Between Love & War

13

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Kim's POV _

I don't know what happened after that but I found myself later leaning on my horse as we're heading towards the Night Castle.

"Oh.. Sire.. you awake.. are you feeling better?" Kevin asked.

"I'm fine." I don't know what else to ask.

We're close to the night castle. Then we entered through a tunnel from the backyard of the mansion which is just a cover for the dark architect beneath the surface.

I looked upon the sky. The waning moon is shining brightly.

We entered the castle.

The king is in front of us. After placing the things on a stone curved monument we the soliders stand back.

The oldest statues of the gods and the first vampires are illuminating with the candle light. The holy water pond is now crimson as well as fragrant with the blood.

"The upcoming solar eclipse will be the most important for all of us. That day will enhance the power of this realm and it's creatures. We'll worship our holy nine to enhance our power. This requires sacrifice. We haven't performed such ritual in centuries. And this time it has to be perfect. This will reassure the dynasty of the vampires." He paused.

My gaze is lower. As soon as I blinked his Majesty is standing in front of me. I almost tripled but managed my composure.

"Your majesty.." I bowed.

"I don't want any mistake. Understood?"

"Yes, your majesty. Your wish is our command."

A few stayed behind for preparing the ritual.

I come back to my house.

Whatever happened and the way his Majesty talked with me.. all don't seem so good to me. I'm feeling so awkward about this.

The sun is already rising.

I sighed. Only a few days left. Only a few days.. the war is knocking the door.

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Chay's POV _

The hunting plan went well as I wanted. Kinn is here. Just beside me. I'm stealing glances but he didn't look back rather cleared his throat.

Then I looked at my other side. Of course the princess is also on my other side.

Something is bubbling up inside my chest. So this is how dubitation feels. I love someone and going to marry someone else yet they both love me..

Of course Kinn will feel insecure. I'm going to marry the princess. That's what my father wants. I can't blame Evelyn. She had nothing to do with anything.

I guess I need to discuss this marriage with my father again.

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Usually our mansion doesn't get candle lighting so I'm quite surprised how the whole hall is illuminating.

My father is sitting by the fireplace. That's unusual.

"Father.." I called him even though he already knew my presence.

"Come here.." he spoke.

I went to him.

"I can tell you're in a good mood." He said after scanning my face.

Am I really showing off that I'm happy?

"I.. wanted to talk about the marriage.." I hesitantly spoke after nodding at him.

"Oh, yes. I'm going to ask King Edward to amain the wedding preparation. I want you to marry your would be bride before the upcoming solar eclipse. And for you, prepare yourself for the holy ritual." He finished then left me there.

My words couldn't come out after hearing his solemn voice.

There's only 5 days left before the solar eclipse! How can I marry Evelyn? What am I supposed to tell Kinn?!

I'm doomed for sure!

I went upstairs.

"Brother.. welcome home.." Charles is sitting with a glass of wine.

"Why are you here?" I crushed myself down the other chair as he handed me another glass

"Just to ask you about the hunting trip.. why? Can't I talk a little with my big brother?" He smirked.

"Of course you can. But now I don't feel like talking." I sighed.

"Oh brother! You're getting old!"

"Almost a century, is it enough to call me old?"

"Haha.. I suppose so."

"You're so happy recently.." my brows arched. "What's that on your neck?"

"Oh... That's.. that's nothing.."

"Nothing, huh? I can tell someone gave you too much love at once. Who's it?"

"Oh brother! Stop it!"

"You won't tell me?! Then I better look into your memories."

"No no! You can't do this!!"

"I can! Open your eyes!"

"It's not fair! Okay. Fine. I'll tell you.. it's a.. human. His name is.. Mac." He pouted.

"I knew it. Do father know about this?"

"I haven't met him in days. So he hasn't read my mind yet. Well, he doesn't call me as much as he calls you. After all you're going to inherite his legacy." Tho he said it. I know he's happy because he doesn't have to go though father's supervision.

"What if... I don't want to inherite his legacy... Will you take over my place?"

"What? No no no.. it's your place. And how can you convince father? I can't even block him from reading my memories let alone other things. How can I be compared with you. Keep aside these stupid thoughts... Take rest. I'll come by later." He patted my shoulder then left.

I sighed heavily. Father doesn't know what's going on my mind because he can't read through my memories. It took me years to control my power and quite amount of human blood to protect myself from his supervision.

What if.. what if he comes to know about Kinn! No no.. he can't. I can't let him.

I need to think about it.

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