The Vampire's Bride

Chapter 13

Xavier had been scared.

Iris had seen it on his face, in his reaction. The question was, why was the king of Hell so afraid of an assassin?

"I'm going to the next spring up," Akaylaa said.

"Be safe," Iris pleaded. The princess nodded and rode up the trail, the guard following after her. She had recognized him as the same guard from the day in the music room, the one who had had his hand up the princess's skirts. What a coincidence that he would be with them today.

"At least we get some privacy," Evelyn said. "I can't believe Jason made us take a guard."

"I suppose it's for show," Iris replied, turning to face the assassin.

She felt her face flush red as she took in the sight of a nude Evelyn sliding into the steaming water.

"I should find one of my own as well," Iris said hurriedly, turning towards her horse.

"Get your ass back here. I'm still in charge of guarding you," the assassin snapped. Iris swallowed and watched as Evelyn lowered herself deeper into the water. The girl nervously removed her dress and slid into the water. She made a small sound at the warmth, an involuntary shudder carressing her spine.

"Oh," Iris breathed out, running her hands over her legs.

"Its lovely, isn't it?" Evelyn asked.

She only nodded, making the assassin chuckle quietly. Iris let herself float and sighed softly. Any troubles she had felt as if they were drifting away with the warmth filling her.

"So Adelaide Carters was your mother."

"Yes," Iris confirmed.

"Do you believe the rumors? That she was once with King Xavier?" Evelyn asked her. She frowned and sat up slightly, hugging her knees to her chest. The way Xavier had spoken of her had been as if he had been telling her of an ex lover. One that he now despised. And Jason had told her that Xavier said that they had been close.

"I don't want to, but, yes, I do believe them," Iris admitted. "I've no clue how she met my father, however."

"I've been thinking about that. Xavier lost his crown eighteen years ago to some unknown assailant. Most people who are aware of Hell's existance know that," Evelyn continued. "Based on the timing of his reemergence and your birth, it suggests that Adelaide had something to do with it."

"What are you implying?" Iris asked, frowning.

"It certainly gives Xavier a motive to kill you if Adelaide was queen when you were born."

Evelyn's words made her shake her head and scoff slightly.

"My father couldn't have been king of Hell. It makes no sense, he is human," Iris protested. "How could they have met even if she was queen?"

"Perhaps you should ask him yourself when he visits," Evelyn suggested.

"You know about that?" The silver eyed girl asked. She hadn't told Jason, or anyone about her father's planned arrival for fear of Xavier learning of it.

"I did a quick sweep of your room. Your dog is an absolute sweetheart, by the way," the assassin told her nonchalantly. "He rushed right up to me to say hello, it was quite adorable."

"That's... strange..." Iris said quietly. "He hates everyone except people he knows well, and even then Kova is a giant arse who only listens when he wants to."

"Odd," Evelyn said. "Why don't you get Akaylaa. Jason wanted you back by sundown, you have to get dressed for another party."

"Oh no," Iris groaned. Not more heavy ballgowns...