Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Truth, A Liar.

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IMPRESS.

(Still need to edit the chapter so mind the mistakes)

Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Truth, A Liar.

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Natalya's POV~

"Hello Natalya," Aunt Roslin strode elegantly strode from the corner my bedroom and I suspiciously watched her, "new look I see..."

I did not give her the shock reaction she yearned for and instead, narrowed my eyes whilst folding my arms across my chest.

Aunt Roslin still looked like the cunning and manipulative woman she was, wearing a black veil-like dress with traces of ruby red as she was channelling the black witch herself.

Her honey hazel eyes were as memorable as ever and although Aunt Roslin's personality was sour, she possessed beautifully sharp features.

"-how did you get in here?" I scrutinisingly eyed her, awaiting an answer.

Aunt Roslin briefly glanced at the floor and chortled, "my darling you are still just as naive as you were, there is a thing called a gate and a thing called a door. I simply just passed through them, that is after securing my identity with gatekeepers."

She must have gotten in before Aeralin and the castle went into shut down, maybe even before stage four.

The shutdown may mean Aunt Roslin wouldn't be gone as soon as I was hoping.

"Well then- what are you doing in my bedroom?" I continued to challenge her very presence, "I thought I was a burden to you, so don't even think of using the term "darling" with me."

"Don't be like that Natalya, you wouldn't want to see your poor Aunt Roslin cry, would you now? I doubt your mother would have approved of how you are treating me either."

I was face to face with Aunt Roslin and my fists were clenched, "I would happily see you cry... Why the heck is she here?" I whipped around, rudely pointing my finger at my aunt whilst glaring at Ella.

But in return Ella smugly smiled, raising her shoulders up and down again as she spoke, "my mother insisted on being plan b, you know just in case you chose not to help me which in this case, you said you wouldn't."

"That's because what you are asking me to do is not only cheating but dangerous on my behalf. The prince hates me!" I lied.

Ella rolled her eyes, "just because he tried to kill you instead of me, doesn't mean he hates you."

I scoffed, "repeat that in your mind and then tell me you aren't insane for even saying that."

Ella did repeat it in her head, scrunching her nose and using a thinking face to signal that she was and shrugged again, "nope, no insanity here I am afraid."

"WOW," I emphasised, "just as I thought you were acting like a cousin again... I thought wrong. But, anyway, how can your plan b possibly persuade me to help you after this."

Aunt Roslin chortled again, "well, don't get too big for your boots now Natalya, especially when I could easily expose you and Alaric."

I froze, my stomach dropped, my shoulders stiffened and my heart almost halted like my body had.

Quickly, I shook myself out of the frozen state and pretended to be unbothered by her threat.

"Expose what exactly?" I mockingly smiled at her, even though I was quite worried of what she was threatening she'd do.

Aunt Roslin took small steps until she was a metre away from me and her hand was resting on my shoulder, "just that you are the children of Isabella Valentine and possess very very special abilities like- I don't know witches?"

"So what? How could you possibly prove anything when I don't even have any abilities, neither do I have Valentine in my name..." I pointed out in a matter-of-a-factly voice, brushing her hand off my shoulder.

Aunt Roslin was unfazed by my responses and proceeded by circling me, "but your middle name is Andrea like your great grandmother was called and you share features with both of them, the King would bound to believe it especially if he took a careful look at you."

So, I guess Ella did know that my side of the family had abilities (not me but my mother and brother), I would never risk telling them mine had triggered.

I heard my stomach churn as I begun to feel a little nauseous, "and the fact you mysteriously awoke from the dead is very suspicious to a lot of people, it would only make sense if you used some kind of magic, an ability to shield or awake yourself."

What she was saying was really concerning, "if you ruin me and Alaric, you only ruin yourself, Ella, Todd and Marcus. We share the same family blood, we are all connected and the Royals are fully aware that myself and Ella are related," I smirked.

Hah.

Think again.

"But who would have it worse?" She started to challenge my backchat, "you and Alaric would, especially you, not only are you a lady and directly born from Isabella but like you said, the Prince hates you and there is no doubt that the Queen does too, everyone knows she wants you gone."

