Eleanor's P.O.V."Come on. Last bite." Daniel coaxed me as he held a spoonful of porridge near my lips. "No." I whined, srunching and turning my face away. "I don't want to eat anymore." Daniel sighed, a hint of tiredness in his voice. "Flower, you need to eat. You need energy after things we've done yesterday so that you don't end up fainting."I crossed my arms stubbornly, pouting like a child. "I don't like porridge still I ate half a bowl.""My pretty wifey, you are not a kid. Half a bowl of porridge isn't enough energy for you. Do you want to fall ill and worry Danielle?"Danielle... My daughter. How long has it been since I have last seen her face?"Will you bring Danielle to meet me if I eat?"Daniel's expression softened as he nodded. "Yes, Eleanor. If you finish your breakfast, I'll arrange for you to see Danielle soon. Latest by tomorrow. I promise."A glimmer of hope sparked within me. Seeing my daughter was the one thing that kept me going, even in this tangled web of Da
Daniel's P.O.V"Your Majesty, the invitations for the Princess Danielle's ball has been printed and have been sent to all the nobles across the kingdom. The preparations for the feast of the commoners have also begun." Teris's voice filled my ears as my eyes were staring at the peaceful scenery of birds chirping outside my office. "I see." A dry reply that's all I could muster because my mind currently was stuck with Eleanor. How do I explain to her that it is necessary for her to stay in that room with those bars? How do I explain to her that they defensive magical artifacts made from Setral, the holy metal which can't be obtained everywhere except from the mine behind the temple? How do I explain to her the fact that those bars are necessary to protect her from assassins and every other who might want to take her life?Lost in her fit to escape, she won't try to understand anything. All she's focused on is escaping. How...Maybe, just talk to her. My subconsciousness spoke, making
Eleanor's P.O.V Tears streamed relentlessly down my cheeks as I sat on the soft mattress with my feet held close to my chest in the dimly lit room, consumed by a surge of hatred and despair. How could he do this to me?How could Daniel lock me away like some caged animal again? How sweetly just yesterday he called me his wife. Yet, today I was a prisoner again. The weight of betrayal seemed to be pressing down on my spirit crushing it to pieces, leaving me broken and filled with anger.I clenched my fists, feeling the urge to lash out at anyone and anything that reminded me of the man I loved. What had happened to us? Why has it all become like this? Where had the love we shared gone? Was it bound to meet the same fate as the past once we left The Black Woods? Was their nothing I could do to make Daniel understand that I couldn't let the past repeat itself? The answers remained elusive, wrapped in the cold chains that bound my existence, which were wrapped around my ankle by one of
Daniel's P.O.V "WHO'S THERE!?" I scream as I run in the direction of the library section I saw the red cloak disappear in. I enter the restricted royal area, my heart pounding in my chest. The room is dimly lit, with tall bookshelves stretching up to the ceiling. Dust dances in the air, giving the room an eerie atmosphere. However, my eyes which stared into the distance with no such figure in sight. I cautiously make my way through the rows of shelves, carefully. My hand gripping the hilt of my sword waiting for the intruder to show up."Show yourself!" I call out, my voice echoing through the quiet, spooky library. I can hear my own footsteps on the creaky wooden floor, each one more tense than the last. The anticipation builds, my nerves on edge. I grip the hilt of my sword tightly, ready for whatever may come. I was ready to put my life on line the moment I decided Eleanor. Then, what's a small assassin?As I reach the huge wall at the end of the section, I still find no one
Eleanor's P.O.V I stared at the pale face in the mirror, as the brush was brushing against my skin. I couldn't help but feel a pang of dissatisfaction as I examined my reflection. My once vibrant complexion now appeared dull and lifeless, a stark contrast to the radiance I used to possess. Lines of worry and fatigue marred my face, a clear indication of the toll that Daniel's imprisonment had taken on me.As the brush continued its gentle strokes, I let my mind wander to the days when my skin was smooth and blemish-free. It seemed like a lifetime ago. Back then when I was an assassin, even though my world was dark and dim, my face would glow with some sort of energy.Now, all I feel like is a dead lifeless doll."Your Majesty?" Tia's voice rang in my ears, bringing me out of my thoughts."Yes, kitten?" I looked up in the mirror to see the face of Tia. However, she wasn't smiling. Was she not happy with the makeup she has done on my face? But, it looked quite good. "Your Majesty,
Daniel's P.O.V My eyes were open wide as I stared at the man standing in front of me. Was there an invisible mirror in front of me? Because the person standing in front of me seemed to be my exact reflection. Except for his clothes and that mole.That... Wait! The portrait!?"You... You are... The First Vampire!?" My voice which was first strangled in my throat, finally escaped.However, no answer seemed to follow my question except the matter of fact that the journal flew out of my hands, flying in the air as it was closed and fell into this man's hand."I am." Two words. Two words and they were enough to show his power and authority that he held. But, wasn't he dead? How was he standing here in front of me?But, my questions refused to pass my lips as I stood still, watching him brush past me and slam the journal back on the ebony desk.He turned to face me, his eyes piercing into mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. "You have stumbled upon a secret that was nev
