Meeting The King

As I stood before the king, his piercing gaze felt like it could unravel my very soul. The whispers of the court ceased as he rose from his throne, his presence commanding silence. “Welcome,” he began, his voice resonant, “to my domain.” I stepped into the presence of the king; I could feel the weight of centuries in his gaze. The king, a figure of imposing authority, regarded her with a mix of curiosity and avarice. “So, you are the one,” he began, his voice resonant in the cavernous hall. “The first of your bloodline to be turned, a rare vintage for an aging palate.”

I stood firm, though my heart raced. Damon’s grip on my hand tightened, a silent vow of protection. “Father, she is under my care,” Damon interjected, his tone respectful yet defiant.

The king’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint within. “Your care? Or your possession?” he challenged. “I am intrigued by this… development. Perhaps it is time I tasted the fruits of your labor.” He eyed me up in down as if I was a meal for him to eat.

Damon moved to position himself between his father and I while Deaken stood at my back. “She is not a commodity to be consumed at your leisure,” he stated, the threat in his voice barely contained. “I will not allow you to use her as you have used others.”

The tension in the room was palpable, a silent battle of wills unfolding before the court. Most on lookers stared at us as if we had been the entertainment for tonight. I knew I was more than a mere pawn in their game of power. I was a symbol of change. A defiance of the old ways, and I would not be broken like their last pawns.

As the standoff in the grand hall intensified, the king’s expression shifted from predatory to pensive. “Very well,” he conceded with a wave of his hand, “I shall respect your claim—for now. But remember, Damon, everything within these walls is mine to command.”

Damon nodded, acknowledging his father’s authority while maintaining his protective stance. “Understood, Father. But she is under my protection, and I will not falter in my duty.”

The king settled back into his throne, his gaze lingering on me with an unreadable expression. “We shall see,” he murmured1. “The night is long, and the court is full of eyes and ears. Be wary, child of the night, for not all are pleased with your ascension.”

With a subtle gesture from Damon, we began to retreat from the throne, the eyes of the court following our every move. Deaken’s presence at my back was a comforting reminder that I was not alone in this den of intrigue.

As we navigated through the throng of nobles, whispers and stares accompanied us, a mixture of envy and speculation. But I held my head high, bolstered by the strength of my companions. Tonight, I was more than a mere curiosity. I was a force to be reckoned with, and the game had only just begun. We made our way over to a dark corner as I tried to ignore the eyes I could feel crawling all over me.

Deaken was the first to break the tension that was building in our group. “Caroline, look at me.” I drew my eyes up to his, this was the first time I had sensed any real fear from him. “I know this world is full of dangers, especially tonight. But I swear on my life, no harm will come to you as long as I draw breath.”

“Deaken, your words… they mean everything to me. But the weight of the crown, the court’s whispers, it’s all so overwhelming.” I spoke to him honestly.

He brushed the stray hair from my face, whispering sweet words to me. “Forget the crown, forget the court. It’s just you and me against the world. I’ve faced down beasts and brutes, but nothing scares me more than the thought of losing you.”

Oh, how my heart ached for him. I wanted him, every part of him. “Your courage gives me strength. With you by my side, I feel like I can face anything, even the k...”

Damon cleared his throat, cutting me off midsentence. “The walls have ears.”

Realization dawned on me; I had gotten so swept up in what Deaken had said that I had forgotten we had an audience. I bowed to Damon slightly, “I apologize Damon. I had forgotten myself.”

He nodded his head, reaching out a hand to me, “let us dance. If they are going to stare, we might as well give them something to look at.”

Damon's hand was cool and firm in mine as he led me to the center of the grand hall. The orchestra struck up a haunting melody, one that seemed to echo the tumultuous emotions swirling within me. As we began to dance, I could feel the eyes of the court upon us, their whispers a distant murmur.

With each step, Damon guided me effortlessly, his movements precise and graceful. "Focus on the dance," he whispered, his breath a cool caress against my ear. "Let them watch and wonder." He stroke the bare skin on my back, his cold hands acting as an anchor.

As we twirled, I caught a glimpse of Deaken, his expression a mix of concern and admiration. I longed to reassure him, to tell him that I was playing my part in this dangerous game. But for now, all I could do was dance. Damon was my husband and I his wife. I may long for Deaken, but I have a duty to Damon.

The song ended, and the applause was thunderous. Damon bowed deeply, his gaze never leaving mine. "You were magnificent," he said, a rare smile touching his lips.

I couldn't help but smile back, despite the unease that clung to me like a shadow. "Thank you, Damon. For everything." I genuinely meant that.

He nodded, his eyes darkening with an emotion I couldn't quite place. "Come, let's retire from the floor. There are matters we need to discuss in private."

As we made our way through the throng of nobles, I knew that the night was far from over.