Chapter 26: The Bond
Vishiea’s POV
A few hours had passed. During the tournament, I saw Darius stealing multiple glances at me. I choose to ignore him even though it is annoying the hell out of me. I don’t have the time to deal with his stares. This might not be my plan, but this is getting better.
When I arrived here at the kingdom as Anastasia, I didn’t expect him to take an interest in me. Look how the table turns; it’s quite entertaining and funny. The person he betrayed before is now back. I will let them taste their own medicine.
“Nathan is winning! As I expected from him, he’s really cool!” Cassie said while giggling. I see; there’s a fan girl here. I looked at her, “Do you have a crush on him?” I asked. She stopped watching and looked at me with wide eyes.
“No, no. It can’t be. I might be the Beta’s cousin, but we can’t be together. He’s higher than me, and besides, he’s not my mate. I don’t want to be someone like Rachelle,” she said with a frown. I chuckled at what she said. At least she respects Nathan’s future mate, unlike others.
“It’s just a crush, Cassie. There’s nothing wrong with admiring someone. Unless your intention is more than that,” Liliane said. Cassie pouted, “Fine. He’s cool, so I admire him,” she admitted. Liliane went near her and playfully punched her arm.
“You didn’t tell me. You have a crush on my cousin. I can't blame you, though; he’s indeed handsome. It's just a pity that he’s still painfully single,” she said. Hmm, painfully? What happened? “Painfully?” I asked her. The two of them looked at me.
“Yes. We may not be close, but I know what’s going on in his life. I heard before that he likes someone who is not his mate. He sacrificed and worked a lot to be worthy. Her mate is not treating her well, so he wanted to take her away from him,” she answered. Really? We were close before, too, but I don’t know that.
“Do you know who she is?” I asked curiously. Liliane shook her head, “Unfortunately, no. I didn’t have the chance to know because he left for the training,” she answered. I see. That girl must be lucky. Nathan is indeed a kind man.
I didn’t talk anymore and focused on the fight. This is the last round. Eight contestants were eliminated a while ago. It is Nathan and a man who is fighting in the middle of the arena. Any moment by now, there will be a winner. It’s almost lunch, too, and I’m starving.
“Kick him! That’s it, punch him!” Cassie and Liliane screamed. All I could hear around was yelling. The crowd were alive and cheering for their biased player. I leaned back on my chair and looked around. And there, I saw him again, staring at me.
How long will he look at me like that? Isn’t it tiring? I looked away and sighed. When I watched the fight again, I saw Nathan punching his opponent continuously. He looked like a beast. That’s when I saw Cassie and Liliane standing up and screaming his name.
“Nathan! End it now! Woo!” A smile slowly crept into my lips. They were having fun now. It seems like Nathan heard them because he won. That’s a great fight. He’s really good at fighting. “Come on, Anastasia. Let’s go and congratulate him!” Cassie said happily.
I chuckled and followed them down. When we were near him, someone blocked our way. It’s him, Darius. What does he need this time? “May I borrow Anastasia? I just need to talk to her,” he said. I coldly looked at him. Talk to me, huh? About what?
Cassie and Liliane looked at me. They were looking at me like they were asking what they should reply to. I nod shortly. They smiled, “Of course, Your Majesty.” Darius nodded and signed me to follow him. I let out a sigh when he turned his back on us.
“Wait for me there. This will be just quick,” I told them. Both of them nodded and resumed walking towards Nathan. “Follow me,” Darius seriously said. I nodded and followed him. He brought me out of the Arena. When we were outside, I crossed my hand on my chest and raised an eyebrow.
“May I know what we should talk about, Your Majesty?” I asked him. He let out a sigh, “You’re doing it on purpose, don’t you?” My brow furrowed on what he said—doing what? Gosh, he’s crazy now. Is this how he became after six years?
His face became dead serious as he walk near me. I took a step back, “We are on public, Your Majesty,” I warned him but he didn’t listen at all. Instead, he hold my wrist and pulled me with him. He started to walk away the Arena and brought me inside a room.
“Here, no one can see us.” I glared at him and removed his grip on my wrist. He let go of me but he chuckled.  “Do you think this is funny, Your Majesty? Why don’t you just answer me? What the hell do you need from me now?”
“I’m not joking with you, Anastasia. I asked you, did you do that on purpose?” he asked again. He’s impossible. How do I know what the heck he is talking about? Doing what? I shook my head.
“I have no idea what you’re referring to, Your Majesty—” “It’s Darius, Vishiea. How many times do I have to tell you, no, Your Majesty? Call me by my name like the way you used before,” he frustratedly corrected me.  Is he fucking real now?
“How many times do I have to tell you, too, that I’m not Vishiea? I’m Anastasia,” I corrected him. He took a step back and pursed his lips together. “Don’t lie to me, Vishiea. I know it’s you. Don’t fucking deny it because of bond is still there. Don’t make me look like a fool. I wasn’t born yesterday!” He yelled.
I was slightly stunned, unable to move. I can still feel the bond because we didn’t end the connection six years ago. That’s the biggest mistake I made before getting exiled. I should have rejected her when I saw him cheating on me.
I laughed sarcastically. “No. I’m not her. I’m not the woman you betrayed, Your Majesty. Stop telling me I was her because I’m not. I have my own Identity. Anastasia Cullen. If you’re trapped in her past, then deal with it alone. Don’t drag me with it!”
His fist turned white as he gritted his teeth. He looked madly serious now. He wasn’t talking. He was just looking at me.  “I wasn’t dragging you to my problem. It’s not even a problem in the first place. I was trying to correct my mistake. I want to make it up to you, Vishiea. I want to be with you again.”