Chapter 24 - The Reprimand

I was awakened the next morning by my server, with a lot of headache and strong dizziness. I disguised myself as bad and asked where Claus and Phillip were. She said she didn’t know where they were. I got up, changed my clothes, and followed the hallway to Phillip’s room, which was empty.

I went back to my room and asked Ane where the King was, and she said he was waiting for me for breakfast in the dining room. I hurried my step and went down the stairs towards the dining room. Where I met my father, Claus, and Phillip, having breakfast and talking lively.

To my surprise, Claus had presented himself as a doctor. My father would never know what happened. I would never know that I went to Paris to find a vampire to save my vampire fiancé’s life. Ignorance was a blessing.

With everything I’ve been through, my nightmares have always been with me, from the first night the prince entered our kingdom. But I preferred nightmares, as long as he was with me. The three of them looked directly at me when I crossed the door and sat next to my father.

My stomach wasn’t good yet, so I ended up eating only the fruits. Although the king would judge me by his gaze. When we finished coffee, my father asked for permission from the prince and his guest, because he needed to talk to me.

- Can we talk? - He gently stretched out his hand so that I could grab her and go with him.

I stand up asking for permission. The king and I went to the library. Where the king began his speech:

- Your fiancé was sick, and you, a 17-year-old girl, thought it a good idea to go shopping in Paris?

- Dad, I went to Paris, because when I spoke to Phillip, he told me that he was sick and the marriage was going to take a while, that I could take care of other details for the wedding, because he would be postponed. - I made the worst excuse I could, but maybe it worked.

He walked through the black leather chairs, reaching for the one where I was sitting. He bowed toward me and said:

- You don’t travel without my permission, and you can’t. Even with your servant. I need you to tell me if you understand. From today, you will be inside the castle's gates and, until the wedding, will be watched by two soldiers.

- I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I’m not going to disobey you.- I almost cried.

- Great. After you get married, the rules will be Phillip’s, but until then, you obey your king. Even if your fiancé allowed it, I didn’t let it. - You may come in!- replied the king, watching Phillip at the door.

Phillip walked through the door and asked my father if he could talk to me. My heart shot. I think it would be a lot worse now.

- I will leave you two alone. - said the king, coming out and closing the door behind him, as I tried to get up from the armchair where I was, without success, for Phillip bowed toward me:

- You went to Paris and brought Claus? How did you do that? He would never come. What did you say? Or what did he ask you in exchange for saving my life? - He fired with a nervous air and an almost whispering voice.

I tried to breathe, but the air didn’t come:

- I thought you could die.

- I’m alive, but Claus’s blood has a price, and he hates me, said you’ve already paid the price. - He spoke closer to my face; I could feel his frozen breath near my face.

- Did he say what he did?

- He told me about his price, a kiss from my sweet, young, beautiful bride. Did you kiss him?

- He kissed me, and I didn’t even have time to answer. And I’d kiss him other times if it were to save you.

He took my chin and raised my head so that I could look into his eyes:

- You can’t put your life at risk. Claus is dangerous, and if he killed you, I wouldn't be able to stay alive.