Strict Orders

Breakfast the next morning was awkward. Bel walked into the dining hall deliberately late. Her maids had gotten her ready on time but she didn't leave her room until after the third servant came to call her.

Bel had initially intended to miss breakfast but she knew they wouldn't take it kindly to her if she did especially since they had a guest.

Her mother, Queen Eleanor, and her father King Aaron were already seated and it was obvious she was the one holding up the meal. As soon as she walked through the doors, the servants moved to open the dishes they had served.

The first thing she noticed was her father's expression. It was hard to tell if he was angry but he was certainly not pleased. His green eyes met hers with the same color and she looked away immediately.

She was dressed in her riding clothes. An outfit not suitable for breakfast but it wasn't just that she was trying to piss them off but she intended to leave the castle as soon as she was done with breakfast.

Her mother's eyes widened in horror before her face broke into a nervous smile. It was clear the entire situation made her uncomfortable. She looked to her husband and then back to Bel.

Hazel smiled at Bel as their eyes met, there was no judgment or questions in them, and this didn't come as any surprise. Stelian on the other hand looked unbothered. He didn't even glance in her direction as she walked in.

She approached the dining table with slow steady steps. She contemplated sitting on the opposite end of her father instead of by his side but figured she shouldn't be that petty and it was likely to escalate the issue further.

As much as she was angry with him she doubted she would be able to handle another outburst of hurtful things. She had a hard time falling asleep last night, she didn't need a repeat today.

Without any curtsy to her father or the guest who she just passed to get to her seat, Bel sat down and got comfortable.

"Did something happen?" Her mother asked softly. "You are late. I sent several servants."

"Just three," Bel said dismissively as she picked up her cutlery.

She had expected her mother to comment on her choice of clothes but clearly, everyone was going to ignore it.

"Yes," Queen Eleanor agreed. "And they all told me you were on your way with no reason for the hold-up."

"Oh," Bel replied, cutting into her food.

"Did something happen?" Her mother asked again when she didn't offer up more information.

Bel shrugged, "Not exactly. Just didn't feel like coming early."

Bel jerked at the loud sound of her father's silverware clanking against each other. He had dropped his knife forcefully onto his plate.

He picked it up again as though nothing happened but Bel could clearly see the tic in his jawline. That only happened when he was having a hard time holding back his anger.

She turned to Stelian who had his gray eyes glued to the meal in front of him. He was obviously aware of the tension at the table but he didn't care for it.

He must have noticed she was staring because he slowly turned around to look at her. His expression was stern. Bel looked away immediately, she didn't want to get on his bad side.

The table went quiet and Bel could swear the air was sizzling with tension. She knew her father had a lot to say to her but she didn't care for it.

She finished her food as quickly as she could and got to be feet. This time around she curtsied before leaving but left without any explanation.

She made her way from the dining room to the front doors. The guards had a reluctant look on their faces as she approached but they bowed and opened the doors.

Bel walked through the open doors without a second thought. She frowned as she walked out.

She was early but not too early, the guards assigned to escort her today should have been out here waiting.

She looked around and she could see a few guards patrolling the lawn. They caught sight of her and they all simultaneously stopped and bowed.

She simply nodded and was about to speak to them when she saw Tharus out of the corner of her eyes.

She turned her frame in his direction. She didn't like his gait or was it the look in his eyes as though he was about to deliver bad news?

He rushed up the stairs and stopped in front of her. He bowed, stood to his full height, and saluted.

"Where are the guards assigned to accompany me today? Are you among them?" She asked.

He blinked and then looked to his feet.

"Tharus!" She called out, her patience running out.

He jerked and stiffened, his back as straight as a plank. "I am afraid that won't be possible anymore."

Her expression darkened. "What does that mean?"

She watched Tharus take a step back. "The King's orders."

"Explain yourself. I don't understand." She reminded herself to speak calmly, Tharus looked like he was scared she was about to take the anger on her.

"On the King's orders, we are not allowed to let you out of the castle gates."

Bel blinked, unable to believe her ears. "You can't be serious?"

"I am afraid I am."

"Not possible, bring my horse."

Tharus looked torn but he simply nodded and bowed before he walked away. Bel started pacing.

He wouldn't do this, right? Surely, her father knew restricting her movements would only make her resolve to not marry the vampire stronger.

She heard Brian's snot and rushed down the length of the stairs even before he appeared from around the corner.

The horse neighed as he caught sight of her. Bel didn't bother rubbing his coat as she usually would, she just climbed onto his back and pulled on his rein.

"Get on a horse!" She commanded Tharus as she set out for the gate.

As if Brian could sense her urgency he picked up the pace even though she didn't give him the signal to do so.

He slowed down as they came upon the huge gate which didn't look like it was going to open. The bars sunk deep into the concrete floor.

"Open the gates!" She yelled, her irritation leaking out.

"I am afraid we can't do that, princess. Please forgive us. The King has given strict orders." A voice said from one of the towers holding the gates.