MATTERS OF THE COURT

Freda’s POV

“Well, that was,... something.” I broke the silence that descended the room after the exit of the raging vampire woman. I chuckled helplessly, wondering what on earth had I gotten myself into. In the span of two days, it's been one drama after the other. I missed when life was simpler, when it was just me, my books against the world. Now, I couldn't even get a break from the chaos.

“I…I'm sorry you had to witness that.” Damien coughed in embarrassment. One hand was scratching his head, the other was shoved awkwardly into his pocket. The whole situation was giving off some serious “deer caught in headlights” vibes.

“Care to explain what happened, my good sir?” I folded my hand on my chest and stared intently at him.

He signed and then cleared his throat, preparing himself to explain.

“Veresstina, she…well, our relationship..it wasn't exactly as she portrayed it as.” His explanation tumbled out in a rush which made my lips stretch out in a smile. Who knew that the cool, ruthless Damien could have this flustered side to him.

“Oh? A relationship? That's what we are calling it now?” My eyebrow arched up in annoyance. I didn't even know why I was annoyed, jealousy perhaps? Who knows.

“I didn't take it seriously. I'm honest, I just, well…used her for..for.”

“To satisfy your sexual urges?”

“Well…when you put it like that.” Damien coughed awkwardly.

“Don't be flustered. I heard your race are very promiscuous creatures.” I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

An awkward silence descended between us after my little statement. I knew I shouldn't have said that but I didn't know what came over me, the thought that Damien had been with another woman had strangely irked me. The only explanation I had for this appealing behavior was this accursed mate bond.

“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that.” I sighed and apologized.

“No, you said the truth. Especially when we haven't found our mates, we tend to be very promiscuous. But, I have no reason to cheat now that I've found you.” Damien declared passionately. His words moved my heart and I had this urge to envelop him in a warm hug but I managed to restrain myself.

“Who was she?” I quickly changed the subject.

“Her name is Veresstina.” He began carefully. “She was someone my father had chose for me chosen for me since when we were little. She belonged to one of the noble houses in Valthrun and her family held a great deal of influence in the kingdom.”

I furrowed my brows when I heard this. If what Damien said is true, then him rejecting her would have massive consequences on him as the king.

“Wouldn’t rejecting her be a huge blow for you? As far as vampire politics is concerned.” I asked skeptically.

Admiration suddenly welled in his gaze which left me very confused. Did I say anything impressive?

“You are quick on the uptake and grasping the complexities of my position.” He nodded in satisfaction. “I was right, you would make an excellent queen.”

Red colored my cheeks when I heard his praise. Subconsciously, my gaze fell on my feet as my heart beat sped up rapidly. When was the last time I felt this loved and appreciated? It was a good question and the answer was, I couldn't remember.

“It would be a huge blow no doubt.” He admitted with a sigh. “But for Freda, it's a risk I'm willing to take. I'll find a way to navigate this.”

His words struck a chord in me and I raised my head up to stare at him. How could he sacrifice so much for my sake? is this what the mate bond does to people? He barely even knew me.

“Uh…tha..thank you.” I didn't know how to respond to that so I managed to utter a quiet thank you to him.

“No need to thank me my love.” Damien said with a smile. “I have to leave. The news of what I have done must have spread through out the kingdom. I need to fix this mess and arrange my court plus Elara needs to be informed about your classes with her. What would you like to do in the meantime?”

“How about letting me go out without any guards or maids following me?” I spoke without hesitation.

“Ha ha very funny.” Damien rolled his eyes. “You know my stand on that all too well, don't you?”

“Well it was worth a shot.” I shrugged my shoulders. “Can you find some books for me? Lots and lots of books? To pass the time before I meet the infamous Elara.”

“It will be done.” Damien nodded and suddenly pulled me in for a hug. “I have to go, I'll assign a maid for you that would see to your every needs.” He spoke softly into my ears which made the hair on my skin rise.

“Uh…yea..” Incoherent nonsense left my lips in response. I mean, could you blame me. I have never been in such close proximity with a man before. I had daydreamed about what it would be like and now, I can say for certain rather it felt extremely good.

“Mm.” He responded and released me reluctantly. He straighted up and walked past me, towards the massive wardrobe. He opened the door and scanned the selection of expensive clothes before settling on a simple black ensemble.

Quietly, he then walked to the wooden screen at the corner of the room. My gaze was still fixed on the screen, waiting eagerly for him to dress up and within a few moments, he opened the screen and walked out of it.

I took in a deep breath, admiring how handsome and royal he looked.

The black attire clung to his body, highlighting the broadness of his shoulders and the surprising leanness of his waist. The contrast between the dark fabric and his pale skin was nothing short of mesmerizing. He looked every bit of a powerful king.

He strode towards me with quick steps and locked his gaze on mine. “I have to attend to matters of the court. Rest assured, a maid will be assigned to you shortly to serve you.”

With those words, he turned around and swiftly walked out of the room, leaving me to my thoughts.