ã€ŠBlended Enemies A Lycan&#x2019;s Marriage to a Vampireã€‹


 Chapter 1

    The distinguished smell of unearthly flesh trailed through the corridor. It filled it with a metallic essence of iron, creaking beneath Lor¡¯s door. Wisping around, it approached the bed, filling her airways.

    Vampire!

    Terrified, the princess¡¯s eyes shot open as she leaned forward with a winded gasp. One had to be lurking from a shadowed corner. She was certain. Her orbs swam from side to side, hands clenching her blanket at eye level. She stalled a few seconds as her surroundings narrowed inwardly, magnifying every crevice and corner to ensure no intruder. The comforter, acting as a shield, fell to her lap. No one!

    With a heavy sigh, she crossed her arms annoyed by the dagger-like fangs that descended on instinct. Two of them hung at the corners of her mouth, the only ounce of turning minx she ever experienced. How could two fangs be any form of defense against a beastly vampire anyway? She found them useless, relieved no intruder existed.

    Over the bit of fear, she slumped against her pillow, puzzled by the lingering aroma that produced no proof of a vampire. If it¡¯s not a blood sucker, then what could it be? The question brought her to her feet and down the hall to a door. Maybe father knows something. She peeked inside his room. It had an emptiness she couldn¡¯t fathom, not with the possibility of their enemy being among them. Where the hell is he? It¡¯s awfully late. Her brows furrowed, silvery orbs scoping around. She took notice to the mannequin that still clothed his armor, sword, and helmet. This only confused her more between the smell and his lack of defense.

    Just as she decided to retreat back to her bed, a ripple of cool air rushed up her nightgown, running a stroke along the lumps of her spine. Finger-like in its feel, she shuttered, heart racing, the hairs on her neck and arms straightening.

    Her head still remained between the door and its frame, no doubt in her mind a vampire loomed closely behind. She could feel him, the scent fuming now. What did he want?

    Without thought, she twirled around, eyes widened, to find no one there. She veered left and right. Still, no one. The aroma swiveled from one area to another, the stalker invisible.

    At the edge of the wood-paneled hallway, a black cloud formed, materializing into black, beady mist. She squinted at the levitating force, questioning if she was hallucinating since it blended well with the shadows. It coiled off into the distance just as fast as it evolved, movements quicker than the speed of light.

    The hell was that thing, she wondered, breathing accelerated, paired with a heart that rammed through her chest. Being alone did not help the situation. Where are the guards, maids, dammit, my father? There was one way she could get their attention.

    ¡°FATHER!¡± She listened out for a response, but heard crickets. She yelled again to the others who were supposed to be in the vicinity. ¡°GUARDS! MAIDS! ANYONE?¡± Not a moment later, a soft voice touched her ears.

    ¡°Princess?¡± said Naomi emerging from the stairway and far sooner than she expected. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± She was Lor¡¯s maid.

    ¡°Vampires! They¡¯re here and one is stalking me.¡±

    ¡°My lady, I assure you. No vampire is here to cause you harm.¡±

    ¡°Yes he is!¡± Like a mad woman, her voice echoed across the hallway to the empty space the dark cloud hovered. ¡°I saw it there!¡±

    With a worry lines crinkling Naomi¡¯s forehead, she appeared puzzled for a moment. Then, her bubbly charm returned soon after.

    ¡°Your snout is right. There are vampires here, but they are in a meeting with your father right now. None of them left out.¡±

    ¡°Vampires meeting with father? Are you certain?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m on duty for tea. Vampires are heavy tea drinkers ya¡¯ know. Was just about to brew them some more.¡± Her eyebrows furrowed with concern.

    ¡°Then I heard you screaming.¡±

    Lor¡¯s knuckles plunged to her waist. ¡°Why are they here? Why are you serving them?¡± She moved closer to Naomi, their chests inches apart. Just as her maid parted her lips to answer, Lor interrupted. ¡°Have you forgotten we¡¯re at war with them?¡±

    The reason behind their visit was no secret to Naomi. In fact, she waited around for orders the entire meeting with no alternative but to listen in on the details. Regardless of her loyalty to Lor, she didn¡¯t want to be the one to tell her what they spoke about. Naomi distinctively remembered Lor¡¯s father telling her not to. For that reason, she maneuvered around all accounts of their conference, at best providing minor detail.

    ¡°Your father requested me for tea. I had no choice. The king and prince of Ustoria are here.¡±

    With scolding orbs, she said, ¡°What business do they have here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t say.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re father made it very clear that he¡¯d tell you himself before the council meeting tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Council meeting?¡±

    Naomi cuffed her mouth tightly, her eyes widened with repentance. ¡°Oh god. I¡¯ve said too much.¡±

    ¡°Tell me why they¡¯re here. Now!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± She rushed off before the princess could compel the truth out of her.

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    Everyone bone in Lor¡¯s body wanted to barge inside her father¡¯s headquarters to gain clarity on this absurd occurrence. Vampire and Minx did not gather for meetings or serve each other tea. They steered clear of one another. The only thing they ever engaged in, war and violence.

    She started making her way to the meeting, then wondered if it was a bright idea to challenge her father in their enemies presence. This would only worsen their relationship for Lor had a tendency of pissing him off. This wouldn¡¯t be the first time she interrupted an important event. She swallowed her pride, embarrassed by her desire to preserve the little love they had left for each other. She went back to her room where the silvery scent seemed to have dissipated. In an effort to look past the vampire¡¯s arrival, she fell to her bed, clamping her eyes shut.

    From side to side, her body flipped and flopped. She could not take it anymore. What is this meeting about? I deserve to know! Why is there a council meeting? Her body shifted forward, feet swinging to the floor. Just as she reached for the doorknob, someone came in from the other side.

    Dom, a well-mannered soldier, with the most gorgeous face, heaped through the entrance. His skin was smooth as caramel kiss. With heavy blue eyes, both tantalizing and bright, women fiend for him. Lor felt fortunate having him around, her eye candy. Then again, he felt the same way since she was royalty.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Lor shut the door in a hurry. ¡°You know better than to just show up at my room! What if someone saw?¡±

    ¡°Relax. Everyone¡¯s distracted by our visitors.¡±

    ¡°So everyone knows what¡¯s going on but me?¡±

    ¡°Just a few guards.¡±

    ¡°And Naomi.¡± She clenched her jaw, angered a maid was privy to royal secrets. ¡°Why are you here? To tell me that you can¡¯t share the details of their arrival too?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve come to warn you, but you did not hear this from me. In fact, don¡¯t re¡ª¡±

    ¡°Spit it out!¡±

    ¡°Your father is offering them a peace treaty to end the war.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s absurd. How does he intend on sealing this treaty?¡±

    ¡°By marriage.¡±

    ¡°Marriage? Whose going to¡ª¡± Lor¡¯s eyes bulged from their sockets. ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Lor.¡±

    Her mouth sunk as a the sensation in her limbs ceased. She stumbled back, clenching her collar, the room spinning. Dom rushed to her side, but she shoved him away. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡± Her breathing quivered in and out of her throat, speeding up with each exhale. How could father do this to me? When Dom cautiously stepped forward, he placed a hand on Lor¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said. He smoothed his thumb along her flesh.

    ¡°Get out!¡±

    ¡°Loretta, you need me here with you right now. We need to talk¡ª¡±

    In a bit of rage, Lor pushed Dom¡¯s hand away which hushed the rest of his statement. She refused to discuss their relationship and knew his words would lead up to that subject. ¡°Get the hell out! We¡¯re not talking tonight, fucking tonight. Why are you still standing there?¡±

    ¡°Princess, you¡¯re angry right now.¡±

    ¡°Get the fuck out of my room.¡± Not a second later, Dom stormed out.

    Lor slammed the door behind him. She pressed an ear to it, certain he¡¯d recant. Not a sound came from the other side as she listened out, in a way hoping he¡¯d return, make her yield to his embrace. He seemed fed up now. She heard his heavy steps on the stairs. Her legs itched to go after him, but she stayed behind. I¡¯m so sorry, Dom. Sorry I can¡¯t love you fair. With all considered, the timing did not appear suitable to ponder on their affair. She needed to get to the meeting and address her father.

    Before leaving, she took a deep breath, bracing herself for whatever backlash would come of her intrusion. She scurried down the red carpet that stretched across the corridor. It led a trail down the stairs, which she followed.

    In another section, she rushed by the kitchen, the dining room, and finally went inside the library. Her father¡¯s office took up the back of it, a large room secured by double doors. She footed through an isle of ceiling tall bookshelves, grilling the doors ahead, wondering if she was bold enough to burst through them. With that considered, she inhaled deeply, mustering up the courage to do just that.

    Thoughts a swinging pendulum, Lor regretted the decision of bursting through. Her father and four vampires had their eyes pinned to her statuette delay. A cold shiver electrified her body, causing it to move in some degree. God awful beasts are looking right at me. She took a huge gulp before addressing her father, King Leonebus.

    ¡°Father, we need to talk?¡± Her orbs leered toward Prince Neltavio, Nel for short, who was astonishingly striking. He preyed on his fianc¨¦e as if she were a meal. It was disappointing how wrong she was about him, but then again, his caramel face enticed her in ways of scrutiny. She heard about the two inch scar over his eye. In fact, she distinctively knew how he¡¯d obtained it. Her father sent an assassin to murder him. Lets just say he survived with a nick, not so much for the one meant to carry out the task. The fact they all were sitting in one room as if it never happened, baffled Lor.

    She stood stifled, intrigued by his dilated marbles stalking from where he sat. He studied her, neck peeking behind his chair as his muscular arms leaned against the armrest. As this went on, she felt a magnetizing pull. She couldn¡¯t look away.

    When he dallied a slow, inviting blink, his fangs descended a smidge. Time collapsed just then. Her cheeks blushed as her insides warmed, particularly the lower half. He bore no real effort to cause such responses, but traits of his nature. Why, was the question she asked herself. Why did everything that made him a monster, cause these effects? She despised her body¡¯s involuntary responses and refused to accept what was taking place.

    In the heat of the moment, a chilling stroke ascended up her spine, quite familiar from earlier. It was you! She scolded him now.

    Just when the anxiety returned, Leonebus cut the drawing allure Nel had on his daughter. In an annoyed tone, obvious to the princess, but not the vampires, he said, ¡°I¡¯m guessing someone¡¯s told you the great news.¡± He scolded Naomi who stood stationed by a window beside him. Lor didn¡¯t even notice her until then.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t her.¡± There was no better time than now to dissolve all anger toward her maid. Afterall, Leonebus did force her hand.

    ¡°Now that you¡¯re here, please introduce yourself.¡± With hopeful eyes, he waited for his daughter to carry out the request.

    Lor let a few seconds pass before sharply saying,

    ¡°Hi!¡±

    Leonebus cleared his throat. ¡°Prince Neltavio, King Serphen, this is my daughter, Princess Loretta. We both are thrilled to join families for peace.¡±

    ¡°Says you! I will not follow through with this!¡±

    King Leonebus shot up from his chair with lips bent back, snarling. His sharp fangs peeked through his graying goatee. He was angry, alternate ego thirsting to come out. No one dared make him turn, but Lor could bring it out of him.

    As he stumped around his desk, his black mane bounced above his shoulder. He rushed Lor, jaws clenched, fist bald and ready to knock her head loose. It appeared he would for a moment. Instead, he scooped an arm around her bicep, tugging his daughter toward the exit. She ripped away from him.

    ¡°I am not leaving!¡± The vampires watched in awe. She leered at them, King Serphen, Prince Nel, and the two knights who came along. ¡°But you all are. This spectacle is over!¡±

    ¡°Get out, Loretta!¡± Leonebus pointed a finger at the door.

    The princess gave it a beat to reflect on how things played out. She stood, embarrassed, remembering why intruding wasn¡¯t a good idea from the start. She accomplished nothing by coming.

    With speed, her feet pedaled backward and she spun out the door.

    Lor¡¯s mind rattled with anger. How could her father do this to her? Of all the ways to end the war, this is what he came up with? She swiped a tear away, easing toward a mirror which confirmed no trace of it. What does this mean for you? She stared at her reflection, a useless version of herself, who had no real control.

    When a light knock came from the door, Lor went to open it, expecting Dom to be on the other side. Surprisingly, Prince Nel stood in the doorway.

    The corners of his mouth curled up, revealing a pair of dangerous fangs. She panted in disarray at them and his black, dilated pupils. They had a hypnotic appeal that restricted movements or words to leave Lor¡¯s lips. All she could do, stare into them. Through the pressure, she willed herself to speak.

    ¡°What the hell are you doing at my door? Who allowed this?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s one way to introduce yourself to your future husband.¡±

    ¡°We already met downstairs. Why the hell are you here?¡±

    ¡°That was everything but an introduction.¡± He eased closer, causing Lor to lift her chin to get a better view of him. With a towering height, the prince hovered over her. This act caused the princess to shiver.

    ¡°More of a shit show, if you ask me. I¡¯m not too keen on this marriage either, but it is necessary.¡± The soothing stir of Nel¡¯s voice kept the momentum of nonchalance. Lor wondered if it had anything to with his lack of heart and soul. ¡°Do you always throw tantrums when things don¡¯t go your way?¡±

    ¡°When it involves a blood sucking beast, I create earthquakes. Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Is that really how you perceive me, spoiled girl?¡± When Nel¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, he took another step, leaving no space between them. ¡°I see right through that bossy attitude. Underneath all of your layers of entitlement, there¡¯s a girl whose been yearning to be put in her place, thirsting for the right man to do it.¡± He brought his lips to her ear. ¡°I could¡ª¡± With pause, the prince pedaled back toward the center of the corridor.

