Chapter 4

Lor held an incredulous gaze, eyes widened and beaming at her father. Her face froze for seconds as her mouth rounded with awe. If she didn't wish to marry a vampire, what made him think she wanted to live among them? The terrible news struck her heart, causing its rate to peak at an alarming tempo. She pressed her hand against her chest to calm herself, as if that would do her any good. Nothing could prevent the panic attack that was underway.

With shallow breaths rushing in and out of her flared nostrils, Leonebus's words recirculated in her mind again and again, until they all jumbled together. [You will marry. You will go tonight. Marriage. Going. Tonight.] Instead of running out of the room and fleeing, as the idea arose, her feet quickly pedaled backward, the room a spinning blur.

At the edge of her bed, she tumbled, sitting with her neck hunched and hands cradling her elbows. Her nerves got the best of her, her body a trembling wreck. The floor held her gaze, eyelids netting her tears until their heaviness seeped down her cheeks. She was disappointed in him. Not for a second did he think to consider what she wanted, coming to her room to demonstrate that point. The sudden shift in his plan seemed to be without cause, but knowing her father, there was purpose behind his decision. Regardless, to send her away seemed like a punishment, if anything, perhaps for her constant outbursts, especially last night's.

It was clear to her he had already made up his mind, with no regard for her feelings about what making a truce with the enemy entailed. Knowing he could do such a thing slashed all the curves of her heart.

As her tears continued pouring, she wondered if he had even considered changing his mind, seeing her in such an unraveled state. Her nose reddened at the edges and the swollen bags under her eyes deepened, dark and saturated. Leonebus handed her handkerchief, already aware that his daughter hated crying in front of people, but at the moment she didn't care. All that mattered now was getting him to empathize with her. If she could get him to do that, then perhaps she could gain some control of the situation.

For a moment, she presumed he did as his brows raised in concern, lips puckered with their corners frowned. Just as fast, his forehead furrowed with irritation when her sobbing seemed endless. Her tears stopped instantly as if they sensed their uselessness. In sequel, Leonebus let out a sigh of relief. He decided there was no better time than now to wrap things up.

"I don't expect you to understand why this marriage must persist, but you are obligated to follow through. It's time you stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about your country."

Lor gave herself a moment, trying her best to stomach his words before whimpering out, "Okay!"

"There is something you mustn't do when you go." There was now a seriousness in his gaze. He walked to her, kneeling down at eye level. "Do not sleep with him. I can't risk you having a child and the baby suffering from the curse. I don't know if it will ever be broken."

"I wouldn't dream of doing something so horrible as to sleep with a vampire or have his children. Are you even certain it's a good idea for me to marry him with all considered?" Her softened voice broke. "Are you set on sending me away?"

With nostrils flared, his voice turned sharp. "If I call off this marriage, we lose allies."

"All I am is collateral to you….to them!"

"Vampires don't live off of promise, Loretta. To ensure peace, unity, and their support in the upcoming war, I had to—"

"Sacrifice your own daughter."

Leonebus heaved out a heavy breath and brought Lor's hands into his. "One day, you will understand that all I do is for you and the greater good of our country." He released his grip and stood, towering over her hunched body. "This marriage is happening and you will be out of the castle by moonrise. If you try to run away, your scent is easy to follow. Don't let me down, Loretta."

When he abruptly walked off, Lor collapsed to her back and the draping of her canopy received an empty stare. It was almost as if her father's words left her limp. Both of her arms and legs sprawled out, with a heaviness to them. She felt her problems smashing down on her, breathing constricted by the weight of it all.

Then a rush of terror sent shivers down her spine when she formed a mental picture of Ustoria. She imagined it to be everything but beautiful, more dreadful than anything. With certitude, she visualized the forest, the land, and the castle as a colorless place, everything dead and blackened due to the vampire's touch. The bare trees of the woods with no leaves, instead, the ground buried in them with their dry, brittle folds, only cracking and crinkling as unearthly monsters prowled. Thickets and fallen branches seemed to be in all the places grass would be. They led a trail to the castle, an ominous structure Lor dared not enter. Her mind began formulating what the inside looked like, but someone pulled her out of her daze.

Scurrying inside her room, heels clacking at full speed, Naomi rushed at her bed and sat. When Lor leaned forward, confused by her sudden entrance, Naomi pulled her close. She hugged Lor firmly, with every tear she shed initiating her grip to tighten. Naomi's heart shattered with the plans set for the princess's night.

"I'll start packing your things." When her grasp loosened, her plump cheeks reddened when Lor used her blanket to wipe away her tears. This came as a shock to Naomi who always gave comfort when the princess had a bad day, but never received it in return. It wasn't her place to expect such a luxury from a royal anyway, but this was the second time today Lor acted with compassion.

