Chapter 41 - Doubts

 I woke up relaxed, but the tension of the previous night's conversation gave me a strong headache the next day. Ane came to my room to get me down for breakfast, but I couldn't. I asked her to inform the king that I needed some time to rest. As soon as she returned with the answer, my servant came with a tray full of bread, cakes, and fruit, according to the king's orders. I drank coffee in my bed right now, but I spent the rest of the morning thinking.

At lunchtime, it wasn't Ane who came to get me, but the king himself. Still exhausted and with a headache, I asked him to stay in my room, and he agreed. After all, I had little time to recover, and if all that rest and food helped, he would not prevent me from spending the next days in my bedroom.

I slept a little after lunch in my room. Just before dinner, I went down to the library. This room has always been my favorite in the palace, with the garden. I read one of the books while waiting for dinner time. I was interrupted in my reading by Lucas knocking on the door and asking permission to talk to me.
I sat down with my head, and he started, after sitting in a chair in front of me:

- Can you forgive me for my indolence yesterday? - he asked, looking at the floor
- No problem, Lucas. - After talking, I cleaned my throat to go on, but everything you found out about Phillip, he had already told me somehow. We've been getting to know each other over the months. He had already asked me if I was sure that I wanted this marriage. At first, I couldn't decide; my father was clear. But the prince didn't want to force me to marry him. I believe he wanted me to love him like he loves me, but without powers, without hypnosis, just my will.
- I can't believe these creatures have feelings. But I saw him protecting the king in the Carpathians. He seems to have. I hope he protects you and takes care of you like I would. I hope you're right, Your Highness! - he got up and stood behind my chair, fell down, and spoke in my ear – but I believe you don't want to turn into such a creature, do you want to? Can you have descendants? I think your father counted on it... he came back and sat back in the chair in front of me.
- I don't know. I don't know anything about that, Lucas! I got up and walked to the door. Don't bother me with your jealousy anymore!
I opened the door, went out, and forcibly closed it behind me. A whirlwind of fear and anger passed through my body. I held up the tears that came from the bottom of my heart. I wanted children. Could Phillip give me children? I was frightened by the idea. I took a deep breath and went down the stairs to the dining room, which was very crowded today, after all, there were two days left for the festivities.
After a festive dinner, I went to the garden. My thoughts let me sleep so early. How I hated Lucas for putting all these questions in my mind. I was so sure I wanted to stay with Phillip. Damn it! I walked from side to side, sat on the front seat of a huge fountain in the middle of the garden, and felt a hand on my shoulder.
- Do you have any doubts? - I could hear Lucas's voice coming from behind me.
- Why did you do that? Why did you put these things in my mind? - I asked, grabbing his hand and throwing it away.
- Because I'm not going to lose you without fighting.- he said with a malicious smile on his lips.
I stood up and walked towards the palace, climbed the stairs, and locked myself in my room. I know I won't be able to sleep today. Damed! 

Chapter 40 - Your decision

I followed him to one of the living rooms, where the king was sitting in a chair, and in another, nearby, was Lucas.

- Sit down, princess! - ordered the King with his roughest tone.

I followed up to the armchair in front of him, and Luke sat in the seat next to the King. Soon he started again:

- I need to inform you what my investigation has brought about your fiancé, - Luke pointed to me, - and which may or may not change Your Majesty's feelings about the princess's marriage.-  he finished looking at my father.

My heart seemed to stop beating. What could Lucas have discovered that would compromise the ceremony in three days? I had to concentrate to not hold my breath. The marriage could not be canceled. I want Phillip.

- Vampires have powers. They can easily seduce a prey. But Phillip has a few secrets that go beyond powers.

- Breathe, my daughter, I don't want to lose you. I couldn't protect you from the damn Claus, and who knows what else you didn't tell me, but of your nightly escape, I only knew where you were going when Phillip told me in the Carpathians.

- He built the Cottage to get closer to me. - I said as a murmur 

- So he probably told you everything about him? - Luke said with his arms crossed over his chest.

- I hope so...- another almost unheard whisper.

- Phillip was the youngest son of King John; his mother, Queen Helena, died giving birth to him. His and his brother's childhood was terrible. The king went mad when his love died and was cruel to his sons. Phillip was fleeing into the woods, one day he came riding his horse when he was about twelve years old to the limits of the kingdom. He saw the beautiful girl with golden curls playing in the garden. You, princess -  he spoke, pointing to me - he saw your happiness playing alone in the garden's middle.

- He didn't tell me that. - I spoke, putting my head in my hands

- He saw your joy. He came back countless times. Your happiness playing and running through the garden made him happy, too. The twelve-year-old boy had already spent more time here than in his kingdom, and his father was angry and sent him to complete his studies in Paris.

- That's why John never talked to me again? - The king said

- If he could, if his kingdom were more powerful commercially than yours, he would go into war with Your Majesty, but he knew that he would be defeated by your army. - Luke replied.

- How do you know all this?- I asked with tears rolling down my face

- Your Highness, I investigated the same way you did in Paris when you were looking for Claus. - Luke answered

- Did my daughter go after that murderer? - said the king, putting his hand on his head and rising up.

