Zaynah ✓

xlix

~ Z a y n a h ~

"Do you know what's special about today?"

Desmond asked casually, fiddling with my fingers as I was placed on his lap.

I blinked a couple of times, wondering what he was hinting at.

Today was neither his birthday nor mine , so what was so special about this day?

My eyes slightly widened at another possibility I found, "T-Today is our wedding anniversary, right?"

He smiled widely, "Yes, you're right."

It had been a year already?

If Desmond wasn't present here, then I would've wailed in self-pity for that moment.

I smiled at him, "Happy anniversary, love."

He looked speechless when he realized that I had called him a nickname.

He put his arms around my waist, hugging me close, "That was a great gift for our anniversary."

I chuckled, "Is it so?"

He nodded.

Suddenly, we heard the sound of vehement knocking.

Desmond looked disappointed, but I was overjoyed.

I got off him and he answered the door.

"Your Highness, there's a problem."

"What is it?" His voice sounded more feeble than before.

"It looks like there's a threat to your life, Your Highness."

He turned around and looked at me for a second before speaking in a much lower voice, "What do you mean?"

If I hadn't been listening so carefully, then I wouldn't have properly understood what they were speaking.

"We received a letter from the Northern border this morning, and the content in it proved that some rebels intend to harm your life, my king."

Desmond remained silent.

"Moreover, we noticed that one of our windows was broken presumably from a warning attack. What do you think, Your Highness?"

"Don't worry, I'll arrange a meeting soon and increase the palace security."

With that, he closed the door and approached me.

I put on a confused face, "What is it?"

He smiled at me, "It's nothing serious."

"Are you sure?"

He sighed, "To be honest, there's a problem, but I'll take care of it. I'll make sure that you're unharmed no matter what. Isn't that enough?"

I shook my head, "No, you have to be safe as well."

I was amazed at how smoothly I lied nowadays.

He looked at me with sad eyes, "I'll do my best, ok?"

He kissed me on the forehead and left the room.

I relaxed after he left.

Soon after, another set of knocks alarmed me. I cautiously opened the door and found Laevinn.

"What happened?"

"May I get in?" His eyes indicated that it was serious.

I let him in and closed the door, "Desmond?"

"He stepped out now to have a meeting with some officials."

"You're sure?"

"Yes, I confirmed it."

I calmed down after hearing that, "Good. So what brings you here?"

"Did you hear about the death threat against Desmond?"

"I did."

He smiled at me, "That's false."

"How can you say that?"

He tilted his head as he looked at me, "Because I made it."

My eyes widened, "What?!"

"Yes, Zaynah. I forged a fake letter and spread that rumor."

"And the damaged window?"

"That as well."

I let out a shaky breath, "Why?"

"Because Desmond has his guard down right now, and it's the perfect opportunity to strike back."

I looked at the floor, "Is it?"

"Yes, your suffering will be over soon, Zaynah."

"So, the time has come?" I smiled at him as my eyes welled up with happy tears.

"It has."

I closed my eyes and let the tears fall.

The end was near, and I could feel it.