Ch. 11..20

Chapter 11:RIP

Evie felt her throat dry up. But before she could even form any verbal or physical response, her stomach suddenly growled. Her face turned red, and she immediately looked down in embarrassment while Gavriel blinked and pressed his lips together as his eyes travelled down her stomach.

After a moment of silence, Evie's stomach growled again. Evie couldn't see his expression, but she finally felt him pull away and heard him calling for the maids.

Gavriel grabbed a robe and was putting it on when the door opened. When Evie raised her head towards the door, surprise colored her face at the sight of two women dressed in black and white maid outfits.

"H-humans?" she muttered as she looked at Gavriel with wide eyes.

"Don't tell me you can't recognize your fellow human?" Gavriel looked at her with a quizzical look. The displeasure on his face was gone.

"O-of course I can. It's just that… I just…" Evie was so shocked. She didn't know what to say. Everything… the opposites of her expectations kept on happening. She could tell that the two ladies were humans in one glance but Evie couldn't help but doubt because the girls were… they were fine, very healthy and even looking bright and cheerful. This was an absolute shock. She was expecting to be served by humans alone because that was included on the deal but she thought her servants would probably look awful because they were supposed to be treated as slaves who were forced to provide blood and sexual pleasures for the vampires. So why? How come? How could they look so fine and healthy as if they were living their lives happily in this land?

"Good day my lady," said one of the girls. They were both red-haired, but one had long braided hair while the other one had a shorter hair neatly tied-up into a ponytail. "My name is Fray." Introduced the long haired one and "My name is Gina," introduced the short-haired one. "We are so pleased to finally meet you and serve you my lady." They bowed at her.

Evie momentarily struggled to find her voice. "Nice to meet you too, Gina, Fray." She managed to say. Her mind was still whirling with questions, but even though this was totally unexpected, she was still feeling very glad and relieved. She didn't know how would react if these two girls would appear in front of her in the conditions she had been imagining and expecting.

"Help my wife get ready and immediately bring her to the dining hall." Gavriel's pleasant voice echoed and the maids immediately bowed at him. Evie noticed the maids never looked directly into the vampire prince's face.

"Yes, Your Highness." They said, simultaneously before they approached Evie and led her towards a door that appeared to be the bathroom.

Evie glanced back and when her eyes met Gavriel's, she abruptly looked away. She didn't like her body's reactions towards him. She was confused on how his gaze seemed to be affecting her in some strange but surprisingly not unwelcomed way.

And she was still stunned at his words right before her stomach growled. The look in his eyes as he said those words stirred something inside her and an emotion close to alarm had hit her.

Since even her husband couldn't touch her without her permission, Evie had never bothered thinking about herself as a wife or her life as a married woman. She never thought about any of that. Because she knew this wasn't a normal marriage. In fact, this was the first time in history where a vampire and a human were ever joined in marriage. Everyone, even her parents and herself included, had also expected that her soon to be husband wouldn't even want to be with her anyway since he already knew about the deal that he could not touch her as he wished. She had also expected that he would ignore her, send her to a separate or a secluded palace while he continued enjoying his life as usual, as if he wasn't married at all. So why? Why did he say those words? Why did he want to stay with her and even sleep in the same bed with her?

"My lady, are you okay?" Fray asked and when Evie saw the worried look on the maid's face, she immediately composed herself.

"I… I'm fine. I think I am just hungry," she smiled, and the maids relaxed. "Where did you both come from? Were you from the Eastern empire?" Evie then asked as the maids hovered around her.

"No, my lady. Me and Fray were both born here."

"R-really?" Evie was surprised. She was shocked but just barely managed to keep her composure and tried not to be so obvious.

"Yes. My grandmother was from the Western Empire," said Fray. "And my father is from the Eastern," continued Gina. "So, we have never ever set foot in any human lands yet, my lady. That's why we were so excited to meet you when His Highness told us about you."

Evie wanted to ask more about Fray's grandmother and Gina's father, but she refrained. Because she remembered her father and the emperors' stern words that she must not fully trust the human servants that would be assigned to her. Evie thought that made sense, considering that these maids were born in this land. Their loyalty might be completely for the vampires or worse, they might be under the vampires' spell. "He told you about me? When?"

"Just a couple of days ago, My lady."

"Were you both servants of the prince for a long time?"

"Yes. My parents were gardeners here."

"I see." Evie nodded and she focused her gaze on the water. She wanted to probe further but she stopped herself. She still had many opportunities to question them. For now, she would try observing them and behave as normal as she could around them.

As Evie was led by the maids out of the master's room, her eyes didn't stop looking around. The corridor outside the room was spacious and there were chandeliers hanging above the high ceiling.

A door at the end of the corridor seemed to be leading to an open veranda that would surely be the perfect place to enjoy a view. In Evie's mind, she imagined it to be a place where one could sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the beautiful garden while having a nice cup of tea. Her family's castle back in the Southern Empire had a remarkable garden she always adored and spent whatever free time she could in there.

"Where is this place?" Evie asked her maids as they descended a spiraled stairway. "We're not in the imperial capital yet, right?"

Fray and Gina looked at her with confusion and then in surprise. But they eventually smiled. "You're already in the imperial capital my lady. This is the prince's palace."

Evie halted for a moment before she continued walking. So that's why this place was quite extravagant and huge. Even more beautiful than Castle Ylvia, her home. But how did she arrive in this place so soon? It should not be possible with the speed they were going using the carriage, could it? Did Gavriel ended up carrying her all the way from the Dark Valley to the imperial capital? But he did say it was too dangerous for her. So how did he transport her here so quickly?

Once they arrived in the dining hall, Evie was awed at the sight that greeted her. Her eyes sparkled by observing how intricately well-designed and magnificent the hall was. She had always imagined vampire castles and palaces were places which are somewhat dark, creepy and unpleasant for human habitation but then again, she was proven again and again to be totally wrong in her assumptions so far. The place was very neat and well maintained. In fact, everything was perfect. She even saw a lot of seemingly luxurious materials that she had never seen inside the grand palace in Southern empire. It seemed vampires loved beautiful residences that screamed with elegance and luxury.

Gavriel was sitting at the head of a table that was long enough to seat twenty adults. His moon-like eyes locked onto her the moment she entered the hall's double doors.

Quietly and a little nervously, Evie sat next to him. Her movements were stiff and awkward. Never in her wildest dreams – or perhaps nightmare, did she think they would actually sit down and dine together. When she had a meal before crossing the Dark Valley, he didn't join her.

The prince didn't speak but Evie could feel his piercing gaze on her face. She could not bring herself to raise her face to look at him.

"Evielyn…"

"Yes?!" Evie instantly exclaimed, flinching at the same time as she was jolted by his deep voice calling her name and ended up looking at him.

A heavy silence permeated the hall as their eyes locked before the glorious prince caught his lips between his teeth. His pleasant and calm expression had darkened a little.

Realizing that her reaction displeased him, Evie swallowed and nervously retracted her gaze to the juicy and delicious looking steak in front of her. Her mouth watered and her empty stomach screamed at her, momentarily distracting her from her predicament.

She was so hungry that the sight of the juicy steak seemed to momentarily overshadow the effects that Gavriel's presence wrecked on her. Her hands moved on their own and then landed on the table, her gaze not leaving the inviting steak. When she was about to reach out for the utensils prepared for her, someone took the steak away. Her eyes widened as she followed it until Gavriel placed it before him.

