The encounter with the prince in the garden still lingered on her mind as she sat down outside watching the birds as they flew . She had always loved watching birds even when she was younger with her Father. “Father …she breathed out. She hadn’t thought about him in a long while . She missed him everyday . She never thought she would survive without her dad but look at her, ten years plus and she was proud of how far she had come.
Meanwhile in the garden, the royal family sat together with Lord James. Anyone who looked at them from far would think the atmosphere was nice and they were just acquaintances having a good time. But the tension surrounding them was insane, each person occupied with their own thoughts. “Charlotte how are your study sessions going ?” The Queen asked breaking the silence . “ Very well , Your Majesty “Charlotte answered It was a custom in the land for every young amiable girl or woman to learn the traditions of the kingdom which Charlotte was doing . And also know how to read and write . “ Thats great to know then . As the supposed future Queen of this kingdom , its necessary “ “ I’m trying my very best your Majesty “ Servants began to troupe into the garden with different sizes of tray and foods on their hands . Placing the trays of food on the table, the left as immediately as the entered. The place went back to silence , only sounds that were heard were their cutleries . “ We’re going to host a ball to announce that Charlotte will be the next queen “ The queen spoke again breaking the silence “ But why the rush mother ?”Azriel spoke for the first time “The Court are already pressuring us for a Queen for you Azriel “ “ And you think Charlotte is the perfect one for me and the throne ?” He asked , he’s eyes darting towards Charlotte “ Are you in anyway questioning my judgement Azriel ? A slight edge on her voice “ Nooo mother . Am questioning your decision about my future wife .Don’t you think I’m meant to be the one to choose ?” “ We’ve given you time to choose a future wife for yourself Azriel. Up until now , you still haven’t found any “ “ This is something of a life time mother , don’t you think I should take my time?” “ Charlotte I have chosen “ “ But I’m sure their are other beautiful girls in the kingdom , the ball should be about me choosing my future wife not you announcing one “ Charlotte watched as the mother and son debated as if she wasn’t there . She wanted to be the future Queen, to raise her status, and shame her enemies . She had been chosen by the queen and She was sure she was going to be it regardless of whatever scheme Azriel had in mind . “ Very well then , a ball will be hosted to select the future Queen of the kingdom “ “ Thank you mother “ As the Queen's words hung in the air, Charlotte's eyes locked onto Azriel's, a spark of determination igniting within her. She was resolute in her pursuit of the throne, and no one, not even the handsome prince, would stand in her way. Azriel's gaze, however, seemed to bore into her soul, as if he could see the ambition burning within her. His eyes narrowed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I look forward to the ball, Mother," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure it will be... enlightening." The Queen's eyes flashed with warning, but Azriel's attention remained fixed on Charlotte. "Tell me, Charlotte," he said, his voice low and husky. "What makes you think you're worthy of being my queen?" Charlotte's heart skipped a beat as she met Azriel's gaze, her voice steady. "I am worthy, Your Highness, because I am intelligent, resourceful, and determined. I will stop at nothing to claim the throne and ensure the prosperity of our kingdom." Azriel's smile grew, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I see," he said, his voice dripping with innuendo. "And what of love, Charlotte? Do you believe in the notion of romantic love, or is it merely a tool for you to achieve your goals?" Charlotte's cheeks flushed, but she refused to back down. "Love is a luxury, Your Highness," she said, her voice firm. "One that I can ill afford. My focus is on securing the throne, not indulging in fleeting emotions." “Hmmmm “ Azriel hummed then continued his food .After the lunch , Azriel left the garden for his study . “The Queen's eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of mischief as she spoke, her voice dripping with an undercurrent of seduction. "So, James, I expect you to ensure your daughter is prepared to captivate Azriel at the ball. I want her to be irresistible, a true gem that will shine brightly in our kingdom." James bowed his head, his eyes locked on the floor, but his voice held a hint of wariness. "Noted, Your Highness." The Queen's smile grew, her lips curling into a sly, curve "I'm glad we understand each other, James. You may take your leave now, but Charlotte will remain with me. I have... further instructions for her." “Alright” He said as he stood up from the sit . Bowing his head one more time, he left . The Queen saying she wanted to discuss a few things with her came as a surprise . The young woman lowered her gaze but couldn’t hide the flush creeping up her neck. “Thank you, your Majesty, for considering me… for your son,” she said, her voice steady but a tinge of curiosity in her tone as she bowed, careful to maintain respect yet feeling a stir of something more. The Queen studied her carefully, a knowing smile curling at the corner of her lips. “I see potential in you. Among all the women