Zordan’s loud ardent voice resonated as a sharp echo amidst the walls of the large spacious room. A brief heavy silence persisted between the two giant men facing each other, whereas Maxim blankly gazed into his grim dark eyes. The glint of tears hidden in his onyx eyes depicted the immense pain he was enduring himself all alone.
Even though he acted rashly towards him driven by his concern and frustration, the quick realization hit him once again as he knew, how far Zordan has been always willing to go far…just for the sake of his undying love for Gabriel. He had been always overprotective of her since the very childhood and it was natural to watch him miserable while she was in despair too.
Maxim curled his right hand into a fist and exhaled a deep sigh, lowering his gaze down. The ambiance between them had grown heavier and unable to endure the suffocating silence anymore, he mumbled, “Your Grace…Pardon me for losing control over my temper. To be honest, I am sick of watching you always enduring every misery alone, just what you are going through right now.
If I had known before that things would turn out to be like this…I would have stabbed Chief Luther with my sword instead! That…evil man…” His low, grumpy voice trailed off which implied the surge of anger Maxim was bearing inside.
Zordan lifted his glance and while gazing back outside the giant floor-to-ceiling windows, he exhaled a sigh. “No, I had always preferred not to soil your hands with his blood, Maxim. I wanted to deal with him myself…and…I won’t absolutely spare anyone if they tried to hurt my Gabriel.
I have waited and loved her for a long time…and until my last breath, I want to protect her with all my might. Even if it means by enduring her immense hatred…”
“But, to be honest, I am also skeptical about Prime Minister Aiden!” Flaunting the long cape clipped from his shoulder, Maxim lowered his hefty voice as his eyes shimmered in mystery. His face had an intense look prominent when he reached him close by a few steps and continued, “I don’t know why he wanted to be on the same side with you, and helped on providing such important pieces of information…but…I really don’t trust that vile man.
I am still skeptical about what he is plotting inside and I swear on my knighthood if he possesses a bit of intention of causing any harm to you…or Lady Gabriel…I am gonna shred him to bits!”
“Neither I trust him, Maxim.” Zordan folded his thick, veiny arms over his broad chest and exhaled a sigh, peering a blank gaze outside. “I have never trusted him, in fact, except you…I can’t trust any man in this entire royal castle, Maxim. I know most of them wants me dead, but I still need to keep him by my side for the time being.
I know how dangerous the environment has become around me. And I can also guess, who might be the mastermind plotting all these evil plans against Gabriel. But, all I need to find out is the reason… Why would someone want her dead?
And once I have got enough proof on my hands, I swear…I will give the culprit possibly the most brutal death!” His big onyx eyes were shimmering with dark viciousness, as he grunted out in a low pitch.
Listening to him, Maxim leaned his gaze down and his brows frowned deeper. Holding a contemplated look on his grimace, he uttered in a tiff pitch, “But…what if…while protecting Gabriel you meet a brutal fate, Prince Zordan?”
For a second, Zordan squinted his orbs and his fingertips fidgeted as if he couldn’t defy his words. While he stayed still, Maxim eagerly continued, “I have been not only your loyal beta but also your best friend for all these years. That’s why I can’t help but worry for you!
I know you have been always targeted by evil eyes, but what if…you are diving yourself into grave danger like this? What am I going to do if everything goes wrong?”
“Then consider it to be my last sacrifice, Maxim.” A faint smile sliced the corner of his lips as Zordan turned his grim eyes towards him.
Baffled at his response, a bitter heartache stirred his inside as Maxim stuttered, “W-What? What are you—”
“I know Maxim, you are the only one who has been always by my side through thick or thin. But, if something goes wrong for me…then can you give me a promise that you will protect Gabriel on my behalf?” The arc of a sad smile widened on his lips as Zordan marched a step closer to him.
Whereas, holding a bitter sad gaze towards him, Maxim clenched his fist tight and strongly opposed in an anxious voice, “Stop spouting nonsense! There’s no way I will ever let you die before me!” His cold opposition shivered a little when he shoveled a glance at pale, unconscious Gabriel as he further spoke, “Both of you are going to live a happily ever after when all this will be over!
I am certain, and I will surely make it happen! At least until I see all your black hairs transformed into grey, I won’t accept your demise, Prince Zordan!”
Even though Maxim sounded a bit grumpy, Zordan could vividly understand the hidden concern in his voice. Holding that grim look on his face, he gently tapped his shoulder once to comfort him, “I know and…I am not going to die this easily. Have faith in me.”
“F-Fine…then, I will leave for now. You should get some rest yourself too, Your Grace. If you need anything, just let me know.”
Maxim cordially bowed his head and slowly stepped towards the door to leave the room. Before clenching the doorknob, his feet paused for a moment as he took one last glance at Zordan’s sad face while he was gazing outside the window.
‘What am I going to do…if something really happens to him? This man certainly knows no limit when it comes to his love for her…’
He wondered with a heavy sigh before he opened the door outside.
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