Everything she said was right except that the prince has recently proven that he doesn't hate me. In fact, I think he feels exactly the opposite. But then again, Zac is an ultimate mood swinger.

He'd hate if he found that I was as powerful as him or slightly more...

And the King, Aunt Roslin may have failed to mention it but he didn't exactly end on good terms with my mother (well so its said), he went mad because of her and a few other factors. He sent search parties out everywhere I was told and wanted to rid power from every living human.

Which he successfully did. And if he'd found my mother, he would have most likely burnt her at the stake - so it's rumoured.

"Fine, I'll do it," something clicked as I said this as if someone had flipped a switch inside of me.

I desperately wanted to say no but I couldn't, and I knew instantly that it was the darkness that had spoken for me because light me was scared and in deep thought.

"Good girl, I knew you wouldn't choose stupidly," Aunt Roslin pinched my cheeks with a patronising tone and smile, continuing to make a fool out of my inferiority in this situation by messing up my hair.

Ella giggled at my expense and Roslin encouraged it.

I irritatedly groaned, gently waving her hands from my head, "after this, I hope you don't think of bothering me again. Both of you."

Aunt Roslin tilted her head, staring at me in admiration? Envy? "I can't promise you that, after all, you are my niece," she sighed, "but... we both can promise that we won't utter a single thing about any abilities or our family origins to any royal or anyone in that matter."

"Deal." I brushed past Aunt Roslin when heading for the door, "you honestly owe me, now if you get out."

I pulled the door wide open waving my hand in a way of gesturing them to leave immediately.

"Happily," Ella victoriously straightened her frame and grinned, "don't forget to tell us how it goes."

"I won't, now bye," I waved watching the two leave with a forced and fake smile plastered on my face, "see you hopefully never," I muttered as soon as I shut the door with my back.

That's too big of a wish, of course I'd see them again, especially while Aunt Roslin is visiting. Urgh, why couldn't she send Todd to visit instead of herself?

I despise that woman and I think it's pretty okay to say I despise Ella too. I basically don't like any of that family except all so very lovely Todd.

Readjusting my dress I remembered I had slipped and my small, silver flask of Nixon in my bra. It's not very comfortable or practical but it will do whilst the castle and Aeralin search happens.

Now I need to find Zac again and try not to let the awkwardness of earlier ruin my chances of begging him to keep Ella alive. Although, at this rate, I could not care less for my cousin's fate.

However, I did care not only for my own welfare but my brother's. If I am the one "prophesied" I quote from the traitor witches, to save Asten by bringing it to its downfall and rise then I need to make sure my abilities and family history remain unknown.

At the moment, it felt like Asten was heading towards its downfall aka. the war to come and I had no idea what part I would play in that, that would bring many to ashes.

All I had to keep reminding myself is if all goes to plan, Asten would rise from the ruins it will be after the great war.

I breathed in and out thinking of how I would manage alone with the prince after the electric sphere that arose between him and me earlier. A sphere which had my skin tingling and heart skipping beats.

One which I hoped wouldn't arise again. It only arose when his eyes bore into mine for too long, so if I try my hardest not to meet his gaze I will be okay.

I can do this.

I mean- I won't do it exactly how Ella wanted me to do it, however, I will find a way for him to agree to keep her in the competition.

Later...

Back to Omar's POV~

"Well well well..." the sound of Prince Zachary's scolding voice and footsteps had my fingers and voice trembling, "we have ourselves an eavesdropper, Lady Ascelyn."

I scrambled to my feet, jumping up immediately and bowing my head respectfully at both my superiors.

"No sir, I would never," I denied his accusation which was all so very true, "I mean no harm, I was only cleaning your bathroom and stumbled into the door," I lied.

Believe me believe me. Pleaseee, I mentally begged.

Prince Zachary chuckled and I slowly lifted my head, fearfully glancing up to meet the burning eyes of Lady Ascelyn and the prince.

"I'm going to have to applaud you, young boy, you are a very good liar," the prince lightly clapped his hands so no sound was produced.