"Don't cry for me. I suppose I deserve everything I'm getting."

"Don't say that. If you don't desire it, you don't deserve it."

Not wanting to pry on the subject, which would bring about her own tears, she changed the direction of their conversation."Will you be coming with me?"

"I'm sorry, but no. Your father has pulled me from all maid duties. I will be serving…him."

"Serving him? In what way?"

"You know, the regular servant stuff. Trust me. I asked to go, but you will be set up with new maids who understand vampire customs."

"My new maids are vampires?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Uhg! It's like he's trying to ruin my life. What will I do without you?"

"You'll find that everything your father does is for your protection and I'm certain you'll manage without me."

"How is sending me with flesh-eating beasts supposed to protect me?"

Naomi gave the question a moment to process, not certain what to say. "I actually don't know, but I trust my king, so that means you will be safe."

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When the sky completely darkened and the moon peaked, the dooming sound of someone's harsh knuckles banged against Lor's door letting her know it was time to part from the castle. Naomi had already packed her things and gone, leaving her to wonder who her escort would be, if there was one at all. Of course, a few guards would accompany her, but there was always someone who sat in the carriage with her during travel, either Naomi or Dom. Currently speaking, Dom did not seem like an option. She still hadn't heard from him since he left her at the meeting hall and he probably didn't wish to see her anyway.

As the knocking continued, she scoffed.

"Come in already!" She stared through the reflection of her mirror, grilling the door. Whoever was on the other side was asking for an earful.

Just when the door opened, an unfamiliar face walked inside, making her blood boil. [The nerve of him, knocking like a lunatic.] A part of her hoped to see Dom's face, but she wasn't surprised by his absence. She veered back at her reflection, eyeing her gown from shoulder to ankle. Naomi picked a blue dress for her to wear, made from satin. Sheer fabric poufed out at the waistline, weighing the dress down, nothing she wasn't used to. The cleavage area had a trail of glazed stone curving around in flower patterns. Such a beautiful gown chosen for her grand entrance into Ustoria caused her lips to droop in disgust since she had no desire to impress her fiance or her future in-laws. Just as she made up her mind to change into a black widow's gown to mourn her freedom, the man impatiently imposed.

"Princess, the carriage is waiting. Your father urged we be on our way by now." She could tell the heaviness of the luggage burdened him as he held an oversized suitcase in each hand. His wrists swung every now and again while his grip continuously opened and tightened around the gold, plated handle.

She spun around, using her forearm to push her dress behind her legs. With eyebrows cornered and her threatening eyes narrowed, she said, "How dare you rush me?"

"I do apologize. It's just, King Serphen's men will be waiting at the border for us. You shouldn't want to make a bad first impression, do you?"

"Who do you think you are, giving advice when I did not ask for it? Leave my things! I will carry them down myself!"

The man gladly dropped her luggage. "As you wish princess."

When he left, Lor took a moment to sulk in her thoughts. She lifted her dress just enough to make her way to her bed where she sat. She didn't care that her father would be mad by her lateness. It's not like she was eager to go. She sat thinking of the few people she would miss, starting with Dom. Many times they shared passionate fumblings in her bed, or just about anywhere. She ran a hand along her duvet absorbing vivid memories of such times, bringing her to bite her lip. He was the first and only man she ever laid with. She felt a tear glide down her cheek, realizing she'd never see him again or feel his warm embrace. She loved him beyond a doubt, even if they were only friends.

Just as she rose to her feet, bracing herself for the dreadful trip, she heard another knock at her door, now beyond irritated.

"I said I will bring my own things down!"

The door flew open and in walked Dom with a humored grin.

"I heard you were giving staff trouble."

"I was not. He was a nuisance." Her disgruntled facial reaction shielded the inner joy she felt from his presence, stomach spinning somersaults. She crossed her arms to keep up the charade as if Dom couldn't see right through her.

"Well since he isn't fit for the job, let me take your things down. I'll escort you to Ustoria, your highness."

Lor nearly tripped over her gown as she ran to Dom, dropping the act and jumping into his arms while his grasp tightened around her back. She smashed her cheek against his chest, squeezing her eyes shut, thrilled he came, which it appeared, at perfect timing.

"Oh, how I missed you and I haven't even gone yet." She remained cradled in his embrace, certain letting go would ruin the moment.

"I'm sorry for being so cold earlier." He cradled her chin and raised it up toward his face. "Let's get going, princess." The sultry glow in his eyes caused her face to flush as he stared her down. His mouth neared her lips, brushing by them, gliding faintly along her cheek. This caused volts to ripple within her inner thighs. At her neck, his fangs gave a subtle gnaw before he backed away. "We mustn't be late."