Chapter 85
"We coincidently crossed paths on our separate ways" Alexander spoke up, I could see the sweat building up on his nape. His silly hat somehow still atop his head, not budging despite his lowered head.
"Coincidently…" the prince muttered.
My knees were burning in agony. I was beginning to cramp and I wasn't sure I could hold this position for any longer.
"Your majesty, may I be excused?" I felt the weight of his eyes and out of sheer frustration met them.
"No".
I stared at him dumbfounded.
No?
"Your majesty, I think she might fall if she"-
"Give me the documents and be on your way" He held out an expectant hand and his tone was not one to be reasoned with.
"Yes Sire" the reluctance in Alexander's voice was made evident by his clenched hands as he bowed and passed the papers on. Jules waved him off and he went on his way, not before throwing me an apologetic smile.
He hadn't even turned to me as he flipped through the papers, clicking his tongue here and there until he was finally done. By now my knees were screaming in agony and I was most definitely wobbling.
"Sit down if your knees hurt".
I fell the moment he said the words, knees read to hit the floor, but just before they hit the soft grass his hands had grasped my waist and held me up. I looked to him in shock, noticing the papers now on the ground and his equally surprised expression. I thought he'd move away immediately, but he stayed as he was and when his expression became relaxed and his eyes focussed on my neck I frowned.
"Don't". It was all I said, but his eyes snapped my way. His irises glowed and as he opened his mouth to speak, his sharper teeth gleaming.
"I am your prince" he said as he lifted my chin.
"Jules…" I warned.
"Do not call me like that".
"Why have you held me back here?" I asked, trying to stop the way he inevitably leaned towards me.
"Why?" He absently repeated as he took a deep breath, much too close to my skin. I could smell the scent of rich musk from him. His wide shoulders blocking my view of the flowers behind him., "You should behave accordingly at dinner. Everyone must attend… and there will be a blood ceremony" he finally stepped away, but he didn't look calm at all. His eyes still glowed and though he covered his mouth, I knew his teeth remained sharp.
"Does my blood still smell good?" I asked, suddenly sceptical that the pills that Mathias gave me even worked.
"Is this not evidence enough?" He replied, hands pulling away to reveal his teeth and I flinched. Not in fear, but in embarrassment.
I realised there was an even more important question I needed answered.
"What is a blood ceremony?" I wasn't sure I wanted to know the answer.
Jules looked hesitant to answer, conveying it was as bad as it sounded.
"I will drink the blood of each candidate. The prince and his wife will be in audience to watch".
"I see…" I wasn't surprised at their involvement, although it sounded uncomfortable being bitten in front of everyone, "but why are you telling me this?"
"I've told the others earlier, but you had run off" he answered with a wry smile.
"Oh… right".
But why do look so hurt?
"It isn't just that" his expression finally softened into a troubled one, and his cheeks even pinked, "I- I need to be able to drink everyone's blood fairly so I would appreciate if you do not look at me while I drink or think of me. You must make it so I will not…"
I waited for him to explain, but he didn't.
"You will not what?" His face flushed at my direct question.
"Just take my instructions seriously. Look as plain as possible- no jewellery or make up- or even perfume. And do not lock eyes with me" ironically he was locking eyes with me when he said those words, gaze staring at my lips for much too long until I understood why he asked all these things and flushed.
"I- I understand!"