- She will explain it better to the King, but I have to finish - said Luke, approaching my father and laying his hand on his shoulder.

- Phillip isn't much older than the princess. He went to Paris to study, but his brother did not endure the loneliness or his father's cruelty and threw himself off the palace's highest tower. Phillip couldn't stand this loss and the distance of his great love anymore. It was at a moment of his weakness that Claus turned him into the vampire he is today. But unlike Claus, he only drank human blood once. He's not a cruel vampire. On returning, he searched for the princess and knew that she would be old enough to marry. It was at this moment that he came to the king to get the princess's hand... - Luke finished cleaning his throat and sat back.

- He told me almost everything... - I said in a lower voice - and I met him the night before the engagement. It was my first escape from the palace and the first time I saw the cottage. He saved my life in the woods, from wolves...

- Why did you go after Claus? - The king sat back in his armchair and looked right through me 

- Phillip was going to die. He got sick. Only Claus could help with the cure. I was afraid, but I couldn't lose it - I replied, looking into the eyes of the king

- My daughter, I need to know from you, do you want to marry the prince? - he asked me

- I didn't want it before, but I want it now. I risked my life for him... and I know I would do it again.

- That's right. I need you to rest. The ceremony will be in three days. Until then, you can't escape at night. No more risks. I'll put two guards at your door. Your Highness does not leave the palace until the end of the ceremony.

I agreed with my head and left the room towards the stairs. Lucas followed me and held my arm.

- You know I have feelings for you? - he spoke, coming very close to me. - You're sure you want to marry a creature like Phillip.

- He's not a creature! I'm getting married to Prince Phillip! - I said, freeing my arm from Luke's grip - You're like a brother to me.

I quickly went upstairs, entered my room, and closed the door. I was exhausted. I fell into bed and fell asleep quickly. 

 

Chapter 39 - One night

- Taking you home. You need to rest. In three days, you need to be better and healthier. I don't want you running more risks. So one of the witches from my kingdom throws a protective spell, and nothing will happen to you, the king, or any nobleman inside the palace. And in three days I'll be back for our wedding. I've told everything to your father, and he already knows I'm a vampire. I told him absolutely everything about the Carpathians. I wanted him to understand what was going on. He knows what happened in detail and wants to talk to you tomorrow.

- What? - Talk about what? - I asked nervously

When I told him who I was, I told him that I accepted if the king gave up our covenant and understood that he would not allow our marriage. I gave up on you, but he said that before he made that decision, he needed to talk to you. He wants you to decide if you still want me as your fiancé, or not. I told him I wouldn't even use my powers to convince you to stay with me. So, today you go back to the palace, and we'll only see each other again if Your Highness says you want me.

- How? I thought I couldn't decide on marriage, but now I can. - I almost vomited the words.

Phillip put me down when we got to the palace door.

- Here I say goodbye to you. Forever? - he asked as he hugged me, putting me close to him.

- B... but I... - Before I could speak, he kissed my lips, quickly turned, and disappeared into the darkness of the night.

How I would solve that. At least I had until tomorrow to think. No, I definitely didn't want to live without Phillip by my side. But all the terror of the last year struck me. Was it all over? Would there still be any more moments of horror...

I took a deep breath, entered the palace, and almost fell back when I saw Luke's shadow standing near the huge doors of the main hall.

- Princess, where have you been? - he asked, holding my hand

- I had to do something today. - I answered almost in a gasp

- Did you go see Phillip? - he spoke, looking right into my eyes

- How do you know? - I was confused

- When you told me he was a vampire, the night we killed Claus, I decided to do a brief investigation into your fiancé.

- How? What did you do? Are you mad? - I asked, letting anger take care of me.

- I've been dealing with this kind of creature a few years ago in the Carpathians. My dear princess thought I would let you join one of these creatures without knowing exactly why he's so interested in marrying you. And your Highness knows why Prince Phillip loves you so much? He asked, loosening my hand and walking to another room, calling me to follow him. 

Chapter 38 – They Returned

When I finally got up, I got a hug from my father, the king. Lucas took me on his knees and repeated the question:

- What happened, Your Highness?
- A few days ago, I received a letter from a servant of yours... - I took the folded paper from the middle of the book that I was carrying and handed it to Luke's father, who gave it to the King, who followed towards the entrance to the palace.
- That bastard! He tried to kill her! - I could hear my father murmuring as he showed the paper to Lucas.
- What? - I asked when Lucas held me standing up in the palace hall.
- Claus's son, before he died, said we'd have a surprise when we returned. Probably, he thought you'd kill yourself. - He said, holding me to prevent me from falling again.

We continued walking to the dining room, where dinner was served. Many of the nobles who were waiting for the wedding congratulated the king on his arrival. We sat in our seats, and for the first time in months, I finally ate. I still missed Phillip, but I was sure he't come until dark.

After dinner, everyone gathered, and the king recommended that I rest, because in three days he would perform the ceremony. In my room, I sat in front of the window thinking if Phillip would come to see me, how would he be? None of the three, my father, Luke's father, or Luke himself, told absolutely nothing about what happened in the Carpathians.