Evie's lips parted as she blinked at him. She was speechless and was in a daze when the prince began to slice the steak silently. He looked serious and graceful. How could he make cutting steak look like it was some kind of honorable task?! Wait! That's not the issue here. Why did he take the steak away from her?!

When he stabbed a piece of the steak with his fork, Evie couldn't help but follow it as he moved it. The steak stopped right before his lips and the sight of his thin lips jolted Evie awake. She couldn't believe what she was doing! But before she could look away, he had stretched out his hand and the piece of steak was suddenly near her mouth.

The delicious smell made her mouth water even more.

Her eyes were wide as she looked at him. What was he doing?

"Open your mouth, wife." He said, his expression soft and his eyes seemed to be smiling at her. Evie's jaw dropped the moment she realized he was trying to feed her.

The prince momentarily stilled at the sight of Evie's reaction. And when she closed her eyes as if she was savoring something divine, the corner of his lips curved up into a slight smile. This was the first time she showed him these expressions. He thought she was incredibly… cute…

"You love it?"

"Yes." Even her voice was now sounding like melting honey. This was unexpected. Gavriel thought she would tense up again or flinch whenever he spoke. But she didn't and he smiled again as he speared another slice of steak with his fork and put it at her lips.

Evie ate the steak without hesitation. "God, this is so delicious!!" She sighed in obvious pleasure, making Gavriel's slight smile widen even further. He stared at her lips as she slowly chewed the meat and worshiping its taste at the same time, when out of the blue… his thought strayed. He began to imagine how delicious would she be once he finally got a taste of those lips his eyes was trained on. Would she be so delectable he would forget every thought at the very taste of her lips? Would she be that divine ambrosia he would find himself worshipping her?

A slight tension began to build in his muscles and as he became aware of his body's reaction, he froze. He even felt the tiny hairs rising on the back of his neck. 'Heavens,' Gavriel muttered under his breath. He couldn't believe he was having these kind of thoughts and reactions in a place and situation like this. This was the first time something like this happened to him. He even had to force his gaze away from her face to clear his thoughts. But as he fed her another piece of steak, her words truly threw him off.

"This is so delicious, definitely the best I ever tasted!"

Suddenly, Gavriel found himself glaring daggers at the steak in front of him. As they say, if looks could kill…RIP steak.

Chapter 12:Temptation

Finally, Evie snapped out from the strange but pleasure-filled induced haze the delicious steak had trapped her in for that duration of time she was savouring it. Every. Single. Bite. She couldn't believe she allowed something so basic like food, to take her on a flight into the clouds and made her forget about everything else. However, she comforted herself in the knowledge that though food was basic, but in no means was that piece of steak plain. It was far from plain!

Also she couldn't believe she had allowed herself to be fed like she was a child. And even allowed a prince to… heavens, Evie!

Stunned, Evie sat there, unmoving, while Gavriel's hand was stranded mid-air in his attempt to feed Evie another piece of steak.

He moved the steak closer to her lips, causing Evie to flinch – again. After which, she winced and quickly shut her eyes and took a deep breath, remembering how her newly minted husband had made that statement about not wanting his wife flinching away from him. With that deep steadying breath, she opened her eyes and bravely lifted her hand and held Gavriel's wrist so she could gently move the steak away without it seeming rude or discourteous.

"I… I can eat on my own, Your Highness." She blushed hard as she stammered those few words out and when she finally realized she was still holding onto his wrist – a very strong yet tantalising wrist she might add – Evie yanked her hand back as if scalded before awkwardly averting her gaze away from him. She was a hundred and one percent convinced that smoke was wafting off her red-hot ears as she felt his gaze on her face. What was she doing? Letting her guard down like that just because of a delicious steak! Was she so easily duped like a child? She never thought there would ever come a day that the temptation of a plate of food could easily win her over – hook, line and sinker!

'But that was no ordinary plate of food! That steak was so heavenly it was almost sinful!' she fell into her old habit of arguing with herself whenever something truly threw her off and completely flustered her thoroughly. However, she failed to realise that this only happens when she is totally comfortable with her surroundings. Back then, in her own home, it was understandable. But now she was in so called 'enemy territories'.

While Evie was busy berating herself inwardly, Gavriel leaned back. His smile had long faded because the effect of the food was gone, and the little bunny was wary and on guard again. 'Too bad,' he thought. He was enjoying feeding her and she was so cute when she was relaxed. He wanted to feed her like that every time they eat together. He wished he could continue feeding her more but looking at her tensed shoulders made him silently back off.

Without a word, he put the steak in his mouth, using the same fork he used to feed her. He didn't see her how she secretly threw a glance at him and was observing how he devoured the piece of steak that had just touched her lips. He also missed seeing how her face flamed red before she practically tore her eyes away from his face and refocused her gaze back on her own plate of food.

After dinner, the couple had just left the dining hall when Gavriel spoke.

"I would like to escort you around the castle, but the emperor had requested for your presence in the imperial palace as soon as you woke up." He said and as expected, Evie tensed up.

She halted and looked at him with eyes wide opened. "You mean… now?!"

"Yes. Once you're ready, I'm taking you there."

"But it's already dark…" she bit the inside of her lower lip the moment she realized what she just said. How could she forget that to the vampires, the night was their daylight?

"I will show you around the capital on our way there." He added. "You're asleep when we arrived so you didn't see anything. I think you might like it."

But before she could open her lips again, Gavriel was already talking to her maids to prepare her for her first appearance to the emperor.

"Yes, Your Highness." The duo bowed and they excitedly approached Evie, eyes all sparkly.

"W-wait… Gavriel, I…"

"Yes?" he suddenly leaned closer on her. So close that Evie's mind was momentarily dumbfounded once again, with her husband's beauty and she forgot what she was about to say. "Don't be scared, I am here to protect you. Now go and get ready, I'll wait downstairs."

With that, the man left, leaving Evie silently berating herself again for being so weak – so defenceless against his beauty. Oh please, Evie. You can't be so easily swayed like that! You can't! You can't! She was mentally shaking herself up, hoping to get a firmer grip on her on mind.

As the maids brought her to her dressing room, Evie's mind was busy thinking on how to deal with the temptations. She finally realized her greatest weakness – food and her husband's beauty. What should she do to raise her immunity against those two things? Food is an essential! How can she even say "no"?

Evie had cloaked herself in her own world, thinking and thinking on how to solve this matter of hers that she didn't realized a long time already went by until Fray's voice reached her ears. "My lady? Are you okay?"

She was yanked from her thoughts. "Yes?"

The maid smiled at her. "We're done, My Lady. You are looking so amazing!" the maids were gushing with praises as she turned around to look at herself in the mirror. Her lips parted in surprise and awe. "I can't wait to see His Highness' reaction when he sees you!"

"Right," Gina piped in. "Now let's go, My Lady. We can't let His Highness wait any longer." She urged gleefully and Evie could only let them lead her out of the room.

As she descended the grand staircase, Evie didn't know why her heart suddenly picked up the pace and started thudding loudly in her ears. Oh my, was she nervous? Why? Because of Gavriel? Certainly not, right? This must be because she was going to meet the vampire emperor – humanity's ultimate enemy. She was not ready for this! Can she still back out of this? Certainly! She could back out when she wanted to. No one in this place could force her, not even Gavriel.

Evie's hands were clutching her gown so hard, her knuckles had turned white. She was too engrossed in her own predicament that she was jolted to awareness when a hand appeared in front of her. She realized she had reached the last steps and when she took the hand and looked up dazedly, warning bells echoed inside her brain, being able to make sense of one word being screamed out – TEMPTATION!!

