7. DESIRES

ALEXANDER POV

Watching as Xaiter lead Nikolas away. my inner beast was screaming to be set free as to claim Nikolas as mine, but I knew I had to control myself.

"Fated mate," I whispered to myself, trying to calm the storm brewing inside me.

I had never believed in the concept of fated mates , I even thought I was cursed but the moment I laid eyes on Nikolas, I knew he was the one. The pull was undeniable and the connection felt like electric.

But I can not let my desires cloud my judgment. I have to remember that Nikolas was still a human, fragile and vulnerable even if he is a man and I can not risk scaring him off or, worse hurting him.

Tok tok , a knock at my chamber door interrupted my thoughts

" Enter"

" Your Majesty" xaiter says appearing at my side as he bows down.

"Keep an eye on Nikolas. I don't want anything to happen to him."

Xaiter nodded, "Of course, Your Majesty. I will make sure he's safe."

I nodded as xaiter left, because with Xaiter watching over him, Nikolas would be well. protected from harm.

Just as I was about to sit down at my desk, Sophia, the longest of my personal servants, entered the room with a tray of steaming hot food. She curtsied low, her silver hair cascading down her back like a river of moonlight.

"Your dinner, Your Majesty," she said as she set the tray down in front of me, but I noticed the way her hands brushed against mine.

As she finished setting my dinner on my dining table, she stood there, while I took a bite of the roasted meat, savoring the flavors and textures, before speaking.

"I have brought a new servant to the castle." my voice casual.

She raised an eyebrow, "Oh? And what's so special about this one, Your Majesty?"

"He will be serving me directly. I want you to show him the ropes, make sure he knows what's expected of him."

I smiled thinking back to Nikolas face when I told him he will be my personal slave.

Sophia's expression changed, a hint of surprise and maybe even a little bit of jealousy flashing across her face. "I see. And what makes this one so special, if I may ask , your majesty"

I leaned back in my chair, studying her reaction. "Let's just say he has...potential. And I want to make sure he's taken care of."

Sophia nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll make sure he's settled in and knows what to do."

I nodded, finishing my meal. "Good, Show him the castle, introduce him to the others...and make sure he knows who's in charge."

Sophia's smile was tight-lipped, but she nodded again. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will take care of it." she exited my chambers.

As I am left alone I think back to the moment when that guard was dragging Nikolas to Lord Cadoc's room for the night. My inner beast had been raging, wanting to break free and destroy anything that stood in my way. But I had controlled myself, barely.

It was the first time in centuries that I had found my mate, and I knew that first impressions mattered. I couldn't let my beast scare Nikolas off, not when I had just found him.

But as I thought back to our encounter, I couldn't shake the feeling that Nikolas didn't like me very much. He had seemed afraid, and who could blame him? I was a monster, a creature of the night.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. I had to find a way to win him over, to make him see that I wasn't just a beast. And to see him again before my beast runs mad.

Using my vampire speed , I swiftly exited my chambers moving quickly to the servants quarter.

As I reached the slave quarters, I made sure to scan the area, ensuring no one was around to witness my presence. It was unheard of for a king like myself to venture near the slaves, let alone enter their quarters. But I could not help myself , I had to see Nikolas again.

I slipped inside, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. My nose wrinkle in distaste, my vampire senses recoiling at the harsh conditions.

The rooms here are not as lavish as the ones in my wing , But one room in particular had always held a special place in my heart ,the room that now belonged to Nikolas was the room of an old lady that was my personal maid but she was like a mother to me before she died during the war.

I quickened my pace, my long strides devouring the distance. The door to Nikolas's room was slightly ajar, and I pushed it open with a gentle touch. The room was just as I had remembered it, the furnishings still elegant and decorated despite the passage of time.

As I entered Nikolas's room, I was met with the soft glow of candlelight, casting a warm ambiance over the space. My eyes immediately fell upon Nikolas, who lay asleep on the bed, his chest rising and falling with each gentle breath,

I smiled, my fangs aching with the desire to sink into his neck. I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand.

I noticed that he was still wearing the same clothes he had on earlier, the fabric dull and worn from the day's activities.

I approached him quietly, not wanting to disturb his slumber But as I drew closer, I noticed that he smelled of sweat and dust, a clear indication that he had skipped dinner and hadn't taken a bath before sleeping.

I chose not to wake him. Instead , I walked closer , my eyes taking in the sight of him .he was even more beautiful than I remembered

His face was relaxed, his features soft in the candlelight. I felt a pang of something, I couldn't quite place it. It wasn't quite desire, but it was close.

I turned back to leave, not wanting to disturb him. Looking back at Nikolas, I hesitated before reaching the door, I slipped out of the room, leaving himto his slumber.

But as l leave I knew I can not keep my distance forever. Soon, I would have to confront my desires, and claim Nikolas as my own