DAMIEN

Our steps echoed in the cold, damp corridor as we left the dungeon. Freda’s face was emotionless as we continued to make our way back to the palace. My mind went back to the exchange she had with her father. I felt a deep sense of anger well up inside me when I heard about how my mate had suffered throughout these years. The urge to assemble an army to obliterate her ‘pack’ was strong but I reined in my anger.
I glanced at Freda and contemplated whether to try to talk to her or walk in silence. A few moments later and I couldn’t take it anymore.
“Uh..I’m sorry for what happened back there.” I nearly slapped myself on the forehead. I was stuttering? Because of a girl? Well she wasn’t just any girl, she was my mate so it seemed acceptable to me.
“It’s fine.” She replied curtly.
“Sure. I want you to know that I would do everything in my power to make sure that you don’t experience the same thing here” I said, heavily intent on making do with my pledge but all I got from her was an exhausted sigh.
“You don’t get it.” She began with a voice filled with bitterness. “I’m not meant to be here. This…world, it isn’t a place for someone like me. No matter how hard you try, I would always be judged and scorned.”
“I am king. I will make it work.” I replied stubbornly. If it meant the use of force, I would do anything to make her feel accepted.
“Stop being stubborn Damien.” She finally turned to face me and tears started forming in her eyes.
“But, I….” I tried to press further but she raised a hand, signaling me to stop talking.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re king. You can’t change the hearts of your subjects and I’m sure they wouldn’t want a human as their queen.” Freda tearfully explained. Seeing my mate cry made me heartbroken and I raised my hand instinctively to wipe away the tears that trickled down.
“Please…let me go. I don’t belong here. If I’m truly your mate and you have my best interests at heart, then you would let me go.” She pleaded again.
I clenched my fists in frustration. Why would she even suggest something like this? Didn’t she see that I was willing to go to any lengths to make her feel comfortable? I even wanted to make her my queen. A position that countless women would die for.
Just as I opened my mouth to voice out my displeasure, the heavy iron doors at the end of the corridors swung open and one of my guards walked in quickly.
“Your Majesty,” he bowed low. “The elders have requested your presence at an urgent meeting. They say it concerns matters of utmost importance.”
“Took them long enough.” A smirk played on my lips as I muttered. “Tell them I’ll be there shortly.”
The guard nodded respectfully and he was about to leave to deliver my message when I called him back and whispered something to his ears. His eyes widened at my words but he nodded regardless and he left to carry out my directives.. I turned to Freda who had an unreadable expression on her face.
“Duty calls. An attendant will escort you back to our chambers. I’ll join you as soon as possible.” I said as I gestured for a nearby attendant.
“See that she is back to our chambers and ensure she has everything she requires.” I instructed firmly.
The attendant nodded and approached Freda. She stubbornly pressed her lips together and for a minute I thought I was going to have to use a little more force to make her go back but she sighed and nodded.
I watched Freda’s retreating figure for a while before forcefully pushing thoughts of her to the back of my mind. I straightened my shoulders and walked towards the meeting room. I knew exactly why the elders had summoned me. The imprisonment of my father and the death of my twin brother by my own hands, was a powder keg waiting to explode. Most of the elders, traditionalists to the core, had been staunch supporters of my father. Their opposition would be fierce.
I took a deep breath and steeled myself for the inevitable confrontation. I needed to have a strong hold on the title of king quickly.
I arrived at the huge doors of the meeting room. With another deep breath, I pushed the doors open and strode into the chambers.
Around the throne of the vampires, the elders sat stiffly and their faces etched in disapproval. The lead elder, Andros glared at me glowing crimson eyes. He was my father’s lap dog and I was sure he would be pleased to see me off the throne and my father return to the throne.
“Damien. You have some explaining to do” Andros spat out venomously.
“It’s king Damien to you Andros,” I met his gaze head on as I walked slowly to the throne. “Indeed, I do have some explaining to do but I also believe you all have much to learn.”
I strode past the elders and reached the vacant throne. A symbol of the king of Valthrun and now, it was my seat.
I calmly turned around and sat down on the throne with a proud expression on my face. A collective hiss of disapproval erupted from the elders and Andros furrowed his brows in displeasure.
“You dare take his seat?” Andros growled with a dangerous edge to his voice.
“Dare?” I chuckled. “No, Andros. I claim it.” I said with all the pride I could muster.
“Then explain yourself Damien.” Andros started speaking but I interrupted with a raised hand.
“I will not corrected you again Andros. You will address me as king, or else.” I commanded and locked gaze with him. Our stare down lasted for a while before Andros gritted his teeth and continued to speak.