in this kingdom, you have something that caught my eye. But be warned—this is no simple task. I hope you won’t disappoint me, my dear. I don’t take kindly to mistakes.” The girl straightened, the heat in her chest rising, her pulse quickening. She met the Queen’s gaze without hesitation, her lips curling slightly as she whispered, “No, Your Highness. I won’t disappoint you. In fact, I intend to exceed all expectations.” The Queen’s smile widened, her eyes glinting with both approval and something darker. “I do hope so. The stakes are much higher than you .For the next few weeks, until the ball, I want you to be coming here, I want you to be the only one he sees, the only one he desires. Her eyes seemed to burn with a fierce passion, as if she was willing Charlotte to seduce her son, to claim him as her own. "I want you to consume him, Charlotte, to be the fire that burns within him, the air that he breathes. I want you to be his everything, so that when the time comes, he will have no other choice but to make you his queen." “ I will make sure to charm him your highness after all no one can resist me “ She replied , her eyes sparkling with a confident gleam . “Just to remind you,” the Queen’s voice dropped to a velvety whisper, her gaze intense, “you answer to no one in this kingdom but me. No one else holds your leash, my dear. Only I have that privilege.” Charlotte noticed the tone in her voice . Crossing this one will be a death wish she thought. “ You may leave . I will be expecting you tomorrow “ “ Thanks again your highness “She bowed before leaving.Back in his study Azriel continued going through the previous documents that required his attention. Tonight was another night . Another night to go and hunt in the woods .He hadn’t bit on a flesh for a while now and his fangs itched, they yearned for flesh . A knock sounded on the door , he wasn’t expecting anyone at the moment. For a while his mind went to Grace “ Was she back to continue her mischievous games?” He thought. There was nothing else left to offer her , her blood helped him a lot but he didn’t require them anymore, for some reasons he couldn’t even fathom himself. “Come in “ “ For a moment I thought you were dead “ James Spoke mockingly as he strode towards the table . James , Azriel’s long time friend. He was a tall fair Man , with a well built body that every woman wished for in a man , a round face that was complimented with a pointed a pointed nose.In the human world, he’d pass for someone in his thirties, but like Azriel, centuries had passed in the blink of a
Azriel's eyes blazed like hot coals in the darkness as he emerged from his room, his movements deliberate and calculated, like a predator stalking its prey. Each step he took echoed through the silence, the wooden floorboards creaking beneath his feet like a lover's sigh.As he reached the corridor, the dewy night air enveloped him, casting a misty veil over the darkness. Suddenly, a faint crackling sound echoed from behind him, like the snap of a whip. Azriel's wings, those magnificent, majestic wings, burst forth from his back, their tender flesh unfolding like a dark, velvety bloom.The pain was a sharp, sweet sting, a familiar ache that Azriel had grown to crave. He was a creature of the night, a monster, a god. And as his wings flexed, their powerful muscles rippling beneath his skin, he felt the rush of exhilaration, the thrill of the hunt.One final glance into the darkness, and then Azriel launched himself into the air, his wings beating the night into submission, their soft w
As Sophia's gaze met Azriel's, she felt an icy shiver course through her veins. The Prince's piercing eyes seemed to bore into her very soul, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension.But it was what stood behind him that made Sophia's heart nearly stop. Wings. Magnificent, black wings that stretched out from his broad shoulders, their tips disappearing into the shadows. They flapped slowly, sending whispers of wind through the corridor, and Sophia felt her mind reel with the implications.This was no ordinary prince. This was a being of darkness, of power, of danger. The aura surrounding him screamed "Death" and Sophia knew she had stumbled into something she wasn't meant to see.With her hands still clamped over her mouth, Sophia turned and ran, her feet pounding the cold stone floor as she desperately sought the safety of her room. She could feel Azriel's eyes on her, boring into her back, and she knew she had to get
Sophia’s eyes roamed the village as they walked. This place felt different, much bigger and more crowded than the small town she came from. The people here seemed distant, preoccupied with their own lives. They didn’t greet one another, didn’t even glance up when someone passed by. It was as if there was an unspoken rule: mind your own business, stay in your lane.“Everyone seems to mind their business here,” Sophia remarked to Margret, her voice a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.Margret chuckled dryly, her tone matching the harshness of the village. “Yeah, the village is filled with weird people.”Sophia nodded, taking in the strange environment. There was something unsettling about it, like a simmering tension just beneath the surface. “Yes,” she said quietly, but her attention was already drifting back to the people, the buildings, the energy.Margret lowered her voice, her eyes narrowing with some unspoken thought. “Watch me, Sophia. I might not come here with you next time.”