    His soothing voice and the words that left his luscious lips caused Lor¡¯s insides to flutter. If only he¡¯d finish his statement, she¡¯d understand the context of everything else he said. Put me in my place? Then again, she had an idea, one that created provocative thoughts and images of the two of them together. She scoffed as her mind ran rampant, certain he¡¯d infiltrated it.

    ¡°Could what?¡± said Lor finally.

    ¡°Nothing, spoiled. I¡¯ll take my leave. Goodnight.¡±

 Chapter 2

    Just at midnight, Lor awakened to her waist wrapped in someone¡¯s powerful grasp. She looked back with eyes traveling along the man¡¯s muscular biceps. Without question, her body melted in the man¡¯s comforting touch.

    When his chest pressed against her spine, she arched it, turning her cheek to catch his lips as if she already knew he¡¯d kiss her. Then, the most startling thing occurred. The bedroom window shattered, stealing both of their attention. The man¡¯s identity remained unknown, but that no longer was a concern.

    Daggers of glass flew with points aiming in their direction. She let out a scream when only their edges, to an astonishing degree, sliced across her flesh. Deepening Lor¡¯s horror, a monstrous beast emerged from the window, leaping to the floor. It prowled beside the bed at first. With an ever-changing shift, it stood to its towering depths, taking the man by his neck, flinging him against the concrete wall.

    Fear consumed Lor, forcing rounded eyes that lingered on the monster¡¯s patchy flesh. She was his next target. It lurked through the draping of the canopy, eyes engaged, giving her time to take in its fullness.

    Wolf like in its physique, with a matted mane, his drawn out fangs caught the moonlight, drool stringing from them. They were so large, she could see her reflection in their yellowish curves. The beast could accidentally be mistaken for a minx, but its face was far too hideous, height overbearingly tall. The monster¡¯s flea nipped ears sprawled, one up, the other dangling to the side. They only shifted forward when they sensed movement.

    What she knew for certain, this beast was dangerous. She veered to the floor, eyes full of tears from seeing the motionless man laid out. As she squinted, just enough to make out who he was, she gasped, confused on how it could be, Prince Nel?The sight caused her heart to break in such a way that losing him seemed to matter. When her sadness turned to rage, she felt her flesh rip, fur slice through her pores as she screamed out in agony. What¡¯s happening to me? Just as fast, the monster jumped in through the canopy and crawled over her legs, running its saturated nose along them. With its mouth widened, she waited for it to devour her.

    Then she woke up with a winded gasp, realizing it was only a nightmare, oddly including the prince of Ustoria. She found herself repulsed by the idea of him holding her in his grasp like they were some sort of lovers. Deemed out of line in its context, she almost blamed him for the morbid display. But the thought of him could not compete with the irritating foot shuffles of her maids. She scoffed as their heels that clacked hastily across floor. They seemed to be in a rush to prepare her morning. Breakfast was always served bright and early.

    ¡°Princess?¡± said Kira. The twelve-year-old maid took the initiative to carry over Lor¡¯s folded omelet packed with ham and cheeses, already immune to her morning attitude. ¡°I have breakfast.¡±

    Lor¡¯s face remained under her blanket, voice strained and muffled. ¡°Just leave it!¡±

    Naomi butted in, swiping the food tray from Kira¡¯s hands. With a light slam, she placed it on a food cart, then waved the girl away.

    Kira tottered into the washroom where a bath was drawn for the princess.

    With her patience thin, Naomi plunged both knuckles at her hips and said, ¡°The king requires your presence in an hour. It¡¯s time to get up.¡± She rushed to Lor¡¯s bedside, peeling the blanket below her waist. ¡°There is a council meeting about your betrothal.¡±

    ¡°There will be no betrothal. I¡¯m not marrying that foul beast.¡±

    ¡°Regardless, it is my job to make sure you eat, dress, and attend the meeting.¡±

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    ¡°I don¡¯t wish to go.¡± As Lor yanked the blanket back over her face, Naomi ripped it away, sending it to the floor. Lor¡¯s jaw dropped, astonished she¡¯d ever be so bold. There was definitely something off about her maid¡¯s mood. Naomi was usually a bouncy person whose smile never missed a beat, even in spite of Lor¡¯s overbearing personality.

    Naomi took her chances to explain herself before Lor chewed her out about her silk duvet laid out on the floor.

    ¡°Princess, please! Your father has been very anal about things lately and he¡¯s convinced I told you about the marriage. Still blames me for the spectacle last night. He threatened to fire me if things awry today. For a change, can you do as your told?¡±

    Lor¡¯s scolding eyes softened with pity. She took a moment to empathize. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about my father. You needn¡¯t go to him anymore for anything else.¡±

    She palmed her maid¡¯s hand, clasping it softly, in an effort to reset the mood. Still, Naomi had no idea the stress she was under. ¡°I¡¯m overwhelmed myself, by everything. Terrified that I might not be able to talk Father out of marrying me off to the enemy. Maybe I¡¯ll just run away.¡±

    Her mind channeled Prince Nel and his god-forbidden, handsome face. Their encounter left her with an uncomfortable impression on him. She despised that he did not mind her space when he intruded her bedroom. Her physical responses did not make things any better. But still, he was intrusive in every way, so much that he played a role in her nightmares.

    Her eyes locked to the edge of the bed as she pondered on the things he said, the way he stared into her eyes, the very things that triggered her body. With brows furrowed, she scoffed at the very idea of it, vowing it would never happen again. She was so wrapped up in thought, she didn¡¯t realize Naomi rambling on.

    ¡°And you¡¯re right, I can¡¯t imagine the stress you¡¯re under. Still, running away isn¡¯t the answer.¡± Naomi¡¯s face lit up with an idea. ¡°Why don¡¯t you use that strong voice of yours to speak against the marriage at the meeting? There must be another way to form peace.¡±

    Lor took a deep breath. ¡°Perhaps, you¡¯re right. I¡¯m certain the Council of Ten will be in agreement with me. I know they oppose father¡¯s plan.¡± Her body shifted forward as her brows shot up. ¡°Maybe I can get them to back me or even sway him to call off this peace treaty.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not such a bad thing to end our quarrel with them. The vampire family seemed on board with things before they left last night.¡±

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re not serious. We can never trust vampires after all they¡¯ve done.¡±

    Dom met Lor at the entrance to escort her to the meeting hall. In the nearby town of Ractun, it stood in the center as the only isolated building, surrounded by roadways, markets and row homes.

    He ushered her to their transport, keeping his distance, remaining tight-lipped.

    She perceived the silence as discretion for their relationship with the expansion of soldiers. As he warned her, they grew in number since the vampire¡¯s arrival.

    When they approached the carriage, he helped her inside. The interior held a fancy essence, enveloped in rosy valor. Curtains hung from the windows for privacy. They also had shudders. She sat down and Dom sat on the opposite side, not for a second looking her way. He still hadn¡¯t spoken, clearly upset about how things transpired last night.

    ¡°Dom, are you okay?¡± said Lor. Just when she stood up to sit with him, the carriage took off, throwing her back down. Even that didn¡¯t get a reaction out of him when she checked for a vengeful chortle. ¡°So you¡¯re just gonna ignore me?¡±

    He hunched forward, elbows to knees, and narrowed his gaze as if he were thinking. ¡°I hate how you are some times. The way you threw me out of your room like I don¡¯t have feelings too.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re acting this way? You know I care for you.¡±

    ¡°Funny way of showing it.¡±

    ¡°I was wrong, I know. I just needed time to absorb what you told me, be alone.¡±

    ¡°I understand, Loretta, but that was a perfect time to discuss what this means for us. We¡¯re lucky if nobody hears us now.¡±

    ¡°Nothing changes! I¡¯m not marrying him. I have a plan.¡±

    ¡°I want to believe that, but your father and the vampires already agreed. It took everything in me not to storm out of that meeting. When I came to you last night, I only hoped to create an escape plan for us.¡±

    ¡°You want to run away together?¡±

    ¡°I will not see the woman I love marry a blood sucking beast. So yes, I already have it planned.¡±

    ¡°If things don¡¯t go in my favor today, I¡¯ll consider it. No point in running away if my father calls this off.¡± By this point, Lor couldn¡¯t count the amount of times she told him what he wanted to hear.

    Then again, it¡¯s not like fleeing hadn¡¯t already been a thought, but to run away with a man who clearly loved her more than she could reciprocate did not seem like the brightest idea. Start a new life with a soldier?I might as well become a commoner.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see no other way around this, but sure.¡± Dom had this defeated look in his eyes as if he¡¯d already lost Lor. His gaze froze to the floor, both hand clasped in his lap. She could tell words of many wanted to spill out as his lips pinched and parted. He stayed silent the remaining ride.

    As the carriage strolled the bumpy road, the princess leaned back, deep in thought. Would things turn out in her favor or was her fate sealed?

 Chapter 3

    The hour ride came to an end as the carriage rolled beside the meeting hall. Lor was late and more than likely missed most the meeting. If it weren¡¯t for the rubble and debris that blocked the main road, they would have arrived 45 minutes ago.

    They walked inside the massive, three-story temple. The sky-high ceiling brought in bands of sun rays through the windows above. It stretched across the center, dividing the wooden, planked monument into two sections, the west and east wing. For Lor, keeping up with Dom became an afterthought, distracted by cornered statues of her ancestors.

    She noticed two doors, one to the left, the other right, wondering which one they¡¯d go in. Dom rushed through the left door and she followed.

    Inside the conference room, rows of wooden, tiered benches paired with stairs to access them, say 90 council members. Each of them wore sleek button-ups, paired with their best, tailored jackets. Despite of the dress code, some were even in minx form.

    They all quietly watched King Leonebus¡¯s speech.

    To their front at ground level, an unconnected bench sat the Council of Ten, wearing their archaic robes.

    King Leonebus stood at the podium, his deep voice booming across the room. Lor and Dom came in from behind him, stealing a quick, narrowed gaze from him. His nostrils flared with contempt at their tardiness. When he turned away, he continued.

    Lor let out a sigh of relief. Her ears were engaged as Leonebus continued his speech. It took everything in her not to shout vulgarity at all he said.

    ¡°The vampires are no longer an enemy, we no longer their foe. A royal marriage will bring vampires and minx together for this much needed peace. I will take all arguments into consideration.¡± King Leonebus collapsed to his chair sitting with a lean, his cheek resting in his palm. A sigh left him as he carelessly pointed to the upper row of seated men.

    One, by the name of Felix, in full form. He had a fur coat of shiny silver. He cleared his throat before speaking. ¡°Hello, my king. I am with you. There haven¡¯t been any vampire attacks in months since the accountability law was passed. The vampires are finally arresting those responsible for the attacks on our villages. We have slowly adopted this law, which earns equal favor. Let¡¯s keep the peace by forming this union.¡±

    Lor¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, disappointed by having one less person on her side. Who else agrees with this fool? Nothing could convince her a marriage was an ideal decision. She still stood behind the king, lurking for a seat. At the same time, her heart yearned for a rebuttal. Who would speak against her father¡¯s plan?Just as she spotted an open bench, a member from the Council of Ten spoke. She made her way to it, realizing Dom quietly took his exit. The nerve of him leaving me to deal with this alone. An elderly man¡¯s voice reeled her back to the issue at hand.

    ¡°Our ancestors trusted the Ustorians long ago. They would tell you themselves why they regretted doing so. The history tells a story of lusting blood suckers who thirsted our women. Our men were no innocent, tricked by the perfection of an immortal monster. They shrouded sin in our faces.¡± The old man veered at the audience in the bleachers, relieved by their attentiveness. After clearing his throat, he rambled on. ¡°Have you forgotten what occurred after the war? The betrayal. The bloodshed. It would be an act of evil to have our own kind marry one of them, just to seal a bond between our countries that will break. They will betray us again.¡±

    When he used his wooden staff to pull himself from his seat, certain that height would help him better articulate his sentiments, he looked up to his king, orbs drawn out. With deepened creases on his forehead, he wore an earnest face, hoping Leonebus would reconsider. ¡°Think about the past. If she has the prince¡¯s children, their blood will be tainted by his, putting them at risk. Is that what you want my king? Do you really want mixed bloods to be the princess¡¯s heirs? Abominations to both our societies?¡±

    ¡°How dare you say that?¡± said Felix from behind.

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    ¡°You know that my son is mixed.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll say it again if I have to. It¡¯s obvious you want us united for your own personal desires. You like sleeping with the enemy, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Watch yourself, old man!¡±

    ¡°No! You watch yourself, willingly spawning demon children! There¡¯s a reason he isn¡¯t here with us, shunned to be with his wretched mother.¡±

    To everyone¡¯s surprise, Felix leaped from the bleachers, claws and teeth both drawn, charging toward his antagonist. A guard intercepted, knocking him back with a powerful blow. His body slid across an empty bleacher. Felix instantly stormed out of the room enraged, yearning for a crushing maul.

    King Leonebus watched in awe. His hands choked and clawed at the armrest while he observed the commotion. Things were getting out of hand and required redirection. In an instant, he rose to his feet, slamming both fists on the podium.

