by Sela Croft
My primary concern was to keep Mirela out of his grasp, and to strengthen her powers through Selene’s tutoring. I was of noble descent, the king’s only heir and, most importantly, Mirela’s guardian. It was up to me to take the kingdom from Alban and make it safe. Only then would Mirela be truly protected from his evil.
Calina said, “You seem distracted.”
“I was interrupted on my way to meet with my generals,” I said. “After being alerted to Alban’s intentions toward Mirela and the reasons for them, it’s urgent that our strategy be initiated.”
I took Mirela’s hands. “I must go, but I’ll leave you in my sister’s care. I’ll return to you soon, and we will spend an evening together.”
After leaving Mirela, I didn’t go directly to my generals, as I probably should have. I had plans in motion for a romantic evening. The war had gone on for centuries before and might continue for a while longer. I’d determined to take the opportunity to be alone with Mirela and express my love.
Such behavior didn’t come naturally to me. I’d been raised without shows of affection, and my youth had been bereft of life’s frivolities. I was sure that Mirela missed such things, since she’d been raised in a loving home, by a mother who cared deeply about her.
At Calina’s urging, I’d planned the creation of a special moment with Mirela, one that she would remember—no matter what happened. I made my way to the ballroom to check on how things were progressing. Since I didn’t have time to personally oversee the process, I’d relied on my house staff, with Katherine in charge. She was human, so understood the human servants and was competent at directing them.
The ballroom’s marble floors shone under the crystal chandeliers, and thick carpets covered the walkways. Long tables were along the walls, where special treats would be served. Vampires didn’t need to eat, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t or didn’t enjoy the ambience.
Servants polished the silver and decorated for an unforgettable evening. Vampire guards looked on, while the humans industriously created a romantic environment. I spotted Katherine across the room, but before I went to her, there was a commotion.
One of the guards had a human pinned to the wall. “You will see to your duties.”
One glance told me that the human woman was frail and ill. I strode over and eyed the guard. “Release her. She will not be made to work if she is not well.”
The guard’s dark eyes didn’t reveal any emotion, but he withdrew his hand. The woman slumped to the floor. I motioned for another human to help her. “Please take her to her quarters and see that she has the aid she requires. If you encounter any dissent, report it to me.”
The human’s disappeared quickly, probably unsure whether I might change my mind in the next second. I stared at the guard. “See that you show some courtesy. The humans are my servants, but there is no reason to be cruel.”
The guard nodded, so I walked away. It occurred to me that Alban might be right about one thing: I did give in to my human side, which he viewed as weakness. I possessed the king’s ruthlessness, yet my mother’s human qualities existed within me—even if rarely expressed.
Katherine welcomed me with a smile. “All is in order. The event will take place as you requested.”
I looked around. “It will be…wonderful, I hope.” Then an unfamiliar feeling of anxiety riddled my belly. I’d fought wars, suffered torture, and had even faced the terrors of my father. Yet anticipation of the evening with Mirela was unsettling.
I was out of my depth when it came to romance. Yet I would not cancel, since I’d come this far. Even though my natural inclination was to forgo what I’d planned, my heart told me that Calina was right. A woman needed to be told how much she was loved. As a man, I might assume that she knew, but I’d be mistaken. Mirela was every bit a woman, and she needed to hear the words spoken.
I met with my generals and did all I could to make them aware of the current circumstances. The meeting took longer than I’d intended, but that couldn’t be avoided. I left my comrades to wrap things up, then returned to a more agreeable task.
Mirela was in the garden with Calina, tending to the roses. It amazed me that women had such a fondness for those flowers. Yet they seemed to harbor unlimited interest in pruning, fertilizing, and smelling the fragrant bushes.
“I see you found a way to occupy your time,” I said, then put my arm around Mirela.
“We’d be out fighting the war,” Calina said, “but we await your orders.”