 

Chapter 13:Ready?

When Evie stepped out of the castle, she was already wearing the same black cloak that Gavriel and his men were wearing. Her fiery dress and silver hair were now hidden under that thick and luxurious black cloak.

While Gavriel was speaking with a man who was also wearing the same black cloak, Evie was busy looking around. She turned and looked up. She knew it was dark, but she still couldn't help but admire how intricately beautiful the castle grounds were. Even in the dark, it was nonetheless obvious to see how massive the castle was and the garden on the front yard was also vast. Her vivid thoughts could already picture the view of this place in broad daylight and she must admit, this place was more beautiful and bigger than the infamous Lily palace in Southern Empire. As she looked around, she thought that there must have been an error in thinking that the emperor doesn't favour Gavriel. He must be the emperor's most beloved and that's why he was given the most beautiful castle in the empire.

"Wife," Gavriel pulled her attention back to him as he walked closer to her. "Before we go, I'd like you to meet my men," he said, and five men stood in a line a few steps away before her. The hoods of their cloaks were down. Evie swallowed inaudibly at their overwhelming presence. Three of them were just as tall as Gavriel but the other two were huge. Evie immediately remembered the huge and terrifying generals that used to accompany her father and the human emperors back in the Southern Empire. In fact, despite looking very relaxed, these five men were emitting a powerful aura that surpassed any human generals she had ever met.

"Good evening Your Highness, I am Samuel," said the biggest one with long brown hair. The first thing Evie noticed was the two big scars running from the middle of his forehead down to his left cheek. Trying her best not to stare at his scars due to her surprise, Evie's curiosity was sparked because it was common knowledge that vampires heal themselves and if they do get healed, they would never be left with scars. So how was it that this man had a scar?

"My name is Levy. Nice to meet you My Lady." The man with a jolly and friendly smile introduced himself next. His hair was brown as well, but he had a neat haircut that complimented his good looks. The first thing Evie noticed about him was his wide, friendly smile.

"I'm Luc, My Lady." The third man was almost as tall as the huge Samuel. He looked aloof and expressionless. His tussled golden hair stood out and Evie thought that his bright hair – though gorgeous – gave quite the exact opposite feel of not complimenting his rather grey personality.

"I'm Zolan, My Lady." The fourth man had a lively voice and an energetic smile. He had long blond hair tied loosely behind him and Evie's eyes immediately caught the lone golden earing in his ear.

The last one had an innocent look. He was as tall as the others, but he looked young. His blue eyes and curly ash grey hair were standing out. "Reed, My Lady," he said simply.

"N-nice to meet you all." Evie was a little confused what was the point of the introductions. Back in the human empires, this wasn't a norm. There was no need for a soldier to do any introduction like this unless the person they were serving asked for their names. Moreover, they definitely were not Evie's men. They were her husband's. Why were they introducing themselves to her?

As though Gavriel had read her thoughts, the prince spoke. "These five are my most trusted men and they will be the ones guarding you whenever you venture outside our castle. So, it would be good if you memorized their names and faces."

Evie creased her brows. They were guarding her? Why did she need to be guarded? Vampires cannot touch her and harm her, right?

Before Evie could ask a question, another man approached them. The man doesn't feel intimidating and he wasn't a towering tree like Gavriel and the other five. He was wearing a kind smile and his demeanour was almost human-like. He even had the same red hair as her two human maids. Yet clearly, he wasn't human. He was a vampire. A weak vampire, maybe?

"I am pleased to meet you, Your Highness. I am Elias."

Evie slightly nodded in acknowledgement of his greeting and then Gavriel leaned in on her. "Are you ready?" he asked. "We're not going to use a carriage as we are already late. I will be carrying you in my arms, wife."

"O-okay," Evie could only nod and her approval made Gavriel's lips curved in a slight smile. Evie avoided looking at his face, so she didn't see how his gaze mischievously flickered.

Without wasting a moment, he bent and lifted her so easily it was as if she was made of paper. "Wrap your hands around my neck, wife." He said gently and Evie obeyed. Her eyes carefully avoided looking at his glorious face. This was the solution she had thought of to avoid temptation. She shouldn't look at him longer than necessary.

Her hands around his neck were so loose that she didn't even allow her hands to brush against his naked skin. However, the moment he leapt high above the ground; Evie's hands instinctively tightened around his neck.

She was holding her breath and her eyes were squeezed shut. This was the first time she experienced this. Were they flying?! She had always wondered how flying would be like before but now that she was experiencing it in the flesh, it actually felt scary.

When she felt him land, Evie let out the breath she wasn't even aware she was holding in and prepared herself for another leap. But the man holding her didn't move again.

"Open your eyes, Evielyn." His deep voice echoed, and she slowly opened her eyes. "I told you I will show you the city while we are on the way there."

"But… you said we're already late."

He smiled at her. The moonlight was so bright that night that she could see his other-worldly face clearly. "Yes, but it's fine. No one can scold us for being late." She saw a naughty yet seemingly dangerous glint in his eyes. Why was he so carefree? Weren't they going to meet the emperor? He is known to be the most powerful and dangerous being in this empire and perhaps even in the entire continent.

"Now look, Evielyn. This is the view of the city at night."

Evie could no longer resist. She slowly turned her head away from him and her lips parted at the sight that welcomed her. The vampires' imperial city was totally different from what she had imagined. It wasn't that creepy and lifeless place that she expected it to be. Lights were everywhere, the shadows of countless castles looming over certain sections of the city and the streetlights made it look so magical – as though she was looking at the imperial fairy city. How could a place that supposed to be hell-like end up looking so enchantingly picturesque!?

"Do you like it?" He asked and Evie couldn't even stop herself from nodding. "That's great. But we better move on. We can roam around on our way back."

The next second, they were flying through the air again. Evie fought her instincts to shut her eyes and when she looked down while they were in mid-air, she was surprised at the thrill and excitement she felt. She wasn't scared anymore, and she actually found herself enjoying it. Oh my, she was flying!

She was so busy enjoying the incredible experience that she almost asked Gavriel why had he stopped. Thankfully, she heard him speak before she could ask and embarrass herself. "We're here." He said as he put Evie down.

Evie turned and was speechless when she saw that they were already standing in front of a huge double door. This was obviously the palace's door. When she looked behind her, an even larger garden came into view. Oh my, just how big is this garden?

"Let me help you with your cloak, wife." Gavriel, pulled her attention back to him and Evie could only stood still as Gavriel carefully pulled down the hood of her cloak. While he removed the cloak from her, he whispered in her ear. "Are you ready?"

 

Chapter 14:Odd one

Exhilarating yet melodious Baroque-style music could be heard coming from the huge doors. It was apparent that there seemed to be a ball going on inside and that the event had long started. Did the vampire emperor throw a party to welcome her? Evie quickly shook her head and berated herself for the thought. There's no way they would do that. She was their enemy and Evie thought that everyone in this empire knew that. Even if this party was held because of her, she could only think of one reason. The emperor was probably planning to make her feel like she was wanted and welcomed in his empire and then make her drop her guard down.

"Scared?" that glorious voice yanked her from her deep thoughts and the moment Evie lifted her face, she stumbled back in surprise because he had bent so close Evie thought their faces would collide. He caught her waist with his strong arm.

Once Evie regained her balance, she took a step away from him. "Please stop surprising me like that." She muttered under her breath. Gavriel tilted his head, acting as though he had not heard her.