    ¡°I DEMAND ORDER!¡± His eyes leered from member to member, causing a hush to sweep across the room. Then he said a word that caused everyone to raise their brows. ¡°Valmorin.¡± Muddled expressions filled the room. He sighed, both hands clamping the edges of the podium as if that would make it any easier for him to say his next set of words. ¡°They¡¯ve returned. So if you must know why it¡¯s in our best interest to come together with them, there¡¯s your answer.¡±

    Another council member in the back row spoke. ¡°Those ghastly beasts were killed off by our ancestors. The curse is broken. We won the-¡±

    ¡°The curse still lives.¡± Leonebus took a moment to pat his sweaty brow with a handkerchief, before revealing all he knew. Just the horrifying thought of them made his body tremble in fear. ¡°One of our villages was slaughtered by a pack of them. There was another spotted in Zayrut Mountain. My men believe they are stationed there.¡± He cast a serious gaze toward Lor who was oblivious to the matter since the Valmorin reigned before her time. Their existence was treated like folklore through the years. Even so, the story never touched her ears. The council members, however, held the knowledge of of the ancients. ¡°We must form an alliance with them. End the war since something greater awaits. Marriage is the only way.¡± A rush of gasps and panicky whispers filled the room.

    Then, Leonebus looked over his shoulder at one of his soldiers posted in a corner behind him. ¡°Bring it in.¡± The man took heed to his command and left the room in a hurry. When he came back, there were others with him carrying in something soaked and wrapped in a tarp. They dropped it to the floor in front of the podium, ripping the covering off. It revealed a skin, crawling creature, sending everyone into a terrifying uproar. Its head was severed, its body slashed and wounded with arrows. ¡°This shall be all the convincing you need.¡±

    The rotten smell of the monster swept across the room. Lor used an arm to shield her nose with bulged orbs pinned on the beast¡¯s deformed body. Something about it appeared familiar, but without its head, she remained oblivious. It had to be seven feet tall with awful claws coated in blood. The idea of there being more of them made the hairs on her neck sprawl. A dreadful feeling began to spread, one she couldn¡¯t pinpoint. What is that thing and why does it smell like a vampire, but worse?

    Lor looked to her father hoping he would elaborate further. The terror in his eyes caused her brows to furrow. Nothing ever brought fear on the king. That alone was concerning. Why did this beast pull such a reaction out of him? Why did they need the help of the vampires to kill the rest of them, if there were really more out there? Did he really think they couldn¡¯t do it alone? Fear became the paralyzing jitters running through her limbs.

    ¡°Father? What is it?¡± said Lor focusing on the beast¡¯s elongated torso.

    ¡°It¡¯s a Valmorin. Vampire mixed with minx.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a result of vampire and minx sleeping together?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the result of a heartless curse used to mock the relationship between a minx and vampire. A punishment for the children they bore.¡± Nothing prepared Lor for information her father would share. ¡°Long ago, we lived among vampires. Peace reigned across both our countries for centuries. Then, a vampire sorcerer, Ahkmen Vor, came to destroy that peace. He did not agree with unity. He created a plague causing all the biracial to fall ill. They eventually¡­¡­died. Their parents, husbands, wives, leaders buried them.¡± For a moment Leonebus grew quiet. He approached the creature slow, pointing down at it. ¡°Days later, this is what they became. They rose from their graves. Ahkmen led them and a group of rebels. This created a war which the vampires helped our ancestors win.¡± For a moment, he wore a faint grin that instantly faded. ¡°Our ancestors killed Ahkmen. They thought his death would end the curse. They were wrong!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s awful! Unbelievable even,¡± said Lor. This news diverted Lor¡¯s end goal.

    ¡°Now you know. The vampires will help us as they did before.¡±

    Back at the castle, Lor lay in bed, unsettled by all she learned. With her fate conjured by the Valmorin¡¯s arrival, she finally understood her father¡¯s reasoning. Still, nothing could make her agree with marrying a vampire. Couldn¡¯t they just be allies without a marriage?

    Just as her cheek pressed her pillow, she heard a light knock at the door. She leaned to the side and yawned before getting out of bed. A part of her hoped to see Dom on the other side so they could finally talk now that she knew her fate. When she opened it, to her surprise, King Leonebus stood in view.

    ¡°Father?¡±

    ¡°Hello, my daughter. May I come in?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± She moved aside, allowing him to quickly brush by. The reason for his presence had to be extremely important.

    ¡°I came to say I¡¯m sorry for putting you in this position.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean you¡¯ll reconsider? Don¡¯t make me marry him. There has to be another way to form peace.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve come for the opposite reason. The marriage has been finalized and you will be going to Ustoria tonight.¡±

 Chapter 4

    Lor¡¯s mouth rounded in awe, eyes beaming at Leonebus. If she didn¡¯t wish to marry a vampire, what made him think she wanted to live among them. The terrible news plundered her heart. Then, the tears started, her cheeks saturated.

    Full of disbelief, a panic attack surged through her body. Shallow breaths rushed in and out of her flared nostrils, Leonebus¡¯s words recirculated in her mind again and again, until they all jumbled together. You will marry. You will go tonight. Marriage. Going. Tonight. There was a sudden urge to flee. The idea arose but her feet quickly pedaled backward instead, the room a spinning blur.

    At the edge of her bed, she tumbled, sitting with her neck hunched and hands cradling her elbows. Lor was a wreck. The floor held her gaze, eyelids netting with more tears as their heaviness continued to seep down. She was disappointed in him. Not for a second did he consider what she wanted, coming to her room to demonstrate that point. The sudden shift in his plan seemed to be without cause, but knowing her father, there was purpose behind it.

    It was clear, he¡¯d already made up his mind, no regard to what making a truce with the enemy entailed. Knowing he could do such a thing slashed all the curves of her heart.

    As she continued sobbing, she wondered if empathy existed in his heart seeing her this way. The only support he¡¯d granted her was a handkerchief. What more could she do to gain his sympathy? Tears and tantrums didn¡¯t work. Her crying instantly stopped as if they sensed their uselessness. If she could somehow get him to see the absurdity in his plan, then perhaps she could gain some control of the situation. What could I say or do? Subsequently, she realized how much time she¡¯d lost in this moment when Leonebus took heed to wrap things up.

    ¡°I don¡¯t expect you to understand why this marriage must persist, but you are obligated to follow through. It¡¯s time you stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about your country.¡±

    Lor let go of her expectations and whimpered out,

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    ¡°There is something you mustn¡¯t do when you go.¡± There was now earnestness in his approach. He walked to her, kneeling down at eye level. ¡°Do not fall for him. Don¡¯t you dare sleep with him. The vampires hold the same understanding up until your wedding night, but you needn¡¯t worry about that. Just go there, become queen of Ustoria and wear a brave face for your country.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dream of doing something so horrible as to sleep with a monster!¡± Her softened voice broke.

    ¡°So you¡¯re set on sending me away?¡± Another question riddled her mind. What does he mean I needn¡¯t worry on my wedding night?

    With nostrils flared, his voice turned sharp. ¡°If I call off this marriage, we lose an important ally.¡±

    ¡°All I am is collateral to you¡­.to them!¡±

    ¡°Vampires don¡¯t live off of promise, Loretta. To ensure peace, unity, and their support in the upcoming war, I had to¡ª¡±

    ¡°Sacrifice your own daughter.¡±

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    Leonebus heaved out a heavy breath and brought Lor¡¯s hands into his. ¡°One day, you will understand that all I do is for you and the greater good of our country.¡± He released his grip and stood, towering over her hunched body. ¡°This marriage is happening and you will be out of the castle by moonrise. If you try to run away, your scent is easy to follow. Don¡¯t let me down, Loretta.¡±

    When he abruptly walked off, Lor collapsed to her back and the ceiling received an empty stare. It was almost as if her father¡¯s words left her limp. Both of her arms and legs sprawled out, with a heaviness to them. She felt her problems smashing down, breathing constricted by the weight of it all.

    Then a rush of terror sent shivers down her spine when she formed a mental picture of Ustoria. She imagined it to be everything but beautiful, more dreadful than anything. In her mind, the forest, the land, and the castle was a colorless place, everything dead and dark due to the vampire¡¯s touch. Forest trees had no leaves, instead, the ground buried in them with their dry, brittle folds, only cracking and crinkling as unearthly monsters prowled. Thickets and fallen branches seemed to be in all the places grass would be. They led a trail to the castle, an ominous structure Lor dared not enter. Her mind began formulating what the inside looked like, but someone pulled her out the daze.

    Scurrying inside the room, Naomi rushed at the princess¡¯s bedside and sat. Lor leaned forward, confused by the maid¡¯s sudden entrance. Then, she hugged Lor firmly, with every tear she shed initiating a tighter grip. Naomi¡¯s heart shattered with all things considered.

    ¡°I¡¯ll start packing your things.¡± With a loosened grasp, her plump cheeks reddened when Lor used the duvet to wipe away the tears. This came as a shock to Naomi who always gave comfort when the princess had a bad day, but never received it in return. It wasn¡¯t her place to expect such a luxury from a royal anyway, but this was the second time today Lor seemed to care.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry for me. I suppose I deserve everything I¡¯m getting,¡± said Lor.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. If you don¡¯t desire it, you don¡¯t deserve it.¡±

    Not wanting to pry on the subject, which would bring back her own tears, Lor changed the direction of their conversation.¡°Will you be coming with me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but no. Your father has pulled me from all maid duties. I will be serving¡­him.¡±

    ¡°Serving him? In what way?¡± Lor presented a puzzled facial expression.

    ¡°You know, the regular servant stuff. Trust me. I asked to go, but you will be set up with new maids who understand vampire customs.¡±

    ¡°My new maids are vampires?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so.¡±

    ¡°Uhg! He¡¯s taken everything from me. What will I do without you?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll find that everything your father does is for your protection and I¡¯m certain you¡¯ll manage without me.¡±

    ¡°How is sending me with flesh-eating beasts supposed to protect me?¡±

    Naomi gave the question a moment to process, not certain what to say. ¡°I actually don¡¯t know, but I trust my king, so that means you will be safe.¡±

    When the moon peaked, the dooming knock of someone¡¯s harsh knuckles banged against Lor¡¯s door. It was time to leave for Ustoria. Naomi already packed the princess¡¯s things and gone.

    As the knocking continued, she scoffed.

    ¡°Come in already!¡± She stared through the reflection of her mirror, grilling the door. Whoever was on the other side was asking for an earful.

    Just when the door opened, an unfamiliar face walked inside, making her blood boil. The nerve of him, knocking like a lunatic. She veered back at her reflection, eyeing her gown from shoulder to ankle. Naomi presented a new blue dress for her to wear, made from satin. Sheer fabric poufed out at the waistline, weighing the dress down. The cleavage area had a trail of glazed stone curving around into flower patterns. Such a beautiful gown chosen for my grand entrance into Ustoria. Her eyes rolled around and lips drooped with disgust since she had no desire to impress her fiance or her future in laws.

    ¡°Princess, the carriage is waiting. Your father urged we be on time.¡± The heaviness of the luggage burdened him as he held an oversize suitcase in each hand. She could tell by his flared nostrils that he wished to say more, but he knew his limits.

    Furthermore, she spun around, using her forearm to push her dress to the back. With eyebrows cornered and a threatening glare, she said, ¡°How dare you rush me?¡±

    ¡°I do apologize. It¡¯s just, King Serphen¡¯s men will be waiting at the border for us. You shouldn¡¯t want to make a bad first impression, do you?¡±

    ¡°Who do you think you are, giving advice when I did not ask for it? Take my things and I¡¯ll come when I¡¯m ready!¡±

    ¡°As you wish princess.¡±

    When he left, Lor took a moment to sulk in her thoughts. She lifted her dress just enough to walk to the bed and sit. Whether or not Leonebus would be mad, she didn¡¯t care. It¡¯s not like she was eager to go. Deep in thought, Dom became the center piece. Many times they made love in her bed, or just about anywhere. She ran a hand along her duvet, absorbing vivid memories of such times, bringing her to bite her lip. He was the first and only man she ever laid with. She felt a tear glide down her cheek, realizing she¡¯d never see him again after tonight or feel his warming embrace. She loved him beyond doubt, even if she enforced the word friends. For that reason, she wouldn¡¯t run away with him.

    Just as she rose to her feet, bracing herself for the dreadful trip, she took one last look at herself. Goodbye, free girl.

 Chapter 5

    Lor clenched the fur cloak at her neck, frightened by the darkness surrounding the carriage. The shadow encumbered terrain caused blood-curdling assumptions of what lurked beyond the shadowed trees and bushels, particularly, the Valmorin. She¡¯d never forget the terrifying display from earlier. Ghastly thing. A worry came to mind just then. Would they encounter one along the way?

    Dom¡¯s warm hands palmed Lor¡¯s, bringing them low, her darkest fears distracted by such affection. His very appearance provided reassurance, though it could not be nothing short of resentful. With that, a pitied sigh emitted from the princess. Here sat the man who jumped to her beck and call, attending a venturous journey he feigned. The woman he loved would soon marry a vampire.

    ¡°You¡¯re freezing,¡± said Dom, rubbing friction on the backs of Lor¡¯s hands. If he was upset, he certainly didn¡¯t show it. His worried eyes gleamed with care when the carriage hit a hard turn that allowed the moonlight to peek through the window. ¡°Do you want my coat?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± she said with a stiff grin. I¡¯m not worthy of your coat or your affection.

