MAKING HIS CLAIM

Azriel spent most of his day inside his study, overseeing the construction of the new magistrate office. Papers requiring his signature piled high, but his mind wandered to the enchanting encounter with the mysterious girl in the dining hall. A sly smile spread across his face, knowing he had left a lasting impression.

A knock at the door broke the spell. "Come in."

"Your Highness, tea," Grace announced, entering with a steaming tray.

"I didn't request any," Azriel said, his gaze remaining on the papers.

"You usually have tea by this time, Your Highness," Grace replied, her voice laced with a hint of seduction.

Azriel's eyes flickered, acknowledging her thoughtfulness. "Very...considerate of you, Grace."

Grace's eyes locked onto his, her pupils dilating with a mix of desire and expectation. She stood there, awaiting his next move, but Azriel's attention returned to the papers.

Disappointed, Grace turned to leave. "Your welcome, Your Highness," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

As the door closed behind her, Azriel's head snapped up. "Oh, Grace!" he called out, but she was already gone.

A half-vampire, Grace had been Azriel's willing donor, eagerly offering her neck to satiate his bloodlust. But since encountering the girl in the forest, Azriel's desires had shifted. Grace's value in his eyes had diminished, replaced by a newfound fascination.

Grace's mood darkened as she left the study. The Prince's indifference cut deep, a harsh reminder that her allure had waned. A spark of jealousy ignited within her, fueled by the suspicion that Azriel's attention had been captivated by another.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Sophia's restless night gave way to a chaotic morning. The palace bustled with unusual activity, and she found herself reassigned to tend to the garden, a task that brought her into the warm sunlight and fresh air.

As she worked, the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds filled the air, and Sophia felt a sense of peace wash over her. But her tranquility was short-lived, as she collided with a vision of loveliness - Charlotte, the prince's apparent acquaintance.

The slap that followed stung, but Sophia's pride smarted more. "People make mistakes, ma'am," she replied, her voice steady, though her heart raced.

Charlotte's eyes flashed with anger. "How dare you talk back at me, you lowly piece of shit?" The venom in her voice made Sophia's skin crawl.

But before things escalated, a deep, smooth voice intervened. "What is going on here?"

Sophia's gaze met Azriel's, and her breath caught. He was resplendent in his royal attire, his chiseled features and piercing eyes making her heart skip a beat. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as their eyes locked, the challenge in his gaze sending shivers down her spine.

Charlotte's voice broke the spell, and Azriel's attention shifted to her. "Azriel, this...this maid had the audacity to talk back at me!" Charlotte exclaimed, her voice shrill.

Azriel's expression remained impassive, but his voice held a hint of amusement. "Do all the maids here lack respect?"

Charlotte's eyes narrowed. "None that I know of. But that...that weary-looking one over there had the guts to talk back at me."

Azriel's gaze drifted back to Sophia, his eyes burning with intensity. "You shouldn't let her affect you, Charlotte. She's just a maid." The words were dismissive, but his eyes told a different story - one of intrigue and fascination.

As the tension between them grew thicker, Sophia felt her cheeks flush, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she had to look away, but Azriel's gaze held her captive, the air between them crackling with an unspoken challenge.

Suddenly, Azriel's eyes dropped to Sophia's lips, and she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. It was as if he could see right through her, to the very core of her being. Sophia's breath caught, her heart racing with anticipation.

And then, just as suddenly, Azriel's gaze snapped back to Charlotte. "I think it's time for you to leave, Charlotte.

Charlotte's face turned red with rage, but she knew better than to cross Azriel. With a huff, she stormed off, leaving Sophia alone with the prince.

The air was thick with tension as Azriel's eyes locked onto Sophia's once more. "And you, little maid," he said, his voice low and husky. "You're...fascinating."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat as Azriel took a step closer to her. She could feel the heat emanating from his body, and her skin prickled with awareness.

"I must admit, I'm intrigued by your spirit," Azriel continued, his eyes burning with intensity. "Most maids would have cowered in fear, but not you. You stood up to Charlotte, and that takes courage."

Sophia's cheeks flushed, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she should look away, but Azriel's gaze held her captive.

"Tell me, little maid," Azriel whispered, his voice sending shivers down her spine. "What's your name?"

Sophia's lips parted, and she whispered, "Sophia."

Azriel's eyes flashed with interest, and he took another step closer to her. "Sophia," he repeated, his voice low and husky. "I think we're going to get along just fine."

As he spoke, Azriel's hand reached out, his fingers brushing against Sophia's cheek. The touch sent shivers down her spine, and Sophia felt her heart skip a beat.

"I think you'll find that I'm not like the other royals," Azriel whispered, his eyes burning with intensity. "I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, and I'm not afraid to take what I want."

Sophia's breath caught, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she should be afraid, but she couldn't help the spark of attraction that had ignited between them.

"And what is it that you want, Your Highness?" Sophia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Azriel's eyes flashed with desire, and he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against Sophia's ear. "I want you, Sophie “,he whispered.

“ Sophie “ that nickname it was only her Father that called her that . Now this Prince also?