"My wife, we can go back if you're not ready yet," he said gently and Evie's eyes widened. W-what?! Was he really telling her this now? Why didn't he tell her this before he took her to this place?

Evie found herself tongue-tied. But she was more surprised at herself for actually not blurting out a big YES immediately so they could finally go back. She was very nervous and she knew she was never going to be prepared for this, so why was she hesitating?

After a long, motionless minute of indecision, Evie looked at the opened door. Her hands clenched under her cloak and reluctantly pointed out, "But we're already here," she uttered without looking at him. She didn't see how the corner of his lips curved up slightly in pure amusement.

"Right, the emperor must be getting so impatient now." He agreed and he moved in front of her. "Let me help you take your cloak off, wife."

Evie dropped her gaze after she nodded, determined not to break the rule she had just set for herself. However, she was curious as to why the prince was the one doing all these menial tasks for her. He had obviously introduced and brought the butler along with them on this trip, so why wasn't he letting the butler do this job instead?

She valiantly fought against herself on the temptation of wanting to peek at him and to her delight, she managed not to look until he finally took the cloak off her. Though was it just her imagination that she felt like the process of just removing the cloak seemed way too slow? It must be, she thought. The thought of it being something else just frightened her that she shied away from it.

After giving Evie's cloak to Elias, Gavriel offered his hand to Evie. His gaze not leaving her face. The fiery dress she was wearing created a beautiful contrast with her long silver hair. He thought she was like an exotic red rose under the moonlight.

When they finally entered and walked through the huge door, Evie could do nothing but look around and appreciate the lavish luxury inside the imperial palace. The place was nothing like she had ever seen. She thought all palaces were almost exactly the same but this one had surpassed every palace she had ever seen. Just how rich were these vampires?!

Finally, they stopped a few steps before another huge door that appeared to be the entrance towards a massive ballroom. Evie looked at Gavriel, curious as to why they halted.

"If anything troubles you or causes you to feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to tell me." He whispered, causing Evie to blink.

She could only nod, biting the inside of her lower lip. When they stepped forward, the music became louder in her ears. The lights of the massive chandeliers were a feast to the eyes. Just as she imagined, the ballroom screamed of nothing but magnificence and elegance. It was a dream place. Ladies in beautiful gowns and sparkling jewels were moving so gracefully while the men moved so gallantly in tandem with their partners. Everything and everyone truly were a breathtaking sight to behold.

The party was lively, and the atmosphere wasn't heavy at all. She could see the vampires enjoying themselves – smiling, talking and dancing. At that moment, one thought came to Evie's mind. These vampires' behaviours and actions truly were like humans. She surprised herself even as that thought arose in her mind. Had she ever thought what kind of life the vampires had aside from killing humans and drinking their blood? Never. Until now. Now that she thought about it and even witnessed it with her own eyes, she never would have thought they could even smile and laugh like her too.

As a strange emotion began to bloom inside her, she felt Gavriel's slight tug. "Let's go." He said and Evie nodded. She took a deep breath as she subconsciously tightened her grip on his strong arm.

The vampires began to notice them and Evie felt as if more and more eyes were being trained on them as they proceeded further into the ballroom. The uplifting and gentle music continued playing and the couples on the dance floor didn't stop, so why did it feel like the atmosphere suddenly became heavy? Evie's expression slowly changed. She could only think about one thing that moment and the fact that she must be the reason why the atmosphere changed. She was the only outlier there – the only odd one out. The vampires didn't welcome her presence. But they knew she was coming, didn't they? The vampire emperor himself was the one who invited her.

An announcement acknowledging the presence of the second prince and his wife reached Evie's ears and she further tightened her grip on Gavriel's hand.

The slow march towards the emperor's throne was one of the most unnerving march Evie went through ever – perhaps only second to her own wedding march down the aisle! She wondered if Gavriel could hear the loud thumping of her heart against her chest. It seemed as if he did because he was already leaning closer to whisper to her.

"Relax, wife. I am here." He said and Evie wondered how just his words could so easily made her heartbeat mellow out a little.

"I am pleased that you came tonight, Lady Evielyn." His voice sounded like deep flowing waters over the riverbed – quite unexpected looking at his big build.

Flustered, Evie bowed and greeted him. "The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty." She managed to say it all out without stammering. And after a few exchanged of words of pleasantries, Gavriel led her to their designated seats.

Evie felt relieved but as soon as they were seated, she could still feel that the atmosphere remained somewhat slightly tense. She finally looked around and when her eyes caught Gavriel's men, her brows creased. Something was off. This was a ballroom, why were they all armed and even looking alert?

She looked at Gavriel, and she finally realized that the man never spoke to the emperor. Why can't she remember the emperor throwing even a single glance towards her husband ever since they approached him? Did Gavriel even greet His Royal Father? He didn't!!

That realization shocked Evie. She looked around again and she couldn't help but think that perhaps her presence was not the main reason contributing to the change in that weird atmosphere in the ballroom. She didn't know why, but she had a gut feeling that the culprit wasn't actually her but her vampire prince husband – Gavriel. But why?

Chapter 15:Fiancée

As the music continued playing in the background, Evie distracted herself by looking around. A princess named Vera had approached her a while ago and just like the emperor, the woman was unexpectedly friendly to her. Though she hurriedly left right after greeting Gavriel in an obviously hasty manner.

Elias, who was standing behind Evie, told her that Vera was the only vampire princess of the empire. Evie found it surprising because back home, there were at least ten princesses in their empire. The difference was too huge! But maybe, there were more princes?

"How about the princes? How many are there?" Evie asked Elias. Even though Gavriel was sitting next to her, she preferred asking Elias. Apart from the fact that Elias was so easy to speak with, almost giving off the same vibe she got from both Fray and Gina, Evie also thought that this way, she could avoid getting close to Gavriel – especially avoiding those bewitching eyes of his.

"There's only two, my lady." The butler said. "The Crown Prince and His Highness Gavriel."

Evie's eyes widened. Really? Only two?! It seemed it was true that the vampires' ability to reproduce offspring was indeed very low compared to humans. Now she somewhat has an understanding on why the vampires ended up agreeing with the truce.

Having her mind preoccupied with her own thoughts, she didn't see how Gavriel threw a threatening gaze towards the poor butler. Evie was blissfully unaware that the butler behind her had took a few steps away from her upon receiving the cold glare until she turned back to ask more questions.

"Wife, how about we go and dance?" Gavriel's voice was so compelling that before she knew it, she found herself turning to stare at him.

Evie's brain screamed at her to avert her gaze and thankfully she managed to look away before she lost herself in that seemingly hypnotic eyes. Dance? With him? No! She was trying so hard to keep her distance from him so why would she agree to dance with him? She only agreed to come to this ball because he didn't give her the chance to refuse. And she thought that this would be a great opportunity to understand this place and even meet the emperor so that when the time comes, she might be able to use the information she gathered over this trip to help the humans – once her father comes to rescue her and bring her back to where she belong.

"I… I'm sorry but I…" she bit her lips as her shoulders tensed up. "I'm still –"

"It's fine if you're not ready yet." His pleasing voice yanked her eyes back to him and then, he smiled at her. It was a slow and gorgeous smile, Evie had to remind herself to breathe. My god! Was this man doing this on purpose? He's definitely seducing her, right?!

Quickly dropping her gaze before she loses control and end up gaping at him, Evie pressed her lips tight as she focused her attention to the couples on the dance floor. She did the right thing. She must do her best to refuse and maintain a distance from him. She must not dig her own grave by agreeing with everything he asks.