    ¡°Are you okay? I mean¡ªcourse¡¯ you¡¯re not.¡± Dom stood from his seat and collapsed beside her. ¡°I didn¡¯t think your father would send you away and tonight. Things are moving so fast. Have you even considered what I said about¡ª¡± His volume dropped to a whisper. ¡°Running away?¡±

    And there it was. The question from earlier, unsettling the small atmosphere that wheeled them along the dirt path. This topic made Lor feel unworthy. The answer, daggerous words bound to plunge the most feeble-hearted.

    ¡°I have.¡± A brief moment of silence torched the boiling pot, Dom¡¯s impatience spilling over on his face. ¡°I can¡¯t. I will uphold the king¡¯s wishes.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± His response leaped out, unfitting to what was clearly there, sullenness. The very essence of it wilted his lips and shoulders like a flower that had been deprived of water for days. Again a pitied sigh on Lor¡¯s account. Something in him begged for redemption. She noticed his eyes turn to slits, as if an evil alternate ego replaced the kindhearted man who had clearly evaporated. Still, a mellow tone. ¡°So you want to live among vampires? Marry one? What about us?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like that. A marriage will end the war. Don¡¯t you want it to end? You¡¯re a soldier. Don¡¯t you want their support for the dangers that lie ahead?¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t you, Loretta. It¡¯s your father talking right now. I am offering you a safe route out of this country. I know you don¡¯t want this. If we leave now, we¡¯ll have a chance.¡±

    ¡°Even if I agreed, my father will find us. He¡¯d take his time flanking you for kidnapping his daughter. That¡¯s how he¡¯ll word it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s worth the risk. As long as I get you away from here, I don¡¯t care if it puts a target on my back.¡±

    ¡°Just stop it! You will always be my¡­..friend who I care for and love. But I must fulfill my duty.¡± With all her might, she cocooned the words that nearly slipped out, providing a mild version of the truth.

    Please don¡¯t pull it out of me. You wouldn¡¯t be able to handle how I really feel.

    Dom maneuvered to the opposite seat crossing his arms. With a sunken hunch, the floor, a riveting pit of darkness, swallowed his gaze, in some sort, flourishing the anger clenched in his fist. He chuckled, an unwanted grin forming. ¡°Friend? Finally a title?¡± A sardonic grin flashed across his face, eyes blackened shards stifling Lor. ¡°You just a silly girl who allows her father to boss her around. You hide in the shadows, appearing when he calls. If that¡¯s duty to you, you¡¯re lost. Now look at you, agreeing to marry a monster instead of fleeing. Aren¡¯t you tired of boring the weight of your father? Think for yourself for a change. Your lack of whit makes you unbearable at times.¡± Just like that, his gaze swooped back to the darkness below.

    His remark added pressure to what Lor tried to encapsulate, but he was trying her patience. Lack of whit? I¡¯m not in love with you and I do not wish to go with you, granting false hope on some fairy tale you wish to conjure. It didn¡¯t take father for me to come up with that one.

    Did he need a detailed description of a princess¡¯s title? Or perhaps a reminder of what the role entailed whether the king called the shots or not? He was lucky she granted time for their forbidden encounters in the first place. Otherwise, on normal days, he remained a singular grain of rice, insignificant in comparison to her crown, a paddy field of rich jasmine. He was one man against an entire country who relied on this union. At any chance she could showcase influence, whether or not on Leonebus¡¯s orders, she would, and with honor. Here he was, trying to mock her for it.

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    With eyes locked to the man who wouldn¡¯t dare meet her gaze, she snapped back. ¡°I am a princess above all else and you, a loyal subject. Need I remind you of YOUR duty?¡± To be fair, she agreed that her actions thereafter emanated Leonebus, the very realm of his thinking spewing out. The king gave her an order and she¡¯d live up to it with no regret. All a front to hide the silent screams for freedom that clawed at the crown she wore with grace.

    Oh, how an escape to some distant land would be so grand. She¡¯d do it alone if granted the opportunity, but eventually Leonebus would track her down, a reminder of how far his power stretched. And what punishment could be fitting for something so treacherous as regression toward peace? That wouldn¡¯t matter since the Valmorin would have already clawed their way through the land leaving a bloody trail of dead bodies. Running away from the royal ranks could only be a daydream.

    She opened her mouth to deepen the wounds of her antagonist, but the carriage hit a pothole causing Lor¡¯s crown to tilt. She twirled it back in place. The diamond encrusted piece had golden arches that triangulated upward like prison bars, the wearer, its prisoner. She sought to punish him for the reminder of how she was everything but free. Dom hadn¡¯t the slightest clue about the royal regime, the toils of sacrifice to gain hierarchy. Formulating treaties with enemies, yielding one¡¯s own dignity to strengthen ranks, and wedding those same vultures.

    Lor hadn¡¯t much experience in the perils that came with ruling. She gained some understanding of it by watching Leonebus through the years. He¡¯d pummel through the cross fires like a God who couldn¡¯t be touched, his throne untainted.

    And now, he passed the torch to his daughter, a living testament of imperial succession. For the slightest bit, a faint scoff rumbled from her mouth while leering Dom up and down. The only thing he knew how to do, sling a sword in unison with the brigade he was assigned to.

    Then, finally, the unnerving truth. ¡°You think I¡¯d toss my crown aside for you? I¡¯m going to be wedded to a prince who is equally yolked compared to a soldier who has nothing to offer. This marriage will bring peace. While a union between you and I bares no fruit. Your armor holds no significance. Not your badges or your sword, all provided to you, not by you. You are a loyal servant for the king, like many others, who would be happy to take your head off in his honor just by your idea of wisping me away. You couldn¡¯t protect me from my father even if you tried.¡±

    Lor took no pleasure in deepening a wound that had no undone. It began to fester into bitterness tearing through his veins, materializing into the darkest of thoughts. For a moment, a flinch popped his shoulder upward as if he¡¯d change into the beast that yearned to come out.

    Perhaps, this is how things should end, him hating me. It will only make it easier for him to move on. I deserve it for bringing this monstrous side out him. This isn¡¯t you, Dom.

    She decided to say nothing more for the slightest comment could set him off. What good would it do for her or him if he changed into a full formed minx? He¡¯d probably maul her neck until lifeless and suffer a worse fate by the troops trotting atop their horses, roaming head and tail. Lor was certain. Keep quiet so we both can get out of this alive.

    There became a subtle urge of sorrow yearning to spill out. Dom appeared defeated, broken, and enraged all at once. One thing a women shall never do, tear apart a man¡¯s ego. His armor and sword had nothing to do with the man she knew him to be, romantic and gentle. She nearly ordered a rekindle, longing to say sorry. Was that a risky power play that would give his alter ego the nudge to materialize.

    She already compromised safety the moment she made herself his target. If he¡¯d turn, she was done for. Let things be how they are. Tears curved around her eyeballs as she grasped the ending of their friendship, they spilled down her cheeks, icy from the breeze. A tinge of frost festered when Dom spoke again. The coldness of it made the princess shiver. Not a jacket, could bring back the warmth between them.

    ¡°When the prince fucks you on your wedding night, you will truly become what everyone is too scared to say to your face, a whore. You call it duty. I say it¡¯s because you actually want it. Lets be honest, Loretta, Neltavio is charming, isn¡¯t he? His cunning nature drew you in the moment he came to your room last night. I saw your reaction when he stared into your eyes. Your knees buckled. I could sense your heightened heart rate. Your desire, like I never existed. It¡¯s clear to me why you must go.¡±

    By the force of Dom¡¯s boot, the carriage door flew open causing Lor to nearly jolt from the seat. He yelled out to the coachman, ¡°WAIT UP!¡± When the wheels slowed, he hopped to the ground creating a dirt cloud. She thought he¡¯d flee just then, but he slammed the carriage door shut and joined the other soldiers ahead.

    Stillness stiffened her shoulders and spine to a T. Her mouth rounded in shock by all he said, his sudden exit. Was he watching us the entire time last night? What did he think he saw between us? Unless¡ª

    Lor vividly remembered the prince standing so close, she could feel his heated breaths. She¡¯d never forget his tranquil gaze, those two wondrous eyes that drew her in. Then, his intrusive words snaked around her legs and arms holding them wrought. They slithered in the hidden depths of her mind, prying out desire. She felt stuck as if time didn¡¯t exist, the only prevalent motion, the heat growing between her thighs.

    His words became a romantic number, a tune that made her shiver. Underneath all of your layers of entitlement, there¡¯s a girl whose been yearning to be put in her place, thirsting for the right man to do it. She bit her lip just then, scoffing to follow up on the atrocity of her involuntary response. If this is the way she acted last night, she understood Dom¡¯s animosity.

    But it wasn¡¯t even that! He¡¯s mistaken. I was just¡ªjust full anxiety is all. Even now.

    Did Dom think he witnessed Lor¡¯s vulnerability first hand, invoked by a vampire? The same vulnerability he claimed she deprived him of? With the edges of her fingers, she smudged her temples where a piercing headache formed. Great. He thinks I¡¯m attracted to the prince.

    There was validity in Dom¡¯s anger. The woman he loved had been ripped away from his arms by a wavering tide, in this case, Prince Nel. Lor felt awful about everything. The way things ended. Their spewing of insults which got them to this point. It was sad to experience the end of something so sacred.

    As the vehicle rolled along, quicker now, the princess¡¯s eyes veered out the window stifled by the swallowing shade of pitch black. The gawking crows and rustling bushes vibrated every nerve in her body. She yanked the curtain shut on both sides, leaned back against the cushion, and took a great amount of air in her lungs. She closed her eyes wondering when the trip would end.

 Chapter 6

    The hours mushed together one after another, the agony of prolonged travel bruising Lor¡¯s rear. One impatient question turned into eternity. Were they almost there? How long had they been traveling? Did they cross the border? What time was it? Just as she found the whit to open the curtain to see if the wooded surroundings changed into a bridge crossing or at least a town, her eyebrows shot up in horror. The forest life swayed with the swooshing tide of wind, dancing to the scoffs of Lor¡¯s disappointment. How much longer?

    Then a sound coiled in the distance. As the carriage continued forward, a man¡¯s shouts is what Lor could make of it, still too far to be certain. The vehicle kept its speedy pace, bringing them nearer to the person who dared yell in the late hours of night which would alert predators. Her heart plunged forward when the carriage slowed. Why on earth are we stopping?

    The man¡¯s volume changed once they approached him. There were others with him who spoke, her small brigade talking with them. What¡¯s going on out there? With her name and title tossed around like a tennis ball, she finally realized the voices belonged to Ustorian soldiers. Her heart jolted just then, the dawn of reality taking it by surprise. To worsen matters, the door flew open revealing Dom¡¯s disgruntled face. He refused to pair eyes, keeping a fixed gaze toward the ground.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said cold, as if eager to get the package delivered to be done with.

    ¡°We¡¯re in the middle of the woods. Why am leaving my carriage?¡± said Lor, frustration conducting her last nerve. Dom¡¯s coldness partnered with her confusion on the matter bolstered it.

    ¡°You will ride in with Prince Neltavio¡¯s soldiers.¡±

    ¡°Alone?¡± Her sockets could have lost a pair of eyes just then, the way they bulged out, glistening with dread. ¡°We¡¯re no where near the castle, are we? You expect me to ride with vampires alone?¡±

    An unfamiliar voice chimed in. ¡°Hello Princess.¡± The new face emerged from the possy of minx and vampire alike. He was one of the most gorgeous creatures she¡¯d ever seen, black curly hair, brown skin with a hint of hazelnut. Clear to his importance, he wore an honorable uniform with Ustorian colors of red wreathing his jacket and black slacks. Of course you¡¯d be Nel¡¯s soldier. Look at you. The well put together vampire did not have her fooled, however. He was still a blood-sucking beast nonetheless. There appeared something familiar about him. She circled back to the meeting, realizing he sat in attendance with the prince and king of Ustoria. The night I learned of my death sentence.

    After a few seconds passed, the introduction continued.¡°I am Sunny. It is an honor to be in your presence. I, along with the Ustorian brigade, will escort you the rest of the way. Your safety is our priority. You are in good hands.¡±

    The well spoken vampire appeared somewhat genuine. Lor allowed a moment to pass not sure what to say since her trust ran with those she came with. Perhaps the arrangements could be changed.

    ¡°I, uh¡ªwould like my men to come along.¡±

    ¡°That is perfectly fine,¡± said Sunny looking to Dom for approval.

    As if he has any say in this!

    One of Leonebus¡¯s other men joined the conversation. ¡°We have strict orders from the king to release you in their custody at the border.¡±

    Of course he¡¯d give that order. Lor sulked quietly in her defeat.

    ¡°It¡¯s an act of good faith,¡± said Dom, not too keen on elaborating her father¡¯s reasoning. Though he had planned to run away with her, he was well aware of Leonebus¡¯s request before they left. He did not think they¡¯d be there seeing it through.

    ¡°I understand,¡± said Sunny. His eyes were brighter and rounder now as if he¡¯d won a prize. ¡°See Princess? Your father put his trust in us to get you safely to the castle. It is an honor to carry out such a duty.¡± With poise, he bowed forth with a flattened palm. ¡°Shall we?¡±

    Sunny¡¯s hand let off an inviting aura appearing alarmingly reassuring. She grabbed its warmth, stepping down to the ground. ¡°You will get inside of the carriage ahead. Tristen will help you inside. I¡¯ll grab your things.¡±

    Lor grounded both feet to soil, a rush of shock running up her legs.

