Eleanor's P.O.V How... How can this be?How can it even been possible?My eyes have to be deceiving me! It's impossible. The sight before my eyes is impossible!My brain told me to run. Run from this place. Pretend I was never here. But, somehow my feet dragged me to the portrait.The portrait which should have never existed. How can there be a picture of Daniel and me with a child barely two in my arms!?My hand reached out for the frame as it traced over the carvings on the frame of the portrait. { ELEANOR ELINA CASSIAN DEVIN }{ CASSIAN DANIEL DEVIN }{ DANIELLE ERIS DEVIN }Reading the names all the sirens started ringing in my head as if alarming me. Telling me to run.Run far away and not to delve further into this chamber which has been hidden away for god knows how long.But my feet refused to move. I just couldn't take my eyes off the portrait. As if... as if it had enchanted me. Frozen me to the ground. Left me astounded and blank.Why?
Daniel's P.O.V Bickering. And, hurting my ears.That's all these people ever do. The day has turned to evening as the sun was about to set now. I could feel my patience running thinner by each passing second as it finally shredded to a million pieces as my hand met the table making all of them go silent."This is not a fish market. This is the Royal Court. If you can't maintain the decorum of this room. Leave this instant." I say in a stern tone, my eyes scanning each and every one of them.Silence prevails in the room.I let out a deep breath before continuing. "I understand that we all have different opinions and perspectives on this matter, but we need to work together to find a solution. Arguing and shouting at each other is not going to solve anything."I look towards the leaders of the two argumentative sides, who was glaring at me. "Do you have anything constructive to add to this discussion?"They scowl at me but remains silent with their head facing the table.I turn my att
Eleanor's P.O.V I don't know how but somehow I ended up in a room with Daniel and Henry's childhood friend, Rayene, Petroka, Devin, Valerie, Erina and, of course Henry and Petroka. And, if anyone is wondering where is Danielle. Then, she is sleeping in Rayene's room as she got tired after playing with her for the entire day."El? Are you okay?" Daniel's words brought me out of my thoughts as my eyes snapped to his hand which was placed over mine.I quickly pulled my hand back, feeling a little self conscious as my eyes snapped to Daniel's so called friend who wasn't giving me very great vibes. "I'm fine," I replied with a small smile, my eyes still fixed on his very neutral friend who was giving me some weird kind of gut feeling."You haven't eaten anything?" "I'm fine." I insisted as the air between Daniel and me somehow turned awkward. The air was somehow sensed by Henry as he piped in trying to dispel the awkwardness in the air, "So, El, meet our childhood friend. Her name is K
Daniel's P.O.V Words.Actions.They all replayed in my mind as I stared at the papers in front of me in a room full of dim candlelight. I closed my eyes and the scene reflected in the back of my mind. As, I remembered the expression of hurt on El's face. It didn't last long but that one glance I had at it imprinted that image in the back of my mind. Making me remember it all too well.But, that wasn't the only thing that was making my heart twist in chest. It was also the fact that Keira reprimanded of the mistake I knew I was making. I didn't like the feeling of disappointing my best friend. But, somehow I disappointed her and even hurt El with my actions. My mind replayed the statement Keira stated over and over again. "Daniel! How can you arrange your marriage so soon? And, that too without any consulting!? What are you thinking? I'm seriously disappointed with the reckless kind of behavior you have shown today." Keira said as she got up, raging in fury and left the dining r
Eleanor's P.O.V "Rayene... Danielle..." Their names left my mouth as they both stared at me with eyes as soft as these royal cushions, as wide as the moon out there, as innocent as those little pups and as defenseless as me around Daniel. "Mom! Pleaseeeeee! Aunt Ray and I are meant to stay together forever! You can't separate us! Buhuuuu!" Danielle whined as she threw a tantrum on the bed making Henry giggle. But, the amused expression was soon converted into one of shock when Rayene decided that it was okay for a twenty one year old to throw a tantrum as if they were a seven year old.She too joined Danielle as both of them laid down on their backs on the bed, throwing their arms and feet left and right."El! You can't take away my niece from me! I don't allow it! No! No!" "Ray. Stop acting like Danielle. Henry slept on the couch yesterday because of the two of you." I scolded as Henry stood up from the couch and walked to us."Let them be, El. I'll be fine. Moreover, Rayene likes
Daniel's P.O.V Blood Wine.It's the strongest wine brewed in the Kingdom of As a vampire, I have a particular fondness for it. It's not just the taste that draws me in, but the rush of power it gives me. With each sip, I feel my senses sharpen, my strength amplified, and my speed increased.I've always been careful not to overindulge, though. Blood Wine might be potent, but it's also highly addictive. Too much of it can turn you into a mindless, blood-thirsty lustful monster. Besides, there's always the risk of getting drunk and losing control of myself.I should have focused on the last bit. Because if I would have then I wouldn't be holding a fragile hand which held a vase ready to be smashed on my head any moment I let it go. Blue irises of flower stared back at me shocked, twisting and turning the wrist begging me to let go of the hand that held the vase.I took a deep breath and tried to steady my hands through which power was surging through with an uncontrollably uncomfortable
Eleanor's P.O.V. :*Mature Content*I laid there, sprawled on his desk like a tablecloth with my legs spread apart and tears of ecasty threatening to fall any moment from my big doe blue eyes. "Please." I begged the heartless man who had caused my current predicament. But, instead of mercy that I begged for, he increased the intensity of vibrations I was feeling between my legs."Why are you begging, flower?" Daniel asked. Lips smirking and his red eyes twinkling with a spark of mischief as he ran his cold, large and sharp fangs over my already hardened nipples, causing my body to jolt from the supply of excess pleasure."I'm sorry." I apologized, hoping he would forgive me. But, instead of forgiveness, what I received a harsh slap on my overly sensitive core, causing me roll to my eyes from pain I felt, followed by the intense pleasure. "Yet another mistake." Daniel said, as he harshly plunged two of his fingers into my core playing with the small pink toy vibrating inside me, maki
Daniel's P.O.V A sudden shiver ran down my back as if something unpleasant had just happened. "Your Majesty! Which ones do you finalize?" The designer asked as I reinforced my lost vision on the gowns which were made for my Eleanor. My Eleanor. A pang of guilt hit me out of nowhere as the memories of last night surged through my nerves in and out of my heart. I took a deep breath to regain my thoughts before replying, "I'm not sure yet. Can you give me a moment to think?"The designer nodded and stepped back, allowing me to examine the gowns in front of me. Each one was beautifully crafted, but none of them felt quite right. As I pondered my decision, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.Suddenly, I realized what was bothering me. None of these dresses were fit for a queen. They were all lovely, but they lacked the regal dignity that I wanted for my wife.I wanted something for Eleanor which was never seen. Never worn. Never designed before. I turned to the desig
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