Gavriel fell silent after that and they both just sat there silently when a beautiful and voluptuous woman in a low-cut black gown approached them. The woman had long, and luxurious looking dark brown hair and her eyes were the colour of the forest. Evie could say, she was probably the most beautiful woman at the ball, even prettier than the blond-haired princess.

"Good evening, Your Highness." She greeted and for the first time that night, someone greeted Gavriel with a genuine smile and not one that was forced and tensed up. Unlike the others, even the emperor and the princess, this woman stared directly into Gavriel's eyes. She behaved as if she knew him and were more than close acquaintances. Moreover, unlike the others who had greeted her warmly first before her husband, the woman had yet to spare her a glance. "I was surprised that you actually attended a ball, Your Highness. And since it's very rare for you to attend this kind of occasion, will you dance with me?" she offered her hand in front of Gavriel, causing Evie's eyes to momentarily widen.

Evie suddenly felt something inexplicable inside her and she failed to stop herself from staring at Gavriel with questions in her eyes. She regretted her impulse because as soon as she looked, Gavriel was also looking at her and just like her, he seemed to be asking as well. Though their questions were completely different, him probably asking for her permission and her asking him who the woman was.

She bit the inside of her lip. For some reason, her brain was lagging and while she was momentarily dumbfounded, Gavriel looked at the woman and spoke. "This is my wife," Gavriel introduced and finally, the woman turned to face her.

"Evielyn," Evie managed to say.

The woman blinked and then smiled at her. "Nice to meet you, Lady Evielyn. I'm Thea. I am His Highness' fiancée."

Evie struggled to keep her serene expression. Fiancée? So that's why they were so casual with each other. Before Evie could even respond, Thea spoke again. "I believe it won't be a problem with you if I dance with His Highness, right?" she asked, and Evie didn't know why she had the sudden urge to clench her fists tight.

"Of course not, Lady Thea." She said without throwing a glance at Gavriel. She didn't see how the man's face went a few shades darker at her approval.

Thea smiled and the next moment, Evie watched Gavriel's back as he followed Thea out to the dance floor. The couples that were dancing even cleared a wide space for them in the middle of the vast ballroom.

Evie felt a sharp pinch in her hands and realised she was clenching her fists tight. She not only averted her gaze from them but also turned around from looking at the sight. Something was wrong with her. Why did she suddenly feel so awful? She did the right thing. She rejected his offer to dance with her, so naturally she didn't have the right to keep him next to her when a fair woman wanted to dance with him. She was very well educated when dealing with these kinds of situations. Even in the human empire, any lady can ask a prince or an emperor to dance if they're brave and noble enough. It was something that was normal, and she assumed it would be the same in this land…was it not? If that woman was the prince's fiancée, she must be a noble lady. She had the right to ask Gavriel for a dance so why was she feeling this way? This wasn't right.

Evie gave her head a little shake and then took a silent deep breath. She scolded herself inside her head and somehow, she managed to feel a little better. But the moment her eyes caught them on the dance floor, swaying so gracefully, staring into each other's eyes, and looking so perfect as if they were a couple made in heaven, something strange and awful bloomed inside Evie's heart.

Despite her struggles, she couldn't seem to contain this undesirable feeling eating her. She tried to push it away, knowing that it was ridiculous for her to suddenly feel something like this but why is it so hard for her to control these overwhelming responses? Why?

"Good evening, My Lady." A suave voice yanked her attention from the turmoil inside her. When she lifted her face, a tall and lean man was standing before her. He had intense sapphire blue eyes that seem to be able to pierce one's soul. His hair as blond and beautiful as the princess and the emperor. "I think I must introduce myself first." His smile was pleasing and lovely. "I'm Caius, Gavriel's brother."

Evie almost choked in surprise but somehow, she managed to keep her reactions to herself and outwardly remain graceful. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Crown Prince Caius. My name is –"

"Evielyn." He took the word out of her mouth with a smile before offering her his hand. "May I have this dance, My Lady?"

Evie didn't know what possessed her but before she could stop herself, she found herself accepting the crown prince's hand. She did that right after throwing a glance at Gavriel who couldn't seem to tear his eyes off the woman's face.

"Are you nervous?" The prince's deep voice nearly made her flinch. She finally realized his hand was already on her waist and that they were already dancing.

"Uhm… a little, Your Highness." She said as she looked up at him, momentarily putting her predicament in the background.

"Don't worry. I've got you," he assured her. As Evie looked at him, she couldn't help but admire his good looks. He wasn't as otherworldly as Gavriel but he still had the appearance that could break many female hearts. But wait… wasn't he Gavriel's brother? Now that she looked closely at him, Evie realized that Gavriel had nothing in common with this man. Evie then realised that the emperor and the princess had the same sapphire blue eyes and same blond hair as this crown prince. Why is it that only Gavriel looked completely different from the three of them – these three whom he calls family?

 

Chapter 16:Human

"I hope Gavriel is treating you well, Lady Evielyn. I'm afraid he wouldn't know how to be gentle to such a lady as yourself." The crown prince said in a low voice. Evie almost frowned but thankfully she managed to keep her face cool and collected. She was thinking perhaps the man wasn't saying these words to mock Gavriel as he seemed genuinely concerned about her. But why would he be worried in the first place?

"His Highness Gavriel is treating me well. He's in fact…" Evie remembered how gentle Gavriel had been to her ever since she met him at the altar on that night of their wedding. "He's very gentle to me, Your Highness."

"I see… that's a relief then. Nonetheless, I believe I must warn you, my lady. My brother might look harmless but he's a dangerous man. I want you to keep that in mind and never try to provoke him."

Evie could no longer keep her face straight. She didn't understand why this Prince was telling her something like this. Isn't this the first time they are meeting each other, much less speak to either party? She would've slightly understood if he was trying to destroy Gavriel's image in her eyes but that did not seem to be his aim. What exactly was he aiming for by bringing these matters up? Was he trying to scare her?

"I… I appreciate your concern, Your Highness but please don't worry… I am very aware that vampires are dangerous for a mere human like myself. I wouldn't dare provoke him or anyone in this land." Evie tried to respond as calm as she could.

The Prince's sapphire eyes seemed to have deepened in colour as he moved slightly closer. "It seemed you still know nothing about your husband Lady Evielyn. I know he vowed never to harm you but there are times when my brother loses control of himself. If in any case, you feel something off about him…" he paused and he looked as though he was scanning his surroundings before he continued. "Stay away from him and don't ever dream of provoking him."

"W-why are you telling me these?"

"Because I don't want a war suddenly breaking out if something happens to you." He calmly responded. Evie tried to look for any sign of lies in his striking blue eyes, but all his face was only showing that he truly was concerned for her well-being. "My brother had been away for many years. He had just returned from a long… journey." Evie sensed as though he had just omitted something from his earlier sentence. "We thought he's long dead, but he came back alive. Many things… changed in him since then. So, I am trying to warn you beforehand because I know my brother will not tell you about this."

"You mean… about his journey and the changes in him?"

"Yes. He never talks about anything related to his journey. So as the crown prince and his older brother, I believe it's better for me to let you know about this. I believe this is important. For your sake, My Lady."

Evie blinked and all she could do was nod. "I understand. I will keep that in mind, Your Highness."

He gave her a kind smile and Evie could only smile back to him. Curiosity had flooded her mind. She wanted to know more about Gavriel.

She turned her head to look for her husband and to her shocked surprise, those beautiful but piercing eye were trained on her. Evie subconsciously swallowed because for a moment, she thought he was angry. However, when the woman touched Gavriel's face to look at her, the awful feeling in her stomach that had momentarily disappeared returned – and this time, with a vengeance.

