Vienna’s POV


    Missionplete.


    Failure wasn’t something that defined me, and that’s why we’re now thousands of miles away from Cercei’s beloved mate.


    Lord Drogo, a man of considerable influence and connections, had orchestrated our swift journey from the Northern territory toward the Southern sanctuary. For him, the art of maniption was as effortless as lifting a finger.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    Our stay in hisvish mansion had been brief, just a day to recharge before the next leg of our journey. Lord Drogo provided us with a capable crew and a serviceable ship. We had to travel by water because the skies were under strict surveince, as Lucian’s men were tracking us down. And even though the seas were closely guarded, Lord Drogo had already made his strategic moves.


    The ship he provided was smaller and less extravagant than what I was used to, back home, but it was sufficient. I had grown tired of the North’s cold, and my heart yearned for the warmth of the South.


    Turning my attention to Cercei, who had been battling the waves since we set foot on the ship, I couldn’t help but remark, “We’re not even halfway there, and you’ve already puked hard for a couple of hours.”


    Cercei’s face showed difort as she asked, “Can’t this ship go any faster?”


    I shook my head, my lips pursed with sympathy, “This isn’t a luxury cruiser, Cercei. It’s the swiftest option we can move.”


    “Damn it!” She muttered, cursing quietly, before returning to her queasy ordeal.


    I offered her a nod of understanding and left her alone.


    In her eagerness to leave, I sensed her growing resentment toward Lord Drogo. Her gaze and words had be unusually stern towards our benefactor. Even in these difficult circumstances, she had courageously defied him.


    Though her behaviour might have been irritating, I preferred this spirited version of her over the sweet, innocent, and fragile Cercei a few years ago.


    But it hardly mattered; her strength would fade long before our journey’s end. I couldn’t understand why she had insisted oning with me, considering the dangerous path ahead.


    It certainly made my task easier. My initial thought had been that there might be more to my predicament than just my imprisonment inside that dreadful ss cell. Yet, as time passed, it became clear that Cercei remained the same stupid girl I had always known.


    Or did she?


    She had shown fierceness and an untamed spirit, but regardless of her intentions, victory was not within her reach. Even the most foolish creature wouldn’t challenge the mightiest predator. Scheming an attack on my father would be suicide. She couldn’t wish for her own death, especially now that the love of her life was at her feet.


    “Miss, your sister…” The words from one of the men cut through my thoughts, causing me to react instinctively and hurry to Cercei.


    I saw her clinging to the ship’s railings as if her life hung in the bnce, her stomach contents spurting into the boundless ocean below.


    Gently, I held her trembling shoulders and turned her to face me. She was ashen, her skin drained of colour, and her hands were cold and quivering.


    “Cercei!” I called out, concerned about her condition. She had barely eaten, and her constant vomiting puzzled me.


    “Hey,” I called her again. She finally faced me, but her strength wilted, and she copsed onto the deck, her back against the chilly metal of the railings.


    “The ocean smells like fish,” she uttered weakly.


    I furrowed my brows in bewilderment. “What?” I queried, taken aback.


    “It stinks!” She repeated feebly.


    “What the fuck?” I inwardly cursed. Of course, the fucking ocean stank; it was an ocean, for fuck’s sake, not a bottle of perfume.


    “And the leaves,” she murmured in an even softer tone. I could barely hear her.


    “The what?” I moved closer so I could hear her.


    “The leaves,” she tried to raise her voice.


    “The leaves?” I echoed and was baffled.


    “They stink,” she whispered. Her small voice barely reached my ears.


    I scanned our surroundings. We were hundreds of miles from anyndmass, surrounded only by the vast expanse of water. There were no leaves in sight.


    “Are you losing your mind?” I asked, my annoyance creeping to the fore.


    Cercei remained unresponsive, her head slumping against my chest, and I realized she had lost consciousness.


    I swiftly directed the men to carry her to her cabin. Excessive vomiting had clearly drained all her energy, and she hadn’t even managed to eat a single bit of food.


    “Take her to her room and prepare some soup for her when she wakes up,” I instructed firmly.


    “Yes, Miss,” one of the servants replied with a respectful bow.


    “Also, I want us to increase our speed,” I ordered, my tone leaving no room for disagreement. It wasn’t a mere request; it was amand.


    Only a day had passed since we left the North, and Cercei was on the brink of physical copse. Our return home wouldn’t happen soon. The idea of bringing her lifeless body to my father sent a chill down my spine, and I yearned for theforts of luxury.


    It had been a month since I’dst savoured the scent ofvender or enjoyed the embrace of rich fabrics. I longed for my dresses, my shoes, and my bags.


    Oh, what I wouldn’t give to wrap myself with those fineries again.


    No doubt, my father would be immensely proud of my sess. My mission had been aplished easily, albeit dyed, as Lucian imprisoned me for almost a month. If I had been free, I was certain it would have taken only a week.


    Knowing Cercei’s character, she’ll want to meet her father, forgive him for all the wrongs, and ept him immediately.


    I scoffed at the thought, typical Cercei.


    I wonder how Lucian is reacting to all of this. Cercei mentioned that Maria helped her get to my room without any guards or cameras in the way. I don’t know how she managed it, but it required skill.


    Cercei’s actions were treacherous; she betrayed her best friend and escaped with me, the prisoner. I’m sure Lucian is furious and seeking revenge at this moment. He’ll despise her and do anything to retaliate.


    His anger will make him vulnerable and lead to his defeat. Once Daddy takes everything from him and strips him of his titles and properties, I might ask if I can keep him.


    I’m sure he’lle to like me as time passes, and we can start anew. I’ll be the Alpha, and he can be my mate. We could be happy together.