Black Crown

VIII

"What happened to you?" Eli asks when he strolls into my room a few hours later. He doesn't look bothered by the fact that I'm covered in glass and blood, just curious as to how I managed to do it. Then he notices the balcony door.

"You told me to get over my temper tantrum and I did. The door was just an unwilling victim," I tell him and he nods skeptically.

"And what's with the research center you've started over here?" He questions, gesturing to the seven books I have around me. I shrug my shoulders.

"I guess I figured that if I'm going to be stuck here I should at least know a little more about it," I answer and he nods again.

"What have you learned?" He asks before crouching down next to me and running his hands through some of the pages.

"I know that the purebloods are vampires who are born so and that the unpure are humans that were turned. I also know that Roris holds power over more than just the small city you have here. Vampires that live in the human world are also under your power and have to answer to your laws," I tell Eli and he nods his head, looking impressed at my new knowledge. Honestly, once I got into, it was interesting to read about it. There is a whole other world here that I never could have imagine existed.

"Oh! I also learned that there's a royal court here! And there's an annual ball! That was definitely interesting to read about. I can't imagine a room full of dancing vampires," I joke and Eli laughs lightly.

"Looks like you're an expert now, huh? We should get you cleaned up, I'll go get a guard to bring some bandages in," he says and I nod my head. He leaves the room and I hurriedly clean the books up. While I was reading up on the history of Roris, I was also looking for more information on crossbreeds, but I don't want Eli or any other royal knowing what I'm up to.

Eli steps back in and tells me the guard will be by soon with the bandages. I decide to wash up quickly, throwing my hair up and only washing my body. Eli waits patiently on my bed and I can hear him surfing through TV channels. I know he most likely came for a feed but I'm grateful he hasn't asked yet.

As I step out of the tub and wrap myself in a towel, I realize my nightware is in my closet.

"Eli, can you look away for a second? I have to run to my closet," I call into my room.

"If I have to," he sighs, but I see him turn his back to my direction. I quickly dash to my closet, throwing on a nightgown and a sweater over it. I don't feel comfortable being so exposed in front of Eli. He's been kind so far, but I still don't know his true intentions.

When I leave my closet, I notice the guard is here with what looks like a first aid kit. Now that the blood is gone, I can see a few deep cuts the glass left behind. It definitely wouldn't hurt to have them wrapped.

"Thank you," I say to the guard. I'm slightly taken back to see him staring at me. His eyes shift between my own and the cuts on my arms.

He's not ugly, that's for sure. His blonde hair is brushed back to show his green eyes. He has a light stubble on his jaw and he's almost as built as Alexander. Almost.

"Is there something I could help you with?" I question, growing uncomfortable with his staring.

"Are you human?" He asks, eyes meeting mine again. I'm slightly taken back my his blanteness. I don't know this man, but I suppose I should be used to strangers asking me personal questions. Before I can answer, Eli steps in.

"I don't see how that's any of your business, Sir Nathan. I asked you to bring bandages, and you have done your part. I think it is best if you leave now," Eli commands, standing from his spot and moving next to me. Nathan bows his head and hands Eli the kit before making his exit. Eli shakes his head and mumbles something under his breath as he opens the kit, but I'm not listening.