"I never thought you're a possessive woman, Lady Evielyn." Prince Caius yanked her attention away from Gavriel. W-what? Her? Possessive?

Evie was speechless. She felt like her brain was having a hard time functioning. "I… I…"

"I hope Gavriel had explained to you on the matter about Lady Thea." The crown prince ventured a guess and when Evie's expression sold her out that Gavriel had never mentioned anything, Caius sighed. "You already know that vampires are no longer monogamous, right?" he asked, and Evie nodded. She had heard about this before. At one point, a long time ago, vampires were one-woman creatures. However, since the war against the dragons started, the emperor at that time had changed the law, allowing the vampires to take more than one wife, for the sake of increasing their population. "Of course, it is not a forced thing. Most vampires still have one wife even to these days but Gavriel's case is different so he must not sever his engagement to Lady Thea."

"G-Gavriel's case?"

Evie was about to ask again when the music ended – having them bow and curtsy to each other as was the custom. As they faced each other again, the crown prince smiled at her as Evie immediately whipped her head towards where Gavriel was standing.

When she saw his back as he held Thea's arm heading towards the balcony, Evie found herself being overwhelmed with intense new emotions. She didn't even realize that she was back in her seat until the crown prince spoke to her again.

"It was nice talking to you, Lady Evielyn. If you have more questions, we can have a further discussion at the balcony, since it looks as if my brother is still occupied." The prince flashed her a friendly smile, but Evie could no longer fake her expression as her face fell.

She bowed in apology. "Pardon me, Your Highness but I would like to retire for the night now. As you said, I'm only a human so I need my rest. It was a pleasure talking to you." Evie did not know what was coming over her. Her chest felt tight and seemed to be hurting without actually feeling the pain. Weirdly enough, her eyes felt hot and were stinging something fierce. She moved unconsciously, not noticing how her feet hurried her along in her quest in needing to find a place where she could be alone and try to figure out this mess that is in her head.

Without giving the crown prince a chance to reply, she curtsied low and walked away in haste. The crown prince watched the beautiful human girl in red as three of Gavriel's men immediately followed after her. As soon as the lady in red was gone, the prince's sapphire blue eyes sharpened intensely before his gaze fell to the balcony where Gavriel had gone out from just a moment ago.

 

Chapter 17:What's wrong?

"Let's end our engagement, Thea." Gavriel's tone was hard and firm. The atmosphere in the balcony abruptly turned incredibly chilly. Gavriel was berating himself for actually forgetting about this. He should've dealt with Thea first before bringing his wife in the palace. But the matter of his prior engagement to Thea absolutely slipped his mind. It would be fair to even say it probably didn't weigh much in his mind in the first place. He should've spoken to Thea as soon as he arrived in the capital while his wife was still asleep!

"No." Thea didn't even hesitate. Her gaze on Gavriel was serious and unrelenting. Looking as though she would never give in no matter what Gavriel say or do to her.

Gavriel looked surprised at Thea's answer. It never crossed his mind that she would refuse. To the vampires, engagements were as serious as vows. Even if it was an engagement made by politics, it was something that wasn't easily severed. The engagement could only be legally severed if both parties are in mutual agreement to break it. If one of them refuse, no one could break the engagement. This was why Gavriel had hated his forced engagement to Thea. He knew that the emperor had arranged this engagement so he would be tied to something, since Thea's father was the emperor's loyal general.

Gavriel didn't hate Thea because it wasn't her fault and since they were young, Thea had never clung onto him like some desperate female. Before he left the empire, the two of them rarely see or even talk to each other. They had never even tried to form any romantic connections with each other before and that was why Gavriel even forget that he had a fiancée sometimes. He knew that the same was true with Thea. Even when they first met, they never enjoyed each other's company. And Thea had never tried approaching him before. She only started approaching him and talking to him when he returned just more than a month ago. So why was she refusing the annulment of their engagement now?

"I don't mind, Gavriel."

Her answer made Gavriel's eyes narrow. "I mind. You know I will never have more than one wife."

"I know."

"Then why are you refusing? Did your father threaten you?"

Thea played with her dark brown locks as she answered. "No. My decision has nothing to do with father or anyone else. This is my own decision."

Gavriel's jaws tightened. "Then what exactly do you want to happen for still refusing like this?"

There have been many cases of vampire engagements where one party refuses to end the engagement. But because of the vampire's law allowing polygamy, the man can always marry someone else even if he was still engaged to another girl. Thus, most of the females who refused to sever the engagement gave up in the end while some just let it until they got married to someone else.

"She's a human, Your Highness. If she's a vampire, I'd give you up right here, right now. But she's a human."

"What exactly are you trying to say? So what if she's human?" Gavriel didn't know why but he was ticked off. He wasn't usually like this. He had dealt with so many sensitive and political issues before and nothing could make him lose his cool. So why was he suddenly pissed that Thea was pointing out that his wife was just a human?

"Your Highness, I'm certain you know what I'm trying to –"

"Just say it, Thea."

Thea was surprised. Was he testing her? She knew just how intelligent this man was. This prince wasn't someone who needs explanations about obvious things such as this. And why does he sound irked and angry? Was he so pissed and angry his emotions were getting the better of him? Thea silently gnashed her teeth. She knew what kind of man this prince was. In fact, she had never seen him so emotional and worked up like this before. He was always calm and collected even in battles and even in front of the emperor so why was he acting like some short-tempered and dumb now? There was just no way he didn't understand what she had meant! But fine, if he wanted her to spell it out for him, then she'd be happy to say it.

"She's a human so she can only be your wife for the next few decades, Gavriel. When she –"

"Enough." He cut her off and Thea was once again surprised at the intensity of his voice.

"I can wait for you so there's no need to end our engagement. A few decades isn't that long –"

"I said, enough." His voice wasn't loud but the harshness and coldness in them skyrocketed. Even his calm demeanor was gone Thea's lips parted in shock because of the darkness he had emitted just to make her shut her mouth. Why? Why was this man acting like this now? Her relationship with Gavriel was no different with that human girl. That human was married off to him because of mere politics too. So why was he reacting like he hated the fact that she pointed out blunt facts?

Thea felt her blood boiling, unaware that her eyes were turning red. "No matter what you say, I will never let our engagement end. I told you, I don't mind waiting for you. And besides, it didn't seem like your wife mind it at all, Your Highness."

As though something had snapped inside him, Gavriel froze for a moment. His reaction didn't escape Thea's eyes and she smirked inwardly. "I could tell she's fine with it. From what I observed she might not even care if you take another wife. Now I can't help but wonder… does she even like you at all, Your Highness? She must be seeing you as nothing but a monster like all humans th –"

"Thea."

With just that one word, Thea clamped her mouth tight. The chill that enveloped her body forced her to subconsciously flinch back. No one ever uttered her name that way before. That voice was filled with dangerous warnings that sounded so much like death that came knocking early on her door, terrified her more than the emperor's or her father's raging voice. W-when did this man change so much? When did he become this scary?

He stepped closer to her and leaned over. His killing aura was barely kept veiled and eyes dangerously cold, as if something sucked up all the light in his pair of beautiful moon-kissed eyes. "Listen, and listen very carefully," he whispered. "Evie's going to be my one and on-"

Before Gavriel could even finish his sentence, Samuel emerged from the door. As soon as Gavriel met Samuel's eyes and received the report that his wife had left the ballroom, he leaped from the veranda and his three men followed behind him, not even throwing a glance at the woman he had left behind.

