THE KING’S INVITATION

FREDA

I cocked my head to the side in confusion as I saw the dress on his arm. The only reason my father would bring a dress to my room would be to obviously give it to me but yet it only further added to my confusion. Why would he suddenly gift me a dress? The last time this man gave me a gift was……I don’t even remember, that’s how bad it was.
My father carefully dusted the dress and then he began to walk towards me, dress in hand. He stopped when he was an arm’s length away from me and then he stretched the hand that had the dress towards me.
“Take it.” He said simply with a stoic expression and I just had the insane urge to wipe the stoicism of his face with a punch. Did he really expect me to just accept his ‘gift’ without an explanation?
“I’m thankful you saved me from Licita and healed my wounds but that doesn’t mean I would forgive you for everything you put me through. If this gift of yours is for that purpose, you might as well keep it.” I spat out while holding my father’s gaze with a glare of my own.
“It’s for the dinner that’s happening tomorrow. You need to appear in proper clothes.” My father explained coldly and stretched out his hand once again. I stood without moving a muscle and he just sighed and threw the dress on the bed.
“Get some rest and try to stay out of trouble.” My father warned and he began to walk out of the room.
“Why did you intervene and save me. You could have just ignored me and walked away. Like you usually do.” I fired a question at him as I stared at his broad back.
Ever since we came her, he had been acting weird but in a good way. He protected me from Licita, healed my wounds and got me this fancy new dress. Something he would have never done if we were back at the pack. He must have an ulterior motive.
“Get some sleep.” He left me with those final words as he walked out of the room and closed the door.
I sighed and decided not to think too much about it. I walked towards me bed and sat on it while observing the dress my father brought for me.
It was a long silk black dress that was oozing elegance. It texture felt smooth on my skin as I ran my finger over it. It had a high neckline and a subtle slit at the hem. Little jewels were encrusted on the front of the dress providing a sharp contrast to the black material of the dress.
It was a tailoring masterpiece and I loved how simple yet stylish it looked. I wouldn’t lie, I had initially been worried about what I would wear when the king mentioned dinner. I wasn’t a fan of such public gatherings and I didn’t think I brought any dresses when coming to this meeting so I mentally decided to just come to the dinner with my signature hoodie and jeans. You could say that this dress was a life saver.
I gently took it from the bed and walked towards the towering wardrobe. I opened the wardrobe and placed the dress on one of the hangers and closed the wardrobe.
A wave of exhaustion overcame me as I walked towards the bed and jumped on it. I moaned softly as the soft mattress enveloped me in its comfort. My thoughts began to fly all over the place as I began to feel anxiety over the upcoming dinner.
I had no idea what the Vampire king had in store for us, not that I could even stop it. I was more worried about myself and my status as a half human. It was very possible I would be singled out so staying invisible at the dinner was top priority. I didn’t know how I was going to accomplish such a feat but I resolved to find my way around it.
I thought about the castle in my dream and the uncanny resemblance it had to the vampire kings castle. I wondered whether I would meet the man in my dreams here and strangely enough, I was looking forward to it even though I knew he was a vampire. It was a very strange feeling.
Sleep began to creep in and before long, I surrendered to its hold and I fell asleep.
****
A soft knock sounded on my door and I stirred from my deep slumber. I didn't want to leave the bed. Sleeping on the bed was too good and I really wished I could sleep for all eternity but sadly that wasn't happening any time soon. I heard another knock which irritated me, I wanted to throw a pillow at the door and yell at whoever was there to leave me alone but I remembered where I was so I calmed myself down.
I reluctantly sat up on the bed and stretched. I heard the knock again and it was seriously getting on my nerves now.
“I'm coming, I'm coming.” I said, trying my best to sound civilised as I came down from the bed and lazily walked towards the door. I opened the door and I froze on the stop as a pair of red eyes stared right back at me. It was a vampire, a well dressed vampire.
I started to sweat profusely from my forehead as I opened my mouth to say something but I couldn't form words as I was scared shitless.
“Your breakfast is ready ma'am.” The vampire said as he regarded me with an amused expression.
I managed to nod my head and I gave him space so he could enter the room. He pushed a medium sized trolley filled with covered dishes. The scent coming from them made my stomach growl and I nearly salivated.
He placed the trolley at the foot of my bed and straightened his posture.
“You're father said you were....human. so your meal had to be adjusted. Enjoy” The vampire said with a slight bow and he left the room.
I breathed out with a sigh of relief and my stomach continued to growl loudly.
Without a second thought, I swiftly made my way to the breakfast trolley to satisfy my hunger.