Prince Darrius

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Claudia takes me into a bedroom which looks different to any other bedroom I have entered at the Vampire Palace. It is big, however the furniture is all dark wood, the floor is covered in blood-red carpet and the walls are a brown so dark, it almost looks black. 

Besides all the darkness in the room, I see a splash of gold-red bright hair and tanned skin from the bed as I glance at the smirking Maximus reclining on a bed almost bigger than Darrius’. Maximus smiles widely as Claudia and I enter.

So this was Maximus’ bedroom!  

“Jennifer, Darling!” Maximus welcomes, staying on the bed in the same position, his hands resting behind his head, showing off the width of his shoulders, his raw strength. So similar to Darrius…

“Where’s the girl you kidnapped?” Claudia asks dryly, not amused by the wicked smile plastered over his face. 

“Isobel said she wanted a shower,” Maximus says, motioning to the door to the right of the bed, where there is a light on under the door, “I believe she is trying to avoid me.” 

“Of course,” Claudia sighs with frustration and crosses her arms over her chest, “What did you do to her?”

“Nothing much… yet,” Maximus winks at a scowling Claudia and I just hold my left arm with my right hand, leaning from foot to foot.

“Um…” I say, catching their attention, “How is she going to make a dress with no materials?” I wonder.

“Good question, Jennifer,” Claudia says happily, giving Maximus a challenging look. Maximus waves his hand through the air dismissively, narrowing his eyes at the assessing look being thrown his way.

“Owen and Leah have that covered, they’ll be here any second,” As Maximus replies, I watch as the door to the bathroom slowly opens a crack, and I see someone peak through the gap. 

Maximus and Claudia follow my gaze as the door opens wider and I take in a wide-eyed blonde girl, who is obviously wearing work clothes; black slacks and a grey top, with black shoes. Her wet blonde hair is a honey-colour while wet and it comes down to her waist in waves. Her grey eyes, similar to Maximus’, look around the room and come to focus on me with apprehension. 

“Are you alright, Isobel?” Maximus asks, “You took your sweet time in there, darling,” he growls the last part disapprovingly. 

“Isobel,” Claudia says, smiling, “It’s nice to meet you, don’t listen to Maximus, he, ah –… well, he’s Maximus…,” Claudia smile turns sympathetic and Isobel takes in Claudia with judging eyes. 

“Is this,” Isobel says, nodding towards me, “The girl I have to make a dress for?” she asks. 

“It sure is!” Maximus replies happily. 

“I’m Jennifer,” I say, “I was kidnapped too,” I hope this will make her feel a little bit more normal. Who knows how many humans were kidnapped to become slaves or god-knows what else, in this palace? 

“I know your story,” Isobel says steely. This girl wasn’t giving much to work with, staying coolly distant; not wanting to share too much. What did Maximus do to her? Claudia seems to reflect my thoughts because she says to Isobel…

“Whatever Maximus said to you, don’t fret. All you have to do is make the dress and you’ll be on your way home. The sooner you help us, you can go home. We’ll pay you for your efforts, Isobel. It’s what you deserve –”

“Claudia,” Maximus snaps, “Don’t get involved in my affairs.”  

“I’m telling her how it is, to calm her. She is obviously very tense,” Claudia snaps back.