The Prince of Darkness (Undying #2)

Chapter 3

A/N Credits to picture owners.

Chapter 3

Prince Daimon of Chantelle was reawoken by his younger brother who is in a state of euphoria he never imagined he'd find himself in.
They had won the war, Marcel reported. The ogres are dead and most importantly, theu defeated the disease that threatened to wipe them out. It was a miraculous day, a heaven's gift. Only Daimon was aware of the possible consequences it could bring and something grips on his heart. He couldn't bring himself to rejoice.
His first instinct was to go to the throne room with the younger prince. He found the king, his father, pouring wine on the queen's goblet and a grin spread on his face.
"Father!" he exclaimed, darting towards Terrence to give him a bear hug they both deserve.
As soon as they made contact, their faces brushing against each other, the king's expression distorted in agony, appearing unable to breathe. His face became pale, the veins on his neck unveiled itself until his life was no more and he was dead weight to Daimon.
* * *
Because of his courageous act, Daimon was rewarded by a lively dinner with the staff of Gadarette. His presence was insisted bu the father of the big family himself, Rondo. It was a buffet in the outskirts of town, feast for their successful day in their very own signature that is more like Indian rituals under the stars instead of victorian parties.
Daimon was no longer used to this kind of noise: happy and honorary, partially to him. Ever since that day, he had only received forsaking glances, vicious words, unlike when he was a prince loved by all.
"Why so serious, mister?" Leila sat on the log by him, bringing over a bottle of beer.
"To make one of us, perhaps," he replied, in a way that she would understand he's not interested.
"Whatever." She raised the bottle. "To you saving me." He hit it with his glass and they drank in silence until Joaquin approached the pair.
"However did you escape Orange's sharp fangs and claws," he half-stated, half-questioned, looking down on him, arms crossed over his chest.
"Orange is the lion," Leila added in consideration.
Daimon nodded. "I served a time taming even wilder beasts, horses among them."
"Orange is not a beast" the girl protested.
"You must be one ferocious knight then, mate!" Joaquin taunted. Daimon sighed, weary from the two.
"Come on, Joaquin. I know you came here to ask me for a dance. Let's leave Daimon in peace." Leila said in annoyance from being ignored. The pair left and danced around the bonfire.
* * *
King Terrence III and his older son, Daimon, has been staying in Lunaruz for a week now as part of building their alliance. King Louie and Queen Cathlyne, on the other hand, were more than hospitable.
"Catharine has been.. outgoing ever since she was a child," Cathlyne explained as they eat breakfast with their royal guests.
"It runs on the blood, darling," Louie jested and cackled inelegantly. It took all of his wife's will not to gut him then and there.
"I'm certain she's every bit lovely as you are, milady," Terrence compliments, relieving the queen of the tension.
"Surely and thank yoy, Terrence. I'm just glad my Raven hasn't taken after you!" she chastised her husband.
"Are you sure, mother?" Young Raven, two years younger than Catharine, arrived with a boy of eight years and straight, pretty face. She kissed her parents' cheeks, bowed to their guests and took a seat in front of her mother, Vladimir following her. "Yuri took us to ride horses. If it isn't so cold, I would be out all day with the adoring animals."
"If you wish, you could visit Chantelle. We have a pleasant climate and I could even escort you for a ride myself," Daimon offered kindly, "Is that the paladin Frederick's son?"
"I'd appreciate that, your grace." They exchanged warm smiles.
"Oh yes. He is protégé to the great Catharine. She would have taken him with her many adventures but he's too far inexperienced and insufferable to babysit," another voice chimed in, cutting in effectively between Raven and Daimon. Catharine stuck out a tongue at the young boy.
"Catharine!" Vladimir rushed to her and clung his thin body. She mocked irritation while the others guffawed at the loving gesture.
"I missed you too, little sister," she addressed Raven with a coy gleam on her silver eyes, patting the boy's head.
"Talk about insufferable, Catharine." The older girl after successfully prying Vladimir off, proceeded to kiss her sister's cheek, then her parents, completely unaware of the young prince whose heart she had whisked away the moment she stepped in.
"I have souvenirs you'll adore, father. You won't believe where I came from."
"Uh-oh. Don't be so scandalous now, dearie. We have guests," Louie half-joked.
Finally, she faced Daimon with a mischievous grin, "You must be my betrothed."