A storm had arrived.
"Everyone. Out."
The voice was sharp, commanding, and furious.
The maids and servants didn't wait to be told twice. They scattered like frightened mice while scrambling to escape before the wrath of the king of the jungle fell on them. And it was no one else but the dangerous crown prince.
Cristiano had arrived. And he was livid.
When Cristiano stood eye to eye with Portia, she saw the fury burning in his dangerous dark eyes. His voice was clouded with anger as he spat, "This is your doing…"
His gaze swept over the room, taking in the intimate setup; the candles, the petals, the heavy scent in the air. He let out a sharp mocking laugh.
"Are you so eager?" he sneered.
Portia simply looked at him, calm and composed while completely unfazed by his outburst.
Her silence only fueled his rage.
"So this was your grand plan?" Cristiano accused, his voice dripping with contempt.
"What?" she asked, a little confused.
"You plotted all of this. You injured yourself and played the pity card! You ran to the King, cried about suffering injustices, and made me look like a fool of a husband! And because of you, Isabella was thrown out of the palace!"
His eyes darkened further and his next words came out like venom.
"If the fire between your legs couldn't be extinguished, you could have just said so!"
Portia's fingers twitched slightly but she did not break her composure.
Cristiano stepped closer, as his presence loomed over her. His lips curled in disgust.
"Let me tell you, Portia Hawthorne, I will never touch you!" he hissed. "You disgust me. I loathe you!"
She met his gaze steadily as her dignity was unshaken by his crude words. Her eyes were telling him that by using such crude words, he was merely insulting himself and not her. She was still standing with the crown of her dignity intact on her head.
The ever graceful Portia Hawthrone.
That only enraged him more.
He accused her, "You are nothing but a shallow and unfeeling woman who doesn't hesitate to hurt others just to get what she wants! All you care about is power!"
His hand shot out as he gripped her throat. He wasn't choking her, just forcing her to look at him, his grip firm but dangerous.
Blue, who had been watching in silence, jumped into action by barking furiously at Cristiano.
Cristiano turned his glare to the dog, and with just a glance, Blue whimpered taking a step back. But the loyal companion wasn't discouraged. He barked again, ready to defend Portia even if it meant risking his life.
Portia raised a hand, silently signalling Blue to back down.
Cristiano's grip tightened before he released her with a shove. She stumbled and fell to the ground.
He said, "You are already the crown princess. You are on your way to becoming queen. What more do you want?" he spat. "You selfish, greedy woman! Stop ruining the lives of innocent people who have nothing to do with your power games!"
His gaze was ice-cold as he delivered his final words, "I will never forgive you for what you did to Isabella. Never! You vile creature!"
With that, he turned sharply on his heel and stormed out, leaving Portia sprawled on the ground.