Anxiety was killing me. It was already midnight when I decided to hang out and run through the woods to the cottage. There it was. I entered and quickly got downstairs into the crypt; it was dark, and only a torch lit that frozen chamber. I removed the lid from the coffin, but it was empty.

- Where are you, Phillip? - I whispered low, looking at the empty coffin.

- I kept my promise! - I heard his voice in my ear, behind me. I felt his hands on my shoulders.

- Why didn't Your Highness go to the palace? - I asked, turning around to look him in the eyes.

- Because I knew you would come here. But you're not okay, you shouldn't have come! - he spoke, looking at me with concern.

I took advantage of his proximity to hug him strongly by pressing my face to his chest.

- How are you? What happened? How did you get back? - I asked, holding my head away to look Phillip in the eyes, but without releasing him from my embrace.

- Calm down, I'll answer all your questions. But first, I wanted to apologize for making her sleep for three days. But you needed to rest, and you would still go through so much worry, with no one around to take care of you. - he said, removing a sling of my hair behind my ear.

- I'm fine. - I spoke in Phillip's eyes.

- My princess must have met her father and Lucas, so I know she knows they're all okay. I'm fine, being sure Claus's son is dead, so he can't try to kill you or your friend Lucas anymore. An excellent vampire hunter, by the way. He traced the hiding place where the army sheltered during the day and killed them while they were asleep. I guarded Lucas's father's castle at night. When the vampires tried their best to invade him. It took us many days to get rid of the vampires he enlisted. Now it's my turn to ask. - he took me away from his hug, and I sat down on the stairs behind me.

- When I left, you weren't that pale or that weak. - What happened to you? - he asked, coming towards me.

- A few days ago, I received a letter that looked like a servant of Luke, saying they were all dead. I was frightened, scared, and lost my ground. I didn't know what to do, I thought I'd keep waiting for you to come back, but I was already doing it with no hope. I cried, I didn't sleep, I did not eat, I couldn't... - I spoke with a tear escaping in the corner of my eye – I thought of dying.

- Don't say that. - Phillip spoke, coming very fast to me and taking my hand. 

- What about the wedding, my prince? - I spoke, looking at the floor."

- You know my feelings for you, my fiancé. - he spoke by raising me from the floor and climbing the stairs to the cottage with me.

- But you should have gone to see me sooner than you arrived. Why? Why did you stay here, but didn't come to see me? - I asked, climbing into the cottage with difficulty caused by the weakness that my legs felt.

- I need to tell the truth to my beautiful princess. I wanted to know if you would come to see me. I wanted to know if you still wanted me, as you showed me before my departure.- he spoke by putting his hand on my back, quickly holding me in his arms, and carrying me up the stairs.

- The forest has wolves, Your Highness knows the risks – I spoke with a slight malicious smile in the corner of my mouth.

- I could hear you coming. I heard his restlessness while he was in his room after dinner. But I didn't know if you'd sleep or come to me.

In the cottage, I thought he'd put me in bed, but he didn't. He continued walking, went out the door, and went on walking to the palace.

- What are you doing? - I asked, looking at him, who did not let me go and walked naturally as if I did not weigh in his arms.

Chapter 37 - Sad days

- Three days? How? - Did you even try to wake me up? - I asked Ane having a panic attack.

- I tried, Your Highness! I couldn't. Our doctor didn't even do it. - She answered, afraid

I finished my breakfast, and I was starving. I got up and went to the library, took a book, and decided to sit on a bench in the palace's garden. I couldn't read a word. I began to wander through the dark thoughts that floated in my mind. I provoked all this. Why did I go to Claus? Phillip made me sleep for three days. It was night, and Ane came to pick me up for dinner and sleep.

The next few days were the same. I was sitting on the same bench. I was digressing. She read the books I picked up at the library. I lost count of how many books I read. I seemed to be constantly hypnotized by the gate. My eyes just turned away from the pages of the books to that gate.

After a month, a messenger arrived with a letter. I opened it anxiously, and it was one of the worst things I've ever done, inside a paper stained with blood:

Your Highness,

He who conveys to you this painful news is the faithful servant of the Lord. Lucas.

My master, Prince Phillip, his father, and my master's father died in a fierce battle. They fought honestly, but they couldn't win.

At this hour, ur servants who remained alive in the Carpathians and were not transformed into monsters are running for their lives.

I'm so sorry.

I don't think I'll survive...

The writing was interrupted in a huge scrawl. And now? What would I do? How could I overcome the pain and continue my father's rule? I climbed the palace stairs and locked myself in. Three more days were lost. I stayed locked in my room, crying and sleeping. After my brief mourning, I thought of the kingdom and of all who depended on a ruler able to command the; I knew I had no such ability.

After a hot bath, I decided to go down to lunch. Many nobles were still in the palace waiting for the King and my fiancé's return. Only I knew the content of the letter; I wasn't ready to share it with anyone. But I'm starting to grasp it. I sat down again with a book, looking at the gates. What if they come back? What if the letter wasn't true?

She didn't feed me anymore. I didn't even sleep enough. It's been another week. Until I saw three familiar silhouettes landing from a carriage in front of the gate. I got u,p recognizing Luke and my father, a third lord, who looked like the Duke, Luke's father. Without smiling, I tried to run toward them. My feet failed miserably. I was too weak.

