Chapter Nine

◼Rose POV◼

After I had some blood from my lover, I asked for slaves. I needed blood, my monster side felt restless, and we needed all the blood we could get. As I waited patiently, the guards brought me, ten slaves. Dismissing everyone, I control each of the slaves. They were puppets for me to do as I pleased. Smirking, I drink their blood.

I didn’t intend to kill them, but something took over me, and I had drained them. Calling my servants, I ask them to bring me more slaves. Two of my guards rejected my request. They had orders from Liam not to give me over ten slaves a day. I had crossed the limit today. As I fist my hands, I feel the anger. Hissing towards my guards, I unconsciously snap my fingers and make them my puppets. Controlling their minds, I asked one of them to get me, five maids.

If Liam didn’t want to give me slaves, I would use my people. Doing as I requested, they walk in with five scared maids. I sat on an armchair and stared at them. A ghost of a smile played on my lips. Their fear was igniting my monster and my bloodthirst. Attacking them, I drink their blood.

By the time I’ve come back to my senses. Renata was standing at my door, arms crossed.

“Seriously?” Renata said as she sighed, “Can’t you control yourself?”

Raising my eyebrow, I look at her thoughtfully. I hated people going against my orders, against what I wanted.

“Renata, if I were you, I would pace carefully,” I hiss as I turn around and kick one of the bodies.

I was still in need of more blood. Calling a servant over, I ask him to bring two more slaves. Renata tried to take the idea out of my mind. Scowling, I laughed.

“Renata, if you don’t shut up, I swear I will kill you,” I said, showing my fangs to her.

Renata just looked at me. She had to be careful about what she would say next. I was close to snapping at her. I didn’t wish to use my powers on her, but I would if she defies me again.

As Renata sighs, I see her walking towards the window. Suddenly she tells Liam’s name. But, in the goddess’s name, was she seriously calling Liam. As I listen to her, I snap my fingers, and one of my servants walks like a puppet towards me. Kneeling, I take his wrist and bite it.

“Rose?” Renata said as she tried to move the servant.

Feeling annoyed, I let her do so.

“It seems Nikolas is finally fucking leaving,” Renata said, taking me by surprise.

I had forgotten he was here. As I stand up, I walk past my window. I could see the cars leaving. I’m amazed he went quickly and without arguing much. Well, this wasn’t his territory, so he wasn’t allowed to.

After a while, Liam came rushing in. Turning around, I looked at him with a deadpan look. Liam just sighed and asked for the bodies to be taken away and to clean the bedroom.

“Rose, sit,” Liam said as he held me by my arm.

Slapping his hand, I take a seat and stare at him. I was feeling bored and annoyed.

“It seems Nikolas is eager to find you,” Liam said, smirking, “He even asks me if we had guests over for a day.”

“So?” I said, rolling my eyes, “He won’t know where I am. Did he see the girl with the red hair?”

“Yes, he did… he looked strange when he saw it wasn’t you. So I lured him towards that house. When he saw the girl, he almost ran towards her,” Liam explained.

Laughing, I watch the clock. It was late already. I had to admire his persistence in finding me, but too bad he wouldn’t see me that soon, for now.

“Rose, tomorrow you are meeting with the King of the Kingdom of the North,” Liam said, distracting my thoughts.

I had forgotten I had agreed to meet him. He’s been persistent in having a meeting. It seems he’s interested in my kingdom. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to ally with them. Nodding my head, I stand up and walk towards the bathroom. Shutting the door, I undress and take a shower.

I got to say; I wanted to meet Nikolas; I wanted to see his face. Especially when he finds out who I am. I couldn’t wait to visit him.

I had thought about how to make my presence known to him. So I remember they had invited me to the gathering for all clan and kingdom leaders. I had always received an invitation and had always rejected it. The meeting would be in a week. So what best time than to make my presence that day.

…

“Get your ass up and move it!” I yelled.

Now that I’m feeling better, I have started training. Liam had insisted that I take it easy; with all the blood I had, my injury was gone. As I check the time, I see it’s nine in the morning. I was supposed to meet this king called Cullen in an hour.

As I yelled orders, I continue training; forty-five minutes later, I bid farewell and go back to my bedroom. After that, it was time for me to get ready to meet the so-called king.

I’ve heard a lot about King Cullen. I know he’s handsome and is rich. He has one of the strongest Kingdoms in North America. He is the king of all clans over there. So it intrigued me to know what he wanted to talk about.

