It was barely 11am and we were stood in a line at the entrance, waiting for the arrival of Prince Emmanuel and the Queen. I was filled with nothing but nerves and anticipation, mostly because I really didn't want to meet the Queen again, not unless her personality had done a complete 180.

The sound of a distant car could be heard through the main doors, and the maids on standby pushed them open. Two figures slowly emerged from the blinding light now penetrating the entrance area. One slender and feminine, slightly taller than the slender male figure beside her.

I shot a glance at Alexander who already had his eyes on me, although slightly squinted from the light. The uneasiness was obviously evident as he shot me a wink and placed my hand in his, "don't worry," he mouthed.

When I faced the front, the pair were in clear sight: Emmanuel and Queen Genevieve. She was in a bright yellow, bodycon dress, and I had to say, she looked stunning. Emmanuel also looked... immaculate. He was a light-skinned guy, blonde hair, parted in the middle with a black under-cut. He had quite a feminine face, most definitely a pretty boy, and he seemed to know it as he strode over with a confident smile, showing off some extremely straight teeth.

The Queen was busy with the King, she greeted us briefly and then went back to checking over and fussing over him making sure he was fine . Emmanuel was going down the line giving hugs and shaking hands. I and Alexander were last and when he got to Alexander the hug lingered longer than anyone else. When he retreated, they were both beaming.

"It's such a relief that you're back. God, you're like a brother to me, Alexander," began Emmanuel, bringing their foreheads together, "I have honestly never bawled so hard over something before."

I watched curiously, they seemed to still have a really strong bond despite being apart for so long. I was glad to see it though, I still hadn't really seen Alexander with many friends, mostly because he was so partial about who he was friends with. But he and Emmanuel clearly really cared for each other. It was cute.

"And you're sure you don't have a little sugar in your tank, Mr Exubereare? Living up to your name I see," Jayden leaned forward, a familiar smirk on his face. Was there anyone that guy wasn't an asshole to?

A forced smile slid on to Emmanuel's face, "Jayden, I want you to know it's okay to desire me, as many do. Unfortunately, I have eyes for another. I do have some friends who may be available for you. Say the word, and I'll be your matchmaker from the Gods."

Jayden rolled his eyes and stuck up his middle finger, causing Emmanuel's smile to grow. He turned back and faced me, a more genuine smile for me.

"What a pleasure it is to finally meet you, Arianne. I have heard nothing but positive praise about you," he pulled me in for a hug like we'd also not seen each other for a long time, and not to be weird, but he smelled amazing.

"It's great to meet you too," I responded breathlessly, offering him my best smile. From what I'd seen so far, I liked Emmanuel. He would definitely bring more life than usual to the castle.

Alexander's hand darted out to Emmanuel's shoulder when he released me from the hug, concern with a hint a confusion in his tone, "what happened to your eye, Emmanuel?" He asked what I'd also been wondering. Emmanuel, much like Alexander, had a red left eye, despite his right being yellow.

"You're an overnight trendsetter, Alex! You've done some pretty iconic things in your life, but this? You've really outdone yourself this time," he exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Do they know it's an injury?" Alexander's brow quirked in disbelief.

"Injury or not, they love it, and so do I. You still don't understand the impact you have, do you?" He planted his hands on the shoulders of Alexander, bursting into a smile at his friend's obliviousness.

Alex appeared adorably bewildered, his eyes wide and lips slightly parted. This man was a Prince and was confused about the influence he had. Everyone could see it but him.

Henrietta ambled over, her arms folded, "he'll never understand."

Emmanuel shook his head and sighed. "A real shame, I'll help you while I'm here. But first, a gift for our recently married couple: I know you guys didn't honeymoon, and there wasn't time for it. However, now you're back, I think you deserve one. Whenever you're ready, so is my island. Whatever you want, you can have. It's the least I can do since I couldn't attend your wedding."

"I-Island?" I repeated, now my turn to quirk my brow. His family owned an entire island?

"Oh, I'm from Praeceps Sinum, which literally translates to reef bay. We have many beautiful islands off our coast, one of which, has belonged to my family for centuries."

"We'll definitely take you up on your offer just as soon as we can," Alex responded, snaking a hand around my waist and pulling me closer.

"Of course, and all of you are welcome to my palace whenever you see fit if you'd like a vacation," He turned his attention to Henrietta, who seemed to be staring him down with a force, "let's do some catching up, eh?"

Henrietta nodded as she signalled for him to follow. I also saw that The Queen and The King had both already disappeared.

"Come on," Alexander took my hand in his again and squeezed it softly, offering me a gentle smile.

I guessed we'd all be doing some "catching up" with each other during dinner. With the announcement tomorrow, the king would probably try to make sure we could could all tolerate each other, even if it only lasted 24 hours.