While he was in the air, he spotted his beautiful rose under the moonlight rushing down the staircase as if she was trying to run all the way across the vast garden, right up to the palace's gate.

He landed right in front of her, causing Evie to gasp. "Wife," he said as he approached her. "You want to go home now? Come, I'll carry you –"

"No!" Evie's exclamation was sharp against the silence of the night and Gavriel's low baritone. Her voice even cracked as she stretched out her hands to stop him from touching her.

"What's wrong? Are you alright? Did something happen?" he asked worriedly, but Evie gritted her teeth and pushed his outreached hands away.

"Nothing's wrong! Nothing happened! You just go back to your fiancée now. Elias can bring me home!" she yelled at him as she kept pushing his reaching hands and was actively avoiding his touch like the plague.

Gavriel caught her wrists and made her look at him. He was no fool as he heard and observed how her voice trembled and sounded strained as she said the word 'your fiancée' and considering how frantic and distressed her movements were. His eyes smoldering and filled with wonder as he looked at her. "Wife, are you jealous?" he tilted his head slightly as he asked and Evie turned to a frozen statue. Oh my! W-what was she doing?! What was she doing?!! This can't be… she can't be acting like this! No! No! This can't be happening!

Chapter 18:Grave mistake

The silence that followed Gavriel's question was deafening as Evie was utterly tongue-tied. Her lips trembling a little as she could only look at him with wide eyes. No matter how much she tried, she could not deny the shocking and foreign emotions that had flooded her insides since she saw him dancing with Thea. The question had struck her damned hard.

"No! J-jealous?! W-why would I be jealous?!" She stammered as she took a step back, shaking her head forcefully as if to also convince herself of that statement, as she dropped her eyes to the ground, avoiding Gavriel's eyes.

Gavriel watched her carefully and something gleamed in his eyes. His thin lips slightly twitching as if he was suppressing a smile. In the end, he caught his lower lip between his perfect white teeth and silently looked elsewhere to get his bearing.

When he returned his gaze to her, his expression was serious but gentle. He took a step closer, but Evie stepped back, causing him to sigh.

"Look at me, wife." His voice was compelling and warm. Yet Evie turned away, showing him her blatant defiance. "If you're not jealous, then why are you reacting like this?"

Evie's grip on her skirt tightened and she felt her body about to tremble. "I said, I'm not! I just want to leave this place, now!" she yelled at him, unaware that she was looking as though she was about to cry.

Gavriel stilled and became silent. His gaze never leaving her face. After another moment of observing her distraught face, his low and husky voice filled the silence. "Okay, I understood. I'll take you home, now."

He offered her his hand and Evie's gaze settled on it. Why does he always do this? Why did he always offer her his hand like this? She had just yelled at him and yet he's still…

Evie knew that every time she accepts this large, warm and strong hand, she was letting him come a step closer to her. And if she was honest to herself – a step closer towards her heart too. Since their eyes first met that night of their wedding, Evie had been running on adrenaline and emotions that had been centred on this man before her. She couldn't believe that it's only been a few days and she was already this overwhelmed. Evie was starting to feel scared and worried because she was not a fool not to understand the reasons behind her very own actions and emotions. At this rate, if she let him come any closer than this, she was terrified of the consequences. It would be unimaginable!

Tightening her grip on her skirt even harder, Evie steeled herself. Her gaze still not landing on his person even once.

Evie waited for him to retract his hand and when he didn't, she began to feel a little anxious. Was her refusal still not enough? As she was struggling to think about her next move, Gavriel spoke.

"I'm afraid your request came a little too late now, wife. Everyone already left just a while ago."

His words made Evie whipped around just to see that the men behind her were gone. Her lips parted in disbelief and then, she found herself turning to stare at him. He was rubbing the back of his neck as he looked at her with an apologetic gaze, causing Evie to fall even more speechless.

Evie didn't know that while she was refusing to look into Gavriel's eyes, the man had been ordering his men to disappear and leave before him despite their strong refusal. Gavriel had somehow foreseen that his wife would try to distance herself from him again and he was glad he had seen that coming.

"Now let's go. Before the emperor sends someone to call us back inside." He reached for her hand and without giving her a moment to protest, he lifted Evie, princess-like, and leapt from the ground.

All Evie could do was wrap her arms around his neck and as her forehead brushed against his jaw, she felt like he had smiled. He pulled her head back to look at his face. "Did you… just smile?" she asked, her expression still serious.

Gavriel craned his head a little. "Am I not allowed to smile too? Wife?"

Evie blinked. "T-that's not what I meant…" she stammered in surprise. "And what do you mean by 'too'?"

"Well, I figured I am not allowed to accept anyone's offer to dance with me because it will make my wife angry."

His words made Evie looked like a blow had struck her, hard. While she was tongue-tied, Gavriel continued.

"If smiling will make you angry as well, then I shall not –"

"D-don't be ridiculous. Why would you smiling make me angry?" she blurted and then the sly prince turned his smile on. That smile that was enough to turn any woman's brain to mush and make her voluntarily crawl into his bed.

When Evie saw that smile, she didn't know why but she felt like she had just made one of the greatest mistakes in her life.

"If my smile won't make you angry, then I think I should smile more –"

"No!"

"No?"

"I… I mean… don't smile when there's no reason. Else… you'll look like a fool."

He chuckled and Evie felt like she just brainlessly committed another grave mistake. She must get away from this dangerous man. She couldn't believe that even his laughter could gravely affect her.

 

Chapter 19:Non-related

"Of course." His eyes gleamed with pure amusement as he landed on the roof top of a certain castle. Evie waited for him to leap again and when he didn't move, she lifted her face to look at him. She regretted immediately because his eyes held hers in an intense but still somehow sad gaze now. "You're not angry with me, anymore?" he asked.

When Evie couldn't find her voice, he looked at her while patiently awaiting her response. And then he sat on top of the watchtower's edge, with her in his lap.

"Still angry?" he whispered again after a long while of silence, causing Evie to swallow. She managed to pull her eyes off him and when she looked down, wonder filled her eyes. She felt like she had been transported to a different world. She had never once thought or imagined that a night could be this alive and vivacious.

'So, this is how the world looks like when everyone doesn't sleep and rest at night.' She thought to herself. Because this vampire's capital had so many bigger castles compared to any human cities she had ever seen, the lights from the castles and the big houses and the streets spread throughout the land as far as she could see.

The view was so different and breath-taking, but it still wasn't enough to distract her from the man holding her.

"W-why did we stop?" she asked instead.

"Because it's not good if we reached home while you're still angry with me."

Evie blinked at him again as she creased her brows. "Was that… vampires' belief?"

"Well…" Gavriel tilted his head slightly. "Yes. It's our castle's long tradition that a husband shouldn't bring an angry wife home, and vice versa. They said that's a bad luck that could ruin the household."

"What? Vampires believe in bad luck?!!" Evie's eyes were wide in disbelief.

"No. I am trying to soothe your anger."

Evie could no longer keep her expression in check, and she buried her face in her palms to hide her expression. What should she do? Was she really doomed now? Oh please, Evie… hold your ground!

"I… I am not angry with you anymore." She uttered in a small voice.

"Really?" his voice sounded worried, but she nodded frantically. All she wanted now was for them to go back so she could escape from his clutches. If they were to stay here any longer than this…

"Yes. So, let's go home now, Gavriel. Please." Her voice was so weak it was barely a whisper.

