zachary was incapable of emotions such as love and he knew it.

"I think he is done here, please escort him the same way you brought him, and make sure not a single peep of any of this is spread out," Zachary said as his dark eyes stared at Allen.

Allen nodded as a shiver went down his spine. Turning to an annoyed Callum he proceeded to escort him.

"My dear prince, don't get into something you cannot control," Callum said as he walked out with Allen.

Cant control? That was a funny thing to say. Zachary wouldn't have taken the risk is he thought he couldn't control it. He knew what he was doing. He was prepared dor it all. The only thing he hadn't taken into account was the fact the Winter was a woman.

Even though it was a contract marriage he agreed to give her his affection, even if it meant acting out the affection he never had. But what was going to happen if she desired more? He shook his head. That would never happen. She agreed.

And even if she desired more, he had nothing to give.