CHAPTER FOURTEEN
DANIEL'S POV
When Tanya saved me from Prince Raymond's capture, I was moved, thinking she cared about me more than she showed. Though she scolded me afterward, I didn't mind anymore. I was slowly getting used to her harsh and unkind words.
Still, deep inside my heart, her actions confused me. Why would someone who hated me so much risk saving my life?
I visited Jerry at the Snake Pack, and we discussed our plans to destroy the witches. But first, I needed to get close to Tanya, no matter how difficult it was.
"My prince," Jerry said, "do we really have to kill them? After all, they saved our lives. One thing I've noticed is that, although they kill humans mercilessly, it is us humans who bring trouble upon ourselves first. We can steal the roots, and one of us will deliver them to the kingdom to avoid suspicion. You, my prince, can remain here until our kingdom is saved. As for Tanya's plan to destroy our people—win her heart first. She will change. After all, she wasn't born wicked. It is us humans who made her this way."
After hearing Jerry's words, I realized he was growing attached to the Snake Pack. He was in love.
But even though what he said was true, I could not ignore my duty. My people were suffering.
I told Jerry that I was not going to change my mind. The witches had to be destroyed—but not by us, not directly.
Jerry looked confused and asked what I meant.
I told him about the new enemy in the covenant—Prince Raymond. I explained how I had overheard him and Eve talking about their plans to destroy Tanya and her people. I had kept that information from Tanya on purpose. It was a selfish decision, but I knew it would be difficult for Jerry and me to destroy the witches ourselves. It was better to let Prince Raymond do it while we focused on getting the roots and escaping.
After hearing my plan, Jerry was not happy. He strongly disagreed with me.
For the first time, Jerry argued with me. He said I should warn Tanya instead of betraying her.
Then he told me something that shocked me.
He said he would protect the Queen Mother and the witches because he was in love with Tammary—and she was carrying his child.
I stood there in silence.
I had noticed their closeness, but I never imagined it had gone this far. A child… a bond that could never be broken.
Disappointment filled my heart. Without saying a word, I turned and left.
The distance between us began that very moment.
Later, I overheard the Queen Mother warning Tanya to stay away from Prince Raymond. At least someone else had noticed the danger. Seeing Tanya and Prince Raymond together always filled my heart with jealousy, but I had no right to say anything.
One day, I saw Tanya walking with Prince Raymond, even after her godmother's warning. That was when I started keeping my distance from her.
I didn't understand why, but her actions hurt me.
She never looked at me—unless it was with cold hatred.
But with Prince Raymond, she laughed… she smiled… she looked alive.
I tried to warn her about him, but I only ended up regretting it. She tortured me and reminded me that I had no right, as her servant, to tell her who to associate with.
She was ruthless.
Even if she hated me, why did she enjoy hurting me so much?
One day, I saw Eve walking toward me with a smile. I didn't trust that smile—it felt fake and dangerous. I wanted to avoid her, but when I noticed Tanya watching us from a distance, something changed in me.
I wanted to see if she cared.
Eve pretended that she had twisted her ankle, and I deliberately carried her to make Tanya jealous.
But Tanya said nothing.
She didn't react.
And that silence broke something inside me.
That night, I couldn't sleep. My mind was filled with thoughts of Prince Raymond proposing to Tanya. I kept wondering why she wasn't affected by what she had seen earlier between me and Eve.
Then, suddenly, I heard Tanya's voice in my chamber, warning me to stay away from Eve.
My heart stirred.
So… she did care.
But instead of showing gratitude, I provoked her again. I told her she had no right to interfere in my relationships.
That statement angered her.
She appeared in front of me, raising her dagger to stab me.
I was afraid… but as I looked into her eyes, something deep inside my heart shifted.
"I love you."
Those three words escaped my lips before I could stop them.
Silence filled the room.
I saw her lips tremble. Her hands shook. For the first time, Tanya looked… shaken.
Then she dropped her dagger and disappeared.
I stood there, frozen.
What had I just done?
How could I fall in love with a blood-sucking witch?
From that day on, I wished I could take back those words. Tanya avoided me completely, and strangely… I missed her.
I missed her dark gaze.
I missed her presence.
Even her torture.
It sounded crazy—but it was true.
Days later, I overheard some witches talking. Tanya had agreed to marry Prince Raymond, even though her godmother opposed it.
My heart felt like it was being torn apart.
There was no way I was going to allow that to happen.
I would do anything to stop it.
Even if it meant becoming something else… even if it meant becoming a wizard myself just to fight Prince Raymond.
If her godmother was against the marriage, perhaps I could ask her for help.
But then… what about my throne?
My people?
My kingdom?
My betrothed Tracy I even forgot about her
Was I really willing to sacrifice everything… for a witch?
This… this was madness.
Or perhaps… it was love.
END OF CHAPTER FOURTEEN