- Lucas, are you? - I ask, ed sitting on the grass with a rough voice.

- Yes, my angel, what happened to you? Why are you so pale? - he spoke, helping me stand up

Chapter 36 - Where is the King?

 A few days passed, and the King did not return to the palace. Many nobles arrived and were already hosted. With two days left for the ceremony, the King did not arrive, but a letter arrived. Lucas took the letter and didn't let me read it. After reading the letter, Luke turned to me and said:

- I need to go to the Carpathians to get the King! - As he spoke, Luke went out and quickly approached the stables, ordering his chariot to be prepared.

He said goodbye and asked me to hand the sealed letter to Phillip. I waited for sunset and ran to the cottage. There I immediately went down to the crypt, Phillip was not lying in his coffin, but was standing in a corner of the frozen chamber:

- You can't obey me! - I could hear his sharp voice, almost in a tone of brass.

- Something happened. - I spoke, trying to recover from the scare. - Lucas left early today for the Carpathians; my father did not come back. That letter came from there.

- Let me see this! - he spoke by taking the letter from my hand.

After reading the letter carefully away from my eyes, he spoke:

- I need to leave, too. But I'm going to leave you at the palace. I don't think we'll be back in two days. I'll inform the kingdom about a further postponement, but prepare for our turn.

- What's going on? - I was tense

- Something happened in the Carpathians; Luke will need help. I'll be back with your father and Lucas. Wait for us.

- Tell me what's going on! - I said, frustrated

- Claus's son is seeking revenge for his father's death!

- W... What? - I sat on the staircase behind me.

- He created a small army of night creatures, and they are surrounding Luke's father's Castle. He's trying to kill his father and Lucas's father.

- What's stopping them from getting in?

- A vampire can only enter somewhere after being invited by the home's owner, Lucas' father did not allow this visit to his castle. Come on, I need to keep you safe. I'm going to take you back to the palace and then I'll meet Lucas.

- I can't let you go. What if Claus' son kills you? - I walked towards Phillip as I spoke.

- I'm a vampire, I know how to defend myself against them. - he spoke holding me against his hard chest

Right now I've seen everything darken and don't remember anything else. I woke up in my bed in the palace with a ticket from Phillip in my hand explaining that he would be back in a week with Lucas and my father and that as soon as he returned from a trip with the king, the wedding would take place in two days. I went down to the coffee and I realized I was completely refreshed. Ane was surprised to see me and quickly served me the coffee. I asked her what happened, and she said I had slept for three days in a row.

Chapter 35 - Night falls

While I was having lunch, Phillip stayed in the room alone. He went from one side to another, uncertain. He lay on the bed. He loved lying on my bed because he had my scent, and he loved smelling my scent on the sheets. So he fell asleep. Arriving in my room after lunch, I told Ane I would go to bed earlier, so I wouldn't go down for dinner.
I asked her to let me rest because I needed to be well in a few days for the wedding. Phillip was lying down, without a shirt, with his face buried in my pillow and his hair worn out. It was a divine vision. He didn't wake up even after hearing the key's sound locking the door.
I sat slowly in the bed. I took my time watching that vision. He was so beautiful, so strong, every muscle in his back seemed to jump in total relaxation. I didn't resist the temptation to kiss him; he was so vulnerable. I leaned slowly towards him, lying by his side. Every move is precise and delicate, so he doesn't wake up. I held his wrists against the bed and kissed him like I did before I left.
He woke up and hugged me, bringing his body closer to mine instead of trying to get away. Time seemed to have stopped in that kiss. When we finally departed, to breathe, he spoke with a roaring voice, looking directly into my eyes:
- What was that?
- I couldn't resist watching you sleeping and felt it was the right time for a kiss.
- No one's ever kissed me like that, princess.
- I've never been kissed like that before, either. I think I'm falling in love with you, Phillip.
We've only been looking at each other for a while. Lie down.
- You look tired.
- I haven't eaten for two nights. Vampires start getting tired, weak, and slow when they're hungry.
I got up and went to the window to check, and yes, it was already night.
- I have to go. We'll only see each other on the wedding day. Don't go to the cottage. I'm afraid of you alone in the woods.
He quickly approached me, hugging me and speaking in my ear:
- You say you have feelings for me, but you ran away when I asked you if you've ever kissed someone else. Come here and wake me up with a kiss that will be hard to forget.
A rage runs through my body, and I try to keep my posture sharper:
- You're suspicious of me when I'm telling the truth. I've never kissed, nor will I kiss anyone else. What happened in Paris with Claus was against my will.
He tightened me closer to him, as if that was possible, and spoke with his lips on mine:
- Goodbye, my fiancé.
- Goodbye... - I talked to him, letting go and watching him go out the window.

He disappeared in the darkness of the night, and I went back to my bed. I would dream of him. I slept early that day. I didn't go back to the cottage. He didn't look for me again. 

