Daughter of roses Vol. 1

Chapter one: He who wears the crown

Esaya sat on her throne next to her father, horrified as she learns that she has to marry a prince. It was an arranged marriage with a man that she's never met, she doesn't even know what he looks like. Esaya kept her right eye covered with her bright red hair. She has heterochromia, her right eye being amber in color and the other being bright blue. Amber colored eyes are a sign of being royalty in the ebon castle. She wants nothing to do with this family, so she hides her amber eye, trying to seem normal, but that feels impossible to her.

A young prince about Esaya's age entered the throne room, he dipped his head in greeting, looking at Esaya with interest. Esaya scoffed as he winked at her, she doesn't want any of this. The prince introduced himself. " I am Prince Tristen of the red castle. You father invited me to become your groom. " He says with a cruel grin. He had fangs, making it clear that this man was a vampire. It wasn't unusual to see vampires here. This scared Esaya though, his deep red eyes seemed to pierce into her soul. She shuddered and quickly looked away. She knew that if she became his queen, she would have to be his 'bloodbag' for the rest of her life. She gave her father a pleading look. He simply looked away and back at Tristen, staying quiet. Esaya gulped nervously. She didn't want to become some puppet of his pleasure.

The black-haired prince kept staring at Esaya as he said. " I bring many gifts to earn her hand in marriage, behold- " He finally looked away from her and gestures to her servants, which held jewelry with different crystals and gems. Some were even pure gold and silver. This man was rich, and he clearly wanted to show this off. Esaya's father spoke softly. " I, King Raylaugh, accept your gifts, and in turn, you may take my daughter's hand in marriage. " He smiled. Esaya looked at her father, hatred in her eyes. She looked away again and muttered curses under her breath.

This only made Tristen laugh. " Good good, may we have a moment alone? "
Raylaugh nodded and stood. " You may take your time, I will escort you to Esaya's room. " He stepped down from his throne and led Tristen to Esaya's room, Esaya followed. She opened the door and invited them in. Her room was very neat, and her shelf was filled with many books. Some on magical creatures, others of gods and goddess'. Tristen examined the room, looking at Esaya's book on vampires. Raylaugh spoke up. " Take some time to get to know each other, I will be near if you need me. "

The king left the room, leaving Esaya and Tristen alone. Esaya was terrified, but said nothing. Finally, Tristen said something. " You are a beautiful woman, I would love to make you my queen. I expect you to bring me many offspring. " He smiled. Esaya shuddered, she didn't even want kids in the first place, let alone kids with a glorified mosquito. She responded quietly. " If that is what you wish, my prince- " She hated the words that came out of her mouth, but she didn't have much choice. Tristen smirked before approaching her, Esaya forced herself to stay still. Tristen moved some of Esaya's hair away from her neck, bringing his face close. Esaya could feel his breath on her skin. Tears welled in her eyes, she knew what he was about to do.

Tristen whispered. " Your fear, it smells delicious- " before he roughly sank his fangs into her neck. Esaya whimpered in pain, it became so much worse as he started to drink her blood. What was minutes felt like hours. He pulled away after a while and licked his lips. Esaya felt like she was about to faint, but she feared what else he might do to her if she did so. She stood up straight and tried so hard not to cry, not in front of him. " I will speak with your father now, don't go anywhere~ " He opened the door and left the room.

Esaya started to cry quietly, soft sobs escaped her. She sat on her bed and held a hand to her neck, where the fresh bite was, the pain throbbed, it wouldn't go away for a while. Esaya curled up on the blanket, hugging herself. She wanted to live a normal life, maybe somewhere on a farm with many animals who would love her unconditionally. Wishful thinking, that could never happen, not with her tyrant of a father around. A shaky sigh escaped the girl, and she closed her eyes, trembling in her own bed, fearing what the next day might bring.