Page 29 of Twisted Alliance

She slowly took a few steps closer and braced herself to be grabbed.

“Take out the first-aid kit and replace the bandages.”

Recalling the previous night when he made her tend to his injuries, she slowly opened the shelf next to her and took out the first-aid kit.

He turned with his back facing her.

“Change the one that has come open.”

She noticed that one of the bandages was soaked in blood and was bleeding. With shaking hands, she tended to the wound and dressed it with fresh bandages.

“I-I’m done,” she said.

He turned and faced her. From up close, his handsome face with regal features reminded her of the brief moment on their wedding night when she had felt confused by his consideration. He had told her that he wouldn’t touch her that night. And he had also stood in front of her to protect her from the attackers and told her to hide under the bed. At that time, she was too shocked and terrified about the events that were out of her control.

But that man was now gone. All she could see was a ruthless stranger who threatened to make her pay for the betrayal.

“I-I didn’t mean to have you killed that night,” she whispered, hoping to explain her reason.

His eyes flashed darkly at the reminder. “So, you didn’t offer me the drink, knowing it was drugged?”

“I-I knew, but—”

“Didn’t you already know the attackers would be coming that night?”

“I-I knew, but—”

“So, you did betray me.”

She shook her head, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at him. “I-I did, but I didn’t mean for you to—”

He cut her off again. “Stop,” he commanded. “Don’t think of me as a fool to be taken in with your innocent act again.”

Her lips trembled as he watched her darkly. “You will pay for your betrayal,” he said. “And if you and your brother conspire against me again, the alliance rules will not help either of you. I will destroy you both.”

Shaken and terrified by his words, she shook her head. “M-my brother is not involved,” she said. “I-it was m-my idea to have you attacked that night because I-I didn’t want the alliance.”

She took a trembling step back, watching his expression at her words.

Her brother had asked her not to reveal his involvement. But by taking the entire blame on herself, she was now the sole target of Shivay Thakvar’s fury.

She thought he would kill her right then. Letting out a frightened sob, she ran out of the bathroom and to the bedroom suite. She wanted to run outside, but she wasn’t wearing her veil and was still in the previous night’s clothes. She was about to take her chances and opened the door to run out, but she saw a group of women talking among themselves outside.

“I-I need help,” she said desperately.

They watched her with confused looks and frowns.

“I-I need help to get ready,” she said.

The frowns disappeared.

“Sure, madam.”

The group of women came inside. Although she didn’t need help to get ready since she wore simple clothes that were easy to wear, she still needed people around her for protection.

Just when she felt somewhat safe, her heart rate sped up when she saw the imposing figure of Shivay Thakvar coming into the bedroom from the changing area.

The group of women froze, and they stared at him with a combination of awe and respect.

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