After a quick shower, I put on a sheer black dress, high stockings, and black heels. My hair was loose, and I wore some makeup. As I put my rings on, Liam walks in and lets me know he is on his way. He told me he had passed the entrance. Nodding, I walk out with Liam in tow.

As I waited in the living room, I hear a commotion outside—a cheerful voice giving out by the looks of annoying compliments. Now I was regretting meeting him. As the entrance door opens, I wait patiently for him.

As I lean my face on my hand, I hear a voice call out my name. As I look through my lashes, I see a handsome man standing right in front of me.

He wore a golden suit with a cloak. His hair was blonde, and his eyes blue as the sky. It was like the sun and sky together in one.

He was pale and tall. His muscular body gave a sex appeal that attracted me.

“Your Highness, it’s an honor to meet you finally,” Cullen said as he bowed.

Nodding, I see Liam ask him to take a seat.

As we waited for drinks and snacks, I see Cullen looking at me. Was he studying me?

“Lost something, King Cullen?” I asked, smirking sheepishly.

Cullen just gulped and eyed me with lust. Raising my eyebrow, I scowl. Seriously?

“So, King Cullen, please tell me why you have come?” I asked as I grabbed a cup of blood.

“Well, first, I wanted to meet you. Secondly, I’ve come because I’ve heard a lot about you. A lot of clans are your ally, and I was wondering if I could join hands with you,” Cullen said, smirking.

Smiling, I stare at him. He was bold. Drinking my cup of blood, I stayed quiet, waiting to see if he had something else in mind.

“Your Highness, may I know your name? Sorry I’m bold, but with all due respect, I wished to know about you,” Cullen said as he showed me his fangs.

So the man was interested in me? Rolling my eyes, I scoff.

“If you have nothing else to say, you may leave,” I said as I stand up and turn around.

Standing up abruptly, he stops me.

“Wait… please, sorry if I offended you. I truly want to know your name, and I want to join hands with you,” Cullen repeated, “Is there a requirement to join?”

“Well, if you have come over here, is it because you already have an idea, right? But, if you also have heard a lot about me, you must know what my requirements are,” I whispered.

“Yes… I have, and I have an excellent offer, a better one actually,” Cullen said.

Getting my attention, I turn around and smiling. I ask Cullen what it was. I saw Cullen scan my body, gulping; he cringed when he noticed me staring at him with a dangerous look.

“Your Highness, I would like to offer two of my clans and an enormous amount of money for our union. I know you ask for money and a vast amount of it,” Cullen explained, “I’m offering eighty million dollars.”

Now that he mentions his offer, I wasn’t interested in money, but the clans. No one had offered their families before. Laughing softly, I stare at him.

“Why don’t you stay tonight, and we’ll talk about your offer tomorrow morning?” I offered him.

Cullen stared at me, surprised. I had to think more about his offer. Turning around, I wave my hand.

I heard Liam ask him to follow him. Cullen said nothing back; he just kept staring at me.

As I headed to my office, I sat and checked my computer. I remember their two clans in the Kingdom of North I’m interested in. Not only they’re the most prominent clan, but they’re rich in minerals. As I go through the clans, I see that one of them belongs to King Nikolas. Frowning, I click on the family—clan of the Mist. I saw mountain ranges and rivers surrounding the clan. It was secluded and far away from the cities.

The closest city was eight hours away.

Smirking, I knew what clans I wanted. As I keep looking, I hear someone knock on the door. Letting the person in, I see Liam walk over and sit right in front of me, on my desk.

Frowning, I ask him what the fuck he is doing.

“So here’s a thing, King Cullen just asked me if you’re married,” Liam said, smiling. “It seems he is truly interested in you, Rose.”

Scoffing, I continue looking at my computer. As I think of what Liam just told me, I had an idea.

“Have the garden area prepared for breakfast. I just had an idea,” I ordered without looking at Liam. “Oh, and get me the Sapphire from the treasure room.”

“For what?” Liam asked curiously.

“You will see tomorrow,” I said, laughing.

…

Rolling in bed, I see it’s eight in the morning. Heaving a sigh, I look around my bedroom. I needed to redecorate this place. My room was quite gloomy. Black and gray walls with white, all my furniture was black and even clothes. But, my favorite color was black. It was like an obsession.

My bedroom was enormous; I had a small lobby, a living room, a small office, a walking closet, a bathroom, and my makeup room. Getting up, I head to the closet and search for something to wear. Finding the perfect red dress, I take a quick shower and change.

