It had been four days since my afternoon lunch with Prince James. And a lot had changed in those four days.

For starters, the people who had beaten me stayed far away from me. Their families had been told that they had become slaves to the castle for two years and wouldn't be returning home before their time was over. As for them, the men were to be given five whips on the back and the women were to walk on glass every Sunday for a month.

It was harsh. Brutal even. But better than death. And it wasn't like I could do anything about it. I was there in the Royals' Throne Hall and stood off to the side with the prince settled gracefully on his throne chair when he ordered the knights to gather all the other peasant workers later that night.

When they had come in, they had been whispering amongst themselves which abruptly cut off once their eyes caught sight of the prince. They were in a trance-like state for quite a while --especially the women. It was a bit amusing to see them practically gaping at him with their eyes.

The prince was not the slightest bit flattered by the obvious attention he was receiving for his looks.

Ire brew within his eyes yet his face remained the picture of calm. I could barely see the hue of blue in his irises as they muddled black. I caught all the knights shudder within their armour for a moment. I knew from the little time spent within his company that his eyes turning indigo was grave and them almost turning black was bad --very, very bad.

He stood up, face expressionless and posture regal, emanating power and anger so powerful, even the crickets outside quietened and the night became silenced. Calmly, he approached the crowd and pinned each and everyone of them with his livid stare.

Even I could feel their fear and almost say it with certainty that their heart-rate was spiking harder every passing second with dread. He didn't need to say anything or even show them his monstrous transformation -which even the vampires had not witnessed- for them to be scared. They were petrified just keeping his gaze.

Then the prince looked at me and I saw his eyes lighten to indigo, which meant he was trying to calm down and not frighten me. I felt truly special then, even if it was a gesture as small as that. He asked for me to come forward and identify my attackers, which was practically the whole lot.

After that he announced their punishment, and they left with terror engraved within their features.

A few minutes passed and then he collected himself to normal, his eyes returning back to their entrancing, royal blue. Approaching me with a more relaxed posture, he let out a silent sigh.

As soon as he stood before me, he said,"I have arranged for you a separate room. You shall use it until your time here. Meals would be brought to you three times a day to your room the same time you are accustomed to. If you have any queries, Hadley and Blair's room is across from yours. I've asked them to assist you and escort you places until you are familiar finding your own way."

He moved aside to let me see Hadley and Blair standing behind him, flashing me brilliant smiles with eyes shining in excitement.

"I thought you would like them to be nearby as you seemed to have warmed up to them."

I beamed up at him and thanked him with utter reverence. I saw his eyes flash light blue with a small smile before he bid me good night and disappeared, leaving me with my two new friends.

I gave my new room a long, awed glance once more.

It was ten times the size of the room I shared with my baby brothers and the most beautiful bedroom I'd ever seen. Pristine white with a little gold. It was very spacious with white marble floor and wooden furniture in white deco.

The double bed was King-sized with white silk sheets, colourful, bright pillows and golden comforter. The bed also had four posters which were draped with glittery white net that was enchanting to watch in different types of lights.

There was a large vanity with large, empty drawers and an oval mirror that reflected a crystal-clear reflection. I was surprised to find make-up as well as a wooden comb to use on it.

I had an expansive amount of dresses -mostly gowns- to wear in a small, walk-in closet. There was no jewellery -naturally- but shoes, under garments and other articles of clothing -expensive clothing- was in abundance. It felt like I'd lived in the room rather than just getting it, that too for only a couple of months.

I was especially happy with the window seat to a huge, ceiling-high window. What took the cake though, would have to be the wide, double-doored balcony a few steps away from the window with the view to a secluded, deserted, yet beautiful garden and of course, the forest and mountains stretching endlessly beyond the castle walls.

Currently, I sat on the window seat watching the sky lighten slowly, the stars and crescent of the moon still visible as dawn approached. Sleep had evaded me about an hour ago, so giving up, I decided to stare out at the sunrise while waiting for Hadley and Blair to fetch me for the day.

Since that day, Blair and Hadley had become nothing short of my best friends. They were actually sisters and had been working in the castle for more than two centuries, turned about a century before they started.

I almost fainted when I heard that, but it was nothing compared to the amount of time other vampires had spent in the castle. They were still considered freshly turned. I guess their vampirism hadn't registered to my brain yet. They seemed more human than vampire, after all. Even after being a vampire for so long they managed to keep their humanly behaviour. I had yet to know how and why they were turned and who was their maker. I figured I didn't want to pry and they would let me know on their own time.