Eleanor's P.O.V The same. The doors were decorated in the same way as they were decorated on the day of my wedding with Daniel. Just a little less vibrant glow. It was soft. I could feel the softness of the golden light on my cheeks as I stood there, waiting. Waiting for Daniel to arrive. As I stood there, gazing at the grand door of the Royal Palace, my heart fluttered with both excitement and anticipation. Danielle. I'm going to meet Danielle today! I'm going to see the face of my daughter!Will it light up? Will she run and hug me? Will she cry? Will she kiss my cheek? Will she say she missed me?Where is Daniel!? I can't... I can't wait to go inside. My Danielle is just on the other side of the door.The holden door to the ballroom, adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments, only added to the air of elegance and enchantment surrounding this enchanting evening. The birthday of my Danielle. The hallway leading up to it seemed to stretch on forever on my way here, the
Daniel's P.O.V 'I have lost her. Lost my talented Eleanor. What could have the future been if only if it was me. If only I would have died instead of her. If only it was me that her father cursed. If only I was the center of hatred of K-'K...The name was scratched. I held the journal close to my eye trying to figure out the name etched on paper. However, nothing. I couldn't figure it out.That was the last page. The last page of the journal. I needed the continuation of it. If I had to save Eleanor, I had to find answers that are running wild in my head.Why would Eleanor's father curse her? And, who is this K?"Danielle..." Eleanor's weak voice entered my ears as I snapped the journal shut, placing it on the nightstand as my eyes turned to my pretty wife who had finally decided to wake up after fainting on our daughter's birthday ball. A sigh passed my lips as I stood up from the chair, glancing down at my wife who was staring at the ceiling with eyes that seemed lifeless."Fl
Eleanor's P.O.V We rode on the horse for approximately two hours before we arrived at Henry's castle where the guards opened the gates, letting the four of us in.From under the hood of my cloak, I watched a young lady run in our direction followed by a man and a woman.Daniel dismounted the horse, gently picking up Serphy and placing her on the ground as I did the same with Rayn."Dad! You're here!" The young lady screamed as she jumped at Daniel, making him laugh as he twirled her around, placing her on the ground as she began to chatter. "I've made lots of preparations for mom's birthday this time, dad. Will she come back this year?" Danielle... My baby..."Hello, elder sister!" I watched as Serphy jumped beside Daniel, shaking Danielle up."Ummm... Hello, love. Who are you?" Danielle asked crouching down a little shocked. However, she masked it quick enough with a smile for Serphy to ever know. "I'm your little sister!" Serphy chirped as Danielle's face hardened. Danielle snap
Eleanor's P.O.V"Mom, how did the table break? And, did you cry?" Serphina asked as she walked in my direction."There's someone in the kitchen!" Rayn finally spoke after a long while, making my body grow tense as he walked in its direction."Wait! You can't go there!" I tried to stop Rayn from entering. However, instead of him, Serphina ran into the kitchen."Hey! That's the man we met in the park! Mom, why is he here?"Great! I am so screwed.I quickly rushed after Serphina, my heart pounding in my chest. As I entered the kitchen, I found Serphina pointing towards Daniel holding a glass of water in his hands."Daniel!" Couldn't this guy stay still until I sent the twins back to their room?"What!? I was hiding. It's your son's fault he found out," Daniel spoke as he placed the glass on the counter, coming out from hiding."My brother is very smart. Humph. Even if you stayed still, he would have found you out," Serphina spoke, holding her nose high as she praised her brother. "But, I
Eleanor's P.O.V "You live here?" Daniel asked, his eyes staring at the wooden cottage. "Eleanor, my children grew up here?""It's better than a castle and a luxury life with a sword hanging over their heads instead." I retorted, rolling my eyes as I stood back on my own two feet again. "Coming inside?" I asked the man staring at my house, criticizing it surely inside his head."You know the one in Black Forest is fancier than this. You should have stayed with the children there if you had to.""I didn't want them to be isolated and have no friends, Daniel.""Well, to protect all of us you decided to isolate them from their sister and me." I sighed, frustrated with Daniel's lack of understanding. "It was for their own safety, Daniel. And, yours and Danielle's as well. Do you want to come in or not?"Moon Goddess! Please help me or I might smack this man today.Daniel crossed his arms, a disapproving frown on his face as he entered the wooden cottage behind me.I locked the door once
Eleanor's P.O.V "Okay. So, we are here at The Orphanage. You can go to the park and play with the kids. I'll help the adults. Don't create trouble. Am I clear?" I looked at the twins, strictly as they looked at each other before saluting me."Yes, mom!"And, the next moment I knew, both of them were running in the direction of the park."They are so cute, Ele." Crystal said, chuckling at them, making me sigh."When you marry Eden, you can have your own pair. Let me see how cute they look to you then." I replied as I watched Crystal turn red, making me chuckle as both of us walked to the backyard of The Orphanage."Hey, Ele! Hey, Crystal!" Martha, the dean of the Orphanage and everyone else greeted me and Crystal. "Hey guys! What are you all doing?""Sewing new clothes for the orphans, Ele. Come join us!" Martha replied, motioning for Crystal and me to join the circle of the village women.I smiled and joined Martha and the other women, sitting down and grabbing a needle and thread.
