Blood Reign

Chapter Ten

Fira and I still had a lot of training to do. I didn't worry myself with Adrian being here, so I made him learn how to fight if he wanted to stay and if he didn't want to fight he needed to leave. Adrian agreed to stay and fight and promised to leave after this was all over. I had made it clear to him that I didn't love him, and he was okay with that.

Marlot and his men were soon to arrive, but I didn't know how long we had left. I was ready to take him on and I was going to do it for this castle because it had shown me nothing but kindness since I had gotten here.

'Shelley?' I heard Fira call from the courtyard. I had taken a stroll to the woods to make sure there weren't any of spies.
'Over here in the woods.' I told her.

I appeared out of the woods and saw a man with wings standing next to Fira. he was pretty much laced in gold and had a beautiful glow to him. He wore a crown above his head as well. He had glowing blonde hair and he appeared to be six foot tall. He was much taller than me or Draven. He was taller than all of us.

'Can I help you sir?' I asked with caution.
'Hello Queen Shelley. I am Prince Gideon. I am the son of the elder fairies which is a rank in fairies above Firas people.' he told me and bowed to me.
'I have come to lend my hand to you and your people, if you will allow it that is?' he asked.
'Prince Gideon, I do appreciate your kindness, but I couldn't ask you to risk your life for this kingdom when you have one of your own especially if you have such a bright future.' I told him.

'Please allow me and my people to stay. I promise to never hold it against you.' he told me as a sincere smile crossed his face.
'Alright but I ask that you please make yourself at home while you are here. You may practice anywhere and if there is anything you need please let me know.' I replied and smiled back.

I felt weird in the fact that I felt comfortable in his presence. I felt as if I had known him before. But I also wondered why would a prince of another kingdom want to help out a widow to a kingdom he had never met. I decided I would watch him for a little while and make sure he wasn't plotting against me with Marlot. I felt it deep down in my gut that he wasn't bad but that could also be his fairie glow he had about him.

I watched him fight for a few night. Most of the practicing always took place at night because one most of the people who were fighting were vampires and two fighting in the night was easier to stay cool. The battles with Marlot also took place at night because his whole clan was vampires, so it only made sense to work at night.

I watched Gideon practice and caught myself looking a little too long because he caught me mid stare and I found myself a little bit embarrassed. He was easy to look at. I wondered why I couldn't keep my eyes off him. I also felt ashamed that I was starting to want to see more of him because I was a new widow. But the longing was there, and I wonder if he could sense it too.

I kept focus on my practice. I wasn't going to let a small crush get in the way. I did wonder if he had a lady back home that he thought about. He looked like the type that could have anyone he wanted.

'Lady Draven, may I have a word?' I heard his voice ask.
I nearly dropped my sword as I didn't realize how close he was to me.
'Sure, but please just call me Shelley.' I told him.
'Shelley, how did you become the queen of this castle and how long have you been a vampire?' he asked.
'I've only been a vampire for less than six months which is almost the same time as I've been queen. I hadn't known my late husband long before we married.' I told him.
'Do you miss him?' he asked referring to Draven.
'I don't know how much I miss of him, but I do wish he hadn't died. He loved this castle so much and when we took vows I vowed I would protect this castle just the same.' I told him as I looked away.

We sat in silence for a bit. I went through my thoughts and wondered what I was feeling in general.
'Do you have a love back home?' I decided I would ask a question since he had asked a personal question.
'I do not although I could have had anyone of my choosing. I don't want anyone who lives in my kingdom because all the girls back home just love me for the fact that I'm a prince. I don't want anyone to love me for my place in the kingdom.' he told me as he stared at the moon.
'I can understand that. I came to this place for work and it turned into something I never thought was real.' I told him.

'What do you want to do after the war is over?' he asked.
That was a good question that I didn't have an answer to.
'I don't quite know to be truthful. I kind of think I will die in battle.' I told him.
'And what if you succeed and don't die in battle?' he asked
'Then I wouldn't know. I guess I will have to figure that after the battle.' I replied.

We continued all night with questions back and forth to each other.
I found out his mother had died giving birth to me and that this brought great sadness to his family and he was raised by his nanny because father had a kingdom to run. Gideon had a very kind and lonely heart from what I could sense but I wanted to make sure that I wasn't playing myself for a fool. I couldn't afford mistakes right now.

I noticed as Gideon would watch me train and make sure that I saw him looking. He would bring me a rose every now and then and wish me a good morning. If I didn't know any better, I would say he was smitten for me.and I dare say that I was a little smitten myself. I welcomed his presence when he came around and I caught myself watching him practice too.

We started practicing together and found that we were completely in sync with each other. We moved at the same pace and welcomed the same moves. We were equal in our fighting style.

'You're really good at this.' he told me.
'Thanks. I learned everything from Fira. had it not been for her I wouldn't be where I am now.' I replied with a small blush running across my cheeks. It was weird being a vampire because although I could feel a blush, the feeling never showed on my face and for this I was thankful.

I decided I would retire for a night of fighting and just relax under the moonlight. I would hope to be alone, but I could sense someone angry coming and it appeared to be Adrian.
'You're falling in love with him, aren't you?' he demanded an answer.
'No, I haven't.' I told him.
'It sure seems that way. You spend all your time with him.' he told me.
'Well for one thing it's none of your business and if you feel jealous then you can leave.' I told him. I was angry that he dared to interfere in anything that was going on in my life. He was the one who came here, and I told him to leave and he wanted to stay no matter what.

'Adrian what I do is of none of your concern. If you do not like how things are. Then please leave.' I told him firmly.
'Fine, I won't say anything but if you wanted to be with anyone. It should be me because I was the one who was made for you.' he replied back.
I was not having this, and he was about to find out.
'It's done. You can either leave now or you can let this go because I am not doing this. Take your pick.' I demanded.
'Okay okay Shell. I'll keep my mouth shut.' he told me, and he walked away.

I was relieved that he was leaving because I was not in the mood for this. We had a fight in less than a month coming, and I needed to be ready.