“Ah, yes…well, you’ll need to wait a bit longer.” I winked at my sister. “A monumental evening has arrived, and I intend to be alone with Mirela.”
Calina waved her hand. “Please don’t let me detain you.”
I guided Mirela away. “I’ll take you to your maid, so she can dress you for the occasion.”
“What is the occasion?” Mirela said with a smile. “I’ll need to tell her, so she’ll know what I should wear.”
“Wine, dancing, dinner…in the main ballroom.”
Mirela seemed curious but went along with the game. “I believe I have a dress that will be perfect for such an occasion.”
At Mirela’s door, I left her in Kerrie’s good hands while I went to change for the event. I wore a tuxedo with a starched white shirt and diamond cufflinks. It didn’t take long to dress, so I was pacing outside my love’s door long before she was ready.
When the door opened at last, Mirela stood before me in a green satin gown that bared her shoulders. She wore an emerald necklace, and her long hair was swept into an elaborate style. She held out her hand. “Will this do?”
“You are stunning.” I held her hand and guided her to the ballroom, my heart soaring.
The hallway was long and wound through the castle. Along the way, we passed guards and servants going about their business. I recognized two of the vampire guards, then noted that Mirela caught their attention.
Olek had blond hair and silvery eyes. He was tall and a skilled fighter. He’d been posted in the castle, as he was proficient at defense, should the need arise. Yet his look toward Mirela annoyed me. It wasn’t one of respect, but of craving.
His companion Stephan was a head shorter, but broad and strong. His brown eyes glowed and his lips furled as we passed. I sensed that his fangs ached to extend, and that he wanted Mirela. He stared at her for too long a period, treading on thin ice with me.
Mirela was a beauty. She had an allure that was sourced from her goodness, and the magic she exuded magnified her attraction. I had no doubt that a multitude of vampires would seek her out if she wasn’t in my company.
The lecherous stares from Olek and Stephan were a stark reminder of Mirela’s vulnerability. I would have called them out, except my focus was on the evening I’d planned, and I refused to be distracted.
As we passed by, I took the opportunity to glare at the guards, openly conveying my anger. Each knew what I was capable of, so weren’t anxious to press the issue. The murderous look in my eyes told them that if I saw such disrespect again, it would mean their demise.
If Mirela noticed, she didn’t mention it, so we continued down the hall. When I stepped inside the ballroom, the preparations pleased me. There was food in silver trays placed on the tables along the wall. A linen tablecloth covered the carved wood dining table.
The servants wore dinner jackets, and on a raised area at one end, musicians played violins. At the far end of the room, the windows looked out to the sky and the cliffs below. The moon loomed brightly, as if just for us, and the stars glittered in the darkness.
“It’s all so…lovely.” Mirela spun around, taking it all in.
“It hasn’t been that long since you were a human, with requirements for real food,” I said. “I thought it would be a treat to enjoy a gourmet meal with wine…a romantic evening.”
“Oh, yes, what a delight.”
I pulled out a chair at the table for Mirela, then sat adjacent to her. Appetizers were served with a rich red wine.
When our glasses were full, I raised mine. “To our love.” Mirela’s clinked her glass against mine then took a sip.
From what I could tell, she was pleased with the evening so far. “You should know that Calina was of great assistance. She had many suggestions and helped guide the staff on how to prepare.”
“I will have to let her know how well it turned out.” Mirela smiled then took another sip. “The wine is excellent.”
“Did you have a good talk with Calina?”
“Yes, she was insightful.” Mirela twirled her glass. “Things are moving fast, and it’s good to have her as a friend. She has much more experience with all of this than I do…the war, Alban, and that kind of thing.”
“Alban wants you only as a tool to destroy me,” I said. “He cannot see beauty, even when it is before his very eyes. He would take away your loveliness without having seen it at all.”
“It seems that he’s missed out on so much,” Mirela said. “Most of life, really, since his focus has been on death.”
