shadow of destiny: love and deception

PrologueLong ago, king Bartholomew married to Queen Elisabela Had an extra marital affair with a human lady, Ambrosia with whom he fell in love with on his quest to bring peace into the vampire realm.Everybody royal especially his wife, Queen Elisabela had refused the king's union with this human lady but the king went ahead to marry Ambrosia."My lord, your second wife, Lady Ambrosia has fallen into labor." The head maid informed the King.He waved her off with his hands, she walked out of the room."Elisabela better births a male child," said the queen mother, the moment she walked into the room."Mother, am scared for Ambrosia, she is only human." King Bartholomew voiced his concern to his mother, his heart full of concern for his human mistress. The midwife walks into the King's room"My Lord, Queen Elisabela has birthed a female child." the midwife bowed her head to the king and queen mother after delivering the news."How about Lady Ambrosia," the king asked the midwife."My L

Aethelfrith's POVWe arrived at the event a little bit late, everyone was dressed in all black, mom's photography right from her childhood till her last picture was placed in every concern of the room. The room was decorated with her favorite colors and flowers.I was most shocked when I saw my own father and mother at the event."Didn't they hold theirs back at home?" Leon whispered to me "How would I know?, We are both here." I whispered back. We both walked towards them to greet them."My Lord and Queen Elisabela" Leon and I greeted in unison and bowed respectfully."I see, you have refused to come home" Father said looking directly at me."You could have atleast responded to our greetings first" I said, Leon pinched me on the hands.Father looked at me, challenging me to repeat myself again. I was about to let him know I don't fear him before mother stepped in."Aethelfrith sweetheart, we have missed you so much, when will you be home?." Queen Elisabela asked calmly."Soon mother

Aethelfrith's POV"She is here," I said to Leon."Who is here?" Leon asked as he moved closer to me."Tryamon," I said to Leon."How do you know that?" Leon asked, surprised."I can smell her, I can hear her talk and laugh." I told Leon.Without a second thought,I excused myself from the table and approached Tryamon. As I got closer, I noticed the same beautiful tattoo on her arm, just as I had seen in the picture, in my dreams and when I met her in the kitchen that evening"Tryamon?" I called out softly, unsure if it was really her.Tryamon turned toward me, her eyes meeting mine with a mix of surprise and curiosity. She recognized me, the man whose dreams she has been manipulating, but she hadn't expected to see me in person."Aethelfrith," she whispered, a smile playing on her lips. "I never thought we would meet like this." She smirked.I couldn't help but smile in return, relief washing over me. The connection I had felt was real, and now, finally, we stood face to face.As Tryam

Aethelfrith's POV"Should I call her, should I not call her" I contemplated to myself while plucking out the flowers in the garden."You have been doing this for hours" Leon said with anger and frustration evident in his voice.I glanced up from my task, a small smile playing on my lips. "Patience, Leon. Patience," I replied calmly. "I need to make sure everything is perfect before I reach out to her." Leon let out an exasperated sigh, crossing his arms over his chest. "You've been saying that for days, Aethelfrith. It's time to make a move or move on."His words struck a nerve, and I felt a pang of uncertainty in my chest. Was I overthinking things? Should I take a leap of faith and reach out to her? But what if she rejected me?I turned my attention back to the flowers, plucking a particularly vibrant blossom. The petals felt delicate in my hands, mirroring the fragility of my emotions."I can't help it, Leon," I confessed softly. "There's something about her that draws me in.

Aethelfrith's POVAs I arrived at the art gallery, a sinking feeling settled in my stomach. I was about thirty minutes late, and my heart raced with the worry that I had missed Tyramon. As I entered, my eyes scanned the room, but she was nowhere to be found.With a mix of disappointment and apprehension, I decided to make the most of my time and immerse myself in the artwork. I strolled through the gallery, taking in the diverse range of paintings that adorned the walls. Each brushstroke and color choice held a story, inviting me to explore the artist's world.I walked slowly, my steps echoing in the quiet space as I absorbed the emotions and narratives captured in each piece. "Aethelfrith" Tryamon sweet and melodic voice called my name.I turned to face her, and my breath caught in my throat. Tryamon stood before me, radiating an exquisite beauty that words could not adequately describe. She wore a black short fitted gown with a high slit and an open back, revealing her elegant tatt