CHAPTER 252: REPAY YOU WELL

Zilia opened the door and found Casaio in front of her. Lowering her eyes, she gave him way inside. Casaio removed the shoes and put on the slippers.

"We couldn’t talk much last day. Where’s Idris?" asked Casaio, his tone sounded soft.

"Idris is sleeping," Zilia replied.

Casaio halted slowly and turned to her. "That’s better. We can speak without restraints then." His sharp glare made her feel a bit strange. As he took the seat on the couch, he asked Zilia to sit as well.

"How did the meeting go?" Zilia inquired, sitting across from him. She fidgeted with her fingers nervously, her heart racing in an uncertain fear.

"The pact is signed. You and Idris no longer belong to him. He can never use you," Casaio stated. "Why did you run away? I did tell you to stay back. Yet, you again betrayed me. Is this how you’re going to play with me?"

"That was the best way to stay far from your sight. What was between us in the past, it can’t be same in the present, not in the future. I wanted to start a new life with Idris somewhere far, where no one knew me," Zilia explained, looking straight into his eyes.

Casaio’s fists clenched, but he remained calm.

"That’s why I have decided you’re coming to the palace with me. Idris will be sent to the academy and will study there until he turns 18. Refuse me and you’ll see my wrath," he pronounced, not blinking even for a second while saying those words.

"You can’t do that," Zilia said. "We aren’t mates. You rejected me, remember? You hate me, and I... Feel the same," she stated.

"What did you say?" Casaio frowned. "Say it one more time," he challenged her.

Zilia opened her mouth and speak. "I hate you too. I don’t want to be a part of your life."

Casaio chuckled, confusing her. Then, the expression on his face darkened. Standing up, he walked to her and leaned down. His both hands rested on the arms of the sofa as he bore his gaze into hers.

"Very well. Then, I must keep you closer. You didn’t hear the other day I told you. How I feel about you? How I hate the fact I still love you? I can’t let you live in peace. It will make me angry seeing you happy with another man."

Zilia’s eyes turned misty, but she didn’t blink. "Don’t you fear for the Queen’s decree?"

"No. Once I send away Idris, I’ll mark you. Then, we will in a separate home away from the palace, but within the capital. Your pheromones only respond to me. You know this well." His eyes still remained glued to her.

Finally, he stood straight and ran his fingers through his dark raven hair.

"You can find a better woman, you know. Why suffer with me? Why giving me a mark, and establish a bond where both of us will suffer? Is this your way to take revenge from me?" Zilia questioned, rising to her feet too.

Casaio lowered his hand to his side. "Yes. You fooled me for ten years. Shouldn’t I repay you well? Get my mark and then suffer," he pronounced. Then, bringing his hand to her nape, he drew her closer.

"To make sure Idris grow up, just do what I’m saying. He loves being here, Zilia. He trusts me more than anyone. So, for his sake at least do what I want. You will, Zilia." His fingers brushed over her temple, tucking the loose strands behind her ear.

"Are you now threatening me with Idris name?" Zilia scoffed.

"No. I’m trying to give him the best life he deserves. Childhood trauma isn’t easy to forget. You weren’t with him for twelve years. Your aunt grew him up. He lived in isolation and fear. I want him to live well. And for that to happen, his sister should do what I desire," Casaio affirmed.

Zilia couldn’t deny the words he spoke. They were reality, the truth. Idris lost a lot in those twelve years. He grew up in adversities, which no one could fully understand.

"Fine. I’ll do what you want," Zilia agreed to him.

"Very well. I will stay the night here," Casaio said, turning around to go to the second room.

"What? Why? Go back to the palace," Zilia said in a loud voice, then she ran after him.

Walking into the room, she protested, "Cas, go back to the palace." She saw him removing the overcoat, then the buttons of his shirt.

Walking to his front, she held his hands. "Go back. You know mother well, don’t you? She won’t like that you are still with me."

"She’s already aware of my intentions. I made her clear not to intervene in my life," Casaio affirmed, a muscle in his jaw twitched. Then, he lowered his hand and said, "I’m hungry. Cook something for me. It’s been a long time since I ate food made by your hand."

"Aren’t you afraid I may poison you?" Zilia snapped at him.

"You won’t if you want Idris to live," Casaio stated. He undid his buttons when Zilia moved away. Shaking her head, she dashed out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

’What is he trying to do? Establishing a broken bond again? Why make us suffer together? Who does this? He has completely lost it. But I can’t even do anything in this. Idris deserves a better life,’ Zilia thought while walking to the kitchen.

"If he wants to hurt me like this, then I’ve to bear it. Maybe he will leave me alone himself after getting tired of me," Zilia muttered and stopped at the counter. Taking out a pan from the drawer, she put it on the stove and turned the flame on.

’Let’s prepare his favorite food. It was a relief that he didn’t get more angry for what I did. But who did tell him about me and Idris?’ she furrowed her brows together.