Everlasting Series: Princess and the Vampire (GxG)

Chapter One

Elliana

"You summoned me, Father?" I knelt before him in respect.

My father rose from his throne and began to approach me. "One year." I stiffened when I realized that he was referring to the time remaining of his reign.

"I am aware." I forced out in the most civil tone I could manage.

He raised an eyebrow at me as he reached for my hand and helped me up into a standing position. "You are prepared, I presume?" I nodded curtly. "Something is agitating you." He commented.

I resisted the urge to cough, feeling a familiar sensation in my chest.

"You've been quarreling with your brother."

I resisted the urge to raise my voice at the mention of my greatest source of stress. "Sebastian loathes my very existence. He was meant to be king. There's nothing more to say." I snapped, looking down at the ground.

Father placed a hand on my shoulder. "As unfortunate as that is, this is his punishment. Rulers must place the welfare of the kingdom above all. Sebastian may be my eldest son, but I must make the best choice for the kingdom."

I didn't want to have this discussion again. I knew my own brother was incapable of ruling, but my father also turned a blind eye to a lot of his antics. There was no sense in continuing to push the situation. "I need to leave. Celine is waiting for me." Father sighed, but did not stop me. I bowed once more and exited the throne room.

"Princess! I have been waiting for you." I felt the overwhelming urge to cough again when I noticed my future "husband" standing outside the door.

"Hello, Vance." I gritted. "Lovely to see you but if you'll excuse me, I must find Celine."

He leaned forward and wrapped an arm around my waist. "Please allow me to accompany you." I stiffened, but did not pull away. I decided that I would force his leave once I reached my chambers. I began to walk. "What did his grace want, Princess?"

"To countdown the days until my sentencing." I muttered.

"I beg your pardon?" He gave me a genuinely confused look.

"Never mind." We reached my room and he started to follow me in.

Celine was seated on my bed cross-legged. Her head snapped up at our presence. She immediately stood up and bowed. "Sister." Averting her gaze onto Vance, she frowned. "Did you have fun with Val yesterday?" Vance stiffened next to me. I held back a chuckle. Celine was always willing to say the things that I wasn't in order to keep the peace. Despite planning to speak to Vance about it, I really hadn't wanted to bring up the issue after that conversation with my father.

"Cel-"

She pinched the bridge of her nose. "I don't want to argue with you, sister. Let's just practice the skills we learned in class."

I nodded curtly in agreement and turned to Vance. "You should go."

"Yes, Princess." He seemed overjoyed for an excuse to leave.

"He's a horrible actor." Celine rolled her eyes as I waved my hand to magically shut the door behind him.

I turned and walked to the other side of the room, taking a seat on my bed. "Are we sparring?"