I didn’t like maids helping me to get ready. I was an independent woman.

As I finished doing my hair, Renata walks in.

“Morning,” Renata said as she bowed.

“Morning, what brings you here?” I asked as I looked at her through the mirror.

“Liam sent me to get you. Everything is ready as you ordered, and King Cullen is also waiting,” Renata explained as she bowed again.

Standing up from my vanity table, I walk out with her. I was heading towards the garden. I see Cullen walking around the garden. As he sees me, he walks and bows.

“Good Morning, Your Highness,” Cullen said, smiling brightly.

“Morning,” I said with a serious look.

Walking towards a chair, Liam pulls me a seat, and I wait for Cullen to join me.

“So, had you decided?” Cullen asked nervously.

“I did. I have a counteroffer,” I said as I drank my tea. “How about this? I want two of your clans; I choose which ones, and instead of eighty million, just give me forty million dollars?” I said.

“May I know what clans?” Cullen asked as he drank his cup of coffee.

“Yes, the Mist Clan and the Jovial Clan. If I’m not mistaken, both clans are an hour apart and are vast. Also, they’re just what I’ve been looking for,” I said, smirking at him.

Cullen just stared. Frowning lightly, I see him set his cup on the table.

“Why do I feel there’s something else to this offer?” Cullen suddenly said.

“Wow, so you’re intelligent… I have something that might interest you” I smiled.

Snapping my fingers, Liam brings me a small box.

As he sets it on the table and leaves, I tap the small box opening lightly. I see Cullen’s surprised face. I know he wasn’t expecting this. I’ve learned the Kingdom of North has been interested in the Sapphire stone. For them, it’s a treasure. Their kingdom holds Sapphire mines, now empty and stolen. And this one in specific was one they’ve been searching for.

How did it get to my hands quickly? I found it on a trip to the States. A treasure hunt.

“How… wait… this is what I think it is?” Cullen stuttered.

Nodding my head, I waited for him to say something.

“So you want the two clans in exchange for this?” Cullen asked, “This is your counteroffer?”

“Yes, King Cullen, now what do you say? Do we have a deal?” I smirked.

Cullen tried to reach for the stone. Closing the box, I wave my finger from side to side.

“If you want to touch this, you have to sign me this,” I said, as one guard handed him a contract.

Cullen frowned and glanced at the paper. Then, gasping, he looked at me and scowled.

“You got to be fucking serious,” Cullen said.

Hissing his way, I look at him aggressively.

“Be careful how you talk to me,” I said softly just for him to hear, “If I were you, I would think where you are. But, remember, this is not your territory as well as King Nikolas. Anything happens to you here; it won’t be my problem,” I hissed, showing him my monster.

“Are you threatening me?” Cullen said, sounding offended.

“Take it how you wish,” I said, waving my hand. “Now I give you ten minutes to think about my offer. If not, my men will escort you back to the entrance.”

As I ate quietly, I saw Cullen struggle with what was on his mind. He knew one of the clans was King Nikolas already. As I waited patiently, I saw Cullen debate. He seriously was discussing, and I even saw him staring at his phone. Was he planning on calling Nikolas? He knew this would cause an international issue.

As I check the time, I see there’s only one minute left.

As I do a mental countdown, I see Cullen fist his hands.

“Time is up,” I said as I set my cup down. “Did you decide?”

“I-I… Look,” Cullen started stuttering.

Standing up, I turned to leave.

“Liam, please escort King Cullen out of my territory,” I said without turning around.

I could hear Cullen trying to say something to Liam. Unfortunately, Liam had a short temperament. Chuckling, I walk away. As I was about to reach the stairs, I felt a hand grab my arm. Snapping my head, I see Cullen pulling hard. Frowning, I push Cullen away.

“What the fuck do you think you are doing?” I hissed.

My eyes were pitch black, and I was furious by his boldness. This guy didn’t know who he was messing with.

“If you ever dare to touch me again,” I said, strolling, showing authority and fear, “I swear I will kill you!”

Cullen flinched and bowed his head.

“Get him out of here!” I ordered.

Turning around, I walk away. The audacity of this guy was too much. Enraged, I call for my servants.

“Where is he?” I asked, pissed.

“He is in your bedroom,” the servant said nervously.

I was looking at him with hate.

I walk over and enter my room.

“Get up!” I ordered, “We are going to the dungeons.”