    Here goes.

    With slow strides, she bundled her skirts in both arms and approached the new vehicle, eyes set on Dom in passing. He refused to meet her gaze. Fine! Be that way! Once Tristen helped her inside, the sound of luggage thumped in the trunk. Seconds later, they were off.

    Upon arrival to the castle, the air thickened with the slightest smell of iron and a dash of melted cane, a scent that only vampires emitted, especially after feeding. Their aroma wasn¡¯t unbearable, just a bit unnatural to Lor. Something about it remained gratifying since that gave validation of their existing radius.

    A shiver sneaked up the stretch her her spine as reality surfaced. She would live among vampires and marry one who had an ego large enough to make the most confident person doubt themselves. Lor¡¯s own pride, strength, and assertiveness, withered away with each passing moment she visualized the prince¡¯s face. An alluring visage with the will of mental thievery. If visualizing him should stifle her, how could she face him again?

    As the carriage finally halted, Lor veered up a steep set of stairs that led to a colossal door comprised of brassy gold, depreciated from years of existence. The arched form fancied elegant carvings of roses per corner, neat in its craftsmanship. Lor eyed the ancient structure the entire time, even when the carriage door opened. Something about it shimmered authenticity for the moment. Soon enough, she¡¯d waltz through it to meet with the very monsters she feigned. Sunny lowered his palm and cleared his throat, redirecting her awareness. Without delay, she grabbed it and stepped down to the ground.

    They both traveled up the stone steep, Lor¡¯s thighs burning a quarter of the way toward their mark. Both her knees buckled and she thought she needed a moment, but getting past the entrance became her ambition. Once at the top, Sunny shoved the door opened, allowing the princess to enter first.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    The foyer was breathtaking, on the contrary of the vine suffocating chaos she imagined with thorns mimicking vampire teeth. Instead, beige colored walls enclosed her in a circle of bliss. Candles banked on rose shaped sconces spiraling up the rounded tower. Her eyes veered to the red dragon stone, a tasteful and expensive selection of flooring. The flickering light electrified the golden tresses within the slabs. With a slow twirl, she noticed a curtain of tropical plants draping from clay pots, hanging from above. They veiled a passageway that lead further into the castle.

    ¡°Got a good look, Princess Loretta?¡± said Sunny with a smile so broad his fangs peaked out.

    Lor forgot the patient soldier¡¯s presence, shifting around to face him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Let¡¯s continue.¡±

    Sunny brushed by the vines and into the dim corridor. With hastened steps, she tried to keep up.

    The anticipated moment waited a few more feet away amplifying her heart rate. Her clammy palms oozed anxiety. Just when an inhale filled both lungs, her eyes set on a tall arch leading to the center of the castle, a rounded enclosure surrounded by different pathways. They walked beyond it. To Lor¡¯s surprise, the king and queen patiently waited beneath a well lit chandelier. Where¡¯s the prince?

    ¡°Please tell my son the princess has arrived,¡± said King Serphen to Sunny.

    ¡°Of course,¡± said Sunny with a nod. He spun off into a corridor closest to the one they came from.

    ¡°Hello, Princess Loretta.¡± King Serphen gave a subtle nod and relayed a warm grin.

    To Lor¡¯s surprise, the queen introduced herself.

    ¡°Welcome. I am Queen Fiora.¡±

    Lor forced a smile, an expression pulled from a collection of theater masks she¡¯d have to wear often. Even her nerves felt the slightest resistance, the ones that controlled facial expressions. Wear a brave face. She fought hard to do as Leonebus ordered, taking his comment literal.

    For a few seconds, the queen locked eyes on Lor, finalizing observations of her son¡¯s future bride, pulsing scolds up and down. Whether she approved or not, became a mystery.

    On the contrary, Lor¡¯s eyes swung left and right between the two vampires. They stood to towering heights, looming like a couple of wolves with unknown intentions. Were they thirsting for blood from the neck of the mere mortal who had no real power? She felt weak and powerless considering their true nature. The two seemed well matched considering. Age held no significance. But the princess knew their youth was a lie, for the simple fact they¡¯d been rulers for centuries.

    Queen Fiora had the rare beauty of a white rose, and the semblance of a million thorns. Her skin was powdery white, almost like a corpse on the first hour of death, but delicate and smooth like porcelain. The scolding viper¡¯s charcoal hair pinned up in a messy bun, bangs tossed at each temple. Her choice in wardrobe, a red silk robe with a bare body beneath. When Lor met eyes with the queen, she panted in fear at two black pits staring back, similar to Nel¡¯s. The only difference, they glittered disapproval. As if sensing Lor¡¯s discomfort and taking pleasure in it, Fiora cast a sinister smile across her face, one that sent haunting shivers up Lor¡¯s spine.

    To break visual contact, the princess shifted her gaze to Serphen. His son favored him almost completely, sun kissed skin, smoldering eyes, pouted, luscious lips. Gray hairs sprouted out like whiskers from his beard and brows, the revealing factor that he was older and not some doppelganger. Lor could not bare it if they shared personalities. What seemed like an eternity of relaying glares only lasted a few seconds for a response.

    ¡°Hello,¡± said Lor, her guise astute. ¡°It is an honor to meet you both.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you¡¯re well and safe after your journey,¡± said Serphen. ¡°Our son seems to have forgotten you were coming. I do apologize for his absence.¡± The king¡¯s forehead crinkled with care, but Lor refused to believe a vampire held any warmth in their hearts. The only thing she knew the two royals would ever feel was displeasure for the marriage. ¡°Let¡¯s see if Sunny can find him.¡±

    Right on queue, Sunny materialized from the shadows without the prince.

    ¡°Prince Neltavio is in disposed,¡± said the soldier, leaving Lor puzzled. Her eyebrows furrowed just enough for the three vampire¡¯s to notice. Was her arrival not important to him? How did Sunny manage to travel so fast considering how huge the castle was? Was he lying?

    ¡°Ha! Right,¡± said Queen Fiora, encouraging Lor¡¯s curiosities. ¡°Well, Loretta, I am pleased to meet you, but I am going to bed.¡± She sashayed toward one of the corridors behind and disappeared in its darkness.

    ¡°Sunny will escort you to your room. Goodnight, princess,¡± said King Serphen before making his exit.

    That¡¯s it? Some welcome!

    ¡°This way, Princess,¡± said Sunny.

    Lor followed him through the same walkway he went in search for Nel. They walked up a staircase that brought them to the second floor and into another narrow path. This one ran deeper, doors aligning its stretch. Are one of these my rooms¡ªNel¡¯s room? Just the thought of him and his disregard for her arrival made a knot form in her throat. The dress, hell, all the effort she put in to look presentable for him, A waste. She could not carry on without feeling seen. Did he not understand everything she sacrificed to be here? Did he think this was a game?

    ¡°Can you please take me to the prince¡¯s room?¡± she asked, feeling out of character once the question slipped out.

    ¡°He told me to tell you he would meet with you first thing in the morning, after you¡¯ve dressed.¡±

    I am dressed!

    With fire stretching through her soul, she felt eager and angry now. Tomorrow? She considered Sunny¡¯s rebuttal, but it would not deter the princess. ¡°I wish to see him now. Not a moment later. Take me to his room.¡± Sunny halted and looked over his shoulder. With furrowed brows he leered at Lor, lips parted as if he had a rebuttal, yet he said nothing. ¡°I am his wife to be, so what I¡¯m asking shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    Sunny let out a deep, irritated sigh before saying, ¡°Alright.¡±

    They remained on a straight path until a crossing hallway intercepted. Sunny turned left, went forward for some time, maneuvered into another passageway, and at the very end of the corridor, Nel¡¯s door towered in far sight. The walking seemed endless, but with their fast pace, they approached it in moments.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let him know you¡¯re¡ª¡± A faint moan of a woman seeped through the cracks of the door. Sunny veered toward Lor, with shocked features. ¡°The prince is¡ª¡±

    ¡°Not indisposed,¡± said Lor. She crossed her arms, disbelief rounding her sockets. How dare he? And I shouldn¡¯t care, but¡ª A veil of embarrassment wiped across her face. Here I am looking for a man¡ªI mean a vampire who isn¡¯t looking for me. Layers of emotions collided all at once, until she chose anger. Without hesitation, she reached for the doorknob, twirling it back and forth, but it was locked.

    ¡°Take me to my room, now!¡± she snapped. Her actions yielded an outcome of regret. Sunny¡¯s bemused stare did not help any more or less. She wondered about his rounded orbs and dropped jaw. Did they result from the commotion in the bedroom or was it due to her sudden outburst? He had to have known what was taking place when the king sent him earlier. Then again, how could he have managed to travel here and back to the center of the castle so fast? He couldn¡¯t have. There¡¯s no way. Unless¡ª She picked the brain for a moment and a memory materialized, one of Nel using his fast traveling ability the other night. Now that I understand how he managed, why would he still bring me knowing what was taking place?

    ¡°This way, Princess Loretta,¡± he said, reeling her out of the spiraling realm of thoughts. He headed in the opposite direction, making some turns. Eventually, Lor felt a headache trying to keep tabs on their path. When they finally reached her room, he said, ¡°I do apologize for what you heard which is why I did not want to bring you.¡±

    A shallow sigh of guilt left her lips. I did force him to take me. His apology took the edge off her boiling temperature to a minimum. ¡°Thank you for your services.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Now get some sleep. Your maids will be here in the morning to ready you for the day.¡± He disappeared into the shadows without another word.

    Lor finally entered the grand suite overwhelmed by the size and decor. She closed the door for privacy. The room had a grandness to it, well suited for a queen to be. A bed with four, marble post stood in each corner. They were pearl with smoky tresses of gold coiling throughout. A fluffy duvet and plump pillows, emerald green in color, emulated royalty. She galloped around like a toddler at a circus, eyes racing to one furniture piece to another. Chairs, end tables, curtains all in one unified color, emerald green. They locked to a vanity table displaying makeup and expensive perfumes. Upon approaching the wooden piece, she got a whiff of floral perfume, quite pleasing to the senses. The base of her heels lifted just a bit as they stumbled on a fringe rug. She took her shoes off, pressing both feet against its soft ridges. A wall mirror was the final element of surprise. The large reflector leaned against the paint, a decorated flowery frame stroked with a gold finish. She walked to it yearning to see herself. What a waste.

    Ready to get out of the bulky gown, her fingers trailed the lining between shoulder blades and unfastened each button. The dress dropped to the floor. She kicked it aside taking comfort in wearing only bra and panties. She twirled around, setting eyes on the massive mattress. It called out like it had been yearning for her touch all night. She went to mount it, but then a sturdy knock came from the door.

    Scrambling around for something to cover up, she came across a silk robe, similar to the queens. It hung beside the sleeping area on a fancy hook. She put it on and rushed to the door. To her horror, Prince Nel stood in the hallway with a sly grin, fangs poking out.

    ¡°I heard you were looking for me.¡±

 Chapter 7

    Lor gulped down hard, tonsils dryer than the night air. To her surprise, the vampire prince stood in her doorway shirtless. Whatever words left his lips got lost into the soundless atmosphere of the corridor where he stood, his body the lighthouse of the moment.

    His chiseled abs of steel glistened with sweat, conformation of the heedless pleasures that took place right before he arrived. That alone should have been a blood boiler. The heat forced its way between her thighs. She smashed them shut upon noticing the pulsing sensation.

    To his disregard, Nel hovered in close proximity, spiced cologne mixed with bodily perspiration awakening her senses. She fought against reveling on whether he looked appealing or smelled even better. It was almost as if he compelled traitorous thoughts, clawing them out of places she didn¡¯t know existed.

    All but a blue robe withered at his shoulders with loose fitting pants to match it. The dents of his v-line screamed, look lower.

    Is that his¡ª A massive bulge pressed against the seam of his pants, one her peripheral caught glimpse of. Her cheeks flushed with warmth in response, signaling other areas of her body to do the same. She cast a discreet glance lower before meeting his dilated pits. Goodness.

    Nel¡¯s choice in wardrobe seemed as careless as his regard for her arrival. Not for a second did he consider the informality it brought or discomfort she¡¯d feel. Did he just expect her to ignore what was clearly in front of her? A gorgeous man with a phenomenally sculpted abs. Every curve chiseled to perfection with the shadows intensifying the grooves. Desire and lust became traitorous thoughts barricaded in the realm of denial. She refused to dabble with such feelings, especially for a vampire.

    Distaste and displeasure were her familiars. She welcomed them to the forefront of all else, the only appropriate gestures she could think of for him and his monstrous kind. This made the process much easier to withdraw any attraction that came. Whatever these feelings are. She searched for anything to depreciate his appeal. Then she remembered the blood bath vampires spilled across the Agartan empire. How they executed their murders and what they did with the minx¡¯s fur. She never saw their heathenish deeds play out, but believed the rumors.

    A hollow heart chiseled from stone is all she had to offer her future husband. He and his kind a like shared no regard for none but their own. She vowed to take on their ways and reflect it back on them. First things first, she¡¯d endure his nightly betrayal to a minor degree, though there was so much yearning to spill out about the reason he¡¯d been absent. Perhaps the topic could be avoided altogether, that¡¯s if he doesn¡¯t bring it up. She realized how much she did not wish to answer for her attempt at intruding inside his room. Then again, what other reason had he shown up? To welcome her into his massive arms? He¡¯s definitely not here for that. It¡¯s gotta be because¡ª

    ¡°PRINCESS? Do you not hear me? I heard you came to my room looking for me.¡±

    That¡¯s one way to put it.

