What is going on?

Vald's Pov

How could that stupid old man make such demands? I wandered, pacing back and forth across the room.

Did something happen while I was away? No, that couldn't possible Kathryn would have said something, Right?

Unless she was prohibited by the King, not to speak a word to me about Eleanor.

Or was it because of that human whose life I'd save? I know there are consequences when we get involved in mortal life's and I take full responsibility, but to have my title revoke is just absurd.

"His Highness, Prince Vald. Lord Shaw wants to meet you." A soldier announced from outside the door.

"Take him to the sitting room and send Theodore over as well." I gave the order as I took some deep breaths. I knew it was time to find out some things and clear some misunderstandings.

Soon, Theodore entered the room.

"Your Highness-

"Theodore," I called, standing to my feet when he met my gaze. "Do you know my name?"

"Yes, Prince Vald." He answered.

"Then use it. I'm tired of your formality." I grumbled, picking up my sword before placing it inside my sword belt. " Now General Shaw wants to meet with me." I clenched my teeth and continued to look straight ahead.

"What is going on?" I spoke quietly through clenched teeth as I clenched my fists in anger.

I was furious and wanted to know what the hell is going on.

He seemed to be taken a back from his facial expressions as I spoke those words. He was good at hiding his feeling's and never reveals any sort of emotions.

But from his eyebrows that were raised and the horizontal wrinkles across his forehead and open eyelids: the upper lid was raised, and the lower lid was down, exposing the white sclera above and below the iris. I could tell he was surprised.

"I was given strict instructions by His Royal Highness, the King, not to say a word to you." He explained with a bow.

"I demand you tell me everything when I get back." I clenched and unclenched my jaw as I leave the room.

"General Shaw." I acknowledged, looking the man straight in the eye soon as I entered the sitting room.

"His Highness Prince Vald, lets dropped the formalities after all we are family." He said with a stupid grin on his face.

"Yes, what do I owe the pleasure of this sudden visits?" I smiled as I took a seat opposite of him.

"I think your return back to Eleanor is the right thing to do." General Shaw spoke, "You're the successor to this Kingdom, and you have neglected your duties for far too long."

"Don't you patronize me, General! You might have gotten your way with the King, but I can see right through you." I spoke in a hush tone, leaning towards him. "Besides I never had a liking for you."

How dare he!

And before he could recovered from his shocked state, I added salt to the wound. "We both know what your intentions are, don't we, General Shaw?" I finished, as I stood to my feet and turned on my heels.

I was so angry that I made my way to my favorite place in all of Eleanor, a vastly large and brilliantly blue lake.

Not only that, but I would often come here when I wanted to be alone; it was my secret place.

And as I stared into the night, I saw the face that hunted my waking thoughts. She was exquisite, but she was human.

Ugh!!!! I growled in frustration.

What does this mean? And Why do I think of her? She's human, and I'm a Prince of Vampires, and the law forbids Vampires from mating with humans.

Pushing those thoughts to the back of my mind, I turned on my heels, the journey back to the castle was short-lived.

I was on my way to my chambers when I can't sight of Nora standing outside my chamber's. Her knuckles were raised to knocked on the wooden door, but she stopped midair.

"Nora?" I called as she brought her hand to her chest and turned on her heel.

Her body stiffened as her eyes flickered to meet mine.

"His Highness, Prince Vald." She bowed her head and lifted the hem of her dress, to curtsy.

"Nora?" I called in a whisper, "What are you doing?"

"I know you don't want to marry me." She spoke in a low tone, her eyes never leaving the floor.

Not knowing what to say because she was partly right, I took her hand in mine, the small gesture caused her to look up.

Her eyes brimmed with tears and instantly I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer to me.

"We will talk about this, I promise." I whispered in the top of her head.

Shortly after, she separate herself, her eyes never meeting mind before she walked away. I watched as she scurried down the corridor, never looking back.

Upon entering my room, I removed my clothes and headed for the bath that was already prepared. Wasting no time, I got in, my shoulders quickly relaxed from the warm water.

After I've gotten dressed, I made my way to the dining room. Where my father, Vivian and Sage were already waiting.

"I see you have taken your time," Vivian spoke with a soft smile, which I returned.

Wasting no time, I got seated, and poured myself a glass of wine.

"Have you come to a decision?" Xander asked, as he rested his cutlery aside only to take a sip from his wine.

"No, I have not."

"Vivian and Sage, could you please leave us?" He demanded as the temperature in the room began to drop.

And like obedient little lambs, I watched as my stepmother and stepbrother leave me to the hands of my father.