Chapter 45
Chapter 44
Anastasia turned around, her eyes connecting with Cassius as he stared at the dead body.
She braced herself for disappointment but instead he looked at her pleased.
"I see you've been busy," he said. "Care to share what happened here?"
Anastasia straightened, meeting his gaze. "He got what he deserved."
He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "Next time it should be less of a mess, understood?"
"I didn't have a choice," she replied. "He called me a traitor."
"Did he touch you?" He scanned her body, checking for any scratch or wound.
"He didn't."
Without a word, he pulled her into a warm hug, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. As he drew back, Anastasia leaned closer, sealing her lips with him in a tender kiss.
Cassius deepened the kiss, his hands cradling her neck as he explored her with his tongue.
Anastasia eyes fluttered closed, feeling her back press against the wall as she lost herself in the moment. She didn't think of anything; it felt as if time had stopped.
A moan escaped from her mouth when he nibbled her bottom lip before soothing it with calm air. She raised his hand to touch his hair but he pinned them above her head.
As they parted, he traced her hair with his fingers, his touch making her feel warm.
"We should go home," he whispered.
Anastasia nodded, her cheeks flushed. She took his hand as he guided her to the carriage and they both entered inside. As she settled in, her gaze drifted to the window, staring at the small muddy houses at the side of the roads. Her stomach churned, and she felt goosebumps form on her skin but she didn't pull away from his grasp.
Anastasia stepped into the carriage, resting her chin on her fist as she gazed out of the window. Her stomach churned, and goosebumps formed on her skin but she didn't pull away from Cassius grasp. He pressed a kiss on her hair, drawing her close to him.
When they arrived at the castle, Anastasia headed upstairs to her room and changed into more comfortable clothes. She heard the door open and turned to see Hannah walk in.
"Your Highness," Hannah bowed. "Will you be having lunch here or in the dining room?"
"Here," Anastasia replied, then quickly added, "Wait! I don't have any clothes for winter. Tell the coachman to prepare the carriage. We'll be leaving for the tailor's shop shortly."
"Okay," Hannah bowed her head before leaving.
A few minutes later, Anastasia descended to the grand foyer and walked outside. Hannah followed at a respectful distance. As they approached the carriage, the coachman opened the door with a slight bow. Anastasia entered first, and her maid followed after.
As the carriage started moving, Anastasia gazed out the window, contemplating what colors might suit her best. She turned to Hannah. "Do you think light colors will suit me?"
"Milady, I think emerald green would complement your skin tone," Hannah replied.
Anastasia smiled. "Okay."
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, and Anastasia returned her gaze to the window. As the carriage rolled past her old home, a longing feeling washed over her. Her mind flashing back to her old life with her mother at the cottage house.
"Do you miss your family?" Anastasia asked.
Hannah hesitated before replying, "I am grateful for my place at the castle."
"Never fear to speak your mind."
She pressed her lips together, taking a deep breath. "I do miss them, especially my mother and sister. I missed when she used to sing for me."
"You know, you can go visit them if you want."
Hannah nodded her head, "Thank you, Your highness."
When they arrived at the tailor's shop, Anastasia walked inside to take her measurement.
The tailor, with his short dark hair and well–trimmed mustache quickly set aside his measuring tape.
"Your highness," he bowed his head, wearing a broad smile. "It is a pleasure to have you in my shop. How can I assist you?"
"I need some winter-friendly clothes."
"Please come this way."
Anastasia followed him, her steps small and graceful. Hannah walked behind her, darting around the shop. The man guided her to stand on a small platform before he brought his tape to take her measurements.
"Emerald green, right?" he confirmed as he took her measurement.
"Yes, anything that'll suit my pale skin."
"I also have new shipments of silk fabric that'll suit you. Would you like to see it?"
"Yes, please," she said turning to her maid. "Hannah what do you think?"
After taking her measurement, they left with the tailor promising to have the clothes ready in a week time. Arriving back at the castle, she spent her time going through books in the library.
A particular book with black cover caught her attention. She grabbed the stool and stood on it, reaching to take the book from the top shelf.The book was about the history of mermaid. Anastasia sat down, flipping through the pages to read.
'One moonless night I ventured too close to her territory. She claimed to be kind to all her children, yet she exploits us to gain power, killing pirates and anyone who defy her. Today she killed a mermaid who was brave enough to stand out for herself. These are dark times I will never forget.'
"This was written by Niya."
Anastasia turned around to see Cassius sitting next to her.
"Niya was a hybrid born of a human and mermaid. She could stay underwater for long periods, despite being mostly human."
Anastasia felt a cold shiver run down her spine as she gazed at the picture of the evil siren mermaid killing everyone who defy her.
"Where is she now?"
"We found her dead the next day, floating in the water after she gave us this information," he replied.
Anastasia flipped to the next page. There she found a woman with striking beauty. She has long dark hair and black eyes that was as dark as the night sky. Her skin was pale, free from blemishes. She has full lips and hard features.
"This is Nerina, the evil Niya claims to be wreaking havoc under water," Cassius explained.
Anastasia learned more about mermaids. She continued reading trying to look for any information about her colony but there was nothing about it.
After reading more than two books, Anastasia retired to her room to sleep. She laid on the bed, closing her eyes. It was hard trying to sleep. Her mind was filled with Cassius and what she learnt at the library.
She kept on thinking about him and the new feelings she was developing. Her mind drifted back to the night he had touched her, his fingers sliding into her core.
She gasped, feeling wet with just the thought of him. She felt wave of desire, yearning for his touch. Her thighs clamped against each other, feeling her core drip with juice.
She stood up from the bed, wearing the robe around her shoulders and she headed to find Cassius. Reaching his room, she found it empty.
She raised a brow, searching for him around the room. She stepped out of the room, to see Emily standing at the bottom stairs with her gaze on Cassius.