In a world where duty and love collide, Nia, the eldest daughter of an aristocratic family, finds herself thrust into a political alliance with the ruthless Vampire King, Kiyoshi.
As both kingdoms grapple with the mysterious disappearance of human...
The castle walls vibrated with a sound that sent shivers down Nia's spine. It wasn't the usual noise of knights or court chatter, but a lively commotion from the streets. Intrigued, she moved closer to the balcony to see what was happening.
There below, in the bustling streets of Ivamis, Nia could see the people of the kingdom, their faces alight with joy and relief. They cheered at the top of their lungs, their voices raised in a cacophony of sound that seemed to echo through the very heavens. She squinted, trying to make out what was happening, and then, finally, she spied him: Kiyoshi, his dark hair gleaming in the moonlight, his broad shoulders back, and his strong arms wrapped around the reins of his horse.
When their eyes met, time seemed to stand still. Kiyoshi's face broke into a wide grin, and he kicked his horse forward, urging it toward her. She felt a rush of adrenaline course through her veins as she hurried back inside, her heart racing with anticipation.
Nia ran out of the room. She did not care about decorum, about the dignity expected of a queen. All she wanted, all she craved, was to be in his arms again. Kiyoshi dismounted, his gaze locked on Nia as she stood at the gates. Time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other, their hearts racing with joy and relief.
He rushed toward her, his steps slowed by the lingering effects of his injuries. Nia did not wait, could not wait any longer. She broke into a run, her dress billowing behind her, and flung herself into his arms. Kiyoshi's strong arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly against his chest, and she buried her face in his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.
"I missed you," she choked out, her voice thick with emotion. "I missed you so much."
Before she could continue, Kiyoshi's strong hands cupped her face, his thumbs wiping away her tears. Then, his lips found hers, tenderly at first, before igniting a passion that left her breathless. Nia clung to him, her body melting into his as their kiss deepened, their tongues tangling in a dance of desire. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, their love for each other the only thing that mattered.
The guards and servants, witnesses to this reunion of love, exchanged shy smiles, their hearts swelling with the emotion of the moment. As Kiyoshi and Nia pulled away from their passionate kiss, they were met with a chorus of soft "awws" from the watching crowd as they slowly began to disperse.
Nia playfully punched his chest, a watery smile replacing her tears. "Don't you ever do that to me again," she admonished, her voice still shaky from the intensity of their embrace. Kiyoshi chuckled, wrapping his strong arms around her and pulling her close.
"Never," he promised, his voice husky with emotion. "But if I did, I'd gladly endure your punishment again, just to feel this."
He kissed her once more, deeper this time, their tongues dancing in a tangle of desire. Nia melted into his embrace, her hands running through his hair, her body pressed tight against his. The passion between them seemed to grow with each passing moment, igniting a fire that burned hot and bright within them both.
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The air in the celebration hall was filled with laughter and music, the warmth of joyous reunions and the triumph of Kiyoshi's return. The celebration, though small, was intimate and heartfelt, as if the very walls of the castle itself were sharing in the relief and happiness. The tables were covered with food and wine, and the servants, their faces shining with pride and contentment, moved among the guests, ensuring that all were well-fed and merry.
Kiyoshi sat beside Nia, their fingers entwined, savoring the warmth of her skin against his cold hands. The feast was in full swing, the scent of roasted meats and baked bread filling the air. Music played from a nearby balcony, and laughter echoed throughout the hall, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the chatter of the guests. Even though they were surrounded by people, Kiyoshi found himself only able to focus on Nia.
Across the room, Nia's gaze caught Lord Darius in the company of a woman, a subtle smile playing on his lips. Kiyoshi, curious, leaned towards Nia and asked, "Who is Lord Darius with?"
Nia followed Kiyoshi's gaze and sighed, "That is his fiancée, Lady Alia. They're to be married next month." She paused, taking a sip of her wine before continuing. "They got engaged during your absence."
"Lord Darius engaged? I never would've guessed. I thought he liked you?" Kiyoshi asked in surprise, trying to hide the slight hint of jealousy in his voice.
"Lord Darius? Like me? Hardly," Nia scoffed, her brown eyes sparkling. "He was merely my ballroom instructor, nothing more. His heart belonged elsewhere." she laughed, taking another sip of wine. "Besides, Lady Alia is a lovely woman. They make a beautiful couple."
Kiyoshi smiled and, leaning closer, kissed Nia's cheek. "Well then, I suppose I should be glad that he did not like you. And you, my lady, are the only one I could ever wish to dance with." His words made Nia blush, and she felt her heart skip a beat.
Nia rolled her eyes at his playful remark. "Always the charmer," she teased.
Kiyoshi, his tone hushed, whispered into her ear, "Speaking of questions, I have your answer now."
Nia looked at him, curiosity filling her eyes. "And what might that be?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kiyoshi grinned mischievously. "The one about consummation. I think it's time I explained."
"Oh, really? Are you finally going to enlighten me?" Nia asked with a playful grin, her heart racing in anticipation of what he might say.
Kiyoshi chuckled, his voice a low murmur. "After the celebration, in our chambers. I'll give you the answers you seek."
"And what if I cannot wait that long?" Nia pleaded; her breath warm against his ear.′
Kiyoshi leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "Patience, my queen. Good things come to those who wait."
As the festivities continued, the guests could not help but notice the unusual display of affection between their Stoic king and queen. Whispers and glances were exchanged, but no one dared to interrupt the intimate moment shared by the two. Kiyoshi and Nia barely seemed to notice the people around them, their focus solely on each other.
The celebratory cheers gradually faded as Kiyoshi and Nia, hand in hand, made their way through the castle corridors. Entering their private chambers, Nia felt a sense of calm wash over her. The weight of responsibility lifted, replaced by the warmth of Kiyoshi's presence.
