Maria must think I am foolish. I knew she snuck out and slept with her guard. Crimson may be a pain in my ass sometimes but she was a good watch dog.

“Please tell me you will kill her this time!” Crimson hissed as she had just explained to me what took place in the cove.

I was stunned. Hell, I knew Maria loved her guard but I would have thought she would have waited at least longer before sneaking around.

Now, that left me with a choice. I can kill her but then her soul would be weak. Or I can let her live and let her soul grow stronger. Now, that made my stomach growl in anticipation, The thought of her pure and sweet soul growing even more stronger. I can not think about her soul right now.

“I don’t think killing her will justify the cause.” I told Crimson.

“You have got to be kidding me! She went back on her oath!” Crimson shouted at me baring her teeth.

That was true. I thought to myself, though it wasn’t by her choice. Regardless, I had a decision to make. To kill my “fiancé” or to let her live. “I think I will just see what she has to say for herself first.”

“You are stupid!” Crimson shouted as she slapped me in the back of my head once again. Perhaps, instead of sleeping with her, I should have just taken Crimson’s soul. I thought to myself as I grunted with the impact.

I shrugged as the pain wore off from her slap, “I don’t think I am. There are reasons for all my actions.”

“Then enlighten me,” Crimson snarled.

“I think I will pocket that reason for now. You haven’t told me everything that you know.” I told her. As part of me had a feeling that she was hiding something from me.

“Please what do I have to hide?”

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“I think you know who the dragon is.” I told her, crossing my arms. She tried to hide it, but her reaction gave it away. She knew who the dragon was but for some reason she was keeping that information from me.

“I’m not one hundred percent sure but I have a feeling.” Crimson admitted.

“Then tell me who you think it is.”

“Not yet.” Crimson said.

“And why is that dear?” I growled. “If we are working on this together then why not tell me?”

“Consider this a lesson.” She crossed her arms in disgust. Was Crimson jealous of my potential feelings that I have for Maria?

“Jealousy isn’t a good look on you, Crimson.” I teased her with a smirk. Hell, I was jealous of Maria and Theoden. Their connection sickened me. Their love sickened me. And yet, I couldn’t help but feel jealous. As their bond is something I was not destined to have. However, it was something that I wanted.

What surprised me, however, was Crimson’s blunt reaction to my own personal feelings. This made me question if our partnership was more than just on business terms. And perhaps our few times in bed together was more than just simple fun to her.

I knew that response pissed off Crimson so much that she utilized teleportation and vanished without saying any more. Screw her. I thought as I prepared to meet Maria and her guard Théoden, the day after they slept with each other.

I couldn’t help but let my mind wonder as I made my way down to the castle’s grand hall. Why did she have to sleep with him? Though to be fair, I haven’t given her much. Not a kiss. Nothing. Perhaps, I need to step up my game if I want her to stop sneaking around.

I went up to the guard at the gate and asked him, “please make sure both Maria and Théoden arrive at the castle soon. A discussion is to be had, immediately.”

The guard nodded and sent a message to Théoden, “Marcel wants you at the castle immediately.”

As I stood in the grand hall I tried to bury my emotions. I couldn’t let my own jealousy and hatred for Théoden get the better of me. As I knew if I let my emotions slip, they would surely know that I have feelings for Maria. Feelings I was unsure about and ones I did not want others to know about.

I tapped my foot on the stone ground as I impatiently waited for their arrival. What is taking so damn long? I thought I told that stupid guard to tell him immediately.

A few more minutes passed as the door to the castle opened and they both walked in together acting innocent. Innocent my ass.