Aseära was getting sweatier by the second, overcome with nerves the more her husband stared at her without saying anything.
She finally gathered her courage and asked, "Is there any reason why you have come to my bedchamber tonight? Why you have sought me so, at this hour?"
"Am I to answer that?" he asked as he stood a couple of steps from her, staring at her intently, in a way that completely unnerved her.
"W…well, yes, I did ask in hopes of an answer" she replied looking away from his intense dark eyes briefly, "So if you would please answer it"
"Hmm" came his hummed reply, "I do believe it is not unexpected that a man should visit his wife in her bedchamber at night, for certain reasons I am sure you know of." He said, coming closer to her, "And by the way, we are yet to consummate our union. Our wedding night never happened, I am sure you do remember"
Aseära felt herself shrinking as she pressed further back into the wall until she could move no more. "Is that why you are here then?" her not as strong as she would have liked, as she realized that she had come up against the wall, with nowhere else to run to if he decided now was the best time to take her to bed.
Seeing the fear in her eyes as she tried to inch further away from him but was inhibited by the wall behind her, he went no closer to her and averted his eyes from hers, so he was no longer intently looking at her.
"No, that's not why I am here" he said, quietly, "Not tonight"
That assuaged Aseära's fears a little, her nerves were a bit calmer now. But then if that is not why he is here, why else is he here?
"To what displeasure do I owe this visit then?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously, her voice now its usual steady tone, however, tinged with curiosity and suspicion.
The Darklord scoffed, "We would be welcoming an esteemed guest tomorrow, I want you by my side, no excuses, no acting up or incompetence. Just be by my side as a dutiful wife should…" he was cut short by a loud snort from Aseära, which earned her a silencing glare.
"… Also, he and his entourage would be staying for about two days or so, so for this period I suggest you act in line, for your best interest" he said with a pointed look that made her feel like she had just been warned or threatened, she wasn't sure exactly which.
He then turned away after delivering his orders. Wait, that was it? Whew! Aseära released a breath she didn't know she was holding and no longer felt cramped and hot. Just at the door of her room, the Darklord paused and turned around, apparently, he wasn't done just yet.
"And do not ever try to escape from me again, all your attempts would fail" he said, his voice and face hard.
Aseära was frozen with shock, she felt the blood leave her. How could he have possibly known about her plan to escape tonight?
"You forget, it is my castle, I know everything that goes on within and around it" he answered her unspoken question as he turned to face her once again. "And forget any plans of leaving here tonight, wife, just have a good night rest, if you are lucky you will get to see me in your dreams" he said. She looked at him with wide eyes, realization hitting her as she ran to check her escape route, the lowest window in her room, just a few inches above a flat roof perfect for landing, where she had earlier left a long rope for a climbing over. As she checked the window, she wanted to scream for not only was the rope not their but the window was sealed tight and would not open.
The Darklord had foiled her plans.
"You!" she turned to him, enraged, "Why would you not let me go?! I would not be your prisoner!" she furiously told him as she came to stand before him, her slender fingers pointing up at him.
The Darklord looked reserved as usual and somewhat bored of her theatrics as he answered, "You are not my prisoner, but my wife. The entirety of my castle is open to you, but I will not let you run away from me"
At the determined look in his eyes, Aseära felt her resolve break as she realized that no matter what she tried, this man has made up his mind about keeping her as his wife; for some reason that was entirely beyond her; and he would not change his mind for any reason.
"Why won't you let me go?" she asked him, close to tears, as the severity of her situation was beginning to dawn on her; he had foiled her escape plan and now she is stuck as prisoner of this cold Demondi. She may be presented as his wife, but she would not be fooled by that, she is a decorated prisoner.
"Because, a deal was made, marital vows were taken," came his reply, although his voice seemed softer somehow, Aseära thought perhaps she is imagining it.
"I am not the best wife; I would hardly even make a good wife" she argued
"Does not matter, all I require of you is to give me an heir and be the dutiful wife by my side when needs be" he countered
"I see no reason why you want this, I do not even like being in your presence much less you" she spat, seeing nothing else to argue, and somehow hoped that would hit a spot.
"Well, that makes the two of us" and with that he left her alone in her room, looking and feeling beaten, when she was in a rather jolly mood before he came. Once again. He just has that effect.