Lady Ascelyn pouted with an agreeing nod, "for a moment, I thought he was telling the truth-"

"-Well that's because you are pretty easy to trick," Prince Zachary joked and Lady Ascelyn grumbled under her breath, taking offence as she playfully nudged the prince in his side.

I found breathing really hard in this situation and had to take controlled breaths because I knew one wrong doing and I could be killed.

"Are you going to kill me then?" I asked both boldly yet nervously, taking a nauseous gulp.

Prince Zachary played with the rings in his right hand with a frightening smirk and twinkle in his eyes, "I really should..." he glanced up.

"But... the decision isn't up to me I am afraid," Prince Zac feigned sadness and gestured to his love interest Lady Ascelyn, "what should we do with him?"

Lady Ascelyn stole a glimpse at me and turned to Prince Zachary, "I would have said kill him but your dimples always come out when you have an idea, so spill."

I subtly smiled watching Lady Ascelyn challenge the prince like this. It was foreign to me, usually, the man was the dominant one in a pair but it looked as if Prince Zachary was giving Lady Ascelyn more control than what was traditionally expected.

"He is a very good liar, he didn't even stutter... almost fooled me," the prince grabbed Natalya's right hand with his and wrapped his fingers around it protectively, "I think we could use him."

I'd be happy to do anything to stay alive at this rate.

Lady Ascelyn unsurely looked me head to toe and shrugged at the Prince, "how?"

"He could be a spy on our behalf, a lot of things don't seem to be making any sense to me and with a spy, I can know if there are any suspicious conversations between nobles, commoners or any mysterious doings in trade and transportation. With a spy it would be easier for me to keep you safe and find out who's a threat to you," Zac held their intertwined hands to his lips, waiting patiently for Lady Ascelyn to respond.

It was silent for a while and then Lady Ascelyn sighed quite heavily, "I guess you are right, I understand that but, if he did hear us how do you know to trust him?"

As she spoke I shuffled backwards with my back remaining upright, head down and eyes curiously lifted so I could have an insight on what was going on between the two.

Prince Zachary smiled devilishly and tapped the end of his nose, "have you forgotten you are with one of the most powerful people across the realms? And that I have a special ability..."

Natalya grew a knowing smile as realisation struck me of what Prince Zachary was hinting at.

He possessed the power to compel, control and switch off the brain of practically anybody. The Prince could flood the worst images or the best images into your mind, he could give you dreams or he could give you nightmares and ultimately, he could control your every movement, breath and thought.

The thought of how much power he had made me shudder and made my toes curl with fright.

"No need, my lady, your honour. I am a loyal servant and would never think of telling a single soul anything you forbid me to speak of," I affirmed, holding my head high and hands together while staring at them both.

Prince Zachary nodded, an impressed smile creeping on his face when focusing his attention on me, "you are a good liar, I'll give you that," the prince stated "however, even if you are telling the truth, I still feel inclined to compel you, you know, for my lady's protection. You see I can't trust just anybody especially if it means putting the someone I love at risk."

So, it was undoubtedly true then. Prince Zachary had declared his love for Lady Ascelyn, right in front of my eyes.

Lady Ascelyn seemed awfully uncomfortable with his declaration and tried to break her hand out of his so she could hide her flushed cheeks. However, Prince Zachary tugged her back so she couldn't hide and smirked when he saw how effected she was by him.

If everyone else was to witness this romance between them, it would look to them as if Lady Ascelyn wanted to be with Prince Zachary. But to me, it seemed like she was still debating their relations in her head like other feelings were getting in the way.

There was no denying the electric tension and chemistry between the two but you see, I am a very observant boy so what I could pick up from Lady Ascelyn's body language was not just her simply being shy or timid, but the way Lady Ascelyn kept on subtly forcing space between herself and the prince made me think maybe there was someone else she wanted.

I don't know but to me, her mind may have been screaming for Prince Zachary but her body definitely wasn't, in fact, it was screaming for somebody else... But who could she possibly find more charming than the Prince of Asten?

"You don't need to hide your face from me or anything in that matter," Prince Zac assured Lady Ascelyn halted, staring up at him in awe... or was that guilt? "If I am to have you, I don't just want a piece of you, Ascelyn..." His darkening eyes lustfully flickered to her lips, "I want all of you."

