Quiet abruptly descended in the ballroom as the gathering, oblivious to Drakken’s inner turmoil waited a long time until he spoke, willing himself to go as planned if he wanted to keep his throne and Eleanor safe."I am glad to announce that our clan would be welcoming a new Lunaqueen," Drakken began, not sounding as glad as he claimed, his voice flat. "She is in our presence today, as some of you may have noticed."He beckoned for the vampire princess to join him on the stage and she blushed, a touch of red heating up her naturally pale face. He took her hand in his, helping her climb up the stage.Drakken faced the audience again, feeling her wrap her fingers around his arm. He continued speaking without responding to her touch. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like you to meet my chosen mate and future Luna queen, Princess Gwendolyn of the Belfast kingdom."Cheers and merriment broke out in the crowd after his announcement. Benjamin smirked devilishly as he raised his glass of wine a
Eleanor was taken aback by the question and frowned. What was going on with Emma?"Eleanor," Emma voiced. "Are you okay?"Emma looked around the room as if now recognizing where she was. She recovered from her trance immediately and stood, pacing around the room. Eleanor followed Emma's movement with curious eyes."Yes. I am sorry.” Eleanor was confused. “Something bizarre just happened." When Emma didn't stop pacing, Eleanor pressed. “Can you tell me what it was?"Emma did not stop pacing. "It was a revelation. A bizarre one. I could not pinpoint what it might be because you woke me up too soon."Same with Eleanor's dream. It had no context or meaning. But whatever it was, Drakken was in danger. The image of the beast from her dream lurching at Drakken sent chills down her spine once again.She recalled the fight too, what happened before and during the whole thing. Why had he attacked the man she danced with that way? It seemed like they both had bad blood. Drakken could have been ov
Eleanor was alone for the rest of the night after Evie came in to check on her. She had bid her maid a good night while sleep evaded her as she walked around the room in complex thoughts.Drakken's safety surpassed her jealousy that he was with another woman. Eleanor had been unsettled since her blood chilling dream about him. Was it wrong to desire to see him so badly now that he was engaged to someone else?She could not leave her room because of his orders to stay in. At least that was what Evie told her. Even if she decided to go against his orders and make her way to his room, she would hate to walk in on Drakken and the princess. Who knew if they already were consummating their engagement?The image of them together on his bed stirred up plenty of bile in her throat.She stood by the window contemplating going on one of her night walks, and so when the bedroom door opened, he was the least expected person she guessed would walk in.But Drakken had come for her, and she had to bl
Eleanor woke up to an empty bed the next morning. The space Drakken had occupied last night was still warm when she laid her palm on it. Meaning he had left just minutes ago.Eleanor was left disappointed at his early departure but knew it was for the better. Things were not the way they used to be anymore. She sauntered to the bathroom and splashed frigid water on her face, reminiscing on the events that happened last night. Mostly the part where Drakken came to her bedroom to spend the night.He probably had better and more important things to do, but he had lain with her the moment she simply asked. It was a rare case to see that side of him as Drakken had always annoyed her one way or the other with his inability to be considerate. And when he had not spoken a word to her during their dance at the ball, when he radiated a coldness that chilled her to the spine, Eleanor got terrified.He was cold one minute and warm the next.Then there was his audacious half brother who surprised
Drakken rode ahead of the pack, his horse's hooves pattering loud on the muddy grounds as the rest followed behind him. He was restless about a lot of things but he did not show it. His head was not in the hunt even if he was supposed to lead it.There was no way he could stay calm knowing Benjamin was at the palace with no one to watch over Eleanor. His half-brother had tendencies to piss him off, and he could already sense Benjamin brewing something; something very unruly and dangerous. He just knew it. In fact, his very presence at the palace, screams menace. He was just waiting for him, Drakken, to lose guard before he unleashes. And he wasn't going to give him that privilege. Duncan and George were on both his sides, him in the middle."Are you going to tell us what happened with Benjamin?" George's voice came from his right and Drakken snapped out of his thoughts. George had been dying to ask but chose to wait for the right time."It is Benjamin. Something is always transpirin
Benjamin's unexpected visit left Eleanor aghast. How dare he show his face here after what happened yesterday? Emma was the first to stand and confront him before Eleanor could even think of what to say.Emma's growl was low and deep. "What do you want, Benjamin?"His face was impassive as the wind, his eyes set straight before her, his figure erect. "That is not how you welcome your dear brother who came to visit. Where are your manners, little sis?”"You do not deserve any. You are not welcomed here," Emma edged closer to him challengingly. "I would have to involve the guards if you do not leave."Benjamin smiled, and it made Emma’s skin crawl with irritation. "I have the right to be where I want as head of the council. I will drink your guard's blood as wine if they dared come anywhere near me."Triggered by his arrogance, Emma's claws replaced her manicured fingers as her eyes glared daggers at him, her wolf trying to break free in defence. Benjamin only stood there, a smug smile
The sight of them together again made Drakken’s blood rage with fury, and he felt like his world had come to an end when he saw Eleanor laugh at whatever his half-brother said. She rarely even smiled at him, but she was already giggling at Benjamin after speaking for a few minutes. His hands curled up in a tight fist.Benjamin blatantly defied his warnings. Drakken wanted nothing more than to shred him apart for coming close to Eleanor once more. He reined his fury back in and grabbed her away from Benjamin."It is lovely to see you again," Benjamin said with a mocking smile.He released Eleanor's wrist, his eyes filled with rage. "Get back inside, Eleanor.""But...""Now." There was no room for argument, Drakken made that clear. Eleanor stared at them for a few seconds contemplating if it would be a good idea to leave them alone.She finally ran off back to the healing school after having a debate in her head.They were alone again. Drakken was tempted to use his fists to pass acro
Eleanor felt the air whoosh from her lungs. She had been right. Something had happened to the alpha King. She exchanged knowing looks with Emma, who now acknowledged Eleanor's words she had formerly dismissed."You know how to handle stuff around here. Do so while I am gone." Then she turned to the Omega. "Take me to him." And followed her out the door.Eleanor could not keep herself from worrying about what had happened to Drakken. It seemed really bad from the way the Omega had reacted to it. She managed to tend to the rest of the patients, but her mind did not stop racing.She paced Emma's office, wishing she could go to know what happened. Eleanor was aware she could not. Emma would skin her alive if she were to leave the school without her permission. So she continued to pace in agitation, counting the hours when she would close from work.The hours stretched on and on until day bled into night.Eleanor sprinted out of the healing school as soon as she had retired. She hastened up