Daniel's P.O.V "What do you what?" I asked the man standing in front of my horse. "You must pay up if you want to cross the forest." The man spoke in a rough voice as he withdrew his sword, holding it out.Ugh! I can fight. But, why waste time? I'm feeling very relentless. I must go visit Danielle quick and get rid of this feeling. "How much do you want!?" I asked the bald man as I stared at him."3 golds." The hell!? What a rip off! But, whatever. I got no time. Be cool, Daniel. Just pay and leave. You don't need to kill these bastards.I dipped my hand in my pocket as I pulled out three gold coins in his direction. "Can I go now!?" I demanded impatiently, holding the coins towards the man.The man sneered and quickly snatched the gold coins from my outstretched hand. "You may pass," he grumbled, stepping aside to clear a path for me and my horse.I wasted no time in urging my steed forward, eager to continue my journey. The encounter had left a sour taste in my mouth, but I coul
Eleanor's P.O.V Okay.Balloons. Check.Gifts. Check.Breakfast. Check.Flowers. Check.Birthday Cake? Oh! I kept it in the fridge so that it cools down.I walked to the fridge as I opened the door, a gust of cool air hit my face. I smiled, knowing that the cake inside would soon be the centerpiece of our celebration. I carefully took out the cake and placed it on the kitchen counter, admiring its perfectly frosted layers.The kids will be so happy. I smiled staring at the cake when my stupid subconsciousness struck me.Happy birthday to you too. Thanks. I replied as I rolled my eyes. But, my birthday is something now that doesn't exist. I'm happy my children didn't have to go through all that I experienced. Isn't it nice?You're trying to live your life through them, Eleanor. Nonetheless, smooth lie it was, wasn't it? I'm an orphan so neither do I know or celebrate my birthday. My subconsciousness retorted as my smile hit the wooden floor. There have been lots of eventful things
Daniel's P.O.V "Your Majesty, the Sapphires are the best in the Empire. The mine will be of utmost help to the Empire." My eyes stared at the fraud merchant standing in front of me as I gazed at him with icy cold eyes.Are these people stupid? They really think I wouldn't see right through their lies?"Baron Sendor. If the Sapphires are so good. Please keep the mine. I'll write the deed of the land for you personally. Remember, to pay the taxes of course. You wouldn't want your head detached from your body after all." I spoke coldly, making Baron Sendor tremble as he stared at the ground. I had dealt with enough corrupt officials and conniving businessmen to recognize when someone was trying to deceive me. Baron Sendor's attempt to sell me on the supposed value of the Sapphires was transparent and insulting.I could see the fear in his eyes as my words sank in. The threat of losing his head, a fate that had befallen many others who had attempted to deceive or betray me, was enough t
Eleanor's P.O.V "Mom! It's all Rayn's fault!" Serphina's chirpy voice rang in my ears as I stared at the twins standing in front of me drenched in mud."Rayn? Have something to say for yourself?" I crossed my arms and looked at my son, awaiting his response. Rayn, the older of the twins, seemed unfazed by the accusation. He calmly glanced at Serphina and then turned his attention back to me.He was a replica of him..."It's not entirely my fault, Mom," Rayn said, trying to defend himself as I snapped out of my thoughts. "We were playing tag near the pond, and Serphina tripped and fell in. I couldn't help it. But, I did get her out of the pond like a good brother would and didn't let her die by herself. Which I regret now because she pulled me in too."Serphina huffed, crossing her muddy arms over her chest. "That's not true, Rayn! You pushed me! So, I pulled you in."Actually, neither of them are like me. They both are little Daniels. I miss Danielle. Hic... my big baby was so cute.
Daniel's P.O.V Nervous.I was nervous as I walked back and forth in the hallway. What was I thinking? What the hell was I thinking when I let her go? I should go...No. Let's wait a moment. I'm pretty sure that Eleanor would stay. She would leave me given the chance. She wouldn't go, right?How much time has it been? Should I go back? Should I not? Should I wait a little longer?These thoughts were racing through my mind, causing my heart to pound and my palms to grow sweaty. I couldn't help but imagine a little picture in my head of me watching Eleanor walk away, her figure becoming smaller and smaller until she disappeared completely.I should go back. I should go back. She wouldn't have left. I'm just worried for no reason! Eleanor wouldn't leave me. She wouldn't. What are the odds she wouldn't leave me after all that I've done to her? What are the odds she would stay? What are the odds that when I walk into the room that she would run into my arms and hug me? What are the odd