Movement caught my eyes below while straying to the fountain in the secluded garden. I looked closely at the huge oak tree to the right of the fountain a couple of steps away, and could just make out a silhouette of a petite, young woman standing in a gown. She seemed to be trying to hide from prying eyes, to make sure no one could see her, which confused me.

Was she an intruder?

Just as that thought ran through my head, I caught a blur speed through the woods near the garden, stopping abruptly behind a statue of one of the most fiercest yet magnificent looking wolf I'd ever seen. I'd wanted to see it up close, but couldn't find the time to go there during the day.

After a moment, a tall, imposing figure of a man appeared from behind it. He seemed to be young, and a skilled warrior from his built and confident stance. He scanned the whole garden until his head stopped in the direction of the oak tree, right where the girl was.

One minute, he stood elegantly with an air of valiance about him, the next he was beneath the tree, tugging the woman to himself with both his hands urgently, but using great gentleness and care. The woman surged forward with slight disbalance on her her part, colliding into his chest. My gaze softened and my heart warmed when I watched them embrace one another like it was their last day on earth.

They seemed to be lovers, which I had guessed correctly as I watched the man pull back just enough to capture her chin in his hand and lay his lips upon hers.

I couldn't describe what went through me watching them both in such a loving embrace, seeming as though one hadn't had enough of the other. A thirst only the other could quench. It was beautiful.

However, the slight smile on my face dimmed when I caught myself wondering the reason for their secret rendezvous in the early hours of the morning. They were obviously trying to be discreet about their relationship. But I couldn't fathom why.

They pulled back and the man picked her up in his arms and blurred over to the bench in the very back of the garden against the wall, hidden with trees and bushes. However, my window was very high and angled in a way I could see them clearly.

He sat down, placing her in his lap and bent in front of her to watch her face, tucking her hair behind her ear. The woman had her arm around his shoulders, while the other one cupped his cheek. They seemed to be talking to one another. I giggled lightly when the woman ducked her head in what was discernible embarrassment, while the male appeared to be chuckling.

I looked on with rapt attention and growing curiosity, not knowing what they were talking about, yet feeling giddy watching them clearly be madly in love with one another. It was perceptible even from afar that the pair was destined.

Ample of time passed and before I knew it, the sun began to rise over the horizon, lighting up the sky in hues of pink, purple and orange. The couple stood up, the woman grabbing onto both the man's hands. My heart felt heavy and saddened. They both struggled in letting the other go.

The girl shook her head slowly, bowing it. The man stepped in front of her, letting go of her hands to settle one snugly around her waist to bring her closer to him, while the other lifted her chin so he could see her. A while of talking and I saw the man bring her head close to him with his hand on the back of her head and kiss her forehead tenderly.

He lingered, both of them probably savouring the moment, until the girl cupped his face and brought him down for a kiss.

I looked away, feeling as if I was intruding on a private moment. Something about it was too intimate then a regular kiss.

Awhile later, I gazed back to see him pick her up and rush in what could only be vampire speed towards the gates of the garden. It was now light enough to make out colours and I could see the woman was a fair blonde in a light pink gown while the man was raven-haired with pale skin, wearing the clothing the Nobles wore in the castle, a sword hanging on his hip.

He pecked her cheeks, her nose, chin, jaw, forehead and wherever else he could find until the girl was laughing while he just pulled back and stared down at her most likely with affection.

He was probably trying to cheer her mood, and it seemed to work to an extent. I stared on with a sad smile as he gently put her down, kissed the back of her hand like a gentleman, then backed away step by step under the shadows of the tree, still facing the girl who had her hands clutched to her chest, looking every bit dismal and troubled.

Once completely hidden under the canopy, I caught him blur away to the left while the girl watched on a moment longer, seemingly in a daze. Then she wiped her cheeks and ran away in the opposite direction of the man, to the right.

My eyes widened. I finally realised why they were in hiding.

She was running away in human speed. She was a human, while he was a vampire.

Their love was forbidden.

As I came to that astonishing realization, a knock sounded at my door, making me flinch.

"Genevieve? May we come in?" I heard Blair's soprano voice ring through the door.

I gave a glance at the gate of the garden, then at the door, contemplating if I should disclose what I saw to the sisters. I decided against it.

"Come in," I called, hearing the click of the knob as it turned while one thought kept glaring at me in my mind.

It was not my secret to tell.

***

"Vie! Vie!" I heard Colin, one of the Noble's son call for me.

I was currently busy in the storage room, looking for the perfect cloth to make the Prince's cape.