    Lor¡¯s eyes narrowed into glaciers considering the volume in his voice, the same voice that pulled her out the thought cloud. It was loud with the slightest bit of irritation. She straightened her posture to extend her confidence, but his height made him a lion compared to a mouse. Finally, she barked back. ¡°I was.¡± With arrogant motion, she crossed her arms, nose bent toward the ceiling.

    ¡°Did my soldier not tell you I¡¯d meet with you tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to see you tonight,¡± she snapped, playing Nel¡¯s premarital betrayal in her mind. Should I even be upset about this? It¡¯s not like I want to marry him or care about his conquests. After a brief moment of pondering on the situation, she decided that portion irrelevant. It¡¯s your absence I have a problem with. Simply being present when I arrived, acknowledge that I had to give up my freedom to come to Ustoria while you get to sleep around. But what could a heartless vampire understand? Your life stays the same while my life changes. Anger dug her deep into a flaming pit of rage that burned the backs of her eyes with tears. They did not dare seep out in front of him. I will not show weakness, so she fought them back.

    ¡°You are not in Agarta anymore. You cannot do as you please.¡± Every now and again, he scolded while shaking his head in disapproval, like he¡¯d been replaying her intrusive hands on his doorknob.

    With eyelids fluttering a moderate pace to clear her glassy orbs of embarrassment, she smeared them shut, using the pointer and index finger, before glaring up at him, ¡°Are you not going to be my husband?¡±

    Frustration drove his eyebrows to furrow. ¡°I am, but that doesn¡¯t mean try to barge into my room.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t necessarily trying to barge inside. Just¡ª¡± There was no descent rebuttal, just a clear mind. She found nothing worth elaborating, not even her repulsion for what went on behind the prince¡¯s doors. For a moment, she cursed Sunny for snitching.

    ¡°Just what?¡±

    ¡°Well, I just thought, maybe¡ªbecause we are to be wed¡ª¡±

    ¡°What came over you? Jealousy? Spoiled, we¡¯ve only just met. Get a grip.¡± He dispensed a clever grin that exposed his fangs, like he¡¯d been amused by the princess¡¯s mere outburst.

    Lor¡¯s jaw clenched as her teeth filed each other. How dare he mock me? Why does he keep calling me spoiled? Bahhh! And jealous? She swung her eyes around before pinching them on his soulless orbs. If I were jealous, that¡¯d insinuate I care? And I do not. Did he not understand the monster she saw him as? The terror flushing through her veins just by seeing his glistening fangs? They¡¯d always be a deathly threat. At any moment, he could dig them into her neck just because of his god given nature. If sleeping with another vampire meant he¡¯d keep those daggers away, so be it.

    ¡°Your accusations don¡¯t make any sense. I have no feelings toward you or your sexual endeavors. I just thought it was informal for you not to show up.¡±

    ¡°Why does it matter? You made it clear that you do not like vampires. And lets not forget, our marriage is only to ensure peace, nothing more. Unless¡ª¡± He eased closer, leaving an inch of space between them. The soft of his fingertips tucked a coil behind Lor¡¯s ear. She flinched when their warmth kissed her cartilage. ¡°You want more.¡±

    The prince¡¯s pupils silvered into tranquilizer leaving Lor stuck in his dominating hold. She could not move, flinch even. Her eyes steadied on to his dreamy marbles that warped her in. Then he smirked a corner of his mouth as his eyes undressed her. Her gasp made him respond with a humored grunt. His sultry gaze swooped to her neck and down, down, down, a slow blink as he stared into her rounded orbs again.

    She shuttered, feeling violated in every way, his closeness emanating heat along her skin, while sending shivers up her spine. If he stepped any closer, their chest would be touching. Just the thought of him coming any closer triggered goosebumps to trickle down the length of both arms.

    Lor crept back slowly until their distance had an appropriate length. She quickly hid her face behind the door where quiet winds of air rushed out like she¡¯d been under water and nearly drowned. It took a moment to gather herself and all that just happened.

    He is trying to intimidate me. Get your whits about yourself, Lor. Or maybe there was deeper meaning behind every dynamic of their encounter. From his physical gestures. To her thrumming heart beat because of it. No matter, their interactions had dire need for intervention, maybe a reminder of why she came to Ustoria. I am here to marry the vampire prince for peace. Not to get warped into his games. She did not want to lose herself to his touch ever again. A vow formed swiftly, that she¡¯d never allow him to come as close as a yard the next time they were alone.

    It took no time to gather herself though she dreaded the fact that Nel still lingered at the door. What seemed like an eternity, only lasted a few seconds where she finally revealed a fiercer version of herself, the color returned to her face as she kept their proximity in mind. He clearly made physical gestures to toy with her and she had enough of it. She would not fold under the pressure of his pleased stare as if enticed by her obvious external responses. Could he sense it? He carried an arrogant gaze that could naturally hypnotize any women of his choosing to fall into his grasp.

    I won¡¯t fall for it!

    ¡°Let me make something clear, it doesn¡¯t matter to me. Going to your room was a mistake. You will never see me act out of character again. Not for you at least. You are means to an end. Nothing more! So sleep with who you please.¡±

    Nel wore a half smile to heighten Lor¡¯s irritation. Not a second later, he disappeared into the shadows.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Three maids came bright and early just as Sunny said they would. They poured through Lor¡¯s door with feathered feet. The hour called for breakfast and a hot bath.

    ¡°You go and wake her,¡± said Osha shoving Fay, causing her to stumble. Osha rushed over to a tray and placed Lor¡¯s breakfast down.

    Fay, on the other hand, timidly approached the bed. ¡°Princess Loretta?¡± A heavy tide of fear shifted through the maid¡¯s body when Lor remained still as a statue. She did not want to be the one to spoil her sleep. Nonetheless, Osha gave an order which she had to abide by. ¡°Hel¡ªhello princess?¡± Trying to get Lor to wake up was like trying to pull a bear out of hibernation as she politely tapped the blanket.

    ¡°You¡¯re so useless. You know that?¡± Osha shoved Fay aside and lightly shook Lor¡¯s arm, voice whistling a song of, ¡°Rise and shine your highness.¡±

    Lor pulled the comforter over her face, surroundings not registering. In her slumbered conscience, she was back at home in bed, maids shuffling from one task to another.

    Wait!

    Now fully cognizant, the present took her by surprise, rushing thoughts filling in gaps of time, the carriage ride, meeting the royals, and Nel¡¯s late night visit. Being drowsy and tired barely put the details together, but eventually, Ustoria rang a bell, vampire maids prowling around the bed. A flash of terror widened her eyes. They¡¯re probably plotting on a feed or maybe they¡ª She clawed the curve of her neck, checking for bite marks. Just as she found no wound, Osha¡¯s voice trumpeted loud and clear.

    ¡°Princess Loretta? I¡¯ve brought breakfast.¡± Lor lay in stillness, not ready to meet the new faces. Osha¡¯s voice still carried on, however. ¡°Blueberry pastries filled with custard.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s still asleep,¡± said Fay. ¡°Maybe we should give it an hour.¡±

    ¡°You idiot, it takes an hour for bathing, hair, and dressing. The prince expects her this morning.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right.¡±

    ¡°Half breed, make yourself useful and draw a bath. Siren, my dear, will you go and fetch a dress? I¡¯ll work on waking her up before her food stales.¡±

    ¡°I AM UP!¡± Lor threw the blanket aside and heaped forward with arms crossed. She only grilled Osha. ¡°While you are in my presence, never speak to her that way again!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry your highness if my words to Fay upset you, but she¡¯s just a half-breed.¡±

    ¡°A half what?¡±

    ¡°A vampire mixed with minx. Both our kind alike shares the same disgust toward them for obvious reasons. They¡¯re not pure.¡±

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    ¡°You have no right to treat anyone that way. If I catch you talking to any mixed blood like that again, I¡¯ll fire you, have you arrested for treason. Do you not understand why I am here?¡±

    ¡°To bring peace.¡±

    ¡°Exactly! She is a symbol of unity, no different than my marriage to the prince. Our children will be mixed blood. Do you have a problem with that too?¡±

    Children were sweet bundles of joy created through the means of passion. The vampire royals expected both to occur, but Lor¡¯s father forbade it. And yet, she spoke of offspring knowing there was no chance in hell she¡¯d sleep with Nel. Because father has a plan¡­..Right? She riddled on the thought with so many questions following. How am I to avoid consummating our marriage? What is his plan? Is this some sort of set up, an attempt to overthrow the vampire¡¯s reign¡ªsomehow? But that doesn¡¯t make any sense. Why would he¡ª

    Osha lured Lor back. ¡°No, your highness.¡± The voluptuous maid, with jazzy, brown waves, dove to the floor, head pressed along its surface, hands in a prayer position. ¡°Please accept my dearest apology, princess.¡±

    With Lor¡¯s eyes rounded in awe, Osha¡¯s hourglass rear became her line of sight up to her spine since the maid remained bowed in fear. A bit extreme, but I¡¯ll take it.

    ¡°Get up,¡± said Lor, voice much softer than before. She eyed Osha who stood up immediately. ¡°Bring me my food¡­please?¡±

    Despite their unpleasant interaction, the princess¡¯s day needed to start. Osha scurried to the cart and scooped up the tray. She placed it on Lor¡¯s thighs and retreated to a corner.

    Shortly after the princess ate, she left the bed and headed to the bathroom. Siren and Osha followed behind, taking her bra, panties, and robe as she undressed. Lor¡¯s bare body sunk into the steamy bath infused with rose hip and petals where all three maids pampered their future queen. Each of them took on a different task.

    Osha washed her coils with golden, honey shampoo. Once rinsed, her locks felt as smooth as silk. Siren dipped a rag into a jar of liquid gold, running it along the curves of Lor¡¯s neck, until the shimmer coated her entire body.

    ¡°For youth,¡± she said with the intention of preserving Lor¡¯s beauty.

    Finally, Fay scrubbed the princess¡¯s flesh with an exfoliating soap made from dried rose petals and thorns, more refreshing than painful. Lor¡¯s skin felt slick to the touch as she ran a hand over an arm.

    An hour went by, hair and makeup already done. In the mirror, she gasped in astonishment at the luxurious gown. She wore it with fierceness, blaring out a fire within she didn¡¯t know existed. Sheer sleeves of burgundy stretched down to both wrists. The skirts poufed out from the waist, same fabric and color. Each layer swayed every time she twirled to further examine the elegant piece. Silk cinched her abdomen taut, up to the cleavage that slightly bubbled out. Embroidered orchids grazed across, allowing subtle peek. The look was finished off with red lip.

    ¡°You look flawless,¡± said Siren who chose the dress. In fact, she put the entire presentation together, a gift from the royals. It could only be a dream to wear one herself. Lor recognized the avidy in Siren¡¯s eyes that sparkled for nice things. No wonder she has an eye for fashion.

    ¡°The prince will be at a lost for words,¡± said Siren.

    Lor did an angelic twirl before saying, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    When a heavy knock came from the door, her heart plunged forward. The anticipating moment finally came where she would meet with the prince. Shame hovered like a gray cloud. I need to get my whits about myself and face him with confidence. Today will not be like last night. Still, jitters rode every nerve as reality closed in. Soon, she¡¯d be a vampire¡¯s wife. The same vampire who was willful as he was arrogant. He¡¯d expect consummation after their wedding and she¡¯d have to find some miracle to avoid it. It was all too much for Lor to bare at this moment and now she had to face him again. She inhaled deeply through her nose and almost believed things would be fine as she exhaled. Then, Osha opened the door.

    Sunny walked in and bowed before his future queen. When his torso straightened he said, ¡°The prince is waiting for you in the yard. Follow me.¡± He turned toward the door expecting Lor to come along and she did.

    Once outside, Lor saw the prince seated on a horse with another standing beside him. Horse riding? What¡¯s he really up to? With poised posture, her back stiffened as she slowly levitated toward him and did a curtsy.

    ¡°Hello,¡± said Lor, breathing accelerated with eyes pinned to the ground.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you look lovely.¡± His compliment stole her gaze that met a genuine smile.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Don¡¯t think your charm will make me forget about last night.

    ¡°Today I will show you around the castle grounds. It will be much quicker by horse.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never rode a horse in a gown like this.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, princess. It¡¯s actually quite common in Ustoria. I¡¯ll help you get aboard.¡±

    Lor gulped. That means he has to be near. Touch me¡­..I can handle this. She realized how much control she¡¯d lost in matter of seconds when the clear image of his exposed abs invaded her mind. How random! She imagined herself running her fingers along the bumps of his six pack.

    Nel hopped to the ground and approached her, taking a hand in his without permission. This immediately drew her back. His touch made her insides flutter in ways she couldn¡¯t bare. She fought against the shaky breaths and fuzzy jitters, relying on a statuette posture to constrain it all.

    As he guided the princess beside the saddle, she held her breath to hinder the quickened thumps of heart. He lifted her with ease to the saddle, like she weighed nothing.

    Lor let out a reluctant sigh when he released his grasp, aligning her thoughts with the task at hand. She secured both feet, maneuvering her dress to a comfortable position until its length poured down the horses rear.

