THE OATH

Damien's POV

As I walked through the corridors, my mind drifted to the scene where Veresstina wanted to attack Freda. Thankfully I had managed to stop her and I should have killed her, in fact I had every intention to at that moment but her family would definitely come knocking. Her family was one of the top noble houses in Valthrun and despite my position as King, it would have been a very unwise move to agitate them. I needed to handle this matter very carefully.

Pushing the thoughts of Veresstina aside, I began to think about bigger problems. The affairs of the kingdom, planning my coronation, meeting with the noble houses and earning their respect. The list of challenges seemed endless, each point poised a potential pitfall.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to calm down. There was no point in drawing in anxieties, I would face each matter one step at a time.

With that thought, I changed my direction and marched towards the opposite side of the hallway. My destination? Elara's chambers.

The powerful witch had always been a source of controversy within the castle of Valthrun. She was ostracized and scored but no one ever dared to mess with her as her powers were the stuff of nightmares. She was going to be a hard nut to crack but it was worth a shot. I could not trust any vampire to tutor Freda about the ways of the court. She was my one and only option.

Reaching the door to her chambers, I hesitated briefly before taking a deep breath, uttering a silent ‘fuck it' and rapped my knuckles on the door.

“Enter.” An aged voice called out and the door automatically swung open. Entering the room, I was met with a darkness that seemed to press in from all sides. The blinds were drawn shut and in the center of the room, a single candle flickered on a low table.

I squinted as my eyes adjusted to the darkness and I found Elara. She was seated in a high backed chair, rocking back and forth with an expressionless face.
I opened my mouth to speak but she cut me off with a high pitched cackle that strangely echoed in the room.

“Magnificent Damien,” she rasped in excitement. Her voice sounded like nails scraping on a chalkboard. “Your ascension to the throne was a veritable coup. Unorthodox, yes, but deliciously dramatic nonetheless.”

I was tempted to ask how she knew about my little coup but I decided to just keep shut. She was a witch, she has her ways.

“I didn't do it because I wanted to Elara, I did it because it was necessary.” I pursed my lips and countered.

“Oh? Then tell me. Why did you kill your brother and challenge your father for the throne, young Damien.” She asked in amusement.

“Their existence threatened the life of my mate.” I stated plainly. A look of surprise passed through her features before she chuckled.

“I see you have finally found your destined one.” She smiled eerily. “You have already eliminated your father and brother from the occasion so why come to me?”

“I intend to make her my queen Elara.” I responded. “She needs guidance, someone to teach her the ways of the court.”

“Assign another for this task then, why bother me with such?” She waved her hand nonchalantly.

“I can't.” I sighed. “She's a half human, half werewolf. I can't trust any vampire to tutor her but I trust you.”

“So bothersome.” She scoffed in disdain. “ you do realize the path you have chosen for her would be tremendously hard?”

“I want her by my side. She will rule with me and I will make everyone accept her.” I clenched my teeth stubbornly. “Please Elara, help me with this.”

Silence descended in the room for a few minutes. Just as I was about to give up hope and think of possible solutions, she cleared her throat to speak.

“Considering you're the only one that doesn't treat me like crap in this godforsaken castle, I accept.” She croaked out. “But under one condition.”

“What is it?” I asked eagerly.

“You have to destroy the kingdom of Kyrax. “ She spat out coldly. The entire vibe of the room changed when she uttered this word.

I furrowed my brows, deep in thought. Kyrax was the rival vampire kingdom that killed off her coven. Their power wasn't up to our level but if we went to war with them, we would incur severe losses.

“Well?” She asked, her eyes glinting in expectation. I weighed the pros and cons of this for a few minutes before I made my decision.

“Alright, I accept.” I agreed which made Elara's brows rise in surprise before she chuckled evilly.

“Boy. I don't trust you, your father promised the same thing but he kept giving excuses.” She said coldly. “Would you be willing to undergo an oath binding spell?”

“I will.” I said firmly. “But I won't go to war immediately, I have too much to handle. After I have sorted my affairs, war plans will begin in earnest. You will have to be patient.”

“Alright then, step forward.” She instructed.

I nodded and stepped forward, the air began to crackle with a strange energy and Elara's eyes lit up in an unnatural purple glow.

“This is a powerful bond, young king.” she rasped. “Failure to fulfill your oath will result in a swift agonizing death.”

I shuddered and hesitated slightly. Death, the consequences were too high but I took in a deep breath and steeled my resolve. I needed Elara to agree to this and if this was what she wanted, then so be it.

“I understand, I accept the consequences.” I responded with unwavering determination.