Blood Bound To The Vampire King

XAVIER'S POV

I walked out of the room, my heart heavy in my chest. I didn't know why I felt bad but I did, especially since Eliana was saying the truth. I was upset, I badly wanted them to execute that prime minister and bring me his head on a platter but I forgave him. At least I think I did.

Then after, I vented my anger on the one woman who could see through my facade, who could see through my fake smiles. The one woman who understood me without knowing anything about me.

I felt bad and I wanted to make it up to her. I would plan a date tomorrow for both of us. I'm sure she would love it. At least I hope she would.

My fingers pressed against the door knob and I turned it to the side, pushing the door open. The cold wind from inside brushed against my skin making me shiver. I was back, back inside the cold room filled with nightmares which haunted me.

I walked to the bed, and threw myself on it. Hoping that maybe I would get some rest, away from the nightmares.

I was tired, yes but I was scared to fall asleep, afraid of what awaits me in my dreams, but my body failed as my eyes grew heavy and slowly, I drifted to sleep, not bothering to take off my clothes.

***

Cold wrapped around me but still—

beads of sweat trickled down my forehead and soaked my shirt.

I tried to open my eyes but my lids felt heavy. Too heavy as though some invisible force was pressing against them, stopping them from opening.

My heart raced, my chest heaved in an irregular motion, my breath rough and haggard. It was happening again.

I was trapped—

Trapped in my nightmares.

But I resisted, I pushed my eyes open and sat upright. My eyes darted across the room as though I searched for something. My hand on my chest as I tried to calm my raging heart.

What was happening to me?

I stood and walked to the mirror, I saw nothing. No reflection. Just emptiness where I should be. My breath caught—was I still dreaming? Or was I finally losing it?"

All pale and sweaty.

I reached for my forehead, checking my temperature, but it was normal but I think I'm going insane…

I took slow strides to the balcony, I needed some fresh air, I needed to clear my head.

I stared at the bright stars which stared back at me. Twinkling as they danced in the sky. So peaceful, so calm.

I wished I was like them.

Peaceful…

That word so foreign to me.

I stayed there a while as I let the calmness of the night envelope me. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't go back to the nightmare which haunted me so I just stayed there. All night.

The moon slowly vanished and was replaced by the bright light of the sun—

my escape from the dreams that hunt me.

The rays spread vastly across the surface, the sweet sound of bird chirping filled the air as they flew around, waking the people from their slumber.

I walked back into my room, the scenery had calmed my nerves and I felt a bit better, although I was tired, but sleep terrified me — I didn't know what horror awaited in my dreams.

I pulled my clothes off me and walked to the bathroom, to freshen up and wash the remnants of sleep from my eyes.

I switched the knob to the side and the water came pouring down, soothing my nerves. I shut my eyes, letting the water wash over me—hoping that maybe it could wash away my pain.

My mind drifted to the previous night. Back to when I stood in front of that mirror and I couldn't see my reflection, although I was sure I was just hallucinating but still, I was worried that something was wrong with me.

I finished up with my shower and picked my towel, drying my hair up with a towel. I picked my robe from the rack and put it on as I stepped out of the bathroom.

I barely noticed the other presence in my room as I made my way to my drawer to dry my hair. The maid approached me with a warm smile on her face. "Good morning Your Highness." She greeted and I turned to her.

"Betty, how are you?" I asked although I already knew her response. "I'm fine, I hope you slept well." Slept well? I barely slept at all.

"I slept wonderfully." I lied and she nodded.

"I'll get you prepared for the day." She muttered and helped me settle down on the chair as she made my hair.

Soon, she finished up and picked an outfit for me. Usually, she would help me out it on but today she didn't and I furrowed my brows. "Why? Is there something wrong?" I asked and she smiled.

"No Your Highness, it's just that you just got married and I'm not sure your wife would be comfortable with another woman dressing up her husband." She said biting her lower lip and avoiding my gaze.

I chuckled at her behaviour. "Okay then, if that what you want. You'll only be in charge of my hair, then." I said and she nodded exhaling. I could see relief flash through her eyes. I guess she was just too scared to say it before.

She bowed. "I'll take my leave Sir." She said and I nodded as she made her way to the door. "Betty—" I called, making her stop in her tracks.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Prepare a date for me at the garden. I'll be there after breakfast." I ordered and she smirked. "Of course, Sir." She said and walked away.

I wore the clothes she had put and walked out of the room. I reached Eliana's room, my hand froze—wondering if I should knock or not.

I decided against it and was about to walk away when the door opened and Eliana stepped out. She looked so modest yet beautiful. Her hair was packed neatly in a bun, some stray strands fell over her face.

She had light makeup on her face although I'm sure she was beautiful without it. She was wearing a blue dress matching with me. Strange — I was wearing a blue robe too. Coincidence?

She smiled when she saw me. "Good morning." She said, revealing her pearl teeth.

"Good morning, how was your night?" I asked and she interlinked her hands with mine as we walk down the hallway. "Oh, it was wonderful." She replied, her voice a bit cheerful. She seemed to have forgiven me.

"What about you?" She asked and I wondered if should I tell her the truth or not. "Um, well not great, I didn't have any sleep because I was working." I lied and she frowned.

"Why working at night? Couldn't you have waited till this morning? Stop stressing yourself out like that." She scolded and I couldn't help but chuckle.

She was so cute.

I could feel the gaze of the maid and it made me feel proud, because I had a woman who cared for me. I guess I'm not as lonely after all.

"Yes ma'am." I replied as we reached the dining room.

I opened the door for her and saw it already filled with my father and four brothers. Each sitting down with their wife's as they feasted on their meal.

My hold around Eliana tightened as we walked to the remaining seats. The eyes pierced through my skin as my brothers glared at me and I couldn't care less, I was used to it.

I pulled out a seat for Eliana.

She smiled. 'Thank you,' she said as she sat down. I took the next seat close to her and the maids dished our food.

Silence hung in the air, thick and cold.

Only the clattering sound of metal against ceramic could be heard as we ate. I liked it this way. I didn't want any disturbance anyways.

"So you're the lucky woman who married our brother?" Duncan asked. Damn, must he fucking talk!

I glanced at Eliana, awaiting her response. "Oh, yes and you are?" She asked and I smiled. She'd just bruised Duncan's pride and he didn't seem amused.

He raised his brows. "You don't know who I am?" He asked and Eliana was about to respond when I interjected not liking the direction the conversation was going.

"You don't expect everyone to know you brother. Let her be and focus on your food."

"Shut the fuck up Xavier. I wasn't talking to you so learn to mind your business." He said and I kept shut not wanting any trouble. I could see Eliana furrow her brows from the corner of my eyes. I prayed to the gods that my brother would do anything stupid.

"What did you see in him?" Damienasked this time and I scoffed but kept shut awaiting Eliana's response.

She didn't reply and continued with her meal as though she didn't hear him. I was loving her already. I never thought a calm and gentle girl would be able to handle my brother's the way she did.

"Didn't I ask you a question?" Damiensaid, his voice etched with annoyance.

Eliana looked up from her food. "I'm sure you're aware that this is an arranged marriage hence, I know nothing about him but from what I see, he's more sophisticated and well behaved then any of you. I'm sure a prince must know the very basics of table etiquette, you don't talk while you eat, so shut it and let me eat." She deadpanned and I could stop the wide grin that spread on my face.

Damien frowned deeply and the others glanced at her, shocked…