"Mara…" Veronica called out in her mind.
Suddenly, a woman with thick blonde hair and piercing green eyes appeared, materializing from thin air. She was strikingly beautiful—the kind of beauty that could take your breath away. Her presence was both dangerous and dazzling.
"Best friend," Mara purred. "Why did you call for this beautiful demon?" She swayed her hips seductively as she walked forward.
Veronica shook her head. "I need your help, Mara. You know my husband is impotent because of the curse laid upon him. Because of this… I can't give birth."
"Yeah, I know that story," Mara replied, irritated. "Why are you repeating it all over again?"The Council wants him to marry another woman. You know this can't happen, right? I'm the one he loves—and another woman can't handle a secret like his. It would be a total disgrace if anyone else finds out."
Mara folded her arms and tilted her head. "Yeah, you're right. So… what do you suggest we do? "I want you to manipulate everyone in the castle. Make them believe that I'm pregnant. "Hmm. Sounds like a good idea," Mara said, thoughtful. "And when it's time for the baby to be born?"
"I'm planning to adopt a child."
Mara grinned. "Now that sounds interesting. I'll help you."
Veronica's face softened with relief. "Thank you, Mara. I knew you'd help me."
"Of course—what are best friends for?" Mara winked. "Your work is already done. Just wait and watch."Suddenly, a maid burst into the room, panic in her voice."Your Majesty, why are you standing?! His Highness will punish us if anything happens to you! Please sit down—the midwife is on her way to check you!" Veronica looked at Mara with wide, startled eyes.
"I told you," Mara whispered with a mischievous smirk—then vanished into thin air. Later that night, Veronica disguised herself and slipped out of the castle. Time was running out—everyone already believed she was in her ninth month. She had to find a child, and fast.She rode for hours, her cloak billowing behind her, until she suddenly heard the cry of a baby echoing through the woods.
She pulled hard on her reins and leapt from her horse, following the sound until it led her to an ancient tree. Beneath it, a baby lay on a blanket of leaves, crying softly.
Veronica's heart skipped a beat. The child was beautiful—almost otherworldly. She knelt and gently scooped him into her arms.
But then, she felt it.
A presence. Two, in fact—looming behind her. She turned swiftly, fear flooding her chest.A tall man stood beside an old woman, both cloaked in shadows. Their faces were hard to see, but their power was undeniable.
"Who are you…?" she managed, her voice trembling.The man stepped forward.
"I am Dracula, King of the Vampires. And that child in your arms… is my son."
The old woman raised her hand. "And I'm Glinda—a witch."Veronica's eyes widened at the revelation."But… why would you give up your son? Why are you abandoning him?"
Dracula nodded, impressed. "That's a good question, Your Majesty."
Her breath hitched. "You know I'm a queen?"
"Of course," he replied coolly. "I'm a vampire, remember? I'm not abandoning my son. I'm protecting him—from my kind. They want him dead. You're the only one who can keep him safe. "But—how will he survive in the human world? Vampires can't stand the sun…"
"That's why I'm here," Glinda interrupted calmly.
She held out her hand, revealing a small pouch. Inside were glimmering blue stones.
"These are lapis lazuli. Have them made into a chain, and make sure he always wears it. I've enchanted them—he'll be able to walk in sunlight without harm."Veronica nodded as she took the stones. "I'll protect him… but there's a problem. My husband has been cursed—he's impotent."
Glinda smiled knowingly. "I know about the curse. Don't worry—Damien won't be impotent. But he might be if he marries the wrong person. "Damien?" Veronica repeated.
"Yes. That's his name."
Glinda's expression turned serious. "Listen closely. He's destined to marry a human, just like his father."Then she glanced at Dracula with a mocking smile.
"Was that necessary, Glinda?" Dracula muttered."Absolutely," she said with a wink.
Glinda turned to Veronica. "It's your responsibility now—to train and raise him to be strong, wise, and powerful. And never forget—he's not an ordinary child. When he comes of age, he will rule not one… but two empires."