Apparently the royal seamstress' were busy with the King and Queen's attires for the special day. I'd overheard them fussing around with how they would finish up in time when they hadn't even begun with the Prince's clothes.

I told them how I was especially skilled with needlework and could assist them. They took me up on it after I embroidered a particularly difficult design of roses on a silk handkerchief as a prototype.

In fact, they were so impressed, they gave me full reign over the Prince's outfit -of course with occasional checking up with them for approval- and talked to the management to lessen my work hours to just four from twelve!

Which gave me a lot of free time, plus I was honoured and grateful for receiving such an important task to do. I could finally show my gratitude to Prince James for all that he had done.

"In here, Colin!" I called from my place beside an assortment of needles and beautiful threads in glass cases.

I heard the echo of the door open and close with a thunk in the huge storage room and then felt a draft right beside me, which followed with a tug on my skirt.

I was expecting it so I was not startled. I looked down at the six-year-old boy who stared up at me with childish excitement, anxious to tell me something from the way his bright green eyes sparkled at me like gems.

Putting a bag of incomplete items on my shoulder, I decided to come back later to search for the rest. I smiled down at Colin's grinning face and knelt down. Picking him up and placing him on my hip, I walked out and locked the storage room behind me.

"Hello Colin!" I said tenderly, kissing his rosy, plump cheek.

"Hi Vie!" He giggled, when I tickled his stomach lightly.

"So what news do you have for me that is bouncing around in your stomach, jumping to come out?" I asked with a grin at him, poking his belly lightly and earning another round of giggles from him.

"Oh Vie! You missed it! Fiona, Derrick and I were playing hide and seek and then, you know what happened?!"

Without waiting for an answer, he continued animatedly, "Fiona cheated since last time Derrick was the seeker and before that, I was! It was her turn this time but she wouldn't say yes! She forced me to become a seeker!"

He gazed at me with wide, disbelieving eyes, offended as though she had pledged not to committing a crime she actually had.

Stifling a smile, I mirrored his expression before frowning with faux-worry, "Oh no! What happened then?"

He grinned then, his green eyes gleaming with mischief.

Out of all the kids in the palace, him and Derrick were the troublemakers. They reminded me a lot of my own brothers, and I was sure were they to meet, they would become fast friends.

Looking at his face, I knew he had done something.

"I made a plan. After they both hid, I found Derrick and told him everything. He said yes and we searched for her together. We found her hiding behind a tree. I went in front, so she could see me while Derrick snuck up behind her," he giggled loudly.

Eyes wide with mirth, he resumed, "She was looking at me so she didn't notice Derrick until he screamed in her ear so loudly, she started screaming herself and ran away!"

He laughed so hard, it was contagious. But as much as it was funny and he looked cute, he needed to know it was wrong.

"Oh! Oh!" He exclaimed, "And then she tripped and fell in the pond!" Then he began laughing anew.

I knew what pond he was talking about, as it was their usual playing spot, so I started towards that.

"Colin! That poor girl! I thought you were a good boy. Why did you scare her so badly?" I asked, my tone mildly reprimanding.

He stopped laughing and pouted. "Because she cheated! Serves her right! She won't do it again!" He sniffed.

I stopped walking and placed him on the stone ledge of one of the windows carved in the stonewall lining down the hallway towards the exit to outside.

"What you did was very rude."

He jumped to defend himself. "But-"

"No, Colin." I cut him off. He pouted again and stared at me like a wounded puppy. I sighed.

"I know what she did was wrong and unfair. It was her turn after all. But what you did was wrong as well. Tell me, she is your friend too, like Derrick, isn't she?"

He nodded so I continued placidly, "So, you should never do anything that hurts your friends, especially if she is a girl. Did she cry?"

He nodded, looking a bit guilty.

"See? She must've been very frightened and possibly hurt too. Good boys never hurt girls. They protect them and take care of them. And you, sweetheart, are a good boy, aren't you?" I asked softly with a small smile, brushing his dirty blonde hair away from his eyes.

He nodded rapidly, making me chuckle lightly.

"Good. So now that you know that, you won't do it again?" I asked with a brow raised.

He shook his head. "And you will apologize to Fiona?"

I received another series of nods.

"Good boy." I chortled, kissing his cheek and we both smiled.

"Now," I began, picking him up and placing him on the ground. "You go ahead and pick a few daisies for her. I'll be in my room, working. When you're done, fetch me and we'll go and see Fiona, okay?"

"Okay Vie!"

I chuckled and ruffled his hair, and he whizzed off outside. I smiled as I turned to head back to my room.

I never would get used to him taking off like the wind, I guess.

