Sold to the Billionaire Vampire

"She is not going to take this well," Molly muttered to herself, her voice barely audible, a reflection of the turmoil brewing within her. She moved towards the windows, the soft clinking of the jewelry around her wrists barely registering over the thumping of her heart. Pulling the heavy drapes, she allowed the soft, early morning light to flood the room, hoping to rouse Talia gently from her slumber. The young lady-in-waiting crossed the princess' bedroom on quiet feet, the scent of roses and lavender a familiar comfort. The ornate four-poster bed was draped in silken fabrics, a princess’s haven, yet today, a sense of unease hung heavy in the air. Sunlight streamed through the flowing, floral curtains, illuminating motes of dust dancing in the air. Molly wasn’t merely Talia's lady-in-waiting; she was her confidante, her sister-in-spirit, a bond forged in years of shared laughter and whispered secrets. A frown creased her delicate brow as she looked at her still-slumbering friend, Princess Talia. Talia stirred at the sudden influx of sunshine bathed her countenance, her long lashes fluttering against her pale cheeks as she blinked, trying to orient herself. Her dark, almost black hair tumbled messily around her shoulders, framing sleepy, doll-like eyes that held a hint of confusion. Even just waking, Talia radiated a ethereal beauty, her delicate features softened further by the innocence of slumber. "Molly, it's so early! Is something special happening today?” she asked with a soft, velvety voice, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. A small, genuine smile touched her lips, the pure essence of Talia, a beacon of light in a world that always seemed on the verge of darkness. Molly hesitated, a wave of guilt washing over her. How could she, her closest friend, be the bearer of such shocking news? She forced a smile that didn’t quite meet her eyes. “Yes, Talia,” Molly began softly, choosing to use her given name as was their custom when alone. She was the only person allowed to do so, Talia having always insisted on it, eschewing the princess title among those she trusted. “There is a… special event.” Talia sat up fully, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of special event? No one told me about anything,” she said, her brow furrowing in confusion. Molly moved closer, her steps slow and measured, and sat on the edge of the bed, taking Talia's hand in hers. She couldn’t ignore the tremor of fear that ran through her, a silent scream against the injustice of it all. "I’m… I’m happy for you, Talia. But I'll be lonely here without you.” She couldn't control the wobble in her voice that betrayed the sadness she couldn’t hide any longer. Talia’s forehead creased, creating a delicate line between her brows. “What do you mean lonely? I’m not going anywhere!” she protested, a mix of confusion and concern tinging her voice. Before Molly could find the words to explain, the door to the room burst open, the force of it making both women jump. Queen Agatha stood tall and regal in the doorway, her silver gown shimmering from the morning light. Perfect even in this early hour. Behind her, a frail, elderly man struggled to carry an enormous lacquered box, his shoulders bowed by its weight. “Excuse us, Molly. I need to speak with my daughter, alone,” the Queen commanded, her tone brooking no argument. Molly nodded, gave a quick and respectful curtsey, and left without a single word. Her quick exit left the questions swirling in Talia's mind amplifying her unease. The heavy doors closed loudly behind Molly, leaving Talia alone with her mother and the unknown ancient servant. Talia turned to her mother, her belly clenching with the confusion growing within her with each passing moment. “What’s happening, Mother? And what’s in that box?” she asked, pointing at it with a long, slender finger. “It’s your—” the elderly man began to speak but was cut off by a sharp glare from the Queen. “Shut. Up,” her mother snapped; her tone laced with irritation. “She doesn’t know yet. The elderly man's eyes widened with concern. He pressed his lips together, but he tipped his chin in a short bow, and took a step back from the bed. Queen Agatha sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze meeting her daughter’s. A bittersweet sensation settled upon her, a complex mix of sorrow and duty. Talia was her youngest child, her only daughter. Her sons were all strong, and independent. Fine representatives of their species. Talia was different, delicate and loving, a treasure to be protected. Yet now that protection was no longer her decision. The burden of the King’s choice rested heavily on her soul. This would change her daughter’s life forever and the choice was agonizingly both good for the kingdom and devastating to her as a mother. "Your life is about to change, darling," the Queen said, her voice tinged with a quiet resignation. Talia blinked, her long lashes fluttering against her pale skin, absorbing her mother’s words with trepidation. "Change? What do you mean?" “Your wedding dress has been sent by your…betrothed," her mother explained, her voice suddenly devoid of any warmth or emotion. "He wants to marry you today, as soon as possible.” Talia’s lashes froze mid-flutter, her heart plummeting. "A wedding dress? Marriage? Betrothed?” she sputtered. Her wide, dark eyes met her mother’s with disbelief. “How? I’ve never even dated anyone!” "It wasn’t my decision, Talia,” the Queen replied, her voice soften again. “It was your father’s. I wasn't given a choice. He believes it is for the best.” Her gentle expression did little to soothe her daughter’s growing panic. “I didn’t even find out that this was planned until the night of your birthday party, and your father had already set everything in motion and made the arrangements without consulting me.” “You mean, this suitor was at my birthday party?” Talia’s brow furrowed, her beautiful face now a mask of dread. This was all too much too fast. “He was, but I was only told after the fact," her mother said, leaning close to whisper. “I don’t have the full story, but I’ll tell you what I do know.” A look passed between them, a shared sense of injustice that settled upon the room as the heavy silence took hold.