Gavriel silently stared at her as she continued hiding her face in her hands. He lifted his hand and was about to touch her hair that was being blown about by the breeze, but he stopped. He retracted his hand and finally, he stood.

Without a word he leapt, and it didn't take long for them to reach Gavriel's castle. As soon as Gavriel put Evie down, Evie curtsied to her husband and wished him goodnight before immediately running towards the grand staircase without turning back.

As soon as Evie's back disappeared from his view, Gavriel ran his fingers through his raven black hair. "Elias." He called out as his silver-grey eyes sharpened.

"Yes, Your Highness." Elias appeared before him.

"I need you to investigate Lady Thea's motive on refusing to break our engagement. I need results as soon as possible."

Though Elias looked surprised, he didn't dare ask further questions. "Yes, Your highness."

Once Elias was gone, another man appeared before Gavriel. It was Zolan. The most intelligent of his men. "What is it?"

"The emperor has started his move, Your Highness."

Gavriel smiled. But it was a smile way far from the kind of smile he had showed to Evie. His smile that moment was sinister and screaming with dark and wicked amusement. "Gather everyone in the hall." He ordered and Zolan gave a curt nod.

...

As soon as Evie rushed in, she closed the doors to their chambers. She then rested her arms against the wall and leaned her forehead there, feeling totally drained emotionally. Her mind and heart were in chaos; the kind of chaos she didn't know how to deal with. She wasn't prepared for something like this. God knows how she had worked so hard for many days to learn everything that was related to vampires, their customs, habits and whatever she could get her hands on, all just to help her survive in the vampire's land. She had even trained herself on how to deal with her fears and how to react if it overtakes her. A general even made her memorize the exact words she should say if and when any vampires threaten or blackmail her to divulge information about the dragon keeper, her father. It was these kinds of extreme matters which had been the main content of her brain for days before her wedding.

Never in a million years would she have even imagined that there would come a time that she had to deal with something completely different and non-related. She never thought she would end up having to deal with herself first, more specifically the matters of her own heart, that had already started rebelling against herself. What should she do?

Chapter 20:Rumour

Evie didn't realize that she had been keeping that position for quite long while until a knock pulled her attention back to the present.

Fray and Gina emerged from the door with wide smiles as they greeted her.

"Good evening, Milady. We came to help you get changed," said Fray and Evie tried her best to maintain as normal a smile at them both.

The maids then hovered around her while Evie silently let them do their job. Her mind was still wandering, but her brows occasionally pulled together, as though a certain thought kept popping in her head to disturb the flow of her mind.

"Milady, would you want to go somewhere after your rest?" Gina asked politely and Evie almost frowned because she knew it was already past midnight. Thankfully, she managed to stop herself in time as she quickly realized that she was in a different world now. The opposite to the world she came from – a world where people moved around during the bright daylight and enjoy their rest when it was dark. Was she going to live like the vampires now? Was she going to stay awake during the night and sleep during the day?

As Evie looked to the pitch-black darkness outside her window, her thoughts flew back to the bright and sunny Southern Empire, her home. She was in a place that was far, far away from that familiar and comforting scene now and that realization that slammed into her heart made her feel an overpowering sense of homesickness within her.

"If it would please you, milady, it is be our pleasure to bring you to the garden." Gina's voice was careful and gentle. Evie could tell that the maids must have felt the roller-coaster of her emotions because she was too caught up in her reminiscing that she forgot to hide it.

Clearing her throat, Evie centred and composed herself. She knew she couldn't sleep even if she forced herself because she had slept for so long. But she also could not bring herself to agree with them. Why would she go out at night? She was not a vampire.

Suddenly, words from her advisors back home echoed in her head and as though something enlightened her, Evie shook her head at her maids. "It's okay, I'm fine. I am not used to moving about in the darkness so I doubt I can enjoy the view of the garden much when it's dark. I will try to sleep tonight so I can visit the garden in the morning."

One of her advisors told her that she must continue living the way she usually does. If she sleeps when the vampires were active, she could avoid them. Evie thought this was the best way she could avoid her husband. And since he wanted them to sleep in the same bed, this would solve her dilemma on how she could avoid him.

"We understand, milady. We will also go to bed soon, so we'll be awake in the morning."

"Yes." Evie nodded as they again changed her clothes into a sleeping gown.

"How's the ball, Milady? I hope you enjoyed it." Gina asked innocently and Evie was then again reminded of all the emotional roller coaster that overshadowed the luxurious event. She gave her head a little shake to force the emotions that bubbled inside her again.

"The palace is really very grand, and the emperor seemed kind. The crown prince is also surprisingly quite friendly." Evie commented and she was surprised at the momentary shock on Fray and Gina's face.

"We are happy to know that they treated you well, milady."

Evie was suspicious at their reaction. For some reason, Evie thought that her maids reacted the same way how the vampires inside the grand hall reacted when she and Gavriel arrived in the palace. Now that she thought about it, the question she'd been wandering about when she was dancing with the crown prince came to her mind.

"I noticed…" she started hesitantly. "Gav… my husband seemed to be on bad terms with the emperor and his brother and sister. It might just be my imagination though…" she let her statement trail off.

Carefully watching her maids' expressions, Evie saw them glanced at each other. Her curiosity then got the better of her and she sat up straight and faced them, giving them the most piercing and probing look she could summon.

"Uhm…" Fray nudged Gina when they realized Evie pinning them with her very obviously questioning gaze. After a long stretch of awkward silence, Fray was the one who relented and spoke up. "Your observation is not misplaced, milady. Everyone knows that His Highness Gavriel is not on good terms with his royal family."

"Why? Is it because Gavriel has a different mother?" Evie asked. She recalled her observations on how Gavriel's appearance and colouring was so very different from the rest of the royal family. No matter how one changed angles or views, Gavriel does not resemble the emperor or his siblings at all.

There was another round of silence. Evie could tell that the maids were having a bloody battle against themselves whether they should speak or not.

When Evie realized their struggle, she waved her hand, signalling them to stop but she didn't hide her disappointment. "It's okay, I understand. I shall go to bed now." She said in a sullen voice and guilt flashed in the maids' eyes.

As Evie sat at the edge of the bed, Gina suddenly approached Evie and she dropped to her knees as she looked up at Evie. "We will tell you what we know but this needs to be kept a secret between us, okay? Milady?" The maid whispered as she glanced at the door.

Fray was already standing by the door as if guarding it. Evie blinked. She realized that the information they're going to tell her must be something confidential. She knew the risk. These two maids might be punished severely if it was found out that they gave the secret away, but her curiosity was so strong she couldn't refuse to hear it.

"Of course, Gina. This will only between the three of us." Evie replied sincerely and Gina nodded. Her gaze became incredibly serious as she continued whispering to Evie.

"It is said that all vampire royal family in the past since the beginning of time has that distinct feature of having raven black hair and their eyes are the colour of the cold grey moon." Said Gina and Evie immediately frown. The emperor, the crown prince and the princess all had a sapphire blue eyes and blond hair. Now that Evie thought about it, she had yet to see a vampire with raven black hair and moon-like grey eyes except Gavriel. Even within the crowd of vampires who were at the imperial palace, she never saw anyone with black hair except her husband.

With a shocked expression, Evie looked at Gina in confusion. The maid continued after seeing her reaction. "There's a rumour that the current emperor is not the real vampire royalty and that includes the crown prince and the princess as well. Rumour has it too, that the real and only royal bloodline still alive right now is our very own prince Gavriel, milady. Your husband."