Chapter 4

Continuing in Willow's POV

From the looks of it, the 'King' (this is how all the servants are speaking to him and such) does not seem to have a designated partner; he has many, it seems. The women that were just surrounding him as we entered the dining hall are now dancing sexily to the intrument music others play with sly grins on their faces.

It becomes quite tempting for me to ask Maddox about his mother, but I never dare. He could rip me apart if he wanted to. 

"You enjoy steak, Dear?" King Emrik questions as servants come rushing out of the kitchen with steaming plates in their hands. They set two cooked ones in front of Maddox and I, but Liam, Samual and him receive completely raw ones. 

What in the hells name is going on? Since when did vampires eat and when did they eat cooked meat? This is so fucking weird.

Without another strange thought in mind, I pick up my utensils and carve into the steak, cutting out a juicy, medium-rare piece and engulfing it. God, I'm starving!

As I cut in for another piece, I look up as I take a bite, seeing everyone else around the table already finished their steaks and now sipping a deep red liquid from wine cups. Emrik takes such a big gulp, it smears over his paled lips. He licks it away, and in that instant, I can tell it's blood. I can taste it through the irony air. 

Maddox leans into me, his cup of blood beside the two of us and half-drinken. "Here," he says, sliding over another wine glass full of a champange-coloured liquid. It looks expenisve. "Have some wine, you'll feel better."

I slide my fingers around the bottom of the glass and lift it with my shaky hands, taking a small sip of it. I'm not much of a drinker and haven't drank since Senior year, so this should be interesting. "Thanks," I respond, setting it back down on the table. Even with a sip as small as that, I can already feel it hitting me. 

"Steak enjoyable enough for you, Darling?" a sly voice calls out as I pick away at the remainder of my delicious steak. I tilt my head up, seeing Emrik sitting there sprawled out in his chair as he sips another glass of blood. "You know... We have many humans that work here, hybrids too! They're the ones who know to cook all the delicious food. Samual, Liam, and I will only eat what is fresh from kill, so we only care for the taste of new blood on our tongues. We hired all of these top-line cooks just for my son, Maddox, and for you as well now too."

I had figured that already, but what about Maddox? I can see him clearly drinking blood as they are, but the whole consuming of food is what really doesn't make sense. He looks similar to his father and brother, a few different features likely inherited from his unknown mother, but he's got to still be one of them.

Then, just as I'm about to pop the question about Maddox, the devil himself decides it's his time to talk. 

He leans back in his chair, and from my view I can see his perfectly sculpted body forming to his clothing. His eyes land on mine and he smirks, just before continuing on. 

"We'd best discuss on why we are all here tonight before Willow becomes too drunk to stay awake," he announces as I grasp to my wine glass and take a big gulp. He really didn't need to tell everyone, especially these prude vampires, how meak I am compared to them and their drinking skills. 

Emrik nods and both Liam and Samual come to attention from a little flirting fest between the two of them. "Good idea, Son," Emrik replies. He looks a little too giddy now.

Maddox nods. "My father has been ruling this kingdom for over five centuries now, and with that has come many health speculating things," he faces towards his father, narrowing his vision down on the rutted wrinkles in his forehead and graying, black hair. His eyes are colourless compared to the others. "Over the years of my time here in NitraVille with my father, I've been taught to understand the role of high king here and that I am the first sibling in line for the crown. With that rule in mind, when my father was first sworn into the throne, he was engaged to..." he struggles to find the right words, confusion being written all over him. "A woman from a neighboring kingdom in need of our power.

Maddox turns to me, his facing surprisingly calm now. "By the rules of this kingdom, it is said that each King shall lead with his princess or queen." Maddox gets up from his seat and his hand lands on his back pocket, pulling a small box out of it. 

Oh no no no no no...

He drops down to one knee infront of me and I turn my chair to face him. "Willow," he says as he gently opens a box, revealing a dramatic yet magnificent ring lined with white and violet gems. The ring itself is like a golden tree meant to wrap around your fingers. For a moment, I swear I can see magic pulsating out of it. 

"Willow Charmaine Parker, by the laws of NitraVille, I, Prince Maddox, order you to accept this proposal of marriage so I am able to rule over this kingdom with a pure bloodline in order and a wife to guide me through," Maddox announces. His now violet eyes are matching to the magical ring in the box as he stares up at me with his deathly serious face. 

Everyone, including the servants, are watching us with anticipation. Liam is grasping Samual's hand, pointing towards the ring, and for a moment I swear I hear him say, "where the hell is MY ring?" 

I've only known this man for a day because he kidnapped me! Now he expects me to marry him... under his order? I need to run as fast as I can.

But my feet suddenly become too heavy for me to move and everything starts spinning uncontrollably. And as the world starts to collapse around me, I can feel Maddox's hand on mine, slipping cold the metal ring onto my finger just before I fall into him completely. 

I can no longer keep my eyes open, but I can still hear the faint voices of everyone in the background. 

"What the fuck did you give her?" I can hear Emrik growl throughout everyones panic.

Maddox chuckles at the comment. "Whatever you like to give your women, Father. She'll be fine, I just couldn't have her trying to escape again."

"Well then take her to the room then," his father sighs. "I will notify Freya that the wedding is to be done tomorrow. Leave this poor girl be for the rest of the night and sleep elsewhere than her."

Then, everything turns into a muffle and I'm out to another universe of mine.