Czar didn't know what had happened before his arrival for the room, but seeing the way Masha and his mother stood apart, and the way Masha's hand was holding her cheek with shock in her eyes, he could easily fix the puzzle. He couldn't comprehend how it made him feel, knowing his mother had laid hands on Masha. Whatever it was, it didn't feel good. Eve shifted her gaze to Czar immediately, trying to get rid of the repugnant look on her face. "Son, you're here. I actually came for you "Masha's hand was already down from her face, but displeasure shadowed her countenance. The queen's slap still hurt, and she felt so much bitterness to know she couldn't retaliate. If it had been anyone else but the queen, Absalom knows she'd have done something about it. Czar noticed how Masha kept her gaze glued to the floor. The part of her face that had been hit had turned crimson already. Anger shadowed her face, she didn't even try to pay homage to him."I need to have a word with you." His vo

Seconds passed, and Masha could still not find her words. She felt trapped in front of him, unable to look away despite how nervous she felt. Czar finally took a step back, his steely gaze on her. "I thought so too." He mumbled and started towards the door. Masha sprang to her feet and ran to him, pulling his wrist just before he'd reach for the door. Czar looked at her and found nothing but deep fear eating her up. Her gaze was on the floor."Y... You don't have to leave." She swallowed hard. "I understand what you want. Ac... Actually, I thought you'd be irritated by me. But...if you're not..." She forced her eyes from the floor to look at him. "... I'd want it as well, my prince. I'd... want to have this experience with you."Czar turned properly to face her. That was when she let go of his wrist and returned her gaze to the floor. "Are you sure?" His voice was low. "You need to be certain you want this, Masha."She nodded nervously, gulping down the lump in her throat. Her h