ANY CRACK IN THIS GILDED CAGE

**Freda's POV

I pursed my lips in anger as I entered the room and the attendant, an old lady with a face perpetually pinched in disapproval, followed closely behind. Damien and this whole mate bond thing was starting to get seriously annoying. I mean sure, I still found the dude attractive and I had this unholy urge of always wanting him close to me but I still needed him to look at the bigger picture. I do not belong here, at all.
“Is there anything you need Miss?” The attendant gruffly asked with a look of disdain on her face.
“No, you can leave.” I gritted my teeth and smiled politely at her. With a curt nod, she left the room.
Good. Finally alone. I stormed to the window and flung the thick drapes open, laying my eyes on the beautiful gardens outside being tenderly cared for by vampire gardeners. All around me were blood suckers and to think Damien was planning on making me a queen to rule over them. Preposterous.
I wanted to go back to the pack. Even though, I was oppressed and scorned, at least I had Kara over there. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to find a vampire who would be willing to be friends with me.
With another sigh, I flopped onto the plush bed. It felt strange compared to the rough blankets I was used to back home. I needed to talk to Damien again, try to make him see reason. This whole half-human queen thing was a crazy dream.
Suddenly, the heavy oak doors of the room flung open and I quickly sat up on the bed to see Damien walk into the room. My stomach tightened when i saw that he was covered in blood. He looked like he had just come out of a demons pit.
Before I could even think, my feet carried me towards him.
“Damien, what happened to you? Why are you covered in blood? Are you alright?” The questions just tumbled out before I could even stop them. This cursed mate bond.
A smile tugged at Damien's lips as he stared down at me. “I’m fine, the elders? Not so much.’
“So whose blood is this?” I stepped back a bit already dreading the answer, Damien had killed another person and if I didn't know any better, it was most likely for my sake.
“It had to be done so that our rule would be smooth.” Damien stated in a matter of fact tone. As if I was already his queen.
“What do you mean ‘our’? I haven't decided yet.” I countered as I drew a deep breath,. mentally preparing a very good argument that would make Damien drop this idea.
“You are my mate Freda. Don't try to fight it, this throne is your right.” Damien insisted as he furrowed his brows.
“No. It's not my right. Can't you see Damien? Your people would never accept me.” I insisted and gave him the puppy eyes trying to sway his decision.
“And I told you that I would make them accept me.” Damien retorted stubbornly and I had the urge to just punch his smug face. Why on earth isn't he listening to reason ? Could it be that the mate bond made supernaturals dumb?
“Why can't you listen to reason?” I yelled at him in frustration.
“You're the one not listening to reason, you are my mate. Your place is with me.” Damien folded his hands on his broad chest.
“Well I'm sorry to break it you buddy, it's not. Not with a place infested with creatures who could suck away my blood in a heart beat.” I countered definitely but I promptly shut my mouth up. I didn't know where I got the audacity to speak to a vampire like that and right now I was just silently praying for Damien to not take offense in what I said.
“You don't have anything to fear, I will protect you.” Damien responded with a low and soothing tone.
“Your protection won't be enough Damien.” I sighed as I pinched the bridge of my nose.
“I am king. It will be enough.” Damien said proudly and I almost smacked my forehead with my palm in anger. He was really taking this ‘i am king’ thing way to far.
“Your protection is one thing, but it still won't change the fact that this isn't where I belong. Do you know the amount of mental stress I'll have to endure?” I said wearily
“No one would harm you or put you under mental stress.” Damien said with quiet conviction. “They respect their king and their king, intends to make you his queen.”
I looked at him to plead my case once again but when I looked into his eyes, my heart sank. His gaze was determined and his jaw set. He wouldn't budge, this argument was over.
“Fine. You win.” I sighed heavily and walked towards the bed, sitting down and grabbing my head with my palms.
“You will be glad you made this decision Freda,” Damien promised but I would be one delusional girl to think this would work out smoothly.
I made a silent promise to myself, I would bide my time here and wait for an opportunity, a single crack in this gilded cage. Once I saw this crack, I would take it and run, never looking back.
Mate bond or not, I could not stay in this kind of toxic environment anymore. I've survived one but at least I knew people there. This was an entirely different ball game and I would have to thread carefully.
“You might want to take a shower now.” I said to Damien with a small smile.