After freshening up, both girls went back to the room and dressed . Margret stayed back in the room while Sophia went to meet Grace. She didn’t even know her quarters , so she decided to ask around “Excuse me please “ She said as she stopped one of the servants walking in the corridor “Where can I find Madam Grace ?”“ She’s outside “ The girl replied firmly“Thank you “ Sophia replied as she made her way outside the mansion . She found the woman standing outside while facing the plants growing . “ You requested for my presence ma’am “ Sophia said making her presence known to the woman . Grace didn’t turn nor did she utter any word to signify that she heard Sophia. “ Ma’am “ Sophia voiced out again, louder than the last . “I heard what happened in the market today “She began , still facing the plants.“ Ohhh okay ““ May I remind you that you’re a servant ?”“ Noo , I know that fully well”“ Then why did you talk back at the woman from the market ?”“ She slapped me ma’am , when
Charlotte woke up early in a very joyous mood.Her maids were surprised because She always woke up In a grumpy mood. “Your mood is very lively today “The Father said whilst breakfast “Yes, Father. I’m going to spend more time with Azriel,” Charlotte said, her voice calm, but inside, a storm of thoughts swirled around.Her father, eyes gleaming with something darker than fatherly concern, nodded approvingly. “Once you become Queen, I will become the prince’s right-hand man,” he said, his voice laced with a hunger Charlotte had never heard before. “So play your cards well, Charlotte. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers.”“Okay, Father,” she replied, her voice steady, though the taste in her mouth had gone sour. She had no illusions about her father’s intentions. He didn’t care about her happiness or her future as Queen. He only cared about his own rise to power.“I’m glad we’re on the same page,” he continued, his smile one of pure ambition. He didn’t even notice the di
Charlotte sat in the garden while waiting for her room to be put in a good position. “It’s already the first day and he’s treating me like this “ charlotte murmured in audibly . She wondered how she was going to spend the rest of her life with someone who didn’t seem to care about her . ******Sophia woke up with a swollen face. The slap she got had affected her more than she could imagine .“But is it that bad ?” She asked Margret for the up-tenth time, her hand caressing her cheek . Margret didn’t even need to answer , because the look on her face told it all . But how come a slap could swell my face ? She wondered “I’m going to call in sick for you”Margret spoke as she prepared to go to the kitchen “Rest , don’t stress yourself “ “ I will need something for the face”“ I will get you everything you need . Remember to rest”.Margaret said one more time before exiting the room . With Margaret gone , Sophia wondered what she was going to be doing . She looked around , hoping to f
In the far end of the kingdom,carriages were seen arriving at a particular building. Men and woman of different calibre came down from them, dressed in different clothes mostly in black. They walked as if they had the world at their feet . With their heads high they went towards the same direction , entering a particular room . Azriel watched as the council members made their way into the room .The council was responsible for anything that happened in the kingdom. They were the legal authority. It was made up of five men and five women with the Prince or King who was the head of the council.Councillor Vivian had requested for an emergency meeting. He wondered what she wanted to discuss with the council. Each of them were dressed nicely , outside they all appeared as beautiful, nice souls but no one knew what they beared inwardly . “Fools” Azriel muttered to himself. When everyone were done sitting , he began :” We have being summoned by Councillor Viviane , May we hear what she has to
