13
Dedicated to all my wonderful readers, patient despite the irregular updates. Thanks for all the comments and votes. Enjoy💜
***
The door to the throne room was immediately opened as soon as Clarissa arrived.
Her father sat on the throne in deep thought. He offered her a nod, letting her know that he was aware of her arrival.
" Leonard, excuse us for a moment. I would like to speak to Clarissa alone. " the king said to Leonard.
He bowed and left both father and daughter to have their discussion.
He wondered what could be bothering the king.
" Father? " Clarissa said moving closer to him.
" Have a sit Clarissa. " he said to her.
She obeyed getting more disturbed and unsettled by her father's grave expression. " What is wrong father? " she asked unable to remain patient.
He sighed and then asked. " Do you remember when I told you that I and the councilmen had found a way to possibly defeat the Eradains? That we would have to ask for help? "
She nodded and wondered where this conversation was leading.
" Well we decided to ask the vampire kingdom. "
" If you can find them, then that wouldn't be a problem. But convincing them to help us might be another issue altogether. " she said reasonably.
" That is why I called you here. " her father said holding her hand. " Clarissa, we might need your help. "
" If you want me to go speak to the vampires on behalf of our kingdom, then it's not an issue father. There's no need for you to look do worried. " she said smiling.
" Risa, it's more than that. " he said massaging his temple. The very thought of this annoyed him to the core. He never wanted to imagine that such a day as this would come.
Clarissa felt very confused. What more could be required of her.
" There have been rumours, that the Lord of vampires, King Kieran has been searching for a wife. "
Clarissa finally understood what was going on.
" And the council want you to offer my hand in marriage to him. " she asked with her tone growing cold.
" Youu know I wouldn't have brought this to you if we had any other choice right now. I'm not saying that you have to do it. But could you at least consider this? I would never make such an important decision for you. No matter what your answer might be, I will support you to the very end. " he said conclusively.
She would have loved to help her father out but she was in love with another and she refused to give up her happiness for the very same people who didn't value her mother's sacrifice by going against her father at the slightest provocation. Nothing would make her agree to the councilmen's bizarre request.
" Father, I'm sorry but no matter how I think about it. I can't do it. I don't know this king Kieran, nether do I love him and even if he were to come to me, it's not an option I would take. I'm very sorry father but I can't do it. " she said hoping her father would understand. " If there was any other way, I would help. "
The king nodded understanding how his daughter felt. " Like I said, I will stand by whatever decision you take. " he said squeezing her hand once more.
" Thank you father. " Clarissa said trying to smile for her father.
" I'm sure we'll find a way to convince them to help us. " her father said trying to diffuse the tense air. " we wanted to hear from you before asking them for help. By our next meeting I will have councilman Sebastian meet with the sisters of light. Hopefully, they will be able to help us convince the vampires to aide us. So don't worry. "
" Alright father. "
But both Clarissa and the king knew that it would not be that easy.
" If worse we can always ask the elves, fey or even pay the dwarfs to help us. " her father said.
And once again both of their minds went to the well known fact that the dwarfs could easily betray them at a moment's notice.
" Can I take my leave father? I wish to rest. The day has been rather long and stressful. " she said quietly.
" You can go. " her father said to her with a reassuring smile.
She curtseyed and made her way out of the room.
Outside the throne room, Leonard stood waiting for Clarissa to arrive from the meeting with her father.
When she finally arrived, she seemed quite distant and pale.
" Your highness, are you okay? " Leonard asked seemingly worried for her.
" I'm fine. " she replied.
" Clarissa, you don't look okay. "
" I'll be fine. " she said getting angry.
As a princess of the kingdom, it was expected of her to get married and seeing as she was the only child of the king, she had to get married and produce more heirs to the throne.
She wondered how long she had to wait for Leonard to confess his feelings for her.
She walked away unable to keep her emotions in check.
Leonard followed her and caught up to her before she could get to the hallway that led to her room.
" Clarissa stop, tell me what is going on? " he asked feeling very worried. " What did you and the king talk about? Is he okay? Have there been anymore news of attacks? "
She sighed and looked at him. " No, everything is fine, my father is fine and there have been no news of any attack whatsoever. " she stepped away unable to stand the proximity between them. " I and my father just discussed the possibility of seeking help from the vampires. It's nothing serious. I'm just stressed out with everything that has been going on and I'd like to rest. " she explained.
Leonard was still not convinced. " You know you can always count on me. After all we are friends and I have a duty to protect you. "
She felt sad and wondered if she was just wasting her time by waiting for him. She nodded and walked to her room with him by her side.
Her head was held high and her tear glands dry but she felt like her heart was breaking every second she kept her feelings to herself and every second Leonard continued to keep away from the feelings they both shared.
Author's note
Hopefully you enjoyed this. If not forgive me. I know we can't wait to see Kieran but we still have a couple more chapters to go through before that happens. Until then bear with me. This book is a slow burn not fast paced.
I hope you will continue to support me. Thanks for everything