Chapter 3

As Anastasia stood by the window staring at the vast castle, her mind swirled with different thoughts. She knew she would never get to see her mother again but she was determined to escape from here and start life afresh. She promised herself not to involve with her mother if she managed to escape from here. She would leave here to another Kingdom and change everything about her.

But the problem was leaving the tower. The door was locked and the tower was guarded with different guards.

As she continued to dwell in her thoughts, she heard the door opened and she snapped her head to see Cassius standing at the entrance.

"I see you are up early," he said walking towards her.

"Why are you here?" She asked, swallowing hard as she took couple of steps backward. Before she could escape, he cornered her to the wall, placing his hand on the wall above her head.

"Have you forgotten the agreement we made yesterday?" He tilted his head, a smirk appearing on his face.

She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them. "I didn't agree on anything with you."

"Stop playing dumb here, Anastasia," he said. Her eyes widened. How did he know her name?

"Why not just send me to the commander and order my sentence?" she asked. That would be more easier than being tormented by this Prince everyday, she thought.

"I brought you here for my own reasons, Anastasia. Don't try to question me," he narrowed his eyes.

Then he leaned closer, his eyes turning complete black and Anastasia looked at him in disbelief. He was going to feed from her. Before she could try to do anything, he tilted her head to the side. He supported her neck with one hand before sinking his sharp fangs into her skin.

Despite the fact that it was rough and unexpected, Anastasia found herself feeling strange. His touch on her skin left her feeling warm. She couldn't help but close her eyes as he continued to draw blood. He moved his hand to her lower back and he pulled her closer to himself. Her body trembled slightly at his touch.

After some time, he pulled back, his eyes falling on hers which was half closed. Anastasia was already feeling dizzy and he guided her to sit on the bed.

"The maids would be here to attend to your needs," he said before turning around and he left the room.

Anastasia felt her heart sank. Just one time when he fed from her and she was already feeling dizzy. What would happen when this routine repeats for days? She squeezed her eyes, trying to push the disturbing thoughts. It would be a slow painful death for her.

Finally regaining herself, she stood up from the bed and walked towards the mirror to stare at her reflection. Her eyes fell on the bite mark on her neck. She looked awful with her clothes tattered and her hair like a bird's nest.

Just then, the door creaked open and she turned around to see a young girl about her age dressed in maid's uniform. She was holding a bucket of water and she walked into the bathroom to pour it in the tub.

As the maid prepared her bath, Anastasia couldn't help but admire the tub. Everything in this room belongs to the late Queen and she was surprised that Cassius was allowing her to stay here and use the bathtub.

"Your bath is ready," the maid turned around to leave.

"Wait," 

The maids turned around.

"What is your name?" Anastasia asked. 

"Hannah," the maid said before leaving. Anastasia undressed herself before stepping into the bathtub and she began to wash her body. Never in her life had she used something like this. She only had access to the local bathroom where she and her mother would go there to take their bath.

As she washed herself in the water, she brought her hand to touch the pendant necklace which was still on her neck. If she ever loses it, she was going to turn into a mermaid if her body collided with water.

Stepping out of the bathroom in a white robe, Anastasia wore the dress Hannah had brought for her. She sat down in the mirror as she dried her hair and brushed it. 

Anastasia's beauty was unlike any other girls in the Kingdom. She had blue ocean eyes and long blonde hair that flowed down like waterfall. She had long thick lashes and beautiful speckles on the upper part of her cheek. Her pale skin was smooth wkthout any blemishes.

After she was done, Hannah served her breakfast and she ate her food alone. As Hannah cleared the table, Anastasia stood up to see Cassius standing there.

He was stunned to see her and for a moment he looked lost in thoughts. Her lips looked like a strawberry that Cassius fought hard to control himself. All of a sudden he was feeling hungry and he forgot the reason he was here.

"Leave us," he dismissed the maid. Hannah quickly bowed her head before leaving the dining room.

Anastasia fell back to her seat. "Why did you dismiss her?"

"Where you trying to bond with the maid?" He tilted his head. 

"I feel lonely here and just need someone to talk to," she confessed.

"That's part of your punishment," he said. "I should be the only one whom you should talk to until you die."

At his words, she shook her head sadly. 

"Don't worry I will make sure to give you the best burial," he assured with a playful expression. "Your body would be buried near the garden."

Even if she would to die, Anastasia didn't want to be killed by this Prince. He was evil, ruthless and he never showed mercy.

"Make sure to feel comfortable and eat whatever you want because once you die you won't have the privilege to eat any of these," he said.

He paused for a moment rethinking before he spoke up. "As for what I said. Why am I craving more of your blood? Why does it taste different from other humans?"

Her eyes widened. Did he found out that she was not a human?