Hidden Bite (Book 3 of Bite Trilogy)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Beginning

In Nemetio Spiran with weather that reflects in every emotion of their rulers, it wasn't unusual that we experienced winter today, summer tomorrow, a sudden storm, or even spring on the following days. It was more surprising if the weather remained the same in a week.

I knew that controlling their abilities and power was one of the best things that a royalty should have, and they shouldn't be careless about it. But when the Gazellians were in the castle— in a place where they could feel safe and vulnerable, they let their emotions flow.

Our King and Queen had nothing against it.

Ngunit kapag talagang sobra na ay nagsasalita na si Haring Dastan, kaya ngayon ay nag-aalala na ako na baka mamaya ay pagsabihan na si Zen.

Parsua Sartorias had been quiet and calm for the past few weeks. Even the military training schedule had been changed because of the continuous storm snow. Every time I looked outside of the castle, all I could see were gray and white.

"Zen, is this because of you? It's been two weeks since the snow started."

Tumingin sa labas ng bintana si Zen. His lips prodded before he looked into my eyes. He shook his head. "Parsua Sartorias has its winter, baby."

Pangalawang araw na simula nang bumalik dito si Zen galing sa isang misyon. He was expecting that he would use his vacation time to play with Divina, but his daughter had been occupied by her new coloring books.

"I am just worried. Are you upset about something, Zen?"

Saglit akong tinitigan ni Zen bago siya muling yumuko kay Divina. "No. Why would I be upset?"

All I could hear in our room was Divina's murmur and humming while coloring her books, and Zen's constant complaints. Kung tutuusin ay silang dalawang mag-ama naman talaga ang laging may problema. Samantalang ako ay pinili ko na lang abalahin ang sarili sa pagbabasa ng libro tungkol sa mga halamang gamot.

I sat on the winged chair near the fireplace where I could hear the soothing sound of the cracking woods. I took a thick blanket and draped it around my shoulders to feel the warmth. I also had my cup of hot tea near my small table.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit mas nilalamig ako kumpara sa mag-ama na iyon na nakahilata sa carpet. I was also a vampire, but I think I wouldn't get used to this extreme weather of this world.

Well, Zen was the snow prince, but how about my Divina?

Zen's wearing a thin white Victorian long sleeve, three buttons undone, and he tucked it into his black pants. This was his usual outfit during his normal days in the castle, while Divina's always with her extravagant dress with expensive stones. I noticed that she likes to wear gold dresses recently.

Today's one of the typical lazy days of Zen and Divina.

Zen was side lying on the carpet, with one of his hands supporting his bored face, while the other one was consistently poking Divina's cheeks. She was too engrossed with her new coloring book. She didn't even care about her father who had been asking her to play with him.

Divina's lying on her stomach with her legs flapping happily. The crayons were all over the carpet as well as her new coloring books, and she had been humming while tilting her head.

I shouldn't forget to thank Naha for these coloring books.

"Zen Lancelot Gazellian," tawag ko.

Dumiin na ang titig ko sa Prinsipe ng mga Nyebe nang akma na naman niyang tutusukin ang pisngi ni Divina. "She's busy. Bakit hindi ka na lang magtungo sa labas? Help your brothers."