That night I lay in bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling as thoughts of my encounter with the vampire prince consumed me. He’d left me speechless… still. Unwanted images flickered through my mind – sculpted abs, that gorgeous bloody smile, his touch that burned against my cheek.


    My fingers traced where his fingers had been, finding crusted blood still lingering on my skin. He’d invaded my space, something I despised because of how thoroughly his presence unraveled me. I was losing control. Why did he have such power to leave me breathless? A sigh finally escaped me, too consumed by this inner battle.


    Then a dangerous thought emerged – how did he intend to take me on our wedding night? No—I shouldn’t think such things. He’s a disgusting vampire. Besides, Naomi was my solution, the one who would take my place so I wouldn’t have to endure consummation. That was father’s plan, to have my friend sleep with my soon-to-be husband, all because he harbored the same fears as Fiora. But my body betrayed me. My mind too.


    The image of Nel and the duneer in the pool of blood had seemed intimate, though it clearly wasn’t, and now it made my core pulse with unwanted tension. I bit my lip, eyes closing. My hand made involuntary movements toward my…


    I jerked it away at the sudden knock. Heat rushed to my cheeks. What the hell was I thinking, entertaining such thoughts? I scurried to the door, yanking my nightgown straight, and there stood Nel, freshly washed and dressed in silk pants and a robe that left his chest bare. Droplets of water still clung to his hair, making him look almost… human. Almost. I fought to keep my gaze on his eyes, but could he tell? When words seemed stuck in my throat, he spoke first.


    “Did I catch you at a bad time?” That knowing smirk played at his lips as his gaze swept over me, lingering just long enough to make me uncomfortable. “Your heart is racing, Princess. Should I be concerned?”


    “The only concerning thing is your inability to leave me in peace.” I gripped the door frame, attempting nonchalance. “What do you want, Nel?”


    His eyebrows rose at my informal address. “First name basis now? My, we are making progress.”


    “Would you prefer ‘insufferable creature of the night’?”


    A low chuckle escaped him. “There’s that sharp tongue I’ve grown so fond of.” He leaned against my doorway, deliberately invading my space. “I came to check on you after your… internal meltdown in the cellar. You seemed rather affected by what you witnessed.”


    “Affected?” I scoffed, though my voice wasn’t as steady as I’d like. “I was disgusted. There’s a difference.”


    “Is there?” He reached out, his finger tracing where his bloody touch had dried on my cheek. “Then why haven’t you washed this off? One might think you wanted to keep a piece of me with you.”


    I slapped his hand away, ignoring how my skin tingled at his touch. “One might think you’re delusional.”


    “Am I?” His eyes darkened, pupils dilating. “Your pulse quickens when I’m near. Your breath catches. Your body betrays you, even as your mouth spews defiance.” He tilted his head, studying me like a puzzle he was determined to solve. “I wonder what other sounds that mouth could make, given the proper motivation.”


    “You’re disgusting.”


    “And you’re lying.” He stepped closer, forcing me to back into my room. “To me. To yourself. How exhausting it must be, fighting so hard against what you want.”


    “What I want is for you to leave.”


    “Is it?” His voice dropped to a whisper. “Then why haven’t you closed the door?” I glanced down at my hand, still gripping the door handle but making no move to shut it. Damn him.


    “Our wedding night approaches, spoiled.” The nickname rolled off his tongue like honey laced with poison. “All these walls you’ve built, all this pretend hatred – it won’t save you then. I intend to take my time, dismantling every last defense you possess.”


    “You’ll have to be satisfied with disappointment,” I shot back. “You’ll get one night, nothing more.”


    His laugh was dark velvet. “Oh, precious thing. One night is all I’ll need.” He leaned in, his cool breath fanning my ear. “By dawn, you’ll be begging for a lifetime.”


    “I don’t beg.”


    “Yet.” He pulled back, eyes gleaming with wicked promise. “You’re playing a dangerous game, little princess, wandering into vampire territories, provoking me at every turn. One might think you’re doing it on purpose.”


    “One might think you’re reading too much into simple rebellion.”


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    “Simple?” He traced my jawline with one finger. “Nothing about you is simple. That’s what makes you so… intriguing.”


    I jerked away from his touch. “I’m so glad I amuse you.”


    “Oh, you do more than amuse me.” His expression turned serious. “You challenge me. Nobody challenges me. They’re all too afraid.”


    “I’m not afraid of you.”


    “No?” He moved closer, backing me against the wall. “Then why are you trembling?”


    “Anger,” I whispered, but who was I fooling?


    “Liar.” He braced his hands on either side of my head, caging me in. “Your defiance rouses something in me, princess. Something dark. Something hungry. You should be careful what you awaken.”


    “Or what?”


    “Or I might stop being such a gentleman.” His eyes dropped to my lips before meeting mine again. “And we both know you’re not ready for that… yet.” He pushed away from the wall abruptly, leaving me cold and breathless. “Sweet dreams, princess. Try not to think of me too much as you lie alone in your bed.” The door clicked shut behind him, and my legs finally gave out. I slid to the floor, heart pounding, body burning with needs I refused to acknowledge. Damn him. Damn him for affecting me like this. But as I crawled back into bed, I couldn’t deny the truth in his words. I was playing with fire, and some part of me – some traitorous, reckless part – wanted to burn.


