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 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—

“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—” 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—because we are to be wed—”

“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—” 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.

—————

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—hello 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— 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.”

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“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—somehow? But that doesn’t make any sense. Why would he—

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—I 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—but 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—always 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—somehow 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—”

“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—help.” 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.