My Sister, My mate

Juan’s P•O•V I pushed open the large door to my father’s room, my maid trailing closely behind me. I couldn’t bear to leave her side, not even for a moment. We approached the entrance, and the guards blocked our path, their expressionless faces a familiar sight. “The King is busy. You may not enter,” One of them intoned, their voice firm but polite. I felt a surge of desperation rise within me. I had to see my father, had to make him understand. I fell to my knees, my hands grasping at the guards’ armor, “Please, let me in,” I begged, my voice trembling. My maid rushed to my side, her hands gentle as she tried to pull me up, “Princess, don’t. Remember what King Zayne always said never plead for something you want,” She whispered, urgently. I was my father’s treasure, and everyone was made to respect me. But I couldn’t help myself. I had to see my father, had to make him listen. I looked up at the guards, my eyes pleading, “Just for a moment,” I whispered. Mia quickly pulled me to my feet, and just as she did, my father’s stern voice echoed from within the room, “Let her in,” The guards stepped aside, and I entered the room, Mia remaining behind. My father’s smile greeted me, and I rushed to him, happiness overflowing from my heart. But his expression quickly turned serious. “Juan, remember you’re a princess. You don’t plead for anyone,” He admonished, gently. I pouted dramatically, knowing exactly what he meant. I had forgotten myself in my desperation to see him, “Sorry, Father,” I apologized, my voice sweet. He chuckled and beckoned me closer. We spent the next hour chatting and laughing together, enjoying each other’s company. But then, a question that had long plagued me surfaced. “Father, why don’t I have powers like the other vampires?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. His expression turned somber, and he sighed, “Your mother was human. In our world, if a King is mated to a human, their child will be human,” I gasped, shock coursing through me, “So, that’s why you’ve always been so protective of me?” He nodded, his eyes clouding over with a pain I had never seen before, “I couldn't bear to lose you. You’re all I have left of your mother. You’re a replica of her, and I couldn’t lose my only daughter,” He replied, sorrowfully. Tears pricked at my eyes as I realized the depth of his love for me. He might be a powerful King, but the loss of my mother still weighed heavily on him. “How did mother died?” I asked, this prompt sadness in his eyes. But quickly brushed it away, “That would be another day. You're looking so beautiful today,” He said, smiling at me. ~••~ I eagerly approached my father’s room, guards trailing behind me with fresh fruits. I expected us to share them while discussing the latest council news. But as I approached, the guards blocked my way, their faces somber. “The King doesn’t want to see anyone,” They said in unison, “Let me in,” I yelled at them to let me in, but they refused. Something wasn’t right. My father would never deny me entry, even if he was busy. Mia’s expression confirmed my fears. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she tried to hide them from me. Determined, I turned to Mia, “Use your powers to open the door. My father would want me to come in,” I urged, pleadingly, but rather, Mia shook her head, struggling to contain her emotions. I tried to kneel, but she gripped my hand, and together we appeared in the King’s room. My smile faded as I saw my father lying weak and pale on his bed. I rushed to him, but an elder vampire blocked my path. “Let me through!” I cautioned him sternly. The elder’s expression was grim, but he stepped aside, allowing me to reach my father’s side. I took his hand, feeling his weakness and confusion. Something was terribly wrong. I cradled my father’s hand in mine, but he wasn't responding. I leaned in closer, my tears falling onto his pale face. And then it hit me, he wasn’t breathing. No. This can’t be happening. I turned to his guard, my eyes streaming with tears, “Tell me what’s wrong!” I begged, my voice shaking. The guard’s expression was somber, filled with pity, “I’m so sorry, Princess. The King is dead,” He declared, falling down on his knees. I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. Dead? No, that can’t be. I talked with him before I went out, so what went wrong? I stumbled backward, my legs giving out beneath me. “There was an attack. The King didn’t want you to witness a bloody war, so he sent you away for a while,” He continued, fear gripping him. I couldn’t process his words. All I could think was that my father, my beloved King Zayne, was gone. I wept uncontrollably, my world shattered into a million pieces. I felt my vision blur and my body go limp. I tried to stay awake, but the grief was too overwhelming. I succumbed to the darkness, my body fainting away. ~••~ I slowly opened my eyes, my vision blurry. As I looked around, I realized I was in a completely new place. I wasn’t alone. There were over 20 women scattered around me, all sleeping on the cold, hard floor. They looked battered and bruised, their bodies bearing signs of cruel treatment. I felt a chill run down my spine as I took in the eerie atmosphere. I glanced to my side, and I saw blood dripping from the lady beside me. I gasped, my heart racing. The lady stirred, her eyes fluttering open. “Where are we?” I demanded, my voice shaking with fear. The lady’s gaze dropped, “We’re torture slaves. Our master bought us, and we must pay him back the last penny he spent on us. We’re meant to submit to him, to endure whatever he desires. We’re nothing more than torture slaves,” I couldn’t believe my ears. Sold? By whom? How did I end up here? The questions swirled in my head, but the lady’s words cut through my thoughts. “You’re new here, aren’t you?” She asked, voice laced with pity. I nodded, my eyes scanning the room in desperation, “How did I get here? Who sold me?” “You were brought here by one of the guards,” She said, sadly. Suddenly we heard a cruel voice. “Three slaves are requested to introduce themselves. Count yourself lucky to be among,” I looked at the lady beside me, and she gestured for us to go. “We have to do this, to protect ourselves. Just introduce ourselves, nothing more,” She encouraged me, “What does that mean?” I asked, looking at her eyes for an answer. “Have you ever heard of the wicked Alpha? He’s our master, and he requested we were interrogated. Because some slaves can’t last for an hour after his interrogation,” ~••~ I walked alongside the other woman, our footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls. The guards flanking us seemed to loom over us, their faces impassive. “Stop,” One of them barked, and we halted. I couldn’t look around, but I know we were alone in the building. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel my heart racing in my chest. A figure emerged from the shadows, and the woman beside me quickly bowed her head. I followed suit, my eyes fixed on the ground. The man behind him spoke up, carrying a toxic voice, “Perform a move of seduction in forty seconds,” My hands began to shake, and my mind went blank. I had no idea what this meant or what was expected of me. The seconds ticked by, and I remained frozen. I couldn’t move. All I could do was stand there, paralyzed with fear. And then, I felt it. A hot breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “You failed to introduce yourself. For that, I would like you to beg for something that can’t be given. Death!” A low, menacing voice whispered in my ear.