AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I had opted for a wheelchair out of ease, and the sound of the wheels was unpleasant on the marble floor in tandem with Antonio’s, Javier’s, and Manuel's footsteps. Silence hung heavy between us.
I was still upset that Antonio was forcing me to do this, even though I logically knew he had little to do with it.
Canciller Duarte was sitting behind his desk, commanding attention like a storm rolling in over the horizon. He was an imposing, tall, broad-shouldered figure with gray-white hair slicked back from a high forehead. His piercing eyes, the color of polished steel, bore into us as he made his way to the head of the long table where we were seated. His fine cloak dyed the deep indigo reserved for ruling class members trailed behind him.
"Buenos días, jovenes," he said brightly.
We both said it back.
“Antonio Castillas,” he intoned, his voice rolling through the room like thunder. "And Renata Valarde... Also known as Carmen Asbaje."
If he was hoping for a reaction, I was unable to comply. It didn't shock me that he knew who I was.
As he took his seat, I couldn't help but notice how the ornate chair seemed almost too small to contain him. It was as if he filled the surrounding space, a living embodiment of the authority he wielded. The Canciller's gaze swept over us, assessing and calculating, before settling on me with a particular intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.
"Thank you for coming," he said, his tone deceptively polite. “Carmen, since this is the beginning of our relationship, I have something I need you to know. I am direct and busy. So let's get straight to the point.”
He paused, and I could feel Antonio tense beside me. I remained still, trying not to make a sound as the Canciller said in a low voice, “People want you dead. Your power triggered this latest eruption. You are at fault." His words sent chills down my spine.
The implications of his words sunk in like lead in my stomach. Had my abilities caused this? I was responsible for the destruction and chaos that had befallen all those people with lava, ash clouds, and noxious fumes.
"No," was all I could whisper, feeling helpless and overwhelmed. "I-I tried to save them."
The Canciller waved his hand, cutting me off. "Whether or not you meant to do so is irrelevant. You have extraordinary power, and it wouldn't be hard to turn the people against you."
The threat was potent. "What about the wyvern that flew away? Are you forgetting about that beast?"
He shrugged. "I saw no such thing."
I shook my head. My blood pressure skyrocketed. "You are a liar. You have no proof, and you killed my family."
Agustín raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And you are so innocent? Even without the tragedy in Cinturón del Fuego, you are not without blame. No one in this room is, so I suggest you calm down before I decide to feel threatened."
I tensed but didn't speak.
The Canciller smiled. "Thank you. Now, having said all that, I trust you understand the gravity of the situation you find yourself in."
I didn't react, but Antonio gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.
"Of course, Canciller," he replied, his voice steady despite the dangerous air surrounding us.
Canciller Duarte leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers before him as he focused on me. "How much did he tell you?"
I glanced at Antonio and furrowed my brows. "Nothing." My voice was flat. "He merely demanded that I come here as soon as I had woken up." I would've stayed in bed if I had known it was to be blamed for a volcano exploding.
The man nodded. "Your existence, young lady,”—the Canciller began, his voice cold and unyielding as steel—“is solely for the service of the commonwealth. I know who you are and what you think you represent. But this country, this class, my wife, is more important than a blood-thirsty monarchical legacy."
I clenched my fists beneath the table, trying to control the anger that welled up inside me. "I don't know what you mean."
He smirked. "You are dangerous, and I wanted to kill you when we found you. Omar Gálvez wants you dead, as well.”
I cringed when he mentioned the Comerciante Nocturno’s name. My heart raced in my chest. There was no way he had that much sway with the Canciller. Was there?
“Nevertheless, Antonio,”—his gaze flicked over—“convinced me of your value and brokered an agreement on your behalf." He paused for effect, his gaze shifting to Antonio, who stiffened under the scrutiny. "Antonio Armando Castillas Morales has pledged to take you as his wife."
This was the last straw. My heart stuttered, shock and disbelief coursing through my veins like ice water. Just two seconds ago, he had casually mentioned a Comerciante Nocturno, and now he was bringing up marriage? To Antonio?
My mind raced, grasping for some explanation, some reason why he would agree to such a thing without consulting me. How could he so casually strip away my agency and my dreams, reducing me to nothing more than a pawn in his twisted game? I glanced at Antonio, seeking solace in his steadfast gaze, but found only a guarded expression that offered no comfort.