Lady Ascelyn looked down at her feet in smiling thoughtfulness before softly laughing, allowing her shoulders to shake and chest to rise, "you need to stop doing this."

"Doing what?" Prince Zac cheekily grinned knowing exactly what he was doing. He was purposely making Lady Ascelyn flustered, throwing a dozen compliments her way and charming her with romantic and sincere words.

"Saying things you don't mean, things to get into my head, that "make me feel like the only girl in the world" and make me feel like trusting you again," Lady Ascelyn used a low masculine voice to impersonate a guy as she quoted a cheesy pick-up line and placed her hands at her ears, "It is honestly driving me crazy."

The prince rolled his eyes and attempted to pull her hands from covering her ears, "it's not my fault that you are irresistible," he complimented again and Lady Ascelyn jumped back, accusingly pointing at him, "you are doing it again!"

It was my turn to laugh now and funny thing was, I didn't know I was laughing so much until I saw both heads rotating and each pair of eyes landing on me. "What's so funny... uhm... what's your name?" Lady Ascelyn curiously and amusingly queried.

"Omar, my lady," I laughed out, "sorry I don't mean to laugh but my lady and your honour, you two are hilarious."

Prince Zac smugly smiled over at Lady Ascelyn who squinted her eyes at him with a faltering yet challenging smirk of her own, "even the servant boy finds you attractive, only a retard wouldn't."

"That's not true, and don't use that word, it's rude," Lady Ascelyn quietly mumbled as she folded her arms and stopped the eye contact with the prince. I guess she couldn't handle the tension between them, probably because she didn't want it to be there in the first place.

"What, retard?" The prince grinned, again he was purposely trying to get on her nerves, "what's so bad about using the word re-"

"-Hush please, I've lost interest," Lady Ascelyn cut him off with a sharp tone to her voice and a dismissive hand in the air.

This had the prince rolling his eyes once more, "Omar?" I nodded to confirm that was my name, "I don't think I want to compel you, not yet anyway. You remind of myself, you look like one hell of an observant boy and you can lie to save your life, quite literally. Hmm, keep this up and I may just give you a bed to sleep in."

I brightened at the three letter word. So far I had a roof to sleep under but a bed! now that was a luxury. "Thank you, sir, thank you. I promise I won't speak a word to a single soul. Where do you want me? And when do you want me?"

"Look, Natalya, a servant that is more useful than those four useless slaves of yours. You should invest in him, he is a weapon to be reckoned with," the prince spoke in hopes of annoying Lady Ascelyn further, and it worked because she shot back, "they aren't slaves, they are handmaidens!"

"I apologise for her attitude, she claims she is trying to "embrace her darkness" but I think she is struggling," Prince Zac whispered loudly so she'd hear and I smiled in amusement. "But despite her weird outbursts, I think for now I want you to keep a track of anything my mother is doing behind closed doors and anyone who serves only her. Something is telling me she is up to no good once again, and you never know..." he started to speak to himself, "she may be the one behind Lord Hornsely."

Lady Ascelyn slowly turned around, interested in the topic change and chimed in, "your mother, the queen not only hates me but she is literally Satan's wife, sorry not sorry."

"She doesn't hate you, she just hates that you are a human that I can't get enough of, and even if you tell her she is the devil's wife, she will probably see it more as a compliment than an insult," the prince shrugged like he knew too how much of a witch his mother was.

I knew how much of a witch she was from personal experience. The Queen was one evil vampire and thrived to see those below her status crumble in her palm.

Even her own husband the King was tired of her, you could see there was no love between them, just politics and power.

"I am at your service, I will find out the most I can in the next 24 hours and report back to you sir, lady," I bowed again, "thank you for sparing me my life, I appreciate the opportunity you've given me."

"You are a lucky boy Omar, you eavesdropped at the right time, if we'd crossed paths a little earlier you'd have been dead instantly," the prince notified and I swallowed nervously, "I understand that, sir."

"Good and I hope you understand if you disobey me, I will have to rid of you," I nodded quickly, "I'm glad you understand, now leave me and Lady Ascelyn alone, and go, spy,"

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