Conquest of Magic

Part 27

I woke up to the sound of someone knocking on my door. I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. "Come in."

The door opened, and Lyn came into view with worry in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked her.

"The King summoned you. "Get ready quickly." She said in a hurried tone, which made my mood drop. I was expecting it in my mind, but I didn't expect to meet him so soon. Either way, it's good. I thought.

"Kristen, are you okay?" She asked, placing her arms on my shoulder. I nodded.

I hurried through my morning routine, finally deciding on a white gown that Lyn insisted I wear. I paired it with stud earrings, a silver bracelet, and black heels, letting my hair fall loose. The ruby pendant glowed vibrantly against my chest, so I left it outside the dress, feeling elegant and confident.

As I followed Lyn and a few guards to the king's office, panic began to rise within me. The guards outside looked surprised; they expected a frightened girl, but I stood tall, smiling despite the churn of fear in my stomach. Lyn glanced at me, her surprise evident.

The guards opened the door, but one stopped Lyn from entering. Every part of me screamed to turn back, but I pushed through, knowing I had to be brave. I stepped inside the large room, filled with documents and books, and felt an overwhelming sense of anxiety wash over me. The king wasn't here yet, and being alone made my heart race.

I walked to the window, opening it for fresh air, trying to calm my nerves. Ever since arriving at the castle, I had disliked the king. His intimidating gaze unsettled me the most. I heard footsteps approaching, and I took a deep breath, focusing on the sound. The door opened, and there he was.

He looked different from our last meeting, dressed in a sleek black suit that made him more handsome than William. He stood at the door, taking in my outfit before his gaze fixed on my ruby pendant, lingering for a moment before meeting my eyes.

"Hello, Kristen," he said softly, his evil smile sending a chill down my spine. I held my breath, sensing something off in his expression. "Are you okay?" His concern seemed insincere, shifting rapidly.

"Yes," I replied steadily, meeting his gaze without flinching. He looked surprised.

"You look so much like her," he remarked, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. I recoiled at his touch, stepping back.

"Take a seat," he instructed, settling onto the sofa. I followed, feeling unusually defiant today.

"I heard about last night's incident. I'm impressed by how you fought off the vampires," he said, sipping from a glass that looked suspiciously like blood. A lump formed in my throat.

"Thanks," I muttered, my heart racing.

"I missed the show, but I heard you burned a dozen of them with a single gesture. Am I right?" He looked at me with pride.

"I guess," I replied, trying to manage the buzzing sensation coursing through me.

"You're a bold girl, just as I expected. I hope you're ready to fight by my side," he said, his gaze intense. Panic surged within me as I struggled to respond. "I don't know what you expect from me, but I'm not ready for any kind of fight," I managed to say, glancing at his piercing eyes.

"You'll be fine as long as you're by my side," he replied calmly.

"Can I ask you something?" I finally found the courage to speak.

"Yes," he smiled, as if he anticipated my question.

"Why did you make the vampires attack me twice? Was it to help me awaken my powers or to kill me?" The words tumbled out.