The chandelier blazed overhead, scattering golden light across the vast hall. Gentle notes from the orchestra drifted through the air, weaving a melody that made the entire room shimmer with elegance. Nobles clustered in small groups, their chatter bright with delight, while the ladies stole furtive glances toward the front of the hall.
There, seated on a high chair that resembled a throne, was the Vampire King, Damien. At his side stood his envoys—handsome in their own right, yet paling in comparison to their king, whose very presence drew every gaze. His expression, however, was unreadable, his crimson eyes scanning the room with cool disinterest.
Beside him, King Williams shifted uneasily, his nerves betraying how desperately he hoped to win the vampire's favor. Not far away, Princess Lucy, seated beside her brother Marcus, leaned forward eagerly, her lips curved in what she hoped was a charming smile. She tried, and failed, to catch Damien's attention as the envoys spoke with effortless ease.
At that moment, a server stepped forward. His hands trembled slightly as he balanced a silver tray of crystal glasses filled with deep red wine. Bowing low, he offered them with all the formality he could muster.
Damien picked a glass with ease, swirling the liquid slowly. The corner of his mouth lifted in something between amusement and disdain. Anyone who knew him well would be able to tell he was about to do something for his amusement.
His voice was deep as it resonated across the hall. "I thought that since I was in a human kingdom, I would get the most delicious blood, but all I get is a glass of wine. Seems like the king is quite stingy." He clicked his tongue in displeasure.
A ripple passed through the nobles, their laughter dying mid-breath. An extreme awkwardness descended in the room. Whispers stirred like restless wind.
Lucy rose quickly, probably thinking this was her moment, so of course she would seize it. Her posture was graceful, her expression sweet, though her pride showed in every gesture. The room quieted as they took in her drama. "Your Majesty, forgive us for this mistake," she said apologetically, though her voice trembled just enough to betray her excitement. "Allow me to offer my blood instead."
Her words drew another murmur from the crowd, but she ignored it. With a practiced grace, she tilted her head, baring her pale neck, intentionally making it look a bit seductive, showing more of her cleavage.
Damien's gaze lingered on her, not with desire but with a cold, searching amusement. He let the silence stretch until it became unbearable, then spoke softly, almost lazily.
"A pity. I must reject this offer," he said.
Lucy pouted in disappointment, while her nervous mother, Queen Prisca, sighed in relief. She was more than shocked at her daughter's recklessness, but her relief was short lived as Damien continued.
"But you could offer it to Timothy here." He turned his head slightly towards one of his men, whose eyes glinted at the words.
Lucy stiffened. Heat rose to her cheeks, but before she could recover fast enough to escape, Damien added, "Oh? Perhaps you are as stingy as your father."
This made King Williams' face scrunch in embarrassment. He glared at his reckless daughter, who only ever seemed to cause trouble.
A strained smile made its way onto her face as she replied, "No, Your Highness. I will offer it. After all, he's also a guest." She moved slowly toward the envoy, who immediately rose, his eyes glinting as he stepped forward. Lucy faltered, but she had no choice. With stiff movements, she leaned toward him. Michael's lips brushed her skin, and then his fangs sank in.
Her body jolted in pleasure at the bite. A soft gasp tore from her throat–too raw, too sensual. She tried to stifle it, but the sound escaped again, broken, trembling. Nobles turned their heads, fans fluttering as whispers burst through the hall.
Humiliation seared through her. Pulling away, she clutched her neck with shaking hands, her face red as she fled in embarrassment, her skirts swishing in her haste. Marcus's jaw clenched, his knuckles white against the armrest, but he did not move. His hatred for the arrogant vampire king soared .
The queen's face tightened, her voice sharp as she attempted to smooth over the disgrace. But Damien remained reclined, entirely unbothered, as though he hadn't witnessed anything, his lips curved in that faint, unreadable smile.
King Williams forced out a laugh, desperate to mend the atmosphere. "Your Majesty, forgive this oversight. A special bottle has been preserved for such an occasion. It shall be brought at once."
His eyes snapped toward the servant who stood by the side. The man rushed out from the hall, quickly carrying out this request that had come without notice.
In the kitchens, the chief chef froze as he received this order that could cost him his life. His hands trembled as he considered the task. Whose blood could be offered to a vampire king? If it displeased him, heads would surely roll. Sweat streaked down his temples as he scrambled, finally fetching a fresh bottle of blood from a maid and mixing it swiftly with the herbs and spices that enhanced the flavor.
When the cup was ready, he thrust it toward the servant, who carried it with shaky hands. The moment he reached the hallway, his eyes searched for another servant to deliver the drink, not wanting to become the evening's scapegoat. His eyes caught Bella, who was about to sneak in.
"Come here," he ordered, his voice assuming authority.
Bella froze at the words, fearing she would be caught. She braced herself, ready to answer any question he posed, just to hear him say:
"Take this inside to the Vampire King. Do not spill a drop."
Bella froze again, her throat tightening. This was even worse than being caught.
But the man's glare left no room to refuse. She clutched the tray with trembling fingers, whispering to herself in a desperate bid for courage. "It's just serving a drink. Nothing more. Just serve it…and leave."
With her pulse racing, she entered the great doors.
Golden light spilled across her face, the initial curiosity she had was nowhere to be found as she steped into the dazzling room–just a few steps away from a lot of trouble.