Hello Darling: Book 1 (Completed)

The Smell of You (1)

Alina's POV

I sit in my vanity, watching my handmaidens do my hair and makeup. Today is the day when I meet my future betrothed. I am the future Queen of Valania and my parents, mainly my father, want to expand the kingdom before he hands over the crown. So, naturally, he finds a king with the most land and influence, with a son who needs to be married, and hands me off like a piece of meat. Gotta love and family, right? I, for one, am not looking forward to this at all. I want to be married to my soulmate—the one person who is right for me and me alone. But alas, my father will never let that happen because he is a massive dick.

*Alina, darling, we need you in the gallery hall*

I sigh as I hear my mother's voice ring in my head.

*Yes, mother. I will be right down.*

I wave my maidens away and adjust my dress. God, I hate having to wear something that extenuates anything of mine. When I am out in public or at an event, I will dress up and look my best. But at home, I prefer to be in pj's and eat my weight in pizza and donuts.

So, my lovely father has picked out an outfit in which I cannot breathe, cannot think, cannot do anything. Something that will make my future husband drool. Not gonna happen.

I slowly make my way to the gallery hall where I meet with my parents, the Majesties of South Northern Illovira, and their son.

Father raises his hands and places his hands on my shoulders.

"You look lovely. You will make a fine bride of Maddox." Ew. I hate that name. It's just...ew.

"Yes, Father." I refuse to acknowledge that fact. This is not a real marriage, it's a business transaction.

"Alina, this is Ilinica and Vasile Martor of Northern Illovira. And this is your future betrothed, Maddox Martor."

Maddox Martor is exactly who I thought he was going to be. Cocky, rude, ignorant, and arrogant. He thinks he's the poo and I need to take a big whiff. Yeah, as if. Maddox looks me up and down and sighs.

"Well, she does look like the picture you sent. This will be just fine." Fine?! Are you kidding me!?

"Alina, why don't you Maddox the garden? I know it's your favorite place to be, for some reason." Yeah, no. I will not ruin my favorite place with this disgusting being. God, his smell is revolting. I wanted to throw up.

"I think the training grounds might be more suitable for the prince here. I see he has a sword so he might find it beneficial," I try to sway.

"That sounds wonderful! Alina, you are as smart and you are beautiful." Yeah, yeah, I don't need your compliments, bro.

"Let me get the help to bring me my coat." He rings a bell and I wanted to roll my eyes. This guy is ridiculous. The moment I can, I leave his kingdom and throw myself off a cliff. And then, it happened.

I had to hide my gasp when I smelled the smell. I have never smelled anything like this before. It made my mouth water and my fangs sore. The door opens and in walks the most delicious-looking vampire I have ever seen. Now, all vampires are attractive in some sense but this vampire was so handsome. He had shoulder-length black hair that was in a man bun, plump lips, bright red eyes, and a very fit body. God, I wanna wrap my legs around his waist and let him fuck me into oblivion. Yes, that sounds wonderful.

He carries a coat and Maddox snatches it from his hands. Anger floods into me. How dare he be so disrespectful?! Even if this guy wasn't my soulmate, you don't get to treat anyone that way. Even our servants are treated with respect.