Everlasting Series: Princess and the Vampire (GxG)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Elliana

I had no idea how to feel in regards to the events of the past day. First and foremost, I felt as though a large weight had been lifted off my chest. For the first time in a millennia, I had told my story. Naturally, Lena knew as she was there, but her sister Charlotte did not, as she was born after the war.

Aside from Charlene and Charlotte, Kaya was my closest friend, and even she did not know. The people in Cael were kept in the dark regarding the nature of Sebastian's betrayal, as it would "irreparably disgrace" the reputation of the royal family.

Consort Emilia has stepped up to mother me after that day, and it took me a long time for her to penetrate my walls, but she never gave up. Needless to say, my "mother's" relationship with me was damaged beyond repair, and she coddled Sebastian all through the trials, insisting that he had been possessed by Alysia.

Luckily, despite my mother's insistence, the elders and royals were not fooled as they were aware of Sebastian's attempt to murder me after Alysia had been captured. Nonetheless, Alysia's role in the infiltration of Cael could not be overlooked, and she was subsequently sentenced to death.

As it was unprecedented that the heir apparent would betray Cael, Sebastian's fate was undecided, but he was removed from the line of succession, which further infuriated my mother. He had escaped execution, but not the permanent judgment of the citizens of Cael.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of Carl's population was present for Alysia's execution. Despite the fact that the actual trial had been private, the verdict was announced as people were angry and thirsted for revenge.

I did not attend the execution, and neither did Sebastian, for different reasons. One one hand, I supposed that in some sort of twisted way, it was supposed to provide me with some closure, but I couldn't witness anymore death.

Also, deep down, I was more angry at my brother than Alysia. Despite knowing that it was under her influence, ultimately, it was he who made the decision to murder the village and he who kidnapped and attempted to murder me. Without him, Alysia's plan would never have succeeded. If he could be so easily swayed to betray his family and murder hundreds of mortals, then he did not deserve my sympathy nor a second chance.

Sebastian, on the other hand, went feral at this decision and had to be magically restrained within his room for months after. Despite this, the lack of an official verdict for Sebastian's crimes caused me to experience constant nightmares and I lived in constant fear for my life. As a result, I trained relentlessly. I demanded for my father to train me on how to control my magic and use it. I refused to be vulnerable ever again.

Charlene's family decided to accept our invitation to move into the palace, and she became my closest companion and the only one I truly trusted, for a millennia.

I watched my mate out of the corner of my eye, only half listening to the conversation that she was having with her mother. Her soft, brown eyes flowed with a passion that I felt undeniably attracted to. In the few weeks that we had known each other, I had fallen irrevocably in love with her. I loved her with all my heart and would be willing to do anything to keep her safe from Sebastian and the wrath of the royal family.

I had my reasons for insisting she meet with Elder Thomas. He would know how to approach the situation as he always did. If he was still the ruler of Cael, I had no doubt that he would grant me this. I sighed.

"Something the matter, my sweet girl?" I blushed and turned to smile at Demi.

"Just thinking about the royal family and how they will react." I admitted.