CHAPTER 36: IVAN

The months go by in a blur of happiness and peace. There's too much of it that I begin to worry and get suspicious, especially with the whirlwind of negative emotions Lucia had to go through because of Anna.

All I had to do to get rid of Anna was threaten her with her finances. We both knew there was more I could have done, like actually banning her from my city or killing her. But I have always been a stickler against hurting women and children.

Since I couldn't harm her physically, I automatically transferred the blow to Rodrick, who was stupidly her informer. I always wondered how she knew of my whereabouts sometimes and was surprised when she gave him out. So much for loyalty these days.

But despite the worry, Lucia reminds me to enjoy the serenity. Of course, I appease her by not looking or acting worried in her presence but behind doors, with the help of Gertrude, we've been looking into the reason for my worrying; Alfred's absence.

It's been three months since the entire Alfr