Chapter 34 - Another day with him

I ended up asleep, sitting next to Phillip, with my head on his shoulder. The day came up and he woke up, carrying me to bed so I could sleep better. Ane came into my room and asked her to let me sleep because I was still exhausted. She left the curtains closed and walked out of the room gently. I thought Phillip was gone, but I saw him coming out of my closet as soon as Ane closed the door, reminding me I had to have lunch with Lucas.
- Good morning! - He spoke with a huge smile
- Good morning, I thought you were gone. Ane came in to open the curtains, but I told her I needed to rest and she went out.
- Why did I wake up with you sleeping on my shoulder? Sitting next to me? Isn't it more comfortable to sleep in the bed? he asked with an ironic tone in his voice.
- I took a while to fall asleep. - Talk to me as I get up and walk towards the bathroom.
- But you were asleep this morning when I put you in bed.
- Because looking at you asleep calmed my thoughts. - I spoke with a smile on my lips
He opened the bathroom door and went in. I was filling the bathtub, but I hadn't taken a bath yet.
- Did you fall asleep because of me? - he asked, looking directly into my eyes. "Will you take a bath?"
- Yeah, I fell asleep because your beautiful face brings me peace, and yes, I'm going to take a shower, and I'd be grateful if you were a gentleman and waited for me in the room.
He turned and closed the door behind him. After the bath, wear a simpler and more comfortable dress. I got out of the closet and went to the room. On the coffee table, my servant left a tray with fruits and croissants, juice, and coffee.
- So, my beautiful face helps Your Highness to sleep? - he spoke boastfully as I walked towards breakfast. - Ane left the tray here.
I didn't answer. I just got a cup of coffee and a croissant. I sat in the chair in front of him.
- You're not going to tell me what kept her awake?
- I was attacked by a vampire in your castle. He followed me up here and could have killed me. I still feel the ribs and the cuts are healing. My childhood friend knows his species well. Lucas saves me from Claus. I think there's been a lot of blood in a short time. Besides, I'm going to marry such a creature. I don't think my mind can process all this information.
- Are you afraid of me?
- No, no more. Not after yesterday. You are my peace in the midst of chaos. - I could barely finish the sentence, because he got up quickly, turned around the table, kneeled in front of me, and kissed my lips, all very quickly.
- Yesterday, after you arrived. You talked about Claus's son. - Phillip asked, sitting in the chair again.
- In Paris, after our research, Ane and I discovered that Claus was riding with a young man. I called him son. We've never heard of his name. He must have accepted what you did not accept. I think he must be feeling lonely because we killed Claus.
- What do you want to do? We have a whole day. - He said with a little jealousy in his voice
- Lunch, I forgot.
- You and that vampire hunter are just friends?
- Just friends. But you talk like you've never been out with any woman. Your Highness had any relationship before we had today? I asked, knowing that the answer could be painful...
- I'm not going to talk about that. Anything before my princess is totally worthless to me.
I rounded the table and sat in the chair next to him, took his hands, and said:
- I want to know!
- Yeah, I had a few cases, and I didn't save myself for you as I should have done.
I got up and walked away. I don't know why, but imagining that someone could touch and kiss him before me gave me some anger.
- Jealousy? - he spoke, passing his hands over my waist, bending his lips to my ear
- Yeah, how could I not? You should be just mine!
- I love it when you're jealous. Just as I loved you to go search for my cure, despite the risks. Because all this means you have feelings for me.
- I hate to know that someone else could have had you before me. And you should know that I've had feelings for you since the first time I went down that crypt.
- What are you saying? - He spoke astonished, releasing me from his arms.
- Vampires can't hear the human heart beating? Why didn't you hear my heart beating the first time I saw you?
- I've been trying to make you like me for a while, but now you tell me that you were already in love since the first time in the crypt.
I walk towards you, and I put my hands on your neck. I tied my fingers into her hair and pulled her face for a kiss. We give the most passionate and warm kiss we've ever given. We walk away to breathe, and he says:

- Are you sure you've never kissed anyone before?
- You're suspicious of me?
- That kiss says the opposite.
A knock at the door. Phillip is hiding in the closet. Ane tells me that lunch is ready, and I leave the room with her. In the dining room, besides Lucas, we have another couple of nobles who also arrived today, and despite the frugal conversation during the meal, my mind wandered to the Vampire in my room.

Chapter 33 - End of conversation

 I tried to think about everything the vampire downstairs could do. Maybe revenge for Claus's death. I went to the window to check if it was locked when I saw the window open. A rift ran through my spine, and finally, I could see, in the dark, Phillip standing in the corner next to the window. I jumped to bring the scare, but I managed to ask:

