To get on my nerves

Raphael's fury boiled over as he clutched Cecilia's throat in a vice-like grip. "How dare you defy my orders?" he thundered.

Cecilia struggled to break free, her futile attempts causing her vision to blur and her body to writhe in agony. Finally, Raphael released his hold, and she collapsed onto the marble floor, gasping for precious air.

"I-I did as I pleased," Cecilia managed to assert despite her weakened state.

Raphael's voice carried a grave warning as he said, "You are forbidden from touching her. Consider this your last warning."

Cecilia's eyes blazed with anger, the color shifting in response to the sudden flare of emotion. "Why? Her father slaughtered my family," she retorted fiercely. "You promised me that night that you would eliminate everyone connected to Ezkiel."

"I will torture her slowly. She should remember what her father did to us," Raphael stated while furrowing his brows together, unsure whether he would be able to do that or not.

Cecilia nodded at him and found him pivot to walk away. "You tried to kill me for that woman. How can I even trust you? Tell me," she demanded answers from him. 

"Cecilia, you defied me. That's what matters," Raphael said and left her sight. 

She frowned and managed to get up. "No, Raphael. There's something more about her, which prevents you from killing her. I am not going to do what you want me to do. I'll not let her live," Cecilia told herself and clenched her fists before smashing the flower vase. 

A maidservant rushed into the chamber to hear that sound and gazed at Cecilia. "Clean this mess," she ordered the maidservant and went further inside her chamber. 

Cecilia rummaged through the drawer and finally found the tiny flask consisting of a deadly poison. A mix of both Wolfsbane and snake venom. Two days ago when Winter was taken to the King's chamber, Cecilia decided to arrange the poison. 

"Only one drop and Winter will fall into a deep slumber," Cecilia murmured an evil grin spread across her lips. She clenched the flask in her hand and decided to make a soup for Winter. 

"I cannot stand her presence anymore, especially Raphael's attention on her," Cecilia muttered under her breath.  

~~~~~~ 

Raphael looked at the parchment, which his other beta, Hector, handed to him. He read it and put it aside. 

"How far is Knollswood from here?" Raphael inquired. 

"It will be a one-sided journey of four hours," Hector replied. 

"Tomorrow, I will go there. You can send the message to the Marques about my visit," Raphael asserted. Hector nodded and bowed before heading out.  

He placed the royal seal on the document before him. Placing the stamp away, he rose to his feet, asking his assistant to take it away. "Give to to Nathan," Raphael ordered. The assistant to the King bowed and walked away. 

Now, in the study only Raphael was present. Since the morning, a lot happened and he was unable to focus well. The reason why he decided to not work the entire day. 

He lifted his head as he got Winter's scent and found her with a tray in her hand. "I heard it's the time for His Majesty to drink this special tea," Winter said while keeping her gaze low and halted at her place. She waited for his order, but he didn't say anything for a minute. 

Winter acted on her own and stepped up to place the tray on the mahogany desk. As she began brewing the tea, Raphael's voice landed in her ears, "I didn't ask you for this." 

Winter stopped pouring the warm water into the cup. "Am I not His Majesty's personal servant?" she queried and again filled the cup with the hot water. The dry leaves of the chrysanthemum mixed well with the water, emancipating the aromatic scent. 

Raphael stared at her when his eyes instinctively fell upon her bare arms. 

"Who did that?" He asked. 

Winter remained quiet. 

"Answer me," Raphael pressed. 

"I don't think His Majesty shall talk with a servant," Winter replied, placing the teacup on the saucer and forwarding it to him. 

Raphael chuckled and lifted to his feet. He came to the front, causing her to be nervous for a moment. Raphael's calloused hand reached out to her face as he pulled her chin up, causing her to peer at him. 

"You truly love to get on my nerves," Raphael said. "If you are a maid of mine, then shouldn't you listen to all my orders?" he inquired. 

"I'm listening to all the orders of His Majesty. However, it's strange he doesn't ask about the maidservants' bruises or injuries," Winter muttered. This newfound strength in her awakened because she had no fear left. 

"Winter, why do you wish to defy me when I'm gentle on you?" Raphael queried her. 

"I never asked you to be gentle on me," Winter said. 

"Very well," Raphael leaned closer to her face, making her flutter her eyes shut. He leaned his face to her ear and whispered, "You will follow me everywhere and be with me 24*7."

Their gazes met and she frowned to hear his order. He let go of her chin and went back to the desk. Raising the teacup, he sipped the chrysanthemum tea. He suddenly felt refreshed just from one sip. 

"Have you learned tea making?" Raphael asked. 

"No. This is my first time making tea," Winter replied casually. "If it's bad, you can throw it away," she said. 

"It's not bad," Raphael said. "It tastes good," he murmured, still having his back toward her. "Why did you come here when I told you to rest?" He queried as he took the seat on the tall, leather chair. 

"Ain't I a maid? How can I sleep in the King's bedchamber?" Winter muttered and gazed into his eyes. 

"Why did you suddenly get a sharp tongue?" Raphael snickered. 

"Because I know that you hate me. I should annoy you to the extent that you would want to throw me out of your sight," Winter proclaimed. 

Raphael laughed to hear her proclamation. "That won't happen, Winter. Not, so soon. I'll push you to the door of your death gradually," he affirmed with a sly grin.