Ink

Chapter 14

Guards littered the hallways staring down everyone that walked by.

As Klaus and I made our way down the corridor to the coronation room I couldn't help but feel a sense of security. It felt good to not be going through this alone. I wasn't sure how the two of us were going to survive this madness, but, I did know that together we would brace the storm.

There was quite a commotion in the grand ballroom as prominent members in our society interacted with one another while sipping blood infused wine.

A man walks by with a platter topped with delicate crystal glasses containing the scarlet liquid.

"Sir? Miss?" I glance sideways at Klaus. He smirks before taking a glass. I follow his lead. The man nods his head and walks off.

I raise the glass to my lips.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Alliana." Klaus whispers.

"And why not?" I look up to him and wait for a response.

"The drinks have been tainted." He says confidently.

"I suppose there's always the possibility."

He laughs."I'm not speaking of something that could be impossible. I am merely stating a fact."

I glance around at the other individuals in the room. None of them are acting differently.

"Yes, now they aren't showing any signs of corruption, but, the night is still young."

I roll my eyes at him which earns a smirk.

"You're unbelievable."

He turns towards me with glowing eyes. "No, Alliana. We are unbelievable."

I can't fight the small smirk that plants itself onto my face.

"We will have to wait and see about that."

"Perhaps once everyone's eyes have glazed over from this wine I'll provide you with a demonstration."

A blush finds its way onto my cheeks at the underlying message of his words.

"It seems our close proximity is affecting you again Klaus." I murmur with a smirk on my face as I look elsewhere in the room to avoid his gaze and keep an eye out for Mephistor.

The heat from his gaze causes my insides to stir , and although I am not looking at him, I can feel his every emotion.

"I suppose so."

Those around us begin to settle Klaus and I briefly make eye contact before separating to sit down in our designated seats. I look around for the chair that hosts my name and finally find it in the front row. I look from the left to the right and examine the name that is in the empty seat next to mine. Ryder Murdock.

He is the remaining seat in our row.

I hear a rustle beside me and turn to meet the man next to me.

He offers his hand and a warm smile "Dimitri."

I accept it "Alliana."

"Are you new at the castle? I've never seen your face before."

"Yes" I nod. "My father aids in the management of the Kings finances and I began work in the same department a few days ago."

"Who is your father?"

"James Nixon."

He nods in acknowledgement before turning smiling again. His eyes held a hidden secret playfully in their gaze. "So you are Alliana Nixon?"

I nod.

"I've heard quite a bit about you Ms. Nixon." He begins. "The prince has taken a liking to you."

I raise an eyebrow.

"Has he?" A feeling of suspicion comes over me.

"I am one of his advisors." He says, answering my question as to how he knew of the princes fancy."He speaks a lot of Illion these days. It is his first real international affair and he is more than delighted that you will be joining him."

I know that I have to say something to fill any potential voids in the conversation.

"I'm excited to go to Illion as well."

He offers a another warm smile before glancing at the empty seat next to mine. His eyebrows furrow in confusion.

"It's unlike Ryder to be late."

I glance at the chair as well.

"Maybe he got held up?"

"Maybe." He says. His voice is still wavering."I'll message him."

While Dimitri is occupied I take the time to look towards the other side of the room. I see Klaus sitting down next to an elderly woman chatting it up. It brings a small smile to my face.

He knows how to play the game. He's acting as though he isn't practically challenging the prince for his throne.

As if sensing my eyes on him he looks up at me and our eyes meet briefly. His twinkle in a way that I haven't seen before. They hold such an ancient knowledge with an element of childlike wit that can't be placed into a single category. He just is.

He's just Klaus.

I look away first. My heart is racing rapidly and my mind is back to the thought of Mephistor.

I was his anchor.

I wasn't exactly sure what to make of that.

I also wasn't sure what to make of my current situation. Would I be able to evade his advances until midnight? Or would I let the mark fester and become the mate of a man that I've only known for less than a week?

Decisions, decisions

A chorus of instruments sounds throughout the room and the Kings rises to take the stage.

"Citizens, trusted friends, and employees of the royal family." The king begins. His commanding gaze sweeping the room."Tonight you will witness the coronation of my only son, Mephistor. With your support and his leadership, I have no doubt that Illinkus will be in great hands."

I make eye contact with the king before he speaks again." We must all come together for the future of our kingdom. Without cooperation, we simply cannot advance and prosper as it is in the nature of our species to do." He king then looks forward into the telepromter at the center of the room."Remember my friends, today's innovation will lead to tomorrow's future. But, enough from me. I would like to welcome my son to speak before you and let you know why he will be the change that will help Illinkus prosper."

Mephistor stands and walks to the center of the stage. The crowd roars in approval. I clap along with them and wait for the sound to dull before turning my attention to the prince.

"Thank you father." Mephistor begins. "Ladies, gentlemen. Tonight marks the start of a new era." His eyes scan the audience. "As I take the throne, Illinkus will never be the same. In fact, all of you will never be the same as well. We are only as good as the company we keep, and I promise to you citizens of Illinkus-"A smirk etches itself onto his features and he glances in my direction. His eyes lock with mine and their electric blue holds such a determination that it shocks me to my core."I will prove to you that I am the best company to keep."

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