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Clarissa who had taken her attention off Dante to watch her father and Logan now had her attention on the new arrivals.

Everyone had their attention on them.

The carriage door opened and the first thing they saw were feet cloud in dark male shoes. The person who came out wore a blue shirt with about three buttons open which revealed his chiselled chest and he also wore pants that fit him perfectly. His blonde hair and blue eyes had most of the maids gushing and his face seemed to be perfection itself.

Then he smiled and his fangs showed.

He might have looked perfect and handsome but they were humans who saw the vampires as predators. Still, that did not stop some of the maids from admiring him or the flare of attraction within them.

" Your majesty, Raphael Hunter at your service," he said with a slight bow.

Clarissa studied him closely. The man was handsome, there was no denying that but his kind knew it and took advantage of it. There was this charismatic glow about him almost like an invisible pull that made just about everyone adore him, a magical essence of sorts. Then those eyes of his seemed to take note of each and everything and at the same time looked amused. But there was something strange about his eyes. Why were they not red like that of normal vampires? Clarissa didn't trust him one bit and walked towards her father to do a closer inspection.

Dante wondered who the man was. He looked beautiful in the child's mind and he followed Clarissa as well so he could see more of him.

" I have been sent by the Lord of Shadow's Kiss to fetch the princess. "

His words annoyed Clarissa. Was she water to be fetched from a river? For all, she knew the king didn't send him.

" Tell me, Raphael, why would we trust your word? " Clarissa asked, looking at him from his shoes to his face to meet his eyes. " You could very well be a dark witch for all we know. "

He smiled. " Perhaps if I were to step in a ring of salt you would believe me. "

She glared. " Perhaps. "

Her father wondered how the man was still able to smile under her glare. He felt terrible for him and wondered if this incident would be reported to the king. " Clarissa, there is no need to embarrass the young man in such a manner. "

It wasn't Clarissa who replied but Raphael himself. " One can never be too careful, your majesty. "

" Bring me a small bag of salt. " Clarissa ordered without looking away.

" Are we going to use the whole bag? " he jested.

Her glare didn't waver.

Her father sighed but Logan looked amused.

At least the child was not one who would let people mess with her.

The salt was brought to her and sprinkled as a ring.

Raphael obliged her by stepping in and out of the circle. He also spent some time in it to avoid any other questions.

" Now that I've eased the mind of your worries, a proper introduction is in order. " He stretched out his hand. " I am Raphael... "

" I don't see why that would be necessary. You already introduced yourself and you obviously know who I am. " She looked bored.

Even as her father tried pleading with her with his eyes to be nicer she walked away towards the castle.

" Well, your highness, I suggest you have your rest. We leave early tomorrow. "

Those words made her stop and turn back. " I get to decide when I leave. "

" Sorry about this. " he said cheerfully. " but I have strict orders to bring you to Shadow's Kiss. It's a journey of four days. "

Clarissa could feel her blood practically boiling. There was this terrible need within her to cut off his smiling head but instead, she smiled at him.

The sooner she gets to Shadow's Kiss, the sooner she'll be able to teach that vampire Lord a lesson he'll never forget. So she smiled at him, a smile the people of Haven's Peak knew well. It looked friendly but it had been the smile that marked the end for many. " You said this journey would take four days but it seems you arrived in two days. "

Raphael thought Clarissa seemed to be very interesting and smart. " Ah, yes. We moved fast to get here but we will be moving at a slower pace to avoid any accidents on our way back. "

" I see. And the protection I asked your Lord for? "

" They are right here," he said, pointing to the people wearing hoods. They were yet to descend from their horses.

Clarissa wondered why they were yet to take off the hoods they were wearing but when she moved forward to see them better, there was no need for them to do so.

One of them looked up and what she saw had her jumping back in shock. There was no face.

" What are these?! " The horror was clear in her voice.

" The protection my Lord has sent. "

" I asked for warriors, not, not... " she didn't even know what to call them.

" I assure you, they're better than any human or any other creature when it comes to fighting. They will do well to protect your kingdom. "

Clarissa wanted to argue but she sensed the sincerity in his words.

The things were six in number.

" Will you be the only one escorting me to your kingdom? "

" One of the shadows will be going with us. "

So they were called shadows, Clarissa thought to herself.

" Are you sure just the five of them will be able to protect my people? "

" Yes," he replied in a serious tone. " You need not worry. "

She looked at the carriage, it was made of quality wood, gold, metal and leather. The horses also seemed to be very healthy.

" If your shadows fail me, I'll kill you and your king myself. "

He smiled. " I'm sure you would. "

He winked at Dante who had been staring at him in awe all this time.

The child smiled shyly.

" Mari " the princess called, wanting to ride on her cheetah one last time before the day got dark. It seemed it would be the last time she would sit on her while they were here. She wondered if they would have the time to go riding at Shadow's Kiss.

Raphael wondered who the princess was calling.

Mari came within seconds, she could hear her mistress from wherever she was.

Mari had been princess Clarissa's mother's gift to her. A companion that would never age and would be there to protect her when needed.

Raphael was marvelled at the beast and wondered what Clarissa would think of Karan.

She climbed atop it and looked to Dante. " Are you coming? "

He nodded eagerly and was helped up.

The cheetah moved so fast that those watching it were amazed.

Raphael couldn't wait to see his friend and this woman clash. It would be interesting to watch.

Author's note

Thank you so much for reading. Don't forget to vote, comment, share, rate/review, add to your libraries and reading lists. Don't forget that you can gift the book now. Thanks again💜 What do you think would be a good name for a half fae and half vampire? Let me know in the comments. Thank you 💜