    The next morning I woke up to Osha, tray in hand, placing it on a food cart. The silence felt heavy, weighted with unspoken memories. My heart ached with a subtle, persistent longing for Fay - her absence creating a void that even the morning’s soft light couldn’t fill.


    When Osha witnessed me, her movements were precise, her greeting direct. “Your breakfast is prepared, Princess.” Something in her tone suggested she understood the turbulence brewing beneath my calm exterior.I appreciated that she didn’t attempt unnecessary comfort.


    Siren came in soon after, another new gown in hand, this one ocean blue with shimmery studs throughout the silk. The fabric caught the light like captured starlight, promising something between a statement and a weapon.


    “Is there some sort of special engagement?” I asked, my brows knitting together with a mixture of curiosity and mild suspicion.


    “There is a grand ball celebration welcoming the prince and troops home,” Siren announced, her voice carrying a hint of excitement that seemed to dance around the edges of the fabric.


    That’s when I realized how deeply I’d been so wrapped in this new lifestyle and the distraction of Nel. How long had it been since I’d truly considered my father’s fate? King Leonebus, renowned for his strength, must be alive. Nel hadn’t mentioned any tragedy, but uncertainty gnawed at the edges of my confidence.


    “Any news on my father?” The question escaped quietly, almost hesitantly.


    Osha’s response was measured. “Not that I’m aware of. The royals should have informed you.”


    A restless energy began to build within me. Sitting, waiting, wondering - these were not states I was comfortable inhabiting. “I’m actually going to head to them now. I’m not really hungry. Can I just dress?” The request hung in the air, less a question and more a declaration of intent.


    Once bathed and decorated like an ornament, I headed to the warroom, already feigning an interaction with Fiora and her son. But I needed to understand the outcome. Did we defeat the Valmorin? Was my father alive?


    I hesitated at the entrance of the warroom, my heart quickening as I pushed the heavy door open. Queen Fiora and Nel were already locked in a heated discussion, their voices sharp in the still air.


    The queen sat perfectly straight in her chair—a throne in all but name—while King Serphen’s empty seat cast long shadows in the afternoon light.


    “The camps are necessary,” Fiora was saying, her words cutting through the tension. “You’re too young to understand the complexities of ruling.”


    “I understand enough.” Nel’s voice carried an edge I rarely heard. “If I’m to be king, I won’t have you—”


    “You’re not king yet.” Fiora’s fingers traced the edge of her armrest. “And until that day comes, I make the decisions that protect our people. The mixed bloods are a threat that must be contained.”


    “They’re our people!” Nel’s fist struck the table between them. “You can’t just lock them away and pretend—”


    “I can, and I have.” Her tone remained deadly calm. “Your soft heart blinds you to the danger they represent. Would you rather wait until they destroy everything we’ve built?”


    “There are other ways—”


    “Which you’ve yet to propose.” Fiora’s gaze cut to where I stood, my stomach clenching at the attention. “Why’s she here?”


    Before I could find my voice, Nel turned, his expression hardening at the interruption. The playful prince I knew vanished beneath the weight of politics and his mother’s presence. I forced myself to stand straighter.


    “I… I came about my father.” The words felt small in the vast chamber.


    “There’s been no word.” Fiora rose, each movement deliberate. “Can’t you see we’re discussing matters of state? Who keeps allowing these interruptions?”


    “Mother.” Nel’s sharp tone surprised me. “Her concern is valid.” His eyes met mine, softening slightly. “Your father is well.”


    The knot in my chest loosened. “And the war?”


    “We’ve eliminated the Valmorin threat at Zarut Mountain.” Hope flared in my chest, but his next words doused it. “Though there are… whispers of others. Their whereabouts remain unknown.”


    “I see.” I worked to keep my voice steady. “Thank you.”


    “Is that all, princess?” Fiora’s question hung in the air like frost.


    I nodded, retreating from the chamber while maintaining what dignity I could. My hands trembled only after the door closed behind me. It made little sense—they had been discussing the mixed blood camps, my own assignment, yet Fioracouldn’t dismiss me fast enough.


    The walk to Naomi’s chambers helped steady my nerves. Her room lay close to mine, an unexpected courtesy from former enemies. I knocked once before entering, watching her face brighten at my appearance.


    “Princess!” Warmth filled her voice. “What brings you here?”


    An idea formed, something to chase away the chill of the war chamber. “The ball tonight—would you accompany me?”


    Her smile faltered. “A ball? With vampires? After what we witnessed last night…”


    “The duneers recovered fine.” I hated defending their feeding habits, but I needed her there. Needed someone to help me forget the ice in Fiora’s voice, the strange distance in Nel’s eyes. “Please? I could use a friend tonight.”


    She studied my face for a long moment. “You’ll stay with me? We can leave if things become… uncomfortable?”


    “The moment you say the word. I promise.”