- What are you doing here? - was only then that I realized that the cut in my arm was bleeding.
- What happened? "Where were you?" he spoke, coming out of the shadows and walking towards me.
- I want my answers first - I demanded - What are you doing here? - I said, walking towards the bathroom, I needed something to stop the bleeding.
- You ran out of the cottage. I needed to make sure you'd get there safely.
- It took a while because when I got here, I heard a noise and went to see what it was.
- Why is your cut bleeding? What are you trying to hide from me?
- I slipped into the hallway, almost broke my arm, and the cut opened. - I lied, I didn't want another dead vampire inside my castle.
He ordered me to sit on the bed, where I sat. He cautiously took a clean bandage and restarted the healing.
- Why did you come here? - I asked because I didn't expect him to follow me back.
- To find out why you ran away.
- You seemed jealous of Lucas. But I don't know how you'd react to Claus's death... I was scared.
Even knowing I'm a vampire and I'd reach you easily? And if I wanted to hurt you, I would, but the princess knows very well that I am incapable of hurting you, right?
- I almost whispered.
- Let's resume our chat in the cottage, but first, tell me the truth about how the cut opened, right? You were with your heart beating when you locked your room door. Don't lie. I don't want to force you to tell me the truth.
I lowered my head. The nervousness was apparent.
- Claus's son. The sound I heard entering the castle was Claus's son. He grabbed me and tore the cut. I was gonna bite, but I managed to take him down and run down the stairs.
- I'll check if he's still here.
- No, don't leave me alone.
"I'll stay," he said, standing up, going to the window. She closed the curtains and turned to me maliciously - and if I spent the day with you, how did we do that another time?
- When did it dawn, and you got stuck here?
- Yeah, we could talk, and I'd remove all the doubts that scare you. You can't be afraid of me. We'll be a couple soon. You need to start trusting me.
- What if it doesn't work? Nobles is coming to the wedding. I have other preparations that I need to move forward with. I couldn't spend the whole day here in my room.
He approached the bed, raised me with a pull, and hugged me:
- Let's try. It's gonna be better than the other time, right?
- I gave up. I went to bed while he went to the chair next to the window.
- Sleep! - Tomorrow we have our day.
I couldn't get to sleep. A lot of things went through my mind. Phillip slept, and I could appreciate how beautiful and peaceful he looked asleep. I sat next to him, and I was wondering how we'd live that way. This whole situation was strange and very complex. But watching him sleep, I thought about how good it was to have someone strong and powerful like him to love me and protect me. 

Chapter 32 - Back to our place

My servant washed the tea room floor with the help of another maid. Nobody even questioned what had happened. Lucas returned to his room; he needed a bath and rest. And I went to my room. Would Phillip be in the crypt under the hut? I decided to go out in the middle of the night. No one would notice if I went out and came back before dawn.

Arriving at the cabin, I went down to the crypt, and Phillip was waiting for me. I could see anger in his gaze, but I didn't understand. I ran out of the crypt and the cottage. I returned through the silent forest, but Phillip quickly appeared before me. In fear, I fell on my knees. He lifted me up, took me back to the cabin, and held me by the arms.

- I want to talk to you. Why did you run away?
- Why did you look at me like that? What do you want?
"Today I am the only one who asks!" he spoke with a sharp tone. "Who is the young nobleman you received today in the palace?" Where's the king?
- That is Lucas Jared VI, a friend of my childhood, son of a count, a friend of the King; he came to our wedding, and my father is with his father in the Carpathians.
"Does your Highness know that your friend is a vampire hunter?" he asked in an even sharper tone.
No, I just knew he was hunting Claus.
- What happened? Why are you trembling? - He asked, securing my hands
We killed Claus.
- How? This is not possible! - he spoke to me, letting me go and standing
He came to finish what he had begun in his castle, but Lucas quickly killed him.
- I knew Claus was around, but how did Lucas kill him?
- With a wooden stick in the heart. - I spo, reminded of the scene and the blood.
- Your friend is going to hunt me!
- No, it won't... - I answered by getting up and feeling the pain in my ribs.
- How can you be so sure?
- Because I asked him. He already knows you're a vampire, but he won't hunt you or kill you.
- Why did you run away from me when you saw me in the crypt? And how can you be so sure he won't come to kill me?
- I ran away because you seemed to be mad at me... I was afraid you'd be mad because we killed Claus. And I'm sure because Lucas is like a brother to me, he wouldn't do anything to hurt me.
The prince let me go and turned his back on me. I walked towards the door and left the cabin to return to the castle. I got lost in the woods, but I realized that I had gone all the way back to the castle completely alone. I climbed the stairs with difficulty; my ribs hurt a lot. I went to bed and couldn't sleep.
I went down the stairs to the palace hallway with a candle to light the way. I went to the kitchen, much quieter without the daily movements at that time of the morning. I heard a noise coming from the hallway, I turned through the door and saw a bull. I turned the candle in that direction, and I could see the vampire "son" of Claus that I had met in Paris. The scare made me drop the candle; it went off as soon as it touched the ground. He ran toward me and took my hand:
- Claus came here? He wanted to hurt you.
- What do you want? - I was scared, almost voiceless.
He pulled my hand towards him and tried to bite my arm, where there was a cut from the attack by Claus. I managed to get him away and escape. My arm was bleeding again. I ran up the stairs and climbed as fast as I could. I entered my room and locked the door.

