Fair Trade

.

She turned her head and saw a man, he didn't hide his gaze instead he stared directly into her eyes. And she noticed his eyes. They were red

She shook her head to fight the uneasiness that settled in her heart and walked out of the shop

Her hand tightly clutched the bag when she didn't see the carriage nor the coachman who had previously been waiting outside

"Where is he? Where did he go?" her eyes darted and then went back to the shop, the man was still staring at her "What the..."

She hissed and started walking but to her surprise, the man was trailing behind her

"Uh?" her heart beat quickened and she hurried her steps, her eyes going to look at the man now and then. She was certain he was following her

She took a turn, walking into a dark alley in hopes that she might lose him. She kept on walking till she came to the end of the road, there was a large fence before her with no possible turns

She hastily turned around and gasped when she saw the man before her. The alley was dark and no one was around, the man's face twisted and turned dark, his red eyes glistening in the alley

"Oh no" the man growled at her and ran towards her, his fangs snapping "Ahh.." Orchid screamed and tightly shut her eyes, waiting for the outcome

Five seconds passed, there was nothing and slowly she opened her eyes. Her eyes blinked a couple of times before she looked up

'What? Why is he here?'

"Get lost" Ciaran said to the man who growled in response "Get lost while I'm still being nice" the demon didn't wait another second and it vanished

"Hah..." he chuckled and turned around to face her "Are you okay?"

"What are you doing here?" she questioned unbelievably

"Uh? Is that the thank you I get for saving you?"

"Were you following me?" she once again questioned without answering his

"It's so hard not to fancy you. Even when you glare at me like that, I can't deny the fact that you still look utterly cute"

Orchid remained silent but couldn't help the surprise flashing through her eyes

"W-what are you saying? I asked you a question. Were you following me?"

"For a while" he honestly answered "I smell blood, did you bleed?"

"I didn't"

"You bled, though its faint I can still smell it. I told you not to go around bleeding, you attracted that creature"

"Hmm. Anyways thank you for saving me. I'll get going" Orchid slightly bowed and attempted to walk away but Ciaran held her arm and lightly slammed her against the wall, placing both hands at the sides of her head

"What are you doing?"

"I just saved your life, princess...I almost got my hands dirty. Don't you think you owe me more than a 'thank you'?"

"What is it that you want?"

"I don't know, there's so many things swarming in my head. Ahh, the most reassuring. Shall I ask?"

"What is it?"

"Are you sure you'll be able to give it?"

"Go ahead" He smiled at her quick response

"Your blood" a smirk forming at the corner of his lips at her reaction

"M-my blood? You're only after my blood. You're just like those demons. Oh I forgot, you are one of them"

"Hah. Think of this as a fair trade, princess. I offer you protection and you give me your blood" Orchid's brows creased and she stared at him dumbfounded "But...I want more than just your blood, princess"

"What are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying you should...marry me"

"What!?" Orchid felt her heart skip a beat, her face got red without warning and her fiery eyes glared at him

"Ahh, don't glare at me like that. You're making my heart flutter"

"You're crazy. Let me go" Ciaran tilted his head and didn't respond to her "Your offer is stupid, prince Ciaran. Why would I want to get married to you?"

"For your protection. Like I said, it's a fair trade"

"Call it whatever you want. Get out of my way" she pushed him away and walked out of his hold

"How are you going to get home? Your coachman is nowhere around"

"I'll find my way, eventually"

"See you soon, princess"

"I hope we never meet again"