Chapter 34: Why Not Life.

Chapter 34: Why Not Life.Ariana could not believe what she had just heard. Did Zavren just say that? She tried to think—how does this man even think? It was like his thoughts were his own, carried in a way completely opposite from what anyone would call normal. He was different. No one knew what was going through his head, and that was what made him scary in every possible haunting way. Zavren finally stood. "My wife will handle the rest," he spoke with grace as he began to leave. The place fell silent, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for him to leave. Just as the door closed, they let out the breath they never knew they were holding. The chilling atmosphere lightened a little as Ariana’s father spoke softly. "It gives me great joy to see your husband treat you well. That was all I asked for, and that is all that matters." Ariana raised a brow. ’What’s with the poetic words?’ she wondered but still nodded. Ava managed a tight smile. "Sister, my husband and I might visit again next week. It depends," she said with a sweet smile as she began to formulate plans in her head. If it meant ruining Ariana’s marriage, she was ready. "Oh, my love, you have forgotten next week is our honeymoon," Mr John spoke as Ava’s body shivered with disgust as she forced a smile. "How will I forget?" she spoke, her words cutting, gasping for breath due to her smelly husband. She knew she had become a laughing stock in the village. While her sister married the king, she had married a carriage driver—the villagers called it ’vice versa.’ She was pit to pit; her sister was pit to palace. It had become the talk of the town. Now that alone was painful enough, and she could not just sit and watch her sister enjoy her life. If it meant going as far as having her way with the king, then so be it. To her surprise, Ariana did not respond—she just gave a nod. She stood, moving her hands slowly and gracefully in a quiet manner. "Father, thank you for coming. Hoping to see you next time. Take good care of yourself," she finished with graceful curtsy, then walked elegantly toward the door. Mr. John could not help but stare, his mouth wide open. "I would have married her instead," he muttered under his breath—loud enough for Ava to hear clearly she clenched her fist tighter. Immediately after Ariana stepped out of the hall, Leah was already there waiting. Ariana raised her hand slightly. "Where is my husband, please?" "Queen Ariana, His Majesty left for an important meeting. I was told to show you around, as your last tour wasn’t completed," Leah said respectfully. Ariana nodded, vividly remembering that day—when he had shot... She swallowed softly, trying not to remember it. "Is it okay by you?" Leah asked gently. Ariana nodded again. She had nothing else to do, and this was the least she could do to stop herself from overthinking. Her sister was now married to that man—supposedly her mate. Ariana had lots of unanswered questions. The lady then guided her into the castle. They walked silently through the hallway. "These paintings were auctioned by His Majesty—though not his favorites. One of his most beloved pieces broke tragically. Since then, the rest were moved to the castle museum." Ariana pressed her lips together. She knew exactly which painting Leah was referring to—it was the one she had broken that day. And wait... the castle has a museum? It seemed they really had nothing to do with money here. She wouldn’t be surprised if they had a whole room just for flowers pots. If only they knew how people out there struggled to get a penny... just like she once did. Leah stopped in front of a large door. "This is the Council of Maids. It’s where punishments are given by the head maid to other maids who attempted stealing, poisoning, or fighting. It is rarely used—because the final punishment is death." Ariana’s eyes stretched wide in shock. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Was this how brutal this castle was? No wonder the maids trembled like chickens scalded with hot water that day. It was like they already knew their fate if Ariana ever chose to report them to Zavren. Leah moved on, stopping at another door. "This door leads to an outside garden. Farther ahead is the maid quarters. Queen Ariana, would you like to see it?" she asked softly. Ariana shook her head. It was better she explored the mansion itself. "Very well then," Leah nodded, continuing down the hall. As they walked, Ariana noticed a particular door at the far end. Strangely, Leah hadn’t mentioned it. Now her curiosity was piqued. Ariana stopped, causing Leah to turn to her, waiting. She pointed at the door and signed, That door—you haven’t mentioned anything about it. Leah’s face paled instantly. Ariana didn’t miss the way her hands clenched the fabric of her ginger-colored gown, the tremble in her body, and the slight quiver of her lips. Ariana took another glance at the door. She recognized that expression—fear. But why? Why would someone react so deeply to simply pointing at a door? Now, more than ever, she was curious about what was behind it. "Queen Ariana... t-that door... no one is allowed in there except His Majesty himself. Anyone who dares to go near it will be punished... by hanging." Ariana’s eyebrows drew together sharply. Why did everything here revolve around death? Why not life? It was always death. And why was Zavren the only one allowed in there? What could possibly be inside that room to justify killing someone over it? And more importantly—what was it about death that intrigued Zavren so much? She nodded quickly, trying to end the conversation—clearly, it was making Leah uncomfortable. They exited the hallway and stepped into the garden. Just as Leah opened her mouth to speak, a maid approached in a hurry. She curtsied low, her head bowed. "My greetings, Queen Ariana," she said politely. Ariana gave a small nod. The maid then turned and quickly whispered something into Leah’s ear—too soft for Ariana to catch. Moments later, she noticed Leah’s face pale. Whatever had been said clearly alarmed her. As the maid rushed off, Leah turned to Ariana apologetically. "Queen Ariana, please feel free to look around. I must leave—there’s something urgent I need to attend to." Ariana nodded, and Leah bowed before quickly walking away. As soon as Leah disappeared, Ariana turned around. For some unknown reason... curiosity was clawing at her insides. She had to know what was behind that door. She began moving faster, her steps quickening with every second. She just needed a glimpse. That wouldn’t hurt... right? Just a peek. That’s all. No one was there to see her anyway. She promised herself. As she reached the hallway again, she held up her gown to speed her steps. Her breath came out in quick bursts, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to calm her racing heart. Her heartbeat thundered like an unwanted festival held without warning—loud, chaotic, and utterly out of place. Her breath caught as she reached the door. She stared at it—wooden, still, and yet somehow alive. Watching her. She inhaled deeply... and exhaled, but it didn’t ease the cold grip wrapping tighter around her nerves. "Ariana, leave now. What do you think you’re doing? Get out," she warned herself silently. But her body didn’t listen. Her hand reached for the doorknob, trembling slightly. The moment her fingers touched the cold metal, a shiver shot down her spine—like the scream of something ancient, something made of steel and hidden shadow. Cold. Deathly cold. It was the kind of cold that whispered of graves long forgotten. She took one more breath and began to turn the knob— When suddenly, a large hand grabbed her wrist. Ariana’s heart leapt violently in her chest as she stumbled back, a strangled breath escaping her lips. The color drained from her face. Her chest heaved, breaths ragged and sharp, as she looked up— And met the eyes of a tall, looming figure. Not just tall—towering. His expression, dark at first, unreadable and void of warmth, hovered between menace and something... restrained. His eyes glinted in the dim hallway, reflecting the flicker of something. Then, just barely, his face softened. Not with kindness, but with reluctance. Like someone holding back a truth far too terrible to speak. The deep voice that followed struck straight through her. "Her Highness... you’re not supposed to be here. I’m guessing you weren’t aware." Ariana swallowed hard, fear still prickling her skin, every nerve screaming that something was wrong. But what? The presence before her was commanding... and utterly unfamiliar. How had this man managed to come here without her noticing? It had been so quiet she had not heard footsteps—so how was that possible?.... "A pleasure to meet you, my queen," he said with a slow calm tone. "I am Zekel, His Highness’ brother."