Chapter 17
POV: Lucien Draegor
After dinner with Freckles, I retreated to my office to handle the endless stack of kingdom matters. The room was dimly lit by flickering black candles, their wax dripping slowly onto the dark wooden desk.
A loud bang suddenly echoed against the door.
"Who is it?" I called sharply.
No response came.
I grabbed my sword, gripping the hilt tightly as I approached the door. Heart steady but alert, I cracked it open, ready to strike.
Instead of an enemy, Nikolai stood there with his usual cocky grin. I lowered my sword instantly, letting out a frustrated breath.
"What the bloody hell, man?" I snapped.
"Long time no see, King Lucien," Nikolai said, pulling me into a rough hug.
The strong metallic scent of fresh human blood clung to him.
"How many people have you killed this time, Nikolai?" I asked, eyeing him.
"Come on, how am I supposed to survive? I'm a vampire after all, duh. I need blood," he hissed, shrugging as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Come in and sit down," I gestured, closing the door behind him.
"So what brings you here?" I asked, settling back into my chair.
"Nothing much. But I heard you married an angel," he teased, leaning back with a smirk.
"And so? What if I married an angel?"
"Well, you didn't exactly marry her by her will. You forced her and kidnapped the poor child," Nikolai pointed out.
"Nikolai, shut up."
"I really regretted the first time I met you six hundred years ago," he continued, picking up my royal stamp and playing with it idly. "I thought you were just some weak fellow because you didn't even dress like a king. You disguised yourself very well. I remember how I picked a fight with you, and you beat me graciously, even giving me a wedgie."
"I was older than you, remember?"
"Ugh, whatever. Don't make it obvious. So where is our little bride?"
"She is around somewhere, roaming about or planning her next escape," I replied, arranging the documents on my desk.
"You married her forcefully, Lucien."
"What was I supposed to do? Let her marry someone else?" I snapped, irritation rising.
"Hmm. I really want to discuss something very important with you," Nikolai said, his voice turning serious.
"What is it?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It is about the capital city. The treasury is going down fast. Someone is stealing from us."
"What? Who could that be?" I yelled, slamming my hand on the desk.
"Kieran!" I shouted.
Instantly, Kieran appeared before me, head bowed low.
"What is going on in my kingdom?" I demanded.
"Someone has been stealing from the treasury, my King," Kieran replied, his body trembling visibly.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I growled.
Kieran could not speak. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he trembled in fear.
I turned my gaze toward the door and noticed Lilith standing there, staring intently at Nikolai.
"Lilith," I said softly, my rage calming slightly at the sight of her.
"Lun," she replied with a warm smile.
I noticed she was wearing gloves again.
Nikolai stared at her for a moment but quickly looked away.
Something is wrong, I thought, but shook the feeling off.
"Why are you wearing gloves?" I asked, keeping my hands behind my back.
"It is a new style. You know how much I like fashion," she replied smoothly.
"Hmm."
"Do you know anything about the theft in the treasury?" I asked her directly.
"No, I don't know anything," Lilith answered.
"Kieran, I am very disappointed in you. You should have told me immediately. We have so much at hand — my wife, the protection realm is getting weak, and now theft in my kingdom. What else are you hiding from me?"
I turned back to Kieran. "Arrange a meeting at the demon high court. Inform all the high-ranking demons."
"Nikolai, follow him," I ordered.
Both of them left the room, leaving me alone with Lilith.
Lilith closed the door quietly and turned to face me.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"Nothing, Lucien. But I just wanted to tell you about the death of my maid," she said.
"I heard the news. I will investigate when I return from the meeting."
"You heard already? News spreads fast in this kingdom," she said, pouting slightly.
"Lilith, I am busy. If you have anything to say, please hurry up," I told her.
She stepped forward and caressed my face gently. I caught her gloved hand firmly.
"Stop this nonsense," I snapped.
She jerked back, hurt flashing in her eyes. "What is wrong, Lucien? This is the second time. Why are you acting this way?"
"Lilith, go away. I am married to my mate, and as king I must set a good example for my people," I said, my voice softening.
Lilith let out a sarcastic laugh. "Your mate? Lucien, have you forgotten? Angels and demons cannot be together. It is only a matter of time before all this rubbish ends."
"Lilith, just accept it. I can never be yours, not after finding my mate. I am Seraphina's husband, not yours," I said seriously.
"We will see about that," she replied coldly before turning and leaving the room.
Her words lingered, making me wonder what she truly meant.
POV: Prince Orion Vale
After my uncle's advice, I sat in deep thought. What if this is my only chance?
A knock sounded on my door.
I remained lost in my thoughts, staring out the window.
The door creaked open. "Orion," a familiar voice called. It was Evelyn.
"What is it?" I asked coldly, not turning around.
"I just wanted to check on you. I heard what happened."
"Well, you have seen me now. Leave," I said sharply.
"Orion, come on. Don't bring up what happened in the past. Seraphina is my best friend. It will be awkward, and you are not my mate."
"Evelyn, I wasn't thinking about that. I know you don't like me. You have always wanted a demon as your lover. Just go away."
"Orion, don't talk like this."
"Evelyn, leave. Go away."
"I will go, but please bring Seraphina back," Evelyn said, clear emotion thick in her voice.
She left the room, leaving me alone once more. I inhaled slowly as a new idea formed in my mind.
I headed to the training grounds. The soldiers straightened immediately.
"My prince," they greeted in unison.
I nodded in acknowledgment.
"Selen Dray," I called out.
She rushed forward, her orange-brown hair waving beneath her armor as she gripped her sword, breathing rapidly.
"Let us take a stroll," I gestured.
We began walking along the edge of the training field.
"You have heard what is going on between the two realms, and we need your help."
"My prince, I have pledged my life to this kingdom. I will do anything for it," Selen replied firmly.
"I want you to train a large number of soldiers, both young and old. They must be prepared for war."
"I will do that, my prince."
"If I may ask, why do you fight so hard for us?"
"My prince, this is my kingdom. Demons have harmed my family. I still remember how my sister died during the war centuries ago. It was a terrible sight. We fought strongly, but my sister…" Selen stopped, closing her eyes tightly as pain crossed her face.
"I understand your pain. But look at the bright side — you became the strongest warrior in our kingdom," I said with a small smile.
"Thank you, my prince."
I left the training grounds. It was time to prepare for my return to the underworld.
I had just three days. I entered the castle and found Nauh.
"Prepare a map for me and find out everything you can about Thorne Vesper," I ordered.
Then I returned to my room to rest my mind, the cool breeze from the window brushing against my skin as thoughts of Seraphina and Ophelia swirled together.