Captured To Become A Vampire Prince's Bride {Book 2}

Captured To Become A Vampire Prince's Bride {Book 2}: Chapter 35

I followed a soldier to a lounge in the medical bay that I'd never even noticed. The sofas were grey and the only decoration in the room in an attempt to bring it to life was an assortment of artificial plants which although fake, looked like they, too, had the life drained out from them by the base. Sometimes I wouldn't be surprised if the once happy souls who entered the base were used to fuel it. That was the only conclusion I could come to that would keep such an enormous place up and running.

Inside, Mark and Francine were snuggled together on the couch to the far side of the room.

Mrs Maldivo was up to give me a hug and a kiss on the forehead before I could greet the pair. Mark gave me a solemn nod of the head. Despite them not being told what was actually going to happen, their auras made it seem as if they did. They'd been told they'd both receive fMRI scans which were routine when staying at the base. I'd been assured that the procedure was pain-free but I couldn't be there in case it triggered the memories to return so now was the last time I'd see them for the foreseeable future until this all seemed like a long forgotten dream to the pair.

"I go home today, you know. I've been down here for maybe... three months," I started. The pair still seemed on edge.

"Oh, that's wonderful news! Three months sounds almost unbearable. We've only been down here a fortnight and I must say, it's not somewhere you want to spend the rest of your days," Francine broke into a smile.

"I promise you, it won't come to that."

"You've always been so good, Arianne. This life you have, marrying a prince, you definitely deserve it. Me and Mark apologise for putting you in such a difficult situation."

"You don't have to apologise any more, it's all over and done with. Water under the bridge."

She nodded and leant back on the sofa appearing to relax more.

"Are you okay though, Arianne? How are you holding up? So much has happened in the last couple of years for you," asked Mark.

I hadn't really thought about myself recently. I'd been so focused on everything else that I put myself last. However, I had to say I never felt better. Everything was going right for a change. "surprisingly, I'm well. Everything is good."

There was a knock at the door and then a soldier stepped in, he bowed to me and then cleared his throat before speaking, "doctors are ready for the Maldivo's, so if you'd follow me."

Concern reintroduced itself to their expressions and both pairs of brown eyes from the Maldivo's landed on me. I stood up first, aware they were both rigid with fear, and they copied.

They both engulfed me in a hug. It felt great to just be hugged by them, knowing that there was no tension between us since that might be the last time we ever saw each other again.

"It's just a scan, you'll be fine!" I exclaimed jokingly, trying to reduce their nerves once again.

"It's not that. We don't know when or if we'll see you again," Francine's long, dark lashes batted away the oncoming tears, instantly making me feel guilty again for lying to them, but it was for their own benefit.

"You'll see me, I promise. Now go get scanned up!" I joked, lightly shoo-ing them away.

Francine kissed my forehead once more before taking her husband's hand and following the soldier out.

They'd be fine, but I wouldn't if I delayed everyone's leaving time much longer. We all wanted out of here as soon as possible. I hurried to the main entrance which wasn't far, and Alexander gathered what little belongings we bought.

Everyone was stood waiting impatiently where we met the General when we first arrived. I supposed it was only fitting that's where we said our goodbye's.

"And of course the human is last," exclaimed Jayden, waving his hands in frustration.

"Shut up! I was saying goodbye," I retorted as I approached the group.

"Back to what I was saying," The General cleared his throat, sparing a bemused glance at me and Jayden, "as much as a pleasure it was to have you here, we do not wish for the situation to warrant you being back down here again." Probably a joke, but the sternness on his face and in his voice left me uncertain.

"I'll take my chances in the castle if there is a next time," muttered Jayden under his breath though I didn't doubt everyone heard.

"General Cory Phaeus and Iyeong, I and my family would like to thank you for everything you've done for us. If any of you need anything at all, just get into contact and it will be arranged," the King said, stepping forward to shake both of their hands.

The General and Iyeong thanked the King for his generous offer, and I didn't know about them, but I needed a huge vacation or something... probably therapy as well.

"Right, well we don't want to keep you any longer. A guard will take you to the surface and two cars will be waiting for you outside."

Two big, burly guards, similar to the ones who first brought us to base appeared not too far away from us, I guessed they were our designated drivers. They both bowed, and as we approached them they turned to call the elevator.

The first step out into the cool night breeze felt heavenly, and for once, I was grateful for it. The stars reflected on the cars in a way that made them appear painted on. I didn't get time to take in much else from the night as Jayden rushed forward, eagerly calling dibs on the front seat to his assigned car. The King chuckled, seeming not to mind, he, Henrietta and Charlotte took the remaining seats at the back, leaving me, Alex, Leyton and Leandra.

A strange static noise was emitted throughout the car, taking me surprise as my brain took a few seconds longer than necessary to pinpoint the exact location of the sound, despite my eyes already finding it: a phone.

"Can you all hear me?" It was the King's voice.

"Yes," we all responded in some form or another.

The cars began driving as soon as we were strapped in, and the King informed us he was going to give us a brief on what was going to be happening over the next few days, now that we were returning to the castle.

"Firstly, you all know that we must not discuss where we were, or the whereabouts of Prince Austin with anyone outside of this group. We'll have a very important public service announcement in two days involving Prince Emmanuel, Genevieve will arrive with him tomorrow afternoon. He has been providing assistance from his country, but this is his first visit in years so it will be a very big event. In your rooms at the castle, you'll find your speeches pre-written, but with options to edit and add to them as you like for your own personal touches. It won't be a long event, but that doesn't make this any less important. After this, there'll be a lot of personal visits to places most affected. It's likely I'll have innumerable meetings to attend, so I won't be available a lot. But you're all adults, and very clearly able to handle yourselves. Does everyone understand?"

"What's not to understand?" Jayden responded nonchalantly.

"We understand," Alexander spoke up.

"Oh! And before I forget, a photographer will be there to take photos to release to the press. So make yourselves presentable as quickly as possible. I'll leave you all to it."

Leyton turned in his seat to face Alex, "how long has it been since you last saw Emmanuel?"

Alexander rubbed his neck, thinking hard, "maybe a decade? It's been a long time."

"Who is Emmanuel?" I questioned, quite curious. The shock was visible on everyone's face at the mention of his name.

"An old friend of mine, we used to be really close when his family still lived in Nox Aterrima. Our mothers were also very close. You'll like him."