Royal Revelations

The carriage wheels rolled over the cobblestone with a rhythmic clatter, echoing the tumultuous beat of my heart. I sat across from Deaken and Damon, both looking dashing in their formal attire, yet the air was thick with unspoken tension.

Deaken caught my eye, offering a reassuring smile. “You look stunning, Caroline,” he said, his voice a soft melody amidst the silence. “Just remember, no matter what happens tonight, you’re not alone.”

I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. “Thank you, Deaken,” I replied, my voice laced with gratitude. “Your presence is a comfort to my unease.” He nodded, his eyes reflecting the moonlight.

Damon spoke up, “Caroline there are a few things you should know about my father.” He gave a look to Deaken, “He’s going to try and get you along tonight. I am almost sure of it. That’s why Deaken is here, I need you to promise me you won’t leave his sight.”

“Why is he going to try and isolate me?” I said, looking between the two of them.

“Do you remember what I told you about only being able to drink your blood?” Damon asked me, so I shook my head yes. He can only drink from my blood line due to a curse placed on both our families. “That means my father and brother can and more than likely will try and drink from you.”

I understand why he wouldn’t want to leave me alone with either of them. “What do to feed in between binding ceremonies?” This is something that has bothered me for a while now.

“We have gotten creative over the years. I can’t tell you what the others do to stay alive but as for myself I keep a blood bank. It's filled with blood from many of your relatives I even have a small supply of yours.” He grinned over at me, that cheeky bastard.

Now I know why someone would show up at the house every few months to take our blood. My father told us it was to help someone who needed it more than us. It’s all starting to make sense now. “Don’t they have their own people to drink from?” It’s weird to think I might run into an aunt I have never met, or maybe a grandmother.

Damon answered my question with a look of sadness. “I don’t know what your father has shared with you about our history. Your father had a sister and she had been given to my brother, Adrian. Everything was fine for a few years, but we don’t allow contact with your family once you are turned. Adrian found her talking to your father one day in his courtyard. He didn’t hesitate to kill her; your father saw everything that night. I was honestly surprised to find out he had children after that. I didn’t think he would. My father is in possession of your great aunt, but she has grown rather old. I don’t believe she will be with us much longer.”

My father never told me any of this, then again, he might have if he was still alive. “Why haven’t any of them been turned like I was?”

Deaken looked at Damon just as curious as I was, Damon just chuckled. “I honestly didn’t know if it would work. I have been working with a witch to undo the curse but sadly after many years we could only find a way to turn you.”

I looked at him in complete shock, “you would have actually killed me if it didn’t work.”

“But it did and now my father wants to see if it worked.” He laughed out loud, “I’m the only one still alive that knows how to pull it off.”

Deaken looked like he wanted to kill Damon in that moment, “Is her life some game to you?” He shouted; I could hear the threat in his tone as Nekio growled along with him.

“If I didn’t turn her my brother would have tried to kill her to keep me weak. You know as well as I do my father is losing his grip on the throne. It’s only a matter of time before one of us will have to take over.”

Deaken gave me look of longing, “She is so much more than a blood bag.” Oh, my sweet wolf I wish I could kiss you right now.

As Deaken’s words hung in the air, I turned to find Damon’s gaze was fixed outside the window, his jaw set in a firm line. “My father and I… we see the world differently,” he murmured, almost to himself. “But tonight, let’s not dwell on the shadows of the past. We just need to get out of here alive.”

As the carriage halted, my breath caught. The grandeur of the palace loomed before us, intimidating yet alluring. Damon offered his hand as we alighted, his touch steady but cold. “Father has strong opinions about… everything,” he warned, his voice laced with a hint of bitterness. “Don’t take it to heart. He requested we come here for a reason. Stay on your toes until we return home.” He placed my hand in his arm to guide me to the door. I was thankful to have Deaken with me his warmth acts as an anchor in the chilled night air.

Stepping into the grand hall, I felt a wave of unease. The murmur of the court filled the air, a stark contrast to the silence outside. I caught bits of conversation, many of them envious I was on his arm and not them. I knew I was in a pit of snakes the second the door was open. I just hope I don’t get poisoned.

Damon led us forward, his posture rigid, as we approached the throne. Every step I could feel my body willing me to run in the opposite direction. The king’s eyes met mine, and in that moment, I understood the weight of the crown and the chasm between father and son.