    ¡°Follow me,¡± said Nel, once aboard.

    At the center of the yard, a vibrant garden with a paradise of colorful flowers spiraled around them. It revealed an opening plated with stone slabs that led a trail down crossing pathways that disappeared beyond hedges of many. Hedges enclosed them into different sections, not even a peek of grass to showcase what stood beyond them. Just before their journey, Nel led Lor to a deathly drop to his right. It was neatly barricaded off by stones and rubble. They both peered below the understucture.

    To Lor¡¯s horror, a river whipped and crashed along jagged rocks that resembled vampire teeth. If anyone should fall, death would swallow them whole. The long body of water divided the land, separating them from a beautiful terrain with a canvas of mountains kissing the clouds.

    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± she admitted, while gazing across the view she only witnessed in paintings. Ustoria was a fascinating place, far off from the hellhole she envisioned.

    ¡°There¡¯s more.¡± With a smug grin exposing his fangs, he gently snapped the reigns and his horse shifted around in the direction of a path that stretched between a row of hedges. Lor curiously followed.

    Lor¡¯s eyes beamed at each intersection wondering if they¡¯d veer left, right, or keep straight. Nel finally steered his horse down a path much narrower than before. She tailed him now, the view blocked by the width of his broad shoulders. She settled for them, eyes trailing down his arms. Every now and again, he combed his fingers through his black tresses, biceps flexing through his sleeves. He looked back when he sensed her gaze and smirked when she quickly looked away. She used this awkward exchange to strike up conversation.

    ¡°Who was the woman in your room?¡±

    A disconcerting sigh parted his lips. ¡°I knew that question was coming.¡±

    ¡°What did you expect? I hear a woman screaming my fiance¡¯s name. I wanna know who she is.¡± Lor whipped the reigns causing her horse to walk along side Nel.

    ¡°Screaming my name?¡± A low chuckle burst out before he cleared his throat. ¡°You are something else. You know that?¡±

    ¡°So I¡¯ve been told. But let¡¯s not change the subject.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s someone¡­.someone I know well.¡±

    ¡°Obviously. Are you lovers?¡±

    There was now a graveness in his tone. ¡°We¡ªI mean we were. Her name is Princess Ann, the one who was promised to me before you arrived.¡±

    ¡°So if I hadn¡¯t come, you would have married her instead?¡± Seconds extended the silence between them leaving her to ponder further on the subject. You¡¯re sleeping with your ex. And not just some innocent servant or desperate maiden, but a princess who is probably still here. I must look like a fool right now to her, to everyone. Running away would have been better than this. Oh Dom, I should have listened. But¡ªbut if the Valmorin conquered our kingdom, I¡¯d never forgive myself. Neither would father. She sighed. I am here for peace. Nothing more. I am here for peace. Nothing more. I am here for peace. Nothing more.

    Nel¡¯s voice cut in. ¡°I see no reason to withhold the truth. You are my wife to be and I would like to keep things honest. Ann visits from Numoria from time to time.¡±

    ¡°Do you plan to continue your affair with her?¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to end it?¡±

    Lor couldn¡¯t tell what bothered her more, the fact he answered the question with another or the question itself. Just as she decided not to answer, Nel pulled the reigns and his horse slowed to a stop. She made an attempt to go around him, but his horse lunged forward, blocking the way. She had no choice but to stop alongside him. His curious eyes lingered in waiting for a reply.

    Does he expect me to say yes? Look at him, so sure that¡¯s the answer. Even if I did, that doesn¡¯t mean he would stop seeing her, not for me. It¡¯s clear why he¡¯s avoiding my question. He doesn¡¯t plan on ending things. He just wants to see if I care. Well, listen here, Prince Nel. I DON¡¯T!

    ¡°I came here to marry you for one purpose. And that is peace. Everything else, doesn¡¯t matter, including your conquests. Now if you¡¯ll please lead the way. Or I can show myself around if you¡¯d like.¡±

    Nel¡¯s gaze swung to the ground and a smirk broadened his cheeks. That devious expression remained for seconds until he gathered the reigns in hand and whipped them. He continued forward, picking up the pace.

    ¡°Tell me, spoiled, have you ever been in love? Have you someone back at home?¡±

    These pair of questions were just as surprising as the initial. Dom¡¯s face tore past the barricade she created for him after their heated ending. He was the someone back in Agarta who loved her more than a million heartbeats. Over the years, she never understood why her own feelings hadn¡¯t strengthened. She presumed it was because of his title, lack of crown, among other things, but those characteristics honestly did not matter. Why couldn¡¯t I fall for you Dom? What am I not admitting to myself? Her heart grew heavier the more she lingered on their history, the nights they shared, their sacred chats. How did things end so horribly? Nonetheless, she had a vampire¡¯s ear ready for a reply.

    ¡°There¡¯s no one back at home. I¡¯ve never been in love with anyone¡ªalways thought the man I¡¯d marry would change that.¡±

    ¡°Is that what you want me to do? Change your mind about me, be faithful and make you fall head over heels after we marry? But I thought you were only here for peace,¡± he mocked. It was as if he believed he could when a devilish grin wiped across his face, one he flaunted so easily with pride. It gave her chills to see him so sure of himself because perhaps he¡¯d actually¡ªsomehow try to summon those feelings. After all, he had the ability to pluck the very cord of her anxiety. By this point, she hated his ego. ¡°Sorry spoiled, but a minx has never been my preference.¡±

    Lor hastened the beast she rode when the prince sped further up the walk. As she neared him, she snapped, ¡°I didn¡¯t finish. I never anticipated on marrying a vampire, so it doesn¡¯t apply to you. I¡¯ll say it once more. Sleep with who you please. I don¡¯t care.¡±

    Nel continued ahead, seemingly unperturbed. His nonchalance torched her rage. She longed to scream at him, tell him how much she dreaded marrying him. Me, not his preference? You¡¯re a walking corpse without a soul and heart.

    When they finally hit a fork, it had three tiny bridges leading to the same place. A field of roses? An enchanted forest hovered in the distance. Lor could hardly see the trees, not with the fog smudging across. The weather took a massive turn in a short amount of time, sky gloomy and gray.

    They crossed at the center and their horses strayed into a field of emerald grass. Nel¡¯s horse galloped about playfully when he snapped the reigns. It surprised Lor to see him smiling again. He nuzzled his cheek with care along the horse¡¯s mane, proof they shared a bond. He then, hopped to the ground and swiped a flower handing it to Lor.

    ¡°A blood rose for the princess.¡±

    ¡°Blood rose?¡± He grinned when she inhaled its sweet scent.

    ¡°I planted these with my mother as a child. Now they bloom everywhere.¡± His hand stretched out in a presenting motion at the field covered with them. ¡°They are medicinal. I could live off of these for weeks without¡ª¡±

    ¡°Digging your fangs into someone¡¯s neck?¡±

    The prince took a moment to embrace her insult by sucking in the warm air through his nose. He managed to carry a mellow tone. ¡°We do not feed in that manner because we are not the blood thirsty monsters you assume we are. Still, if anyone were to be caught doing that, they¡¯d be punished.¡±

    ¡°As of lately! Your kingdom has never given a damn about the murders of my people. I¡¯ve heard horrible stories about how you murder the innocent. You expect me to believe this marriage gave you a change of heart on how you will take your victims? As your wife, I will make sure you uphold the law and punish anyone else responsible of crimes against my kind.¡±

    ¡°Those are my intentions anyway. I won¡¯t have you clock me on it. I just want to know where all these misconceptions came about how we feed. Let me clear it up for you. We only drink from others who give consent, fleshier areas, like an arm or thigh. Even so, we can go years without blood. We mainly drink for healing.¡± The corners of his mouth curled upward, his eyes pinched. ¡°Or pleasure.¡±

    ¡°Pleasure?¡±

    In a teasing manner, he said, ¡°The person giving blood feels it too.¡±

    Mortified, Lor¡¯s mouth drooped in horror as the vivid thought of Nel¡¯s fangs submerged into some random person¡¯s flesh. There appeared no face to identify his victim, just their wounded skin speckled with bite marks, oozing blood. From what her mind gathered, being bitten seemed painful, deadly even. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±

    Nel scoffed and snickered something under his breath before calmly saying, ¡°You don¡¯t have to. Shall I escort you back? You seem to be stuck on your ideas about vampires. I won¡¯t waste my time trying to change the way you feel.¡± His voice came out sharper than before and Lor would not back down to it.

    ¡°Leave me!¡±

    ¡°Now you¡¯re being ridiculous. It¡¯s not safe for you to be alone.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need your protection!¡±

    ¡°Fine!¡± The prince mounted his horse, crossed the bridge, and disappeared into the fog.

    Lor almost felt sorry for him but remembered that vampires didn¡¯t feel any emotion. Or do they? He did seem pretty upset. Regardless, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be fine.

    Still mounted on her own horse, she guided the snarling beast in a stationary circle, while observing the surroundings. I guess I can pick some roses. I¡¯m already here. So, why not?

    Lor made an attempt to jump to the ground, but a separate pair of reigns snaked around her ankle, her other foot still strapped in. She let out a shriek when she dropped upside down, her hip slamming to the animals side. If she¡¯d fallen any lower, her neck would have snapped. Things took a horrifying turn when the horse took off, maiming the roses along the way. Lor¡¯s body flailed like a weightless rag doll.

    She extended both arms to pull herself back to the saddle, but the horse leaped high above a random tree trunk. His hooves crashed to the grass causing them to tear from her finger tips. This also forced Lor¡¯s body to slam hard against its rib cage. She bit her lip in pain.

    ¡°Someone help! Please?¡± Every word screeched out a sharp pitch of agony as her body continued banging toward the horse¡¯s side. ¡°Please?! Help me!¡±

    She sensed doom when it violently galloped between a line of trees. Though the scene was hazy, she knew the horse dragged her to the enchanted forest. No one would hear her cries now.

    The air was quick against her face, swooshing the leather reigns high and low. They finally flipped towards her. She went to grab them again but endured a sharp blow to the skull just when the linings wrapped her fingers. The impact created a flash of light. They slipped from her grasp. She collapsed completely, her consciousness barely there. Even the strangling pain her ankle suffered, began to numb. It was swollen, torn, and barely hanging on.

    ¡°He¡ªhelp.¡± The muffled word escaped as she closed both eyes. She knew she¡¯d die at some point. Perhaps another oncoming tree would officially take her head off. Then someone wrapped her waist, pulling her back on the saddle.

    ¡°Princess Loretta? Stay with me.¡± The man¡¯s voice was faint. Whoever it was, took quick action, pulling her to his horse when he saw she could not maintain on her own. The length of the his arm cradled her like a baby and his other shifted the reigns as he guided the horse. When she looked up to her rescuer, she thought she saw god. Then she fainted.

 Chapter 8

    Torturous sparks rippled through Lor¡¯s skull like electrifying volts. It was enough to pull her out of sleep. With eyes clamped, she smothered her face in her palms waiting for the pain to pass. That¡¯s when she realized a bandage had been wrapped around her head. Moisture soaked through it, meeting her fingertips as she cautiously smeared them across its fibery texture. She quickly brought them down to her widened orbs. Blood? They were stained its scarlet hue.

    ¡°What happened to me?¡± she asked herself. ¡°Why does my head feel like it¡¯s been hit with a bat?¡±

    Furthering Lor¡¯s confusion, her eyes teetered from one area to another, unable to make out the dark environment. Where am I? A wall candle lit only the doorway, casting a yellowish film along its length. After fluttering eyelids and squinting at the different silhouettes of furniture, her vision finally adjusted to the low light. She leaned forward for a better view. My room? How did I get here? How long have I been out of it? Just as the questions streamed in, the door flew open.

    Fiora rushed inside, far more polished than Lor last remembered. She wore a form fitting gown with the collar flipped up at ear level. It had a nightly color, blending into the darkness of the room. Her hair had been pressed earlier, a middle part at the center. The queen¡¯s locks poured down her back. As she neared, the only source of light bounced off the walls and into her glaring eyes. They were set on a piece of paper in her hand.

    What¡¯s she doing here? Lor felt flustered now, with the queen of Ustoria flashing across the carpet. Towards me! All Lor could do in this moment, submerge her breaths and remain still as a statue. Facing Fiora happened to be something she wanted to push off for as long as eternity, considering when they¡¯d first met, those grueling eyes that stared a tale of evil. She hasn¡¯t noticed me¡­. yet! Maybe I could¡­¡­pretend I¡¯m still sleeping. Behind her, a fluffy pillow caved to her shoulders that slowly sunk into its softness. Lor lowered her neck, curving it to prop her head down while shallow breaths left her lips. She didn¡¯t even get a chance to close her eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯re up!¡± said Fiora with astonishment sending her well arched eyebrows into her widows peak hairline, like she¡¯d seen a ghost. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be out for the night.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Queen Fiora,¡± said Lor¡¯s strained voice. ¡°I didn¡¯t even realize you were here.¡± Lor gulped dryly when the queen¡¯s stare turned icy, the coldness rising shivers from the princess¡¯s parted lips. She knew Lor had just lied.

    Like she had split personalities, Fiora reverted back to the original expression of surprise. ¡°I hope you¡¯re feeling better,¡± she said with a stern rumble.

