TOGETHER - Book 2

𝟖 - From Prisoner To Fiancé

♎︎ Lucian ♎︎
"Ring the bell or shout for us Sir if there is anything you need." After bidding me a respectful farewell, the maid lowers her head in respect before exiting my antiquated bed chambers. As I survey the room, it becomes evident that all my belongings have been meticulously preserved by the diligent palace staff. Whether it was their own initiative or a command from Corvina remains uncertain, but the sense of returning to my familiar existence is undeniably gratifying.

Exhaling to help ease the tension in my shoulders, calmly strolling over to the glass doors which leads out to a balcony looking over the sea port side of the city of Sutton. Even though it feels like I'm somewhat have my similar lifestyle back, it still feels to me that it's nothing more the a glorified prison cell.

Gingerly running my finger through my soft blonde locks as I settle myself down on the edge of my bed. A whirlwind of thoughts clouding my mind about this engagement party tonight and being forced into a marriage with Leonidas of all people. Seriously, why does Corvina and him gain from this situation that I'm now forced into? It's obviously not for wealth or power and cannot be for diplomatic relations between us humans and vampires. So, what's the end game?

Groaning in frustration by falling backwards onto the bed, my tired eyes staring straight up at the ceiling while the only sound in the room is the ticking of the clock that's on the mantle of the fireplace across from my bed.

.

.

.

Abruptly awakening from my deep sleep, feeling a chill trailing across the skin of my left cheek. "Shh, don't need to be scared, my love." From above, the baritone voice of Leonidas resonates, his piercing icy grey eyes glowing as they met my wide, startled gaze. "I won't bite. Well, not unless you ask nicely." He softly chuckles at his own joke, annoyingly I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger rise within. With a swift motion, I angrily swat his hand away, asserting my presence as I sit up in the bed. "Touché." He gives some space between us, but a smug expression still plastered on his pale face.

"Piss off, Leo." With a heavy grumble, I slide out of bed and make my way towards my personal side bar. The pounding headache in my temples demands relief, and a glass of liquor seems like the only remedy at the current moment.

"Wow, I came here to help you relax and talk about our upcoming wedding." He sneers, resting his back against the bed frame, arms defiantly crossing over his chest. "But is this how you choose to treat someone who has saved your life?"

Shooting him a piercing glare, my eyes filled with disdain and resentment, pouring myself a small shot of liquor. Without hesitation, I swiftly down the entire contents of the glass in a single gulp. "And pray tell, how did you save my life?" With a forceful thud, the glass collides with the bar, its impact ringing throughout the entire room. "Because I don't remember you ever saving my life. What I remember is rotting away in the musty, damp, and cold cell for the past two fucking years." Storming past him, striding towards my balcony, driven by the desire to behold the sprawling cityscape of Sutton.

As my eyes sweeps over the city I once called home, a bittersweet longing fills my heart. I yearn for the presence of my late father, the once mighty king, who wasn't afraid to tell it how it is and put fear into the hearts of his subjects. Unfortunately, after his extensive travels and thorough examination of his kingdom's affairs, he returned as a completely transformed individual. The once powerful and courageous king had been replaced by a feeble and fearful version of himself. Consequently, this change ultimately led to his demise, resulting in my utter loss of everything I held dear - my life, my dignity, and my reputation. Despite harboring resentment towards him, I cannot deny that I feel a sense of longing for the old version of him that I once knew.

As the distinct sound of Leonidas' confident stride reaches my ears, I couldn't help but sense his approach towards the balcony. "You want to know how I saved your life, my love." Leonidas suddenly appears in front of me, his imposing figure casting a shadow over my form. With my back pressing up against the railing, I find myself trapped between his powerful arms. His hands firmly gripping the railing on either side, leaving me feeling both captivated and apprehensive. "I'll tell you." He leans in closer and closer to where I can practically feel his cold breath brushing against my right ear. Shudders as he whispers softly against it. "Corvina wanted to torture and kill you slowly, but I intervened in your behalf by taking you under my wing. And the only way I could do that is have you married to me. As long as you are mine then you are safe from her clutches." In a moment of surprising tenderness, Leonidas plants a gentle kiss on my cheek. The touch of his lips against my skin sent a shiver down my spine, causing a soft squeak to escape my tightly pressed lips. Stepping back, he observes the fear-stricken expression on my face, his eyes full with a mixture of hunger and curiosity "So, will you give me the honor and privilege to be your soon to be husband?"

After a good minute of not responding I finally snap myself out of my stupor. "Um, and if I don't except your offer?"

"Come on, you can't be that stupid." He shakes his head in disbelief. "Then you go right back in that cell and have Corvina take care of you instead. So, it's either her or me. I won't force you, but I won't save you a second time either." With a lingering gaze, Leonidas slowly backs away, making his way towards the door of my room. Just as he's about to leave, he pauses and glances back at me one last time. There's a flicker of emotion in his eyes, a silent message conveyed in that brief moment. It's as if he wants to say something, but the words remain unspoken. The weight of his gaze lingers in the air, leaving me wondering what thoughts and intentions lie behind his enigmatic expression. "Consider it, alright? I'm not a bad companion to have. It's simply a matter of either enduring a life of suffering or embracing a life of ease. There's no alternative in this situation, my love."

He gradually opens and shuts the door behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts.