5. STRANGE WORLD

NIKOLAS POV

I am being dragged away by the king , stumbling to keep up with his long strides. We left the stinking slave quarters behind, entering a more well hallway that seemed to stretch on forever. The walls that was once a dull brown, is now a sleek black adorned with touching of gold trimmings that dance in the flickering candle light.

"Where are you taking me?" I demanded hiding the fear that was creeping up my spine.

The king did not even respond, his gaze fixed ahead as he moves through the hallway with ease. My feet keeps struggling to keep up with his fast pace.

"Watch your step," he growled his grip on my arm tightening as he steadied me.

I glared up at him, my mind filled with anger and fear. "I do not need your help," I spat as I try to wriggle free.

"Oh, but you do," he said voice dripping with a hint of affection. "You need my help to survive in this world, sweetheart. And I'm the only one who can offer it to you."

I snorted, hiding the doubt that was creeping into my mind. "I don't need your help to survive. I have been doing just fine on my own."

The king chuckled, the sound cold and emotionless. "We will see about that," he said with his eyes shining with amusement.

We turned a corner and I sight a large wooden door that is adorned with the carvings of mythical creatures. The king pushed the door open revealing a room and I was met with a sight that took my breath away.

The room was covered in darkness but the flickering candles that was lit in the space casted a warm golden glow on the beautiful furnishings.

The walls were decorated with rich black velvet drapes that seemed to absorb the light, while the floor is covered in a plush red crimson carpet that felt like silk beneath my feet.

The room is dominated by a massive, four poster king size bed.

The bed is covered in a black velvet that is embroidered with gold thread patterns withe red pillows.

To the side of the room there is a large stone fireplace that stood roaring fire within it . The flames cast a warm golden light on the room, illuminating the king's face as he gestured for me to enter.

"Welcome to my chambers, sweetheart."

Unsure of what to do or say the king's grip on my arm tightened, and he pulled me into the room, closing the door behind us.

The room was filled with the scent of old books and smoke, a aroma that seemed to surprisingly wrap itself around me. I felt a sense of unease for being trapped in this beautiful yet ominous space with the king.

"What do you want from me?" I demanded keeping my voice steady.

The king released his grip on my arm and I rubbed the sore spot my eyes still fixed on him as he sat down on the massive four poster king size bed.

The bed creaked beneath his weight, his eyes never leaving mine. He became even more imposing in the soft light, his features chiseled and strong.

"So, sweetheart," his voice low and husky while his piercing gaze seemed to bore into my very soul. "What's your name?" he asked.

I hesitated unsure of how much to reveal. "What do you need it for?" I countered trying to stall for time.

The king's smile was so nerve wracking as his eyes glints with amusement. "Feisty, I like that. But that mouth has to be controlled," he said

Swallowing hard I try to keep my composure. "Nikolas," I finally said my voice barely above a whisper.

He's eyes lit up with interest. "Well, Nikolas, as you know, I am King Alexander, and you should address me as 'Your majesty'."

I felt a wave of resentment at his words but I bit back my retort knowing I had to tread carefully if I wanted to survive.

" As you wish, Your majesty," I said keeping my tone neutral.

king Alexander nodded, seeming to accept my response. "Good, Nikolas. I think we are going to get along just fine."

I doubted that, but I kept my thoughts to myself as I took a deep breath and asked, "What am I doing here, Your majesty?"

"You are now my new personal slave, Nikolas and You are to serve only me, no one else."

My heart sank at his words. A slave? I could not believe it. I was a free person, not some servant to be bossed around.

" I would rather die" I spat .

king Alexander eyes flashed red with anger. "You don't have a choice, Nikolas. You are mine now. And you will do as I say, ."

"But why me?" I asked.

Leaning forward the King eyes glints with interest. "Because, sweet heart, you have something that I need. Something that no one else has."

The words echoed in my mind as he called out to one of his vampires, "Xaiter!"

A tall dark haired vampire entered the room, his eyes fixed on the king. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

Gesturing to me king Alexander said . "Xaiter, this will be my new personal servant. Take him to the wing where them go the assigned personal slaves are in the castle."

Xaiter's gaze flicked to me his expression unreadable. "As you wish, Your Majesty," he replied.

king Alexander nodded, his eyes still fixed on me. "And Xaiter?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Xaiter replied, turning back to the king.

"Give him the best room in the wing," king Alexander ordered a small smile playing on his lips.

The best room? It didn't matter where I was kept, I was still a prisoner.

Xaiter bowed his head. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

Xaiter turned to me, his eyes cold. "Follow me," he said.

I hesitated as I am unsure of who to trust, the king's gaze was still fixed on me with amusement.

I knew I had no choice so I followed Xaiter out of the room, leaving the king's presence behind.

As I followed Xaiter through the well decorati hallways, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between this wing and the king's quarters. The walls were still adorned with intricate tapestries and the floors were made of polished marble, but the overall decor was more subdued, less opulent.

We entered a long corridor lined with doors, each one leading to a separate chamber. Xaiter stopped in front of a door at the far end of the hall and pushed it open.

"This will be your room," he said

I stepped inside, my eyes widening in surprise. The room was small, but it was far more luxurious than anything I had ever stayed before. The bed was a plush queen size that is covered with a white duvet while the curtains are black. A small fireplace is at the corner, casting a warm glow over the room.

"Welcome to your new home," Xaiter said, his eyes glinting with a hint o

I turned to him. "How many personal servants does the castle have?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Xaiter raised an eyebrow. "Enough to fill this wing," he replied. "But don't worry, you will get to know them soon enough."

I nodded, my eyes scanning the room again. It was a prison, but it was a beautiful cage.

"What's expected of me?" I asked turning back to Xaiter.

"You will be summoned when the king needs you. Until then, you're free to explore the wing and get to know the others."

i nodded while entering my new room .

I decided to take a nap as a feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. "What has the king planned for me? And what lay in store for me in this strange, new world?" I thought before sleeping.