The Hidden Princess (a werewolf story)

Chapter 12// Defiance

Xavier's POV

*earlier in the day in Shade's office*

"Come on in, son!" my father booms warmly from his study.

I throw open the heavy brass doors with no physical exertion whatsoever. Then as I make my way into the dark room that smells of chaos, the first thing I spot is my father, sitting behind his desk with a mischievous grin curled into his face. His devilishly happy expression hits me like a slap to the face, and I am instantly awake.

My father is never this happy, even when I was born (according to the nurses) he didn't smile once.

"Xavier!" He starts joyfully, "I have finally found a suitable noblewoman to be your wife!"

At first, I imagine that he didn't actually just imply I am getting married and that I am simply delirious from confrontation with Emma. However, when the smile on his face continues to disgust me I take it as a hint that I am not imagining things.

"Wait, what?!" I shout in confusion.

He seems a bit taken aback at first, and annoyed at my immediate reaction.

"As I said, Xavier. I am planning to have you married before your coronation. That way the kingdoms can remain confident that you will be a strong-willed ruler supported by a steady marriage that the people will approve of", he states matter of factly.

"Father, I'm not sure I'm ready to get married" I respond as calmly as possible.

His eyes narrow at me in distaste, an unusual expression for a father to give his son.

"Xavier, I thought you wanted to be king" he replies, faking a bucket load of compassion in an attempt to make me give in.

"I do!"

"Then you have to marry her!" he yells back.

Though I am startled at his sudden change in tone, I stand my ground firmly.

"But, why must I marry before I become king?!"

The conversation has now become extremely heated and I can sense my father reaching his limit of arguing, an unnerving sense of calm settling over his features.

"The kingdoms need a queen just as much as a king" he grits out through his teeth in a menacing tone that sends a wave of chills down my spine.

"This is not up for discussion!" he finishes firmly, signalling for me to shut my mouth if I know what's good for me.

"Now" he starts, regaining his composure, "how about I take you to meet your future queen?" he asks like it is a command rather than a question.

I'm not stupid, I know when to follow orders, however, though I may be agreeing to meet with her....

There is no way in hell that I am marrying some bratty, self-obsessed vampire noble.

***********

My father swiftly leads me through the elegant castle hallways until we arrive at a large luxurious sofa room where my father usually meets with representatives from other kingdoms. It seems slightly eerie up close, and I find myself evaluating every crevice, corner and tiny dark hole in the room, looking for a giveaway as to all of the horrific events that have surely taken place in this room. It doesn't take long for me to notice the faded blood spots and claw scratch marks that father has so obviously attempted to conceal.

However, my eyes swiftly land on the poised young woman in the centre of the room and that is where they remain.

"Your Highness" she greets whilst curtsying delicately.

I bow in return and pause to assess her. She has a head of thick brown hair swept up into an elegant updo and attractive features that have been buried under mountains of makeup. She isn't really my type, but I decide to put on a good show for my father's benefit.

"Good morning. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Prince Xavier, heir to the vampire throne" I greet warmly.

I watch in discomfort as her eyes glint with desire whilst I'm mentioning my royal status. It is now quite clear that she is only interested in becoming queen. However, the slam of the door behind me, signifying my father's departure, ignites a fresh set determination in her approach. She slowly slinks over to me and begins to trail her perfectly manicured fingers up my chest. They feel like tiny daggers pricking my skin, sending chills of unease down my spine.

"I've been looking forward to meeting you. Care to get to know each other a bit?" she purrs seductively.

I mentally gag and attempt to shrink away from her, but my desperate escape is blocked by the corner of a table sticking into my lower back. She continues towards me in a slightly menacing manner and I find myself gulping in fear, eyes wide.

"Um, how about we go for a stroll through the garden. T-The roses are looking quite l-lovely this time of year" I stutter, trying to stall.

"I think I have a more enjoyable activity in mind" she continues, ignoring my suggestion.

I feel like a tadpole being trapped by a shark. I've never felt this afraid around Emma. Oh, how I wish that I hadn't shut her out and it was her that I was trapped in here with. I'm in the midst of this saddening thought when a loud thumping noise catches both of our attention. The woman and I both spin simultaneously towards the source of the noise. It is then that we notice the figure of a young girl with enough sadness on her face to make you think that she is holding her shattered heart in her own hands. 

Emma.

Anger and annoyance build within me.

It is this filthy slut's fault that Emma is so upset. It makes me want to rip out the heart of anyone who comes close to me. Fear and betrayal begin to further cloud her features at the sight of the woman's hand pressed up against my chest. My eyes lock with Emma's and for some reason, all I can convey in the brief moment all I manage to convey is my anger towards the noble. However, Emma doesn't seem to interpret the direction in which my annoyance is focused. Her mouth slowly closes as her lips press together to form a tight line.

The next few moments turn into complete and utter chaos just as quickly as they had begun. Within seconds the ill-fated noblewoman is lying headless on the floor, in a pool of her own blood. Now I am watching as Emma is being dragged around the corner, and out of sight. I don't know why I am unable to move, but what I do know is that all of my emotions getting caught up in my head seem to have forbidden it.

Why did she attack so viciously like that?

The question leaves me reeling until the answer finally hits me like a brick wall to my chest.

Emma was jealous. That's the reason why she acted the way she did. She was angry at how the noblewoman was flirting with me.

Hope swells up inside my chest as I take in the possibility that my love for her isn't quite as unrequited as I had thought...

Oh shit, what have I done?

She literally just killed someone for me and here I am simply watching and waiting while she is being dragged away by the guards, and most likely towards her death. My mouth drops open in realisation and I begin to sprint down the hallway as fast as I can. I can't let her get killed because of me. I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did. I have to save her and tell her the truth about what happened, but most importantly I have to tell her the truth about my feelings for her.

I have to tell Emma that I'm starting to fall for her.

Hey,

I didn't really get many comments on my author's note so I'm aiming to get some reads on this and if I don't and it finally hits me that this book has been a total failure then I will most likely put it on hold. But don't delete it yet cause I might change my mind since I've just come up with a twist for the ending...

xoxo