    ¡°My head hurts and my body feels awful. What happened to me?¡±

    A husky scoff left Fiora¡¯s snarled mouth, exposing a pair fangs. ¡°Child, you can¡¯t remember? How hard did you hit your head?¡± Lor knew she did not expect an answer from neither question and yet the queen waited in pause, the weight of judgment heavy in her eyes.

    Is she really upset at me? I really can¡¯t recall. If I¡¯d known that forgetting things were a crime, getting harmed even, I should have kept my lack of recollection to myself.

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember hitting my head. I guess it must have been pretty hard, considering.¡± Lor circled the sorest area, where an open wound, shielded by gauze, met her fingertips. How did this happen? A flood images of how the day started and what went on after rushed in like a tide. She nearly suffocated, trying to place the order of events, until things clicked, meeting the maids and eating breakfast, being propped on the horse with Nel¡¯s dominating strength. Butterflies fluttered warm tickles within her stomach due to his touch. She remembered that exact reaction as it filled her now. Then a muffled growl vibrated her throat, one she hoped Fiora hadn¡¯t noticed, but a necessary response to HIM that triggered her body in ways of shame. She pushed passed the buckling pull of giving in, the vulnerable sweeps shooting up her thighs, the notions he brought whenever he was too near, even far.

    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    The recapture faded to the moment their horses strolled into the field of blood roses. We were talking and I was upset at him, told him to leave. He did. I tried to get off my horse, but fell. I¡ªuh hit my head on a tree. How did I manage to get back here?

    With ear ringing volume, Fiora stole Lor¡¯s attention. ¡°You could have died. Maybe, next time, listen to my son when he tells you it¡¯s not safe for you to be alone.¡±

    ¡°He told you I¡ª¡±

    ¡°My son doesn¡¯t have to tell me anything! I have eyes and ears everywhere, especially with you here! Still, my son is equally accountable because he should have never left you. This could have ended badly.¡±

    She was spying on us? But what should I expect when she obviously despises me and doesn¡¯t trust me either? I wonder¡­.did her little spy intervene and save me, tell her how clumsy I am too?

    Regardless, Lor knew any response would break the uncomfortable silence in the room, the ongoing ridicule that paired with it. ¡°I just wanted some time alone. The prince left because I told him to.¡± But I¡¯m sure you already know that.

    ¡°You do not have the privilege of being alone.¡±

    Lor was never known to back down to anyone, not king or queen. She snapped her bruised torso forward and scolded the vampire who threatened her god-given-right of privacy. ¡°It¡¯s not a privilege. It¡¯s my right.¡±

    An amused cackle leaped from Fiora¡¯s mouth. Not a second later, every facial feature tensed, a deathly stare, her rebuttal with barred fangs, revealing a predator. That played as a reminder to the princess to never speak against Fiora again. ¡°You have no power here. If you had any at all, you wouldn¡¯t even be marrying my son. Now, I agreed on this union with the understanding that you would not be a burden and I do not do well with burdens in my court. Was that a lie?¡±

    Trembles surged the surface of Lor¡¯s limbs, sighting the threats that could maul a human to their death. She decided to choose her words wisely. ¡°No¡­..it wasn¡¯t,¡± she said at the tune of defeat.

    ¡°Good! You will learn that your place here is to make sure your father doesn¡¯t fuck us over while we support him with this war. If he does, well, you¡¯re a smart girl.¡± Fiora¡¯s eyes dropped to Lor¡¯s neck like it was a piece of meat to devour. They pinched upward, meeting her gaze again. She did not have to do much to plant fear into the princess¡¯s heart. With sudden motion, she rushed to the vanity table beside the bed and carelessly tossed the item in her hand on top of a jewelry box. It was a letter with a broken seal, confirmation it had been read already. Without any notice, the queen stormed into the hall, closing the door behind her.

    Her sudden exit was Lor¡¯s permission to finally breathe again. The princess gasped for air, holding her throat for dear life. It could have been mauled seconds ago. She was grateful to still be alive. Still, she could not fight back the tears. They poured down her cheeks while she quietly sulked. She¡¯d just been threatened by a vampire who had real power, not only over a nation, but her life.

    How could father do this to me? Put my life at risk just to gain an ally? One small slip up, I¡¯m dead. And I can¡¯t even be myself here? I¡¯ll never forgive him. Ever!

    One thing stood true, she¡¯d have to bend to order fast, to stay in the queen¡¯s good graces, even if that meant sacrificing privacy and a voice. That meant never speaking out or traveling alone. No secrets. Some life. She could learn to withstand it, learn to be alone in this new world, in her own way, fade into this marriage provided. Maybe then, the queen would overlook her existence, Nel and his arrogance could find some other girl to toy with, and she could eventually cope with this new life.

    Time lost its essence while she sat in the misery of her fortune. Then, she remembered how much she wasted when there clearly sat a letter in arms reach, patiently waiting for her to read its contents. Since Fiora hadn¡¯t mentioned it, she nearly forgotten its existence. Lor reached for the folded paper, swiping the item in hand. The temperature in her blood rose to a boil, seeing that the queen had the audacity to open and read it. No privacy whatsoever. A range of emotions, first anger, then sadness, juggled between each other, until a tear made its choice. It glided down the curve of her cheek. She opened the royal message, stamped with Leonebus¡¯s seal, a blue full moon with engraved detail, and released a sigh.

    To my beautiful daughter,

    By the time this letter reaches you, I will be already headed off to Zarut Mountain. You may question my reasons for sending you away. I did it for your safety. The Valmorin have taken our lands by storm, as I already predicted they would. Naomi should be arriving with an important message soon. She will remain with you in court as your loyal subject. She will be our solution. I can¡¯t say much, but expect her.

    I do love you. Never question that.

    Leonebus

 Chapter 9

    Upon the morning glow radiating kisses along Lor¡¯s skin, the bedroom door creaked open, a trail of footsteps rushing inside.

    Her eyes popped open to find Fay easing toward the bed. The shy maid¡¯s toes fixed to the floor, heels slamming backward since Lor beat her to the task of wake. Fay bowed her head permanently, a questionable amount of worry wearing the face, and said, ¡°Good morning, my lady. Since you¡¯re up, I¡¯ll start your bath.¡± She shifted around and eased toward the washroom, but did not get far.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re a mixed blood?¡± said Lor.

    ¡°Yes.¡± She waddled around, chin and gaze lifted, with the smallest seed of confidence she could muster.

    ¡°What¡¯s it like?¡±

    ¡°Ehmm¡ªlike being a mere mortal, if I can even call myself that.¡± Both orbs swung away embarrassed.

    ¡°So you can¡¯t¡ª¡±

    The maids pale face transformed into a red, flustered mess, with words that reflected humiliation. ¡°Turn? I don¡¯t even crave blood.¡±

    There seemed to be more trauma to the story. After all, being a mixed blood was absolutely frowned upon. Lor could only imagine a life of torment and shame, a nightmarish upbringing Fay longed to escape from.

    Having the Valmorin in mind, she realized Fay could be touched by the curse at any moment, turn into the very monster the kingdoms were fighting. Then again, Why would they have her here if they thought she¡¯d turn? ¡°I¡¯m sorry if this is a sensitive subject for you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Do you mind that I go and draw a bath for you? The coal gets cool pretty quick.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    As the maid left, Lor¡¯s heart tugged a little. Perhaps, I shouldn¡¯t have brought the topic up.

    After a few nibbles on a jelly bagel and sipping lavender tea, Lor bathed, transitioned from a head wrap to a smaller bandage, which hid the hairline gash, and dressed. Her crown sat atop refreshed curls tied up into a messy bun, hiding any evidence of a wound. What did the royals have in store today? Where¡¯s the prince? Thinking of him caused her eyes to roll around, the power he had to invade the mind at random times. She needed a distraction, fast or she¡¯d be juggling different emotions again, specifically rage. That came easy as Siren approached, meeting the gaze of her reflection. Lor lingered at the mirror waiting for compliments to pour in.

    ¡°Be careful today,¡± said Siren, on the contrary. Worry broadened her brown eyes that did not have their usual sparkling flare.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± said Lor, eyebrows furrowed.

    ¡°The prince has a mistress. I thought she left¡­..but then I saw her in town this morning. She was at the Royal Boutique, I assume shopping for a dress for tonight. I highly advise you stay away from her.¡±

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    ¡°I already know about Ann,¡± said Lor as she primped and prepped the final touches of the elegant, messy bun.

    ¡°Oh!¡± Confusion spread across Siren¡¯s brows.

    Twirling around to observe the beautiful gown, Lor stopped to glare back toward the mirror.

    ¡°Why would she be buying a dress? What¡¯s the occasion?¡±

    ¡°There will be a ceremony honoring the troops tonight. They leave tomorrow morning, for Agarta. You are expected to attend and she¡¯ll be there.¡± Unbothered, the princess appeared once more, fixing her crown further forward, while coiling curls against both temples. A voice with the consistency of fear and seriousness broke Lor¡¯s concentration, reeling her back. ¡°I¡¯m worried! She¡¯s only coming to mark her territory.¡±

    ¡°What does that even mean? I am not trying to get in between their relationship. She needn¡¯t mark anything!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know her! She will not take lightly to what happened yesterday, if she hasn¡¯t already found out.¡±

    Lor shifted around to grill Siren. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± The only interaction she could remember from the day prior, Nel pissing her off.

    ¡°The prince rescued you after your fall.¡± Siren expressed a similar expression of bewilderment. ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°I was passed out. How could I? Why am I just finding out? Is that why his mother came to room so mad, because her son practiced a chivalrous deed? Must be surprising to someone like her.¡± Lor also concluded the letter played a part in the queen¡¯s iciness.

    Maybe she felt threatened by Naomi¡¯s upcoming stay. Or perhaps she¡¯s mad about the contents of the letter. What could father have been implying that Naomi was the solution?

    Siren gulped with shock in her eyes, as if partaking in such conversation about the queen could be her death sentence. Not a word spilled out, revealing where the maid¡¯s true loyalty rested.

    In spite of that, a tone with a bite finally stung. ¡°As far as Ann, I refuse to worry about some bitter woman. I have bigger things to think about, like the war and my father¡¯s livelihood.¡± She shut her eyes and released a shaky sigh. ¡°Everything is happening so fast.¡±

    From the moment Leonebus mentioned joining families, to his selfish orders of sending her away to Ustoria, then the dreadful introduction to the royals, and the war itself, it all crumbled together into a huge whirlwind striking her hard into the darkest form of reality.

    Siren loosely cuffed Lor¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I have no doubt your father, with the help of Ustoria, will conquer those beasts.¡± In spite of Ann, she admitted, ¡°Your focus should be the wedding. Let the boys worry about the rest.¡±

    ¡°Right¡­.the wedding.¡± Such dreadful conversation to bring up, The wedding. It played as a reminder of what little power she had, being commanded to marry a vampire. A nervy breath vibrated upward reaching lungs with an uppity heart beat. She felt tears burning the backs of her eyes since surely, this was the last thing she wanted to discuss. Like pages, she flipped through every thought, in search of a topic change. ¡°Any news on Naomi?¡± she said tears intact.

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°She is a friend who will be joining my court. Can you find out her whereabouts? I¡¯m worried.¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll work on that now.¡±

    Shortly after their discussion, a soldier named Gerald escorted her to the wardrobe chamber. The large room had an open closet filled with an array of unworn gowns. Each of them stretched across a metal rack like a breathtaking rainbow. Lor¡¯s eyes glimmered with excitement.

    ¡°Are these all mine?¡± she said, veering at Gerald.

    ¡°Gifts from your future husband,¡± he said.

    Between being rescued and now gifted with beautiful dresses by a vampire who had been deemed a monster, her ideas of him conflicted one another.

    ¡°I¡ªuh¡ªI¡¯m not sure what to think of this.¡±

    Not a second later, a theatrical gentleman approached, providing a pleasant greeting. He turned out to be the seamstress. With pep in his steps, he showcased three wedding dresses. Lor tried them on. After an hour of taping, measurements, and alterations, she left with a one in mind. That¡¯s when she decided to search for the prince to finally thank him. For everything. Of all living beings, she did not expect him to be the one who saved her, let alone a vampire. There must be some good in him, some sort of care. Uuhg! Don¡¯t be fooled by this. He¡¯s still a vampire nonetheless. Regardless, a thank you was necessary, especially after giving him a hard time yesterday.

    As she walked through the halls in tow of Gerald, she asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Prince Neltavio?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s in the yard doing his morning sparring,¡± he said.

    ¡°Can you take me to him?¡±

    ¡°I certainly can.¡±

    After walking a straight path, they met the walkway which led outside. Deep in a private field, adjacent to the field of blood roses, Nel clashed swords with two soldiers. The seasoned fighters were no match for the prince. He swiveled and charged, disarming each opponent. The way he chuckled, proved he conquered each round with ease. Quickly, his legs lunged forward as he pretended to slit one of their throats, while spinning its sharp edge toward the other¡¯s heart.

    Lor smirked, impressed.

    The long hour of physical activity seeped through his drenched, white button up. Sweat streaks glistened at his forehead and neck. When he removed his shirt to wipe his brows, Lor¡¯s face grew flustered with heat. Another round had been wagered by one of the other fighters, but Nel¡¯s eyes lit up as she approached.

    ¡°That¡¯s it for today,¡± he said to both men, chest rising and falling, quickly finding the air he fought for. ¡°Princess Loretta, what do I owe the honor?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to thank you for saving me¡­.the dresses.¡±

    After a subtle nod, he said, ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±