Conquering His Cold Heart

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Vincent replied while giving a sincere smile.

Anastasia didn’t know what to think of that request from Vincent. “What did Tilla say? Did you ask her too?” She wanted to know if that was what Tilla also wanted before deciding on whether to accept or reject Vincent’s request.

Vincent truthfully replied to the Queen, “Tilla was hesitating saying that she would be away from you. But I assure you that I will bring her here if she desires to meet you, or if you desire to meet her.”

Seeing the subtle hint of sadness on Anastasia’s face, Vincent quickly added, “I will hire an experienced nurse to look after her and offer her the best care. And once she is completely healed, I will bring her back to the castle so that she can resume her duty.”

“How long did the doctor ask her to rest again?” Anastasia asked Vincent and picked up her fork and knife, returning her gaze from Vincent to her now cold breakfast.

“One month.” Vincent cleared his throat and added, “It’s not that long. It will pass in the blink of an eye and Tilla will be back here before you even start missing her.”

A sad smile formed on Anastasia’s lips. She took a bite of the blood sausage to hide her sadness and began munching on it while fixating her gaze on her plate.

A month was nothing for the others, but it was a great deal of time for her.

.....

She wanted to deny Vincent’s request because of that. Tilla wasn’t just her friend but also her confidante. She didn’t want Tilla to be out of her reach.

However, she also didn’t want to be too selfish. She knew how new emotions were blossoming between Tilla and Vincent. And she didn’t want to prevent that bond from deepening by coming in between them.

Anastasia heaved a deep sigh and turned her head to look at Vincent.

He was already looking a little restless. He was thinking that the Queen would deny his request since Anastasia didn’t look that happy.

“Lord Vincent, let me ask you a question first,” Anastasia said in a serious manner.

“Yes, you can ask me anything.” Vincent was hopeful again. He was thinking that the Queen would ask why he was willing to take care of Tilla.

But instead, Anastasia asked something that he hadn’t imagined at all. “How sincere are your feelings for Tilla? Are you simply attracted to her because she is a human or…?”

Vincent slightly raised his brows, a little surprised by that blunt question from the Queen. But he quickly recovered from the shock and answered with all honesty, “Your Majesty, I am attracted to Tilla because of her compassionate and unselfish nature. The woman I like just happened to be a human.”

“And it is, of course, not my intention to take advantage of her in any way. My feelings for her are very sincere.” Vincent adjusted his posture a little and said with great determination, “If it’s any consolation to you, I will give you my word that I will do anything and everything to keep her safe and happy.”

A subtle sense of relief hovered on Anastasia’s face upon hearing that oath from Vincent. “You are willing to do anything and everything for her?” she repeated what he had just promised.

Vincent suddenly got this urge to make a formal promise to the Queen. He quickly got up from his seat only to bend down on one of his knees.

Then he replied while placing his right hand on his chest, “Yes, Your Majesty. If Tilla agrees, and if we get your blessing, then I intend on keeping my promise for the rest of her life.”

Anastasia suddenly smiled brightly upon seeing Vincent getting that worked up. However, she was also happy and greatly relieved to hear that Vincent wasn’t just thinking about fooling around with Tilla for a few days or months. He was actually quite serious.

“Please be at ease,” Anastasia mumbled. And when Vincent bowed and took his seat, she got serious all over again. “I will take your word then, Lord Vincent. I hope you will remember your promise to keep her safe no matter what happens in the future.”

“Of course. I will never forget my promise.” Vincent didn’t think much of it and agreed.

But Anastasia was relieved thinking that at least Tilla would be safe if Caspian was to get angry at her after she revealed all the secrets.

“Will you be taking Tilla to your mansion right away?” Anastasia asked.

Vincent was beaming when he heard that. The Queen had agreed to his request. “Yes, I was planning on doing that if I got your permission.”

Anastasia gave a soft smile and then asked Vincent, “Will you bring her here before taking her away? I would like to meet her once.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Vincent gratefully bowed and left the room in an instant.

After Vincent disappeared from the room, Anastasia glanced back at the food on her plate. She had already lost her appetite.

Martha, who was sitting in the antechamber until now, came back to the room. She saw how the Queen hadn’t finished the food yet. So, she asked, “Shall I ask the chef to prepare something hot?”

Anastasia shook her head and replied, “Clear the table. I would like to lie down for a bit.”

Martha instantly took the portable table away from the Queen’s bed. Before she left the room though, she turned her head and asked, “Your Majesty, I’m sorry but I couldn’t help but overhear. Is it okay to send Tilla away?”

Anastasia shrugged her shoulders and answered, “I’m not sure. But it feels right at the moment.” She took a deep breath and mumbled to herself as she slowly lost herself in her thoughts, “I sure hope that I won’t regret making this decision in the future.”