“Our plans for the future would be vile in his eyes.” I took Mirela’s hand. “He devalues growth and stomps on anything that thrives. Our union is blasphemy to him.”
“We cannot let him mar what we have together,” Mirela said. “It is ours alone.”
I took a sip of wine and looked into Mirela’s emerald eyes. “I only wish…”
“What is it?”
“I just wish I hadn’t stolen your innocence,” I said. “You lived without knowing about the darkness that has been my life. If it weren’t for my greediness to have you, then you might have remained pure and naïve of such evil.”
Mirela shook her head. “You didn’t steal my innocence; I gave it willingly. I don’t want to be sheltered from the realities of life. I prefer to share it all with you, good and bad. That is what will truly make me happy.”
I pushed back my chair, then helped Mirela to her feet. “Shall we dance?”
“I hoped you’d ask.”
The dance floor was ours. The violins grew louder, and the servants gave us space. For several songs, I held Mirela in my arms and twirled her to the music. I’d become adept at such talents after the escape from my father’s palace, knowing that a leader and future king should be proficient in certain social skills.
Despite my learned refinement, niceties didn’t come easily. I’d practiced how it should be but had no instinctive feel for it. I wanted the evening to be right for Mirela, and only hoped that I was doing the right things in the right way.
When the violinists took a break, I guided Mirela back to the table. The servants brought more food, and Mirela nibbled on the tasty treats, while I watched. “Eating is sensual,” I said, my eyes on her full lips.
“Mmm, it is. And I know of other things that are as well.” Mirela extended her fangs just below the lip, enough to entice me and remind me of liberties I could take later.
When it appeared that we’d had our fill, the servants removed the food. The trays were replaced with dozens of roses in colors of red, white, and pink. The bouquets of flowers were delivered in crystal vases with gold ribbons around them.
Mirela’s eyes widened as the flowers kept arriving. At last, the entire length of the table was covered with vases of flowers. “You have outdone yourself.”
I smiled. “I am certain of one thing: you love flowers.”
“Especially roses.” Mirela’s flawless skin glowed, and her eyes showed her pleasure.
I slipped from my chair and got down on one knee. I retrieved a velvet jewel box from my pocket. Then I took Mirela’s hand. “My love, you are my other half, as I hope to be yours.” I looked into her eyes then opened the lid to reveal a ring. “Will you marry me?”
Tears formed in Mirela’s eyes as she looked at the emerald and diamond ring. I’d had it fashioned by an expert craftsman. The setting was in the shape of a rose, and the gems sparkled under the lights.
“You are my other half,” Mirela said. “And I am yours.” She brushed a tear from her cheek. “Yes, I will marry you.”
I placed the ring on her finger, then kissed her lips. “I love you.”
Mirela touched my cheek. “I love you too.”
I returned to my seat without taking my eyes off Mirela. “You are radiant.”
“That is because of you,” she said. “It’s all…quite delightful.” She sighed. “It was all so perfect. But I was already yours. I drank your blood and vowed my loyalty. And if the prophecy has any truth to it, I was destined to be your queen long ago.”
“That doesn’t mean you should be cheated out of a proper proposal.” I smiled. “You might have refused me, and then where would we be?”
Mirela laughed. “I’m honored.” She took a breath. “I suppose we shouldn’t set a date, until…”
“Until I am king. I swear to you that Alban will be defeated,” I said. “When there is peace, we will marry, and you will sit beside me as my queen.”
“And I will be worthy of the role, and proud to be your wife.”
I stood and pulled Mirela into my arms. She leaned into me, so I held her tight. We were together, and I would fight to the ends of the kingdom to see that we stayed that way. I leaned down and kissed her sweet lips, feeling like the luckiest vampire alive.
Then I put my arm around her. “We need some privacy.”
“A lot of privacy.” Mirela’s eyes glowed with lust, and I ached for her. I craved her as she craved me, and the hours ahead would be ours alone.
