Princess Of The Underworld (Draft Copy)

Chapter 12 - The announcement

When the day of the announcement arrived, I didn't dare move from my bed; I stayed lying in it, hugging the sheets close to my body in silence with my eyes closed. ' I don't want this; I never asked for any of this; I didn't choose this life, this life chose me, and at the moment, I hate it. Isn't there anyone out there who could save me from this hell-bound life?' my thoughts were then interrupted as a faint knock on my door was heard "Miss, are you up? it's time to get you ready" one of my maids who were assigned to me were waiting for me to get up so that they could get me prepared for the so-called 'announcement of my engagement to Vernon' I got up from my bed and walked over to the door to allow my maids in before then heading to my bathroom to freshen up.

Once I was finished in the bathroom, I walked out to see my bed made and a long black and red dress lying on it. As I put the dress on, my maids opened up a small box that revealed the family emblem with a red jewel in the middle, which they had placed on the top centre of the dress. I then sat down on a chair centred in the middle of the room, where the head maid began to brush my long black hair, putting the top half of my hair in a braided ponytail and leaving the rest down.

I sighed as my make-up was being done, and once everything was finished, I stood up and was led towards the balcony where my parents stood waiting. They had welcomed everyone from the underworld that had come to watch. There were also news reporters there for those who didn't come for the announcement to broadcast it live on TV to watch. I stopped and took a deep breath before proceeding with a poker face on, smiling as I made my way up to stand with my family.

"Today is a special day-" I heard my father begin to say. "We have found a suitable suitor for our daughter who will one day take over from us and become your Queen, the suitor for our daughter who will help rule the underworld and to be your new King is Vernon" I turned my head to look slightly behind me, as did my parents who welcomed Vernon to stand beside my father and with my mother moving me taking her place next to my father.

I kept looking at the tall, pale, slim male vampire with his eyes blood red and hair dark black like the night sky, wearing a black and gold suit giving a devilish smile towards my father and to the people of the underworld. I just sighed and ever so slightly rolled my eyes before looking back at my people showing a small smile, a smile that would fool anyone as to what I was really thinking.

The only person who knew me well was my best friend Ellerosé, but she was nowhere to be seen; I hope she was ok, especially after the family meeting last night. Before I could think or do anything else, my father took my hand into his before placing it into Vernon's hand to indicate his 'blessing' to us. I didn't dare move from the spot as I kept on my poker face of a smile towards my people, but deep down, I was screaming and furious at the same time. As the people all clapped and cheered, my parents told us when we were ready to come to the throne room to discuss the arranged engagement further.

As we turned around and began to walk out of view of the public eye and inside the palace with the doors closed behind us, I snatched my hand away from Vernon and glared at him. Before I could walk away, Vernon quickly grabbed my wrist tightly and dragged me back to him, making me face towards his direction where he leant down close to my face and began to speak in a low, threatening tone for only me to hear "Finally I'll have you all to myself princess, and then I can do anything to you as I please-" I slapped him so hard across the face with my other hand with my eyes turning a dark black coal colour with red highlights around them "I. Will. Never. Marry. Someone like you.." I replied with a cold, dark, warning tone of voice.

I then felt his grip tighten around my wrist to the point he could easily snap it off; I tried my best to pull desperately away from his grasp and away from him, but every time I tried, he would grip my wrist harder "oh? is that so? well hate to burst your bubble your highness, but i'm afraid you have no choice" and with that, he smirked a toothy devilish smile, I felt tears of frustration roll down my face as I looked down to the floor not daring to look up into his eyes to give him the satisfaction he craved for. I felt his eyes looking me over like I was some prey to him, but I gave one last good pull until he finally released my wrist. I then turned away from him, holding my wrist in my other hand, walking towards the throne room in silence, not looking back at Vernon.

As soon as we arrived at the throne room, I made sure I was calm, and once I took a deep breath with my eyes closed, I opened them to have them reveal back to a blue colour before opening up the doors and walking in. Vernon followed quickly behind me until we were both standing beside each other; I never looked at his face as I focused my full attention on my parents. My father then spoke "Now, we have come up with the wedding arrangements" I looked at my father, trying to steady my breathing until I felt all the blood drain down from my body as I heard the words "we have decided tomorrow will be the perfect time for the wedding" I also didn't have to turn and look at Vernon to know he was grinning I heard it in his voice "tomorrow suits me perfectly, your majesty" as I heard him speak I clenched my hands into fists beside me looking down to the floor.

The room then fell silent until my father said, "Livana, did you hear what I said?" I felt my body shake in anger as I knew at this moment I was going to snap. I looked up at my parents before saying "you can't do this.." my father then gave me a cold glare "Livana, we have talked about this, and it will happen; it is best for you and our people-"

I cut him off " NO FATHER IT ISN'T BEST FOR ME, IF YOU KNEW ME YOU WOULD KNOW HOW I FUCKING FEEL, THIS IS ONLY BEST FOR YOU AND WHAT YOU WANT NOT WHAT I WANT AND I DON'T WANT THIS-" I was then the one cut off from my father who had dashed forward and grabbed my by the arm "LIVANA AT THIS VERY MOMENT I AM THE RULER HERE AND UNTIL THEN YOU WILL DO AS I SAY AND THAT IS FINAL, DO I MAKE MYSELF FUCKING CLEAR YOUNG LADY? YOU WILL MARRY VERNON, AND THAT IS FINAL."

I looked at my father in shock and defeat, feeling my eyes sting from the tears that were beginning to form. I stepped back and away, shaking my head in disbelief, before bolting out of the room with no words, heading towards my room. My father had sighed, his anger turning into sadness at the argument we had just had. "don't worry your majesty" Vernon said "she will come to her senses and do what is right" my father turned to look at Vernon before saying "I hope so, I really do."