Queen Of Paradox (Unedited)

Wake Up Call

"I still think you should reconsider this Ve..."

Vera lazily lifted her head and eyed Randolph from her position on a lovely Victorian-esque chaise. A robe of shimmering transparent gold draped over her body.

"There's nothing to reconsider Ranny." She sighed, looking away.

Walking towards her, he sat down at the edge of the chaise and studied her forlorn expression. "You truly love him, don't you?"

Her eyes narrowed but she still kept her gaze away from him. Instead, staring out the open window that over looked the royal gardens and the beginning of the dense forest beyond.

"How is that not obvious by now?" She grumped, and Randolph chuckled.

"Honestly? For years I assumed it was a fleeting fascination. He was different-"

"And by different you mean poor? Lacking a royal family crest? Save me the judgement." She spat.

"He was different because he called you on your bullshit." He stated calmly.

She swung wide, startled eyes to him. "What?"

Randolph shrugged. "You're not the easiest person to handle Ve. You're demanding, selfish, spoiled, sensitive and dramatic."

"Wow. Love you too." She whispered, looking utterly crestfallen.

"But he took all of that and loved you anyways because he knows that you're also kind, caring, nurturing, playful and selfless when it comes to the ones you love." He reached out and stroked a hand lovingly through her mane of glistening red. "But there's not many who would stick around long enough to see that. So I'm asking you again. Are you sure?"

She seemed to consider his words and then the dam opened and tears fell in rivulets over her cheeks. "You don't understand! It's not that simple!" She sobbed. Her shoulders shaking from the force of them.

"Then tell me, help me understand. " he pleaded, his heart aching for her.

She pressed her lips together, shook her head, and a few more tears trickled down her face.

He cupped her chin and lifted her head.  "Tell me Ve. Tell me why he hurt you like this," he demanded. His gaze dropping to the bruising on her neck. When he'd first saw them about a week ago, he'd been furious. It took all he had not to rush down to the cellars and tear limb from body and head from neck. He and Nolan had a fierce dislike for each other so it wouldn't have been hard.

But the bruising wasn't the only thing that surprised him that day. It was Vera's declaration that Nolan was free from her employ and banned from ever setting foot in the palace again. As well as the capital. Nolan. The man she'd been in love with since she was a kid. The man who'd come between his friendship with Ve for a time and ruined any possibility for it to be anything more. The man she was risking everything for...she was finally letting go. It didn't make sense...

"Tell me why you're refusing to feed-"

"I'm not!" She shouted defensively, looking uncomfortable.

"Don't lie to me. You're wearing week old bruises and that just doesn't happen. Unless you're not feeding...when did you feed last?" He asked, eyes narrowing.

She dropped her gaze and tried to yank her face away from his grip. He wasn't having any of it. "When!" He growled out.

She flinched, but finally answered. "Almost...three weeks ago."

He couldn't believe his ears. Was she insane? Suicidal- No. Oh Gods no. "Vera Victoria Isles, tell me you aren't doing what I think you are. Tell me you aren't trying to...hurt, yourself because of that broken man you can't help loving. Because I promise you, I will kill him before I let you die for him!"