Welcome Duchess

Blood.

I woke up in a large room covered in rich red drapes, the bed was soft and pillows felt so fluffy and satiny. Clearly this wasn't Vincent's room as nice as it is. Where was I? I felt a sharp pain and held my head. The memories of earlier came flooding in and it clicked. This must be the house of the Crown Prince.

How interesting? Why would the Crown Prince bring me here rather than return me to my own manor. Suspicious indeed. I looked down at my attire and realized I was clothed differently this time in a light white dress. I had also been bathed and had my hair combed out. I really, hope his maids did this...

Seeing no other other my best choice was to figure out where I was and if Ellen was okay. I pulled back the drapes and alighted onto the ground. This room was truly elegant and royal looking. Could it be...perhaps I was at the palace? I turned the handle on the door and opened it revealing exquisite hallways with stone pillars and floors of polished marble.

I wandered down the hallways and bumped into various servants but each time I tried to ask them a question, they dodged or ran away. I was almost at peak frustration when I spotted a light from under a door. I heard loud shouting and curious I leaned against the door listening in.

"You fool! What a rambunctious son I've raised! You want to be Emperor but you spend all your time with those stupid knights of yours! I was lenient towards you as you are my one and only son, but you've truly passed the line. Bringing back the Duke's future wife!? How am I meant to explain this to him! We've been fortunate he's had no quarrel with our family nor has he sought after his right to the throne! How dare you bring such misfortune to this family!" a man who I could only assume was the Emperor yelled furiously.

I heard nothing in response to his berating but was startled by the door clicking open. Out came the Prince and he looked down at me. He, like Vincent, easily towered over me, he must be at least 6'7...he was taller than Vincent I believe. He was tall and imposing with a lean but powerful figure and piercing eyes.

"You're hurt." he said.

"I'm fine with your highness, in fact I think I ought to return home-" I was caught off guard by him swooping me up into his arms.

"Rest." he said sternly.

Seeing his status I had no choice but to listen and clung to his shirt so as not to fall. He carried me back to what was safe to assume was his room and placed me on the bed gently.

"You highness, my friend is she alright? Where is she?" I questioned.

"She's fine." his response was short again, not one of many words was he.

The faintness returned again and I wobbled a bit, feeling like I was going to pass out again. Ugh..I needed to eat...

"What's wrong?" he questioned.

"I need blood..." I admitted.

He stared at me silently for some time before loosening his collar exposing his neck to me.

"Have mine."

"You're highness I couldn't possibly-" I protested.

"Take it." he insisted.

I sighed...I could exactly resist an imperial order...

"Come closer and lean down." I instructed and he did as I asked, allowing me to reach his neck.

I bit the spot, gently lapping up at the blood. He tasted nice...it was strong aromatic, like wine almost. I could get drunk off this feeling, I gulped down as much as I wanted. Satisfied, I licked the wound clean and it healed up. The prince withdrew and stared at me some more. I really couldn't tell what he was thinking.