Freda's POV
I smiled in satisfaction as I emerged from the bathroom. The hot bath did wonders in calming me down. Finally, I was going to leave the four walls of this room. For days, I had been confined to the castle and all though I knew the dangers of stepping out of the castle walls, Damien said he would send in his trusted guard so everything should be alright no?
I toweled myself and slipped into my dress. I stared at myself in the mirror and combed my hair when a knock on the door startled me from my thoughts.
“Come in.” I called out, adjusting the straps of my dress.
The door creaked open and Christie walked in with a warm smile plastered on her face. I was happy as she seemed to be warming up to me now and she wasn't as scared as the first time we met. Progress was good.
“You look lovely, your majesty.” Christie complemented.
"Thank you, Christie," I replied, a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Is everything ready?”
"Indeed," Christie said. "The Captain of the Guard is waiting outside. We should leave for the city now, while the hustle and bustle of the market is still manageable.”
“I'm already dressed, let's go.” I clapped my hands in excitement and we walked out of the room. The passage was surprisingly empty and I breathed a sigh of relief, I didn't want a vampire ogling at me like I was it's next dinner.
We rounded a corner and I nearly bumped into a hulking figure in black armor. My steps faltered as I looked up and I was met with red orbs staring back at me.
“He..hello.” I stammered. This vampire was way too huge, easily twice my size. His broad shoulders could fill a doorway and his face was framed by a thick black beard, he looked more like a viking than a guard.
The guard regarded for a while before kneeling down on one knee which surprised me.
“Your Majesty, it's an honor to escort you.” He rumbled with a deep voice.
“Huh?” I was confused, luckily my confusion didn't last long as Christie quickly explain the situation. I realized that he was the guard Damien had assigned to me. Damien was really taking this protection thing seriously though, this man was so huge I was sure he could fell a tree if he wanted.
“Tha…thank you captain. The pleasure is all mine.” I stammered.
Volkov rose to his full, imposing height. "The carriage awaits, Your Majesty. We shall head to the marketplace straightaway.”
“Su sure. Lead the way.”
With a nod, he marched towards the entrance with me and Cristie following him closely.
We passed a few vampire maids and stewards, they glared at me with hateful stares but it just took on look from Captain Volkov for them to scurry away like frightened children.
His presence was a lifeline and I was grateful to Damien for giving me such an imposing guard.
As we approached the entrance, a vampire appeared from the corner and this time Caption Volkov paused and went down on one knee, greeting the vampire.
“Good morning Sir Kieran.” He said.
“Good morning.” He drawled, his gaze wondering before landing on mine and his eyebrows tilted up in surprise.