Chapter 31 - An old friend

The next morning, the King had already made all the preparations for our departure home. The carriage was already with our luggage, and all we had to do was get on board. We travel back right after the coffee. My father was afraid of the roads at night, so he always stopped at a hostel along the way.
The wounded from Claus's attack were still hurting. During the trip, I was informed by the King that he could not be in our palace to receive the first nobles who would arrive for the wedding parties because he would have to visit a noble in the Carpathians, an old friend. Because he won't come to the wedding.
It was strange. Why did he have to visit that friend? What is the point of this new journey? The King explained that the son of this friend, an old man and my only childhood friend, would be representing his father at the party.
I was able to rest for a few days before the arrival of Luke Jared VI. His father was Count. Lucas spent a good season with us in childhood, as his mother died in childbirth, and his father was afraid to blame him for the loss of his great love. When his carriage arrived, I could see a strong man and no traces of a child landing. I arranged to host him at my father's request.
Your beautiful brown eyes shone when you met mine, but the voice was completely different, more serious and strong.
- Dear Lucas, you've changed too! - I spoke, approaching and extending my hand to him. - How's your father, the Count? How'd it go?
"I'm fine, my father sent souvenirs and I came to represent you in the great wave of His Highness!" he spoke in an ironic tone and supplemented, "How are you? Anxious, brat?
He was still acting with me as if we were eight years old.
"You're beautiful, princess!" he said, putting my hand on his arm as we walked into the palace.
- Come on, I'll go with you to your room. - I spoke, trying to disguise shame.
We went up to the second floor. I was still walking with a little difficulty because my ribs were still hurting. At dinner, we talked about our childhood. We remember our jokes. He told me how his arranged marriage went wrong.
Luca's father had promised him to marry a French princess. But shortly before they met, the Count discovered that his future daughter-in-law was pregnant with one of the royal guards ' children. All plans were broken, and the princess's father chose to send her to a convent.
On the one hand, Lucas was relieved, but on the other, frustrated. His father decided that Lucas would marry whoever he chose and sent him to travel the world and study. After all, for the Count, Lucas was the only living memory of his great love.
Despite all the events, Lucas was happy. I had known many places, and today I was much more intellectual than before. And the Count felt fulfilled simply by seeing his son like that. Lucas came to my ceremony against his liking, because he was never in favor of arranged weddings. However, he saw in the invitation an opportunity to revisit his best friend from childhood. We've been away for many years. We sat down to chat after dinner in a large tea room on the second floor. Luke was telling me about his life in the Carpathians and his travels when suddenly I heard a noise coming from the window. We turned to look, and I was able to recognize the familiar silhouette of Claus. At that moment, Lucas noticed how quickly I became pale and began to tremble. I whispered, "He's gonna kill me!" just before Claus broke the window into the room.
- How are you, Your Highness?- he spoke with some irony in his tone. - Who is your friend? I have the impression that I already know him.
- Get out! - I said, trying to breathe.
- I don't think I'm leaving, I have to finish something, we were interrupted the other day, if I've got it wrong...
- I remember you. - said Lucas, walking straight to Claus.
- You fool, you know you're never going to kill me. 'Cause he's still trying,' said Claus, pushing Lucas and following in my direction.
- I don't give up easily! - said Lucas, arrogantly.
In a quick move, Lucas jumped toward the broken window, took a piece of wood that hung from it, ran toward Claus, who was already close to me, placed himself between Claus and me, and glued his stick right in the middle of his chest.
I saw when Claus fell, instantly, with his eyes no longer alive. There was a lot of blood on Lucas' clothes and on the floor. It was scary. Without understanding what was going on and how they knew each other, I asked Luke:
- How... how do you know Claus?
- Your Highness knows he's a vampire, doesn't he? - he asked, assessing the total mess of the room.
I just agreed with the head. He continued:

- In the Carpathians, we have many creatures like him. On one of my trips to Paris, while I was studying, I met him. 

- I started chasing him when I realized he liked killing humans. - How do you know him? - He asked, holding my chin without understanding what Claus wanted of me.

The prince I'm going to marry is a vampire. Claus turned it into one when he was in Paris studying, while Phillip was drunk and depressed. How did you know that stick would kill him? Do you hunt them?

- Yeah, but I don't mean to kill your fiancé. I only hunt those who kill people.

- What are we gonna do? With the body? It's too much blood.

- I'll take you to the garden behind the palace. The sun will turn it into dust.

I accompanied my childhood friend carrying Claus to the backyard, and we put him between two bushes so that no one would find him until dawn. The next day, we would only find the stack of the window and a pile of ashes in the place.

Chapter 30 - Passion

I woke up at lunchtime, almost without pain. I thought about what that tea would be that Phillip had my servant serve me at breakfast. I decided to ask Anna's help to change me. I'd like to go down for lunch, outside my bedroom, in the company of the King and the Prince. I took a bath, put on a dress, and went down the stairs in the company of my servant.

