A Game Of Chess With A Vampire
Chapter 221: Wait...Please...

Chapter 221: Wait...Please...

Draven wrapped his hair in a low bun. He exited the mansion, got into his car, and drove off to make his way back to the royal mansion.

He arrived shortly and parked the car. He stepped down, locking it and shoving the keys into the pocket of his coat.

Draven proceeded into his quarter and approached his room. At the sight of him, Santino slightly bowed.

"Welcome back, young master." He had a pessimistic smile.

Draven gave a slight nod. "Is she alright?" he inquired.

"Yes, young master," Santino replied. "She seems to be asleep."

"Asleep?" Draven was a bit surprised. It was morning. Avelina never sleeps in the morning unless it was with him.

Santino smiled, saddened.

"She looked for you, young master. But unfortunately, you were not around. May I ask if everything is alright?" He seemed apprehensive.

Draven was quiet, as if in thought. He exhaled but did not respond. What he rather did was open the door, step in, and shut it behind him.

He glanced over at the bed, and there he saw Avelina, laid and curled up into a ball. She was holding onto something—something he couldn’t quite make out.

Careful enough not to wake her up, he advanced towards the bed and glimpsed what was in her grip. It was his...shirt.

Why was she holding onto it? A deep breath fled his nose, and he squatted down, his gaze fixed on her face. Although reluctant, he reached out his hand, gently running his fingers through her hair. He tucked some behind her ear and went ahead to caress her cheek—the part of her that he loved the most.

"I’m sorry," he apologized. "I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I was not in my right mind, and...I’m really sorry, Avelina. I would never do such a thing ever again, even if I lost my mind." His voice, as gentle as ever, rang through Avelina’s ears.

Draven straightened up and turned around to leave, but a slender pair of fingers wrapped around his, grabbing his hand and stopping him.

"Wait...please..." Avelina’s voice was low.

Draven came to a halt. He turned his head, glancing at her.

"Are you okay?" he inquired.

Avelina stared at him. She could hear the sound of her heartbeat pounding in her ears. She wanted to speak—to say something to him, but...It just wasn’t coming out. It felt as though she had lost her voice.

"Draven..." she voiced his name in a hushed tone.

Draven blinked his eyes. He was gazing at her, not uttering a word as well. What was he to say? She was not speaking to him, so he could not tell what the problem could possibly be.

Avelina tightened her grip on the bedsheet.

What should she say to him? What could change? How does she explain, and where would she even begin? How would she even elucidate the fact that she was feeling this way towards a man who could only look the way of his late wife? He was willing to fight this much for his late wife, surely she wouldn’t mean too much to him. Definitely not a measly human like her.

Avelina’s grip on his hand grew tighter, and Draven watched as a single drop of tears slipped from her eyes. He shook on the spot, confused.

"Avelina..." His voice was soft and gentle to the ear. "Why are you—"

Avelina quickly averted her gaze and covered her eyes with her palms. She sniffled and stood up from the bed.

"I’m not crying." She shook her head.

Draven frowned, bemused. "What? You are clearly crying. Are you lying to me? Is there something that you want from me? If there is, go on and ask, I’ll give it to you. I told you that as long as I can give you anything you may ever desire, I will not hesitate."

Avelina chuckled softly.

Give me anything that I may ever desire? I don’t even know what it is that I want. Is it you, your heart, or what is it exactly? I can’t tell... She thought inwardly, causing her to almost begin to cry again.

"I’m not lying to you, Draven. Why would I be crying?" She smiled at him. "I’ve just been having a bit of pain in both eyes for a few hours now, so it does make it seem like I’m crying, but I really am not."

"Really? Is that it?" Draven inquired. He was not hearing the sincerity he would usually hear in her voice.

Avelina nodded at him. "Yes." She took a long, deep breath, calming her thumping heart. "Where did you go?" she asked.

Draven fluttered his eyes. He looked away from her and darted his gaze around. He could not lie to her, but would it be okay to be honest? He cannot lie, even if he wants to, as that is against his ideals and principles.

He let out a soft breath. "My Villa."

"Why?" Avelina probed, wanting to know. "You would always tell me when you leave and where you go, but...you didn’t today. I was so worried, and I could not stop wondering when you would be back. I know I said distance, but...I still do not want you to leave completely. I still want to be able to see you, Draven, and..." she paused, balling her hands into tight fists.

"What did you do?" she queried.

Draven’s eyes narrowed. He asked, "What do you mean?"

Avelina proceeded to clarify, "Well, I expected you to go over there to sleep, since it’s still morning, but...you are back. So clearly, you didn’t go over there to sleep. Did you go to paint or play archery?" She was beaming at him.

Draven took a few moments before he shook his head. "I did none of those."

"Huh?" Avelina was baffled. "If you didn’t do any of them, then...what did you do?"

"I don’t think you want to hear it," Draven said, unwilling to say.

Avelina drew her head back, confused. "Why...wouldn’t I want to hear it?"