Cassie's POV
I sat down, allowing the maids to help me get dressed. They styled my hair using several hairpins to adorn it.
I was dressed in a beautiful, knee-length flared gown adorned with a floral pattern, which complemented my beauty. I was surprised by the beauty and luxurious look of the gown.
When they were done, they all bowed and left the room. I stared at myself self in the mirror, unable to believe i was the one in it. I looked more beautiful and more noble. I looked like a princess in a fairy tale.
"You are so beautiful, madam," Zarea said with a warm smile, and i smiled back.
"Thank you," I said sincerely, feeling good.
"Madam, do you mind if we go for a walk?" Zarea asked, and of course I agreed, wanting to see more of the walls that surrounded me . I followed Zarea behind her as she opened the door, and a cold breeze hit my face.
When I stepped outside, I was amazed by my surroundings. The building looked magnificent and luxurious. I couldn't help but gasp at the beauty of it all. Zarea saw my amusement and smiled."Welcome to the royal house," she said, which made me surprised. Had those men mistaken me for someone else and brought me to the wrong place? "Why the hell am i in the royal house?"
I smiled, trying to mask my thoughts. I gently followed her behind, and we came to a huge building that emitted various kinds of aromas.
"This is the royal kitchen," Zarea said, pointing to the door. I nodded, taking note of the place. She then took me to several other places in the royal house, all painted in gold and black, giving them a luxurious yet dangerous look.
We walked further, past areas I hadn't seen yet, until we reached a black, massive gate with a golden lion head on it. Just looking at the gate made me shiver. The building beyond it stood tall and different from the others in the royal house, making it look unique, yet dangerous.
" What's in that place?" I wondered, feeling the danger emanating from the gate . It felt eerily strange.
" What's this place? " I couldn't help but ask.
Zarea smiled awkwardly and replied, "This is the king's residence. It's strictly prohibited for outsiders," she said. She turned back. "We have to leave now," she added, and her pace this time was fast, as if she was running from something coming from that gate. I didn't hesitate; I also quickened my pace, following her behind, not daring to look back, afraid that something dangerous might come after me.
"Can we slow down?" I protested, fearing she would walk too fast and leave me behind.
"I'm sorry for that," she said and slowed down. "I was warned not to go close, but I disobeyed, so I was afraid I'd be punished if found around."
My brow furrowed, wondering what kind of kingdom had such strict standards.
"Then let's be fast," I said, trying to help her out. She was the person I was closest to here, and I couldn't bear to lose or part with her.
She looked deep into my eyes, smiled, and bowed. "Thank you for your consideration, but we are far from there, and it's safe now."
I sighed, feeling relieved. That look she gave me was one of surprise. She was surprised that I had considered her safety.When we got back to the room I was staying in, I felt safe again. I sat down on the bed while Zarea arranged some things in the room.
I was deep in thought when I heard a gentle knock on the door. Zarea went to answer it, closing the door behind and I heard her talking to the person who had come. I began to hear her pleading. I walked to the door and placed my ear against it.
I heard her pleading, and I also heard male voices telling her that she had broken the rules of the kingdom and deserved to be punished.
My mind began to race rapidly. They were here to take her away, which made my heart ache. I didn't know what to do, but I decided to open the door to intervene.
When I opened the door, my eyes met Zarea's, which were teary. Then I saw two soldiers holding her tightly, and my mind almost jumped out of my chest. They were wearing the same clothes as the soldiers who had come to forcefully take me from my home, which made me scared.
And it dawned on me that I was in the vampire kingdom.
"Where are you taking her?" I asked them, gathering all the courage I had.
"To where she'll be punished," one of the soldiers answered, his voice void of warmth.
"Please don't punish her. I asked her to do it. Punish me instead," I said, defending her. Since I'm in the vampire kingdom, I'll be punished and maltreated anyway, so I don't care if they give me royal treatment now. What I'm sure of is that I'll be in danger soon.
The soldiers were shocked by my response, as was Zarea. She looked at me, and I blinked my eyes, giving her a signal to cooperate.
"Yes—yes, it's true. I was only following her orders," Zarea said, her voice low. I smiled a little, liking the fact that she understood my signal.
And just like magic, the soldiers let go of her and bowed, leaving my sight immediately, which left me dumbfounded.
My brain couldn't process why the vampire soldiers would listen to my words and spare Zarea.
"What's going on?" I couldn't help but ask Zarea, because I was totally confused. I pinched myself to confirm if I was asleep and in a dream.
I flinched, feeling pain in my arm where I had pinched it.
Zarea came close to me and kneeled down. "Thank you so much, madam. You just spared my life," she said, with her head lowered.
I was still mute, not knowing what to say. She looked at me and smiled, wiping her tears.
"You don't need to be shocked, madam. You have the authority to command the soldiers of this kingdom," she said, then got up and held my hands.
"Let's go inside," she said, and we both entered. I sat down, feeling totally awkward. Since I woke up in that thick forest, unexpected things had just been happening.
Which authority do I have to command the vampire soldiers? I couldn't help but ask myself, feeling like everything was getting weirder by the minute.
"Maybe I'll suddenly develop wings and start flying," I muttered under my breath. Since everything was getting so strange, me flying wouldn't even surprise me anymore.
I placed my palm on my face and cursed my greedy father for the hundredth time in my heart. He's the cause of all these things that are happening to me right now ,
" why is he my father?" I wondered.
"Don't be angry. I had to drive you into this," Zarea said to me, bowing.
"It's okay," I said, lying down on the bed. Maybe sleeping would help calm my nerves, because it felt like I was going crazy.