It felt so weird to be able to traverse the castle with Alexander again. He already seemed so much happier and so did I. Being back home after a long time really lifted the spirits of everyone. Everything in the middle of the castle was as it was when we left, it made my heart flutter with joy. Everything was normal... and even if it was just for a short moment, it still felt amazing.

I had sort of lost my bearings in the maze of a castle, with so many different ways to get from one location to another, I maybe memorised one or two routes to set locations like the dining hall and libraries. But as soon as I saw the familiar windows found only at the back of the castle, I realised we were probably heading to the garden.

We followed a trail out into the woods. This was- what?- my second or third time out there since I got to the castle. The trail was so beautiful to follow; there were all sorts of different coloured flowers in the hedges that lined it. It was like something out of a fairytale book. The weather made everything better as the sun gave the white pebbled path an angelic glow. At the end of the trail was an opening to a large garden with luscious green grass, surrounded by the hedges. In the middle, was a red and white picnic mat, two baskets: one filled with fruit and one with sandwiches, and a jug of what looked like apple juice.

"Fancy a decent breakfast?" Alexander held out his arm towards the laid out food, looking very pleased with himself.

"Did you do this?" I asked curiously, taking a seat opposite him.

"No. I've never made sandwiches before!" He exclaimed, like it was something I should've known.

I looked at him incredulously. He had to be kidding right? I knew he was a prince, a very wealthy one, but there was no way he had never made a sandwich before! He was busy putting food on my plate before he looked up, confused, probably because of my silence. His hand reached out slowly towards my jaw, closing my mouth that I didn't even know was agape.

"Is it really that shocking to you?"

"Yes! But you're joking right? Please say psych..." I pleaded, half joking, half serious.

He pursed his lips and clasped his hands together, and I knew he was dead serious. "With as many as ten cooks in the castle at any given time, plus maids at my disposal. Do you honestly think I'd make my own food, let alone sandwiches?"

I sighed and face palmed. "When everything is back to normal, and we have time to waste. I'm going to teach you what's it like to live like a normal person," I said.

"Didn't you go to private school, and given a hefty allowance-" I raised a brow at him, daring him to continue, but he held up his hands and broke out in to a smile, "I'm sure you'll be proud to know that I made these though. Because I love you so much, I did actual labour."

I could do nothing but laugh at the helpless boy and our almost comically different upbringings. "If you consider that labour, then the world is going to shock you in more ways than one, Prince Alexander."

He cleared his throat, smiling at my teasing, "anyway, isn't it nice to eat something fresh and actually tastes like it's beneficial? Outdoors, might I add."

"It's great. Don't think I'm going to let you miss out on the experience of living normally. I know you used the finest of whatever make these sandwiches. I can promise you that the prices of Pret A Manger would not compare to these if you sold them."

"Then, I am honoured," he bowed his head to me, then immediately broke in to laughter with me.

I couldn't help but notice his fangs, they were on show, and it made me think about being turned in to a vampire. We never discussed it again after he explained it to me when I first started living in the castle. With everything that had happened, I was completely defenceless. One hit with the intention to kill from a vampire would be all it took to kill me; they're faster, more powerful, and more brutal than I, or any human I knew. I'd stand no chance, and I didn't want to have rely on everyone all the time.

Alexander had stopped laughing to stare at me momentarily, his smile gradually fading. I thought it was because he realised I had something on my mind, but no. "I'll be busy until early evening after this. I have to ready myself for tomorrow," he said. I was about to answer before he interjected, livening up once again, "but! I'm sure Emmanuel will be free, and he'll want to talk with you."

I grabbed two more grapes and popped them in my mouth, deciding to just ask Alexander outright: "When are you gonna bite me?"

Alexander's eyes blinked wide and slowly, very obviously surprised by my question. But when I noticed his cheeks beginning to darken, a feeling of sheepishness settled on me for bringing it up so suddenly. "I didn't know you were in to that kind of stuff... we can try it next time I suppose."

"Th-that's not what I m-meant," I sputtered, trying my hardest not to choke on the grapes still making their way down my throat.

Alex opened his mouth to say something, but immediately shut it again, and closed his eyes, embarrassment slowly setting in. "Oh. You meant transformation..." he said slowly, pinching his nose bridge, eyes still closed. "Not yet-"

"But-"

"Not yet," he repeated, staring me down, "it'll happen when we're both ready, because I have to do it. There are repercussions for us, none of which are pleasant. Okay?" His locked on to mine, waiting for me to agree, and when I did he visibly loosened up, looking content once again.

He grabbed a sandwich from my plate, and I was ready to demand just what the hell was doing, when he pushed it against my lips, "now eat something of sustenance. I've watched you eat a total of 12 grapes."

I rolled my eyes joking, taking a bite from the sandwich being force fed to me.

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Okay I'm super sorry about taking nearly a month to update. I've been busy trying to get ready for university, and with work and whatnot. I'll try to update the next chapter one faster.

But anyway, thanks for reading! :) don't forget to vote and comment if you enjoyed ❤️