I took Mirela to my chambers, away from any disturbance. I undressed her, except for the sparkling ring that signified our love. She undressed me, then pressed into a deep kiss. She dragged her fangs down my neck and across my collarbone, tempting me until I could no longer resist. Tender loving exploded into passion, causing me to lose track of time, and all else except for my future bride.
CHAPTER 47 – MIRELA
While I was in Draven’s arms, I lost track of the hours that passed. He was getting dressed while I nestled against my pillow for a few more seconds. The evening had been a delightful surprise. Although I’d suspected that something was about to happen.
My intuition allowed me to sense things before they occurred. Draven was difficult to read sometimes, and he’d had a lot on his mind lately. But when he’d looked at me, it was like sharing a secret. It was more than love or infatuation.
Our bond went beyond the physical into a realm that only hearts knew. Draven had looked at me with admiration laced with another emotion. If I’d guessed correctly, it was nervousness. But I hadn’t understood how a vampire of his status would feel such an emotion.
But the perception persisted. And now I knew why. Draven had been planning a special evening, to engage in activities that were outside his comfort zone. It meant so much that he’d do that for me. The entire evening, including the proposal, had been awkward for him.
Draven might posture about being a terrible influence on me, having tainted my purity and taken my humanity. Yet he’d stolen my heart, and the romantic interlude was one that I wouldn’t forget.
I was engaged to the vampire prince, although he hadn’t accepted his title yet. He was a conundrum. On one hand, I’d witnessed him rip apart an enemy who’d threatened me. His murderous intent, though justified, had surfaced with a vengeance.
Seeing Draven that way, I could understand fearing him. But toward me, he was kind and caring. He had softer qualities, a humanity to him, that painted a different picture. He’d likely cringe at the idea, but he harbored goodness. That kinder side balanced against his rage and viciousness.
“If you keep lying there like that,” Draven said, “I’ll come back to bed.”
“Mmm, not such a bad idea.”
Draven wore leathers with a tight shirt. The attire showed off his lean thighs, as well as his muscled chest and arms. I had no trouble imaging what he looked like beneath the clothing.
“I’ll settle for a kiss, then I’ll get dressed.” When I extended my ar
ms, Draven came to me. The kiss was fierce and passionate, making me wish for more time with him.
But I got up then quickly dressed, so we could go and feed. The pleasure we’d shared had worked up our appetites. While Draven looked out the window, I finished getting ready. The ring on my finger gleamed, making my heart swell with love. He would be my husband as soon as that was feasible—a joyful thought indeed.
“Are you thirsty, my love?”
“Yes, very much.” I smiled and took Draven’s hand. “And it’s all your fault.”
“I’m glad to take the credit. And I have intentions of repeating that performance…as soon as we can manage.” Draven paused at the door to kiss me again, so I pressed my body close to his. I felt his strength and hardness, wanting him even more.
When Draven released me, he opened the door and headed toward the basement. Feeding still seemed strange to me. Most of my life, I’d been human with a sense of propriety in dealing with others. But my requirement for blood from a live human could not be put aside.
I would die if I didn’t drink, and I was unable abstain for as long as Draven was able to. A few times, I’d coped by sipping blood from a glass, but that was no more than a snack. If I planned to have energy for my life with Draven and to be a player in the war, then I had to maintain my health.
The basement was darker, as a way to achieve privacy. The blood slaves were rotated, so some could go home to recover while others took their places. It seemed like such drudgery—yet those who served didn’t complain.
Feeding was necessary, and it was more humane to do so in a structured setting than to grab people off the street at random. The large space was set up with corridors lined with cubicles. The humans preferred to donate out of public view, which I could well understand.
Music played as it would in a fine dining room, as no one wished to listen to any moaning during the feeding process. The stone walls were worn with age and the floors were chipped. But the area was kept clean, especially for the humans who were prone to disease.