The room exploded into an uproar as the king finished his announcement, a wave of disbelief crashing over everyone. Faces went pale , mouths gaping in shock as they struggled to process the devastating news.Noticing that the king wasn’t done with his announcement, the room became still and waited for the king to continue.”And unfortunately, it was the people who fell victims . The words hit like a dagger to the heart, sending a shockwave through the crowd.The silence that followed was short lived within seconds, the room erupted once again, louder and more chaotic than before.They few people who attended the ball from the village stood frozen in horror. As they were having the time of their lives, their families were being butchered and spluttered. “And not many people made it out from the attack,”the king continued, his voice rising. “ So if you have families there, I suggest you go and check on them immediately “. He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in ,his eyes
Charlotte still sat glued to the chair, she wasn’t going to leave her mother alone, and besides she didn’t know where to hide. “ Charlotte “ her mother called out again, her voice rising to an extent “ Find a place to hide “ “But mother…….Charlotte trailed off, her voice trembling as she met her mother’s piercing gaze.Without another word, Charlotte rose from the chair, her heart racing . She scanned the room, her mind searching for a place to hide—-somewhere safe, where she could remain unseen.Her mothers eyes followed her every move . Charlottes gaze locked onto the old wardrobe in the corner of the kitchen. It was small, but it would have to do. She darted toward it , slipping inside, the space was cramped , but she didn’t care. She pressed herself against the cold wood , her breath shallow trying to quiet her racing pulse . Through the tiny crack in the wardrobe door, she could just make out what was happening in the sitting room. “ Don’t come out ,” no matter what,Ch
“ Enough “ The man commanded again, when the Dhampir still went ahead to sink his fangs . “ Enough, you creatures “ His voice echoing in the building.” How do you expect us to eliminate the royal family when you people can’t bear each others presence “ “ Forgive our insolence master “ they all chorused , their head bowed to the floor . “ For us to succeed in this mission of ours , all of you need to put your differences aside ,” Is that clear ?” “ Okay master “ “ You may leave , remember , stay low and out of sight of anyone “ The gates were opened , and they luparis began to leave , after them the Dhampirs followed. The man signalled to one of the men in the building “ What’s the status in the royal family “ “ Everything is normal , there hasn’t been any recent happenings “ “ Good , keep me posted. That Son of a bitch Azriel has no idea of what is coming his way “ “Sure I will “ The man, cloaked in his black coat , stepped out through the back exit of the
A week had passed since the council members had assembled in the mansion for their meeting, and yet they hadn’t heard any news concerning the luparis again. Every where was heavily protected, soldiers stood at every corner of the kingdom , each bearing weapons , for now the kingdom was in peace , with everyone living their daily life’s but the didn’t know that their peace was only for a short period of time. In a far abandoned area in the kingdom, some creatures were seen assembling themselves together as if they were waiting for their leader . “ They have all arrived sir “ One man announced to man who was clad in black . His face was carefully hidden behind layers of clothing , the only thing visible were his very red eyes that shown in the dark .“ Hmmm “ he replied , I will be there soon, keep them in check “. “ Alright master “ the man replied, bowing his head, he exited the room. The man who was clad in all black stood where he was for a while , with a cigarette in his hands.