I sat at the table for lunch. They looked at me curiously. Two days ago, I couldn't go down the stairs. I needed to ask the King to postpone the wedding. My mind was confused and frightened, and I needed to recover physically and emotionally. We talked during lunch, and the King agreed. We would delay until I was fine. Phillip seemed impatient, but he understood that I wasn't okay.
I decided to walk through the garden with Ane right after lunch. I noticed the prince was trying to reach us. The day was still clear and sunny. I was breathless thinking that the sun could kill him. Ane held me so I didn't fall. Phillip took me by the other arm and asked Ane to leave us alone.
- What happened? Why are you having a panic attack?
- You're walking under the sun... how?
- I tried to explain the other day. A few years ago, I asked a witch to do a spell to allow me to walk under the sun. I wanted to be able to see the sunrise and sunset with you. - he spoke, holding me by the waist as I recovered my breath - it's magic, but it only goes to the borders of my kingdom. Are you okay?
- No, I still feel pain... I'm still afraid.
- Do you want to go back inside? - He asked, still holding me so I didn't fall.
- Not now.
- Well, there's still something I'd like to ask Your Highness. - he asked without saying anything.
- Don't you think the princess went too far to save my life? A fiancé who so far didn't seem to have any feelings for me... You gave me no sign of affection and went to Paris. Dealing with a dangerous creature like Claus. Why did you do that? You didn't even want this wedding... - he spoke, looking right into my eyes
- And I would go further!
He stood with a slight smile of satisfaction on his lips, looking at the horizon. I felt something for him. I wasn't sure it was love. I went back to the castle. Ane followed me up the stairs. I came to my room, lay down, and asked her not to let anyone wake me up. She then sat on a chair outside my door, as I ordered.
About half an hour passed, and I could hear my servant saying to Phillip that I had ordered no one to interfere with my sleep. I slept until dinner. I went down for dinner as I did for lunch, accompanied by Ane. When I had finished, I waited for the king and the prince to go away to talk, and I went up discreetly with Ane, without any of them noticing. I locked the bedroom door and put a chair on the trunk.
I changed clothes. I lay down. When I was almost falling asleep, I heard a noise coming from the window. I opened the curtains and saw Phillip sitting outside the window shade. I opened the window and sent him in.
- What were you doing out there? How did you get up here? I asked as I walked back to bed.
- Why are you avoiding me since lunch?
- I asked first - I said, putting my hand under his chin to raise his gaze at me
- I need to remind you that I'm a vampire and can climb the castle's walls without getting tired or falling.
- I'm not avoiding you or running away from you. Dr. Oliver said I need some rest, and as I said at lunch, I need time to recover... just to go down the stairs, I feel tired.
- Your Highness, can you explain better what you were talking to me about earlier in the garden? - Did you say you would go further to save my life? - He asked, passing his hand lightly on my cheek
- There isn't a right answer to that. - I answered, standing up and walking to the window.
He stood up quickly, following me. Coming close to the window at the same time as me. Without saying anything, He hugged me, and I rested my head on his wide chest.
- I don't understand. What do you feel about me? - he asked, inhaling the smell of my hair.
- I'm confused... I don't understand... but I think I'll enjoy being your queen.
I felt his hug tighten a little more. We've been hugging for a long time in silence. I could feel him smelling my hair as I tried to nest more of my face in his chest. It was so good to be in his arms.

Chapter 29 - More trues

 The first rays of sunshine lit my room through the gaps in the curtains. I could see Phillip sitting asleep in the chair next to the windows. I removed the blankets, got up, and walked quietly to the bathroom. I managed to get past him without waking him up. He once again fulfilled his promise to stay until dawn, watching my sleep.

Upon leaving the bathroom, Phillip was sitting on the tip of the bed, awake and staring as I walked from the toilet back to bed.
- Good morning, how are you feeling?
- Better. Painful, but better. I slept better today. I need to go home. The king will end up getting angry with the delay in getting back. First your illness, and now that. I'm worried about hiding so many things from the king... I spoke as I lay back in bed and pulled the blankets over me.
- He's not going to be suspicious.
- What made you believe me? Come to help me when Claus tried to kill me? I asked with an angry tone. You didn't believe me so much when I told you about what had happened in Paris. What's changed?
- Before yesterday, after I found you covered in blood on the floor, without seeing what had happened or even seeing Claus, I thought he would have done that to you, but you were distracted. I had no way to ask you. Claus can be violent, but only when he's offended. I figured something else could have happened in Paris; he must have tried something other than kissing you. So, vampires are excellent mind controllers. I called Ane in the library and, under my control, asked her to tell me in detail about your trip to Paris. She told me everything. Mortals don't lie when controlled. I know Claus didn't try anything, but he stole a kiss against his will.
- Didn't you see Claus lifting my hair? I saw you entering the door! Why didn’t you follow him? Why did you let him escape?

- I saw the moment he threw you against the wall. Maybe the second time... and I threw him out the open window. When he fell down there, he ran into the woods. Yesterday, before the second visit of Dr. Oliver, I tracked Claus with my other soldiers through the woods. - He said by taking my hand and holding it between his hands.
Why didn't you go after him when you saw him running into the woods?
- When I saw the blood on the walls and on your dress... You were upset... I thought you were dead. But vampires hear the human heart at a distance, and I could hear your heart beating. I put you in bed and wanted to make sure you'd be fine.
- What if he does? What if Claus could hurt me to the point of almost killing me? Would you have the courage to turn me into one of you?
- And to condemn you to eternal life in a world that is changing a lot. You can't bear it, my princess! He spoke with a worrying tone. He got up from the bed and walked to the door. I will ask your servant to bring her breakfast and another tea to help her with the pain.
Minutes after he left, Ane came in with a tray. I ate little because the pain still disturbed my appetite too much. I drank a bitter tea, which made me feel sleepy. I lay down and fell asleep.