CHAPTER 24:
I hoped everyone had everything prepared because I didn't want to take any chances.
I had woken up before the king and gotten dressed in my maid outfit and left the room as quietly as I could without him waking up.
I arrived at our table and saw everyone there already; even Eri.
"h-how're you feeling?" I asked awkwardly.
I've barely seen her since the day of the dinner.
She looked worse than before and that was saying a whole lot.
"well I'm not dead yet" she said weakly but I didn't push it.
We all felt sorry for her and we were worried but all we could do was hope she would make it through to tonight.
"I hope everyone knows their parts" this is the biggest plan and our only chance to see the light of another day.
"Lyra, I hope you know what you're doing because I-if anything goes wrong-"
"nothing is going to happen; we'll be fine" I reassured Nadia.
We've been over this and we won't let doubt set in now.
"BREAKFAST IS OVER MAGGOTS BACK TO WORK!" that was our queue to return to our last day in hell.
I didn't think I could keep up with the king anymore but I just had to...for Eri.
As the huge doors of his room closer and closer I could feel my life force fading away.
I trust that the hooded lady won't let me end like this...at least not today.
Today isn't the day I die and hopefully I don't pass out either.
Nadia's POV:
"I'm honestly going to miss this I really am"
He placed warm kisses all over my face and neck and fighting against the urge to redden certain spots around my neck.
This was what he suggested we do before I go away.
"I have no idea how I'm going to survive without you" his large fingers pushed my hair away.
I could only mewl and moan.
He was making sure I did nothing except be with him; having direct skin contact.
"but...I have to do my chores" I said, softly pushing him away but he held both by hands above my head.
"and I said you shouldn't but...I really love your disobedience" he smirked before roughly attacking my lips.
This wasn't how I dreamt how I would find my prince but I guess it still worked.
Deep down I didn't want this to stop at all.
Honestly, this is the most painful part of this whole operation...the final hours we have together.
It's hard on both of us.
Even if I wanted to stay, what excuse will I say?
They'll look at me like I'm going crazy.
"what's wrong, my love? You're not squirming like you usually do and I wonder why"
"I don't want to leave you" I had to blink the tears away.
Crying is going to ruin this moment for everyone.
"and I don't want you to pick me over your family. I can never measure up to them. As long as you're alive and happy, I'll be fine" he squeezed me into a hug and I began to cry on his damp chest.
"we'll be together again don't worry. Everything will be fine" he ran his fingers through my hair and tried to calm down.
"I'm honestly going to miss this I really am" my voice was shaky as I quoted him.
Why do I have to choose?
Couldn't we just get along and live a peaceful life together.
If only it was that simple to pick between your family and your true love...
King Cyrus' POV:
"I wish there was a way for me to stop; I honestly wish there was" I told her with all honesty.
I'm not doing this to hurt her at least not intentionally but this addiction was something that was beyond me.
I had her cornered and held tight.
It hadn't been so long since I started feeding from her today.
For some odd reason, I felt like I wouldn't see her again.
The thought of never being able to taste this ever again became more and more upsetting and I plunged my fangs deeper into her neck.
Her small, frail hands were holding my biceps as a way to steady herself but it turned me on.
Every time I made sudden movements, she could hold on tighter and gasp.
I could tell she was enduring a lot but this wasn't easy for me either.
This was my first time getting addicted to blood or anything for that matter so I honestly don't know how to deal with it.
A knock on the door broke me out of my trance.
"who is it and what do you want?" I growled.
"I'm sorry sire but your presence is requested by one of the council members. He awaits you in the garden sire"
Something told me it was my mother's brother.
I let out a heavy sigh; taking my final gulps before slightly releasing my grip.
I retracted my fangs and licked the wounds.
"finish up and leave, you are dismissed till tomorrow" with everything that had happened, she needs that much rest.
I wore my shirt and walked out of the room and headed for the gardens.
Whatever he wants, it had better be good.
He wasn't known for sudden appearances so I wonder what it could be.
I noticed him standing and watching all the servants groom the flowers in one way or the other.
"Uncle? Why did you summon me?" I grumbled.
Nothing irritated me more than when someone interrupts my feeding sessions but since he was family, I had to endure it.
And I don't endure every day.
"nice to see you too Cyrus. Honestly for a King your etiquette is very poor" he remarked.
"I don't have time for this; what do you want?"
"the members of the council and I have come to an agreement...you'll be marrying Lady Hellen in two weeks"
It took a lot in me not to lose my patience.
TWO WEEKS?!
I couldn't even stand her for two minutes; and now the entire council has made the decision that I marry someone I utterly despise from the beginning.
"I know this isn't what you want but look at it from our perspective sir...you're going to need to produce an heir sooner rather than later and live a happily married life...just like your father did"
Something in me began to spark.
My father married a woman he was asked to and didn't live long to enjoy it.
"I'm sorry sire but it's for the best" was all he said before I got up and walked back to my room in fury.
I opened the door to see Lyra inside but by anger was more than my hunger.
"GET OUT YOU'RE DISMISSED FOR TODAY" and she ran out thankfully without asking any question.
Why?
I'm the damn king and yet I couldn't even get married to whom I wanted!
And later humans will say life is tough on only them...
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