"Are you always so good with children?"

I gasped and looked up to see the Prince standing before me casually, hands tucked in his pockets and baby blue eyes staring down at me merrily.

I closed my eyes and let out breath of relief. Opening my eyes, I gazed up at him again to see humour dancing within his eyes.

"Your Highness." I bowed.

"Rise."

I straightened and watched him expectantly, feeling extremely happy to see him after four long days.

"You never answered my question." He murmured, eyes drooped as he gazed at me from beneath his lashes, appearing absolutely hypnotic.

I recalled his comment and flushed at the clear praise. However, I didn't expect he wanted an actual answer.

"I always did love children. 'Have two baby brothers back home. As much as I love my mother, she doesn't like taking care of children. Therefore, I had to raise my brothers on my own. I guess I just have had a lot of practice..." I trailed off, glancing out at the trees being caressed by the wind far away outside.

It was silent for a moment. I enjoyed the serenity and the comfort his presence provided. "Do you miss them?" I heard him ask quietly.

I turned to see his calm face, handsome as ever while his eyes gauged me —expectant and patient of my answer.

I gave him a mild smile. "If there's something I miss more than anything, it's my brothers. My father is a stereotypical man. You'll never see him associating with family unless necessary. He spends most of his time away with his friends or working and only comes home for dinner, sleep or to take tabs of who is slacking.

"As for my mother, she is kinder, but too talkative and carefree. She loves spending time with friends to gossip. So in short, my parents have always been very... distant with me. It was always very lonely back before the twins. I had no friends since I spent all my time doing household chores. The time I did go out, I spent it playing with the children of the village since girls my age didn't talk to me." I sighed, not sure why I was telling him everything. But it felt good.

A merry smile found my lips. "Then the boys were born. Being the elder sister, my parents deemed it to be my responsibility to look after them. 'Great practice for when I have kids of my own,' they said. I didn't mind though, I finally had two people I could love and care for who would love me back unconditionally.

"It was hectic. Sometimes chaotic even when they both decided to throw a tantrum together," I recalled, chuckling, "And then the monsters began crawling. God, that was a mess. They were sworn enemies of vases and glassware. Whenever I missed a glass or a vase and left it within reach, they would topple it over and then laugh loudly, clapping hands as if it was the funniest thing." I shook my head, laughing lightly.

I glanced up to see a soft smile on a tender face, eyes sparkling with a subtle gentleness I'd never seen on a man, let alone a vampire.

"They sound very much like the roguish duo Derrick and Colin are around here."

"They are," I agreed, a beam permanent on my lips now, "The four of them would click the minute they meet, I'm sure."

"Anyway," I said with a light sigh, "Did you need anything, Your Highness?"

He gave me a mild, yet charming little crooked grin, oozing pure musculature.

"I was told to come to you for measurements." He murmured, running a hand through his ashen hair that glowed in the sun like a halo of gold around his head as he gave a glance to my bag before holding my gaze with his intense one.

The slightest of sun rays which caught his eyes made them look like sapphires glinting back at me, dark yet brilliantly blue. His skin was luminant, as if the moon resided within him.

I was in complete awe at that moment. I wasn't immune to his appearance and something told me I'd never be.

It took a while for his words to register in my dazed mind. I then recalled asking Claire to send for the Prince for I needed the measurements to start on his attire. I had long before designed it —my fingers itched to make it real now.

He arched a brow, which disappeared in the platinum fringes upon his forehead. I flushed crimson, finding it extremely attractive.  

"Oh," I finally said with awareness, "Yes I did ask one of the maids to inform you of that. I need the measurements so your attire for your coming-of-age party could be started upon."

Quietness ensued, intensifying my mortification by the minute in co-relation to my blush.

"If you would please follow me?" I requested timidly, yet it sounded like a question, making me redden down to my neck to the tip of my ears.

I dared not look at him when he concurred in a low murmur and began leading him to my room.

My heart stuttered however, and my cheeks felt aflame when I heard his musical chuckles ringing quietly behind me.

Oh, he definitely caught me staring.

Author's Note:

Hello everyone. Long time, eh? Anyway, hopefully it won't be so long again. If you follow me, you must be aware that I put my other stories on hold so I can finish this one in peace.

You'll get an update every two weeks (maybe even one) on Tuesday. If I delay, I'm sorry in advance. Hopefully it won't have to come to that.

Do let me know what you think of this chapter here in the comments below. Vote and share this with your friends to show some support!

Dedicated to NehaBatool18  For her constant badgering for an update which I loved a lot :D

Thank you and have a good day (:

--R.