Meanwhile, in the dimly lit room of Sophias uncles modest home, Raven’s fury simmered beneath the surface as her hands trembled with rage. Her eyes burned with an intensity that could scorch anything in its path. “How could she have escaped when she doesn’t know anywhere?” Raven demanded, her voice rising like a crescendo of a Thunder. “How?” Sophia’s uncle, a man hardened by years of grief, shifted uncomfortably, his face drawn and pale. “I can’t answer that, Raven.” The anger in Raven’s eyes only deepened. “What have you done to look for her?” she snapped. Patrick sighed heavily, rubbing his temples as if trying to stave off a headache. “She’s nowhere to be found. That’s just it, Raven.” “No, that’s not it,” Raven hissed, her voice dripping with venom. “That girl can’t just vanish into thin air! Not Sophia.” The silence that followed was thick and oppressive, until Sophia’s uncle spoke again, his voice low, almost reluctant. “One of the villagers came to me some time a
Azriel strode back to his study , his mind reeling from the interruption. “ What could the councilman possibly want ?he wondered , a hint of irritation creeping into his voice.” And of all the times to choose, it had to be when I was… having fun”.He pushed open the door to his study , his eyes narrowing as he spotted the councilman waiting for him. “ What brings you here, councilman Enoch?” Azriel demanded, his to d firm but courteous. Enoch bowed his head in respect “ Good day , Your Highness.I have come to discuss the Lupari situation.” Azriel’s eyes flashed with interest as he took his seat . “ What have you discovered?”he asked , his voice crisp. Enoch hesitated before speaking .” It appears the Luparis that have come back to kingdom are not just the rogue ones, but the sane ones also and the have been promised a place in the kingdom by an anonymous vampire…. If they help eliminate the royal family. Azriel’s expression turned glacial.”It seems vampires are becoming increas
Sophia returned to clear the plates from the dining room, only to find them still untouched.”Hasn’t she woken up?” She wondered, debating whether to remove the food or leave it on the table . Meanwhile, Azriel’s concentration had been shattered by Charlotte’s sudden interruption.Seeking a distraction, he decided to take a stroll. As he passed by the dinning room, he caught a glimpse of Sophia , his muse . It had been a while since he’d had any fun, and Azriel’s curiosity got the better of him . He entered the dining room, closing the door behind him.At the sound of the door closing, Sophia looked up, surprised to see standing by the door. But why had he closed the door ?” “ Good day Your Majesty “. She said , bowing her head .Azriel’s eyes narrowed.” What are you doing here all alone ?” He asked, his voice low and husky . Sophia’s heart skipped a beat as she replied,” I came to retrieve Lady Charlotte’s plate , Your highness “. Azriel’s gaze lingered on Sophia’s face, his eyes spa
Charlotte stormed out of Azriel’s study angry . The boy sure had guts and he knew how to get on her nerves but she wasn’t going to let it slide. She couldn’t fathom why he wasn’t all over her , when he needed her, she was the key , his only chance to curing his bloodlust for ever . Yet he treated her how he wished too. A servant was passing through the hallway and she beckoned on her “ What’s the way to the Queens Chambers ? “ “ To your right my lady” the servant answered . The Quéen was the one who brought her to marry her son in the first place , and if anyone needed to keep him in check it was going to be her.Her footsteps echoed as she walked on the floor , the dress she wore kept getting on her way even as she held it on her hands . “ Damn you Azriel “she cursed silently.She only tolerated the amount of disrespect he threw at her because she was in love with him . The queens chambers was dark except the lit candle nights that showed a bit of light. Even when the butler had
The glass of drink on Azriel’s hand paused in the middle of the air . He already knew who was behind the door . Perhaps she wasn’t warned that he was not to be disturbed . But he let her in nevertheless” Come in “ . It took at least up to a minute before Charlotte opened the door and stepped inside .With his glass still on his hands, Azriel observed her as she entered. She was dressed in a sophisticated red dress , that clung on her cleavage tightly “ Was she even breathing ?”Azriel wondered. The dress was red in colour. This was the first time red looked that bad on a person he thought.As she walked towards him silently, he couldn’t help but part his lips in disgust . “ What are you doing here ?” He asked stopping her from moving another inch.Azriel noticed the flash of anger on her face before it disappeared “Were to be weeded Azriel , you don’t think we should spend time together?” She asked, her voice steady.” Who says we are to be weeded?Azriel asked . “ Don’t play this game with