Her Devious King

"Give you freedom"

Eventually, people forgot how horrible the Vampires behaved during the Species War.

Asher glared at a couple. It was evident the man was a vampire, judging by his sharp features and pale skin. The woman was a human, the flush of life in her cheeks implied it.

"Those wretched beasts…" Asher growled under his breath. Once he gets his hands on the bastard that danced with Adeline, he would ensure the man would never show his face around here.

Who the hell was he in the first place? Asher had noticed the Vampires stepping back and gawking at the man's presence. A few even lowered their head, like a dog with their tails tucked in between its legs.

The man was a Pure-Bred. Only those race, prestigious bloodlines received such a respectful greeting.

"Out of all the Vampires she could attract, it just had to be a Pure-Bred."

Asher shook his head in disapproval. She could've chosen a Half-Blood, who was half Human and half Vampire, or even a Weakened, whose parents were both Vampires, but their blood had been too diluted to be tracked back.

"Just what kind of trouble did you get yourself into, Adeline?" Asher muttered to himself.

"It doesn't matter anyway," he said with firm resolution. "I'll always save you from harm."

His grip tightened on the porcelain plate. "Even if it costs me my life. I will keep you safe, Adeline."

Adeline was dumbstruck. She might as well have gone mute. No matter what she thought of, there was not a single thing she dared to utter.

Elias was His Royal Majesty.

Suddenly, their first conversation yesterday night made much more sense. The person she was supposed to kill was standing directly in front of her. And he knew of her plans.

"What's wrong, little Adeline? Cats got your tongue?" Elias teased. His other hand continued to stroke the side of her face, as one would towards a pet. His grip on her waist tightened, almost playfully.

"You're usually more vocal," he added on, in a low and soothing voice. Her entire body trembled in his hold, and he was even more entertained. With the right words, she would be putty in his hands.

"E-Elias…" she managed to stutter out. "No, I-I meant Y-Your Majesty—"

"Hush, darling," he coaxed. His breath fanned the top of her mouth, as her hand unknowingly gripped his upper arm, for reassurance.

"I can practically hear your heart racing towards a heart attack," he wryly commented.

Elias only wanted to tease her. He didn't want to terrify her to this extent. Though, he wondered if she was truly afraid of him. Despite hearing of his rank, she was still holding onto him.

"I-I just…" she trailed off.

Elias patiently waited for her to continue. She had lowered her head and refused to meet his gaze.

"Are you going to k-kill me?" she finally said.

Elias's lips twitched. "Well, you tried to kill me yesterday. It's only fair I return the same favor, don't you think so, darling Adeline?"

Adeline's mouth opened and closed, like a gaping fish. Eventually, she dropped her hands and pushed him away. Again, he would not budge. Her dismay was visible, yet he continued to hold her.

"I… I have my reasons to kill you."

"Well, this is the first time someone is so vocal about their hatred for me."

Elias was highly entertained. There were many people that contempt him, but none dared to show it. If they wanted to live another day, they'd keep their mouths shut. He was not known to be a tyrannical King for no reason. But did his little darling know that?

Obviously not.

She wasn't foolishly struggling in his arms or begging for forgiveness; though, he had only seen her beg three times. The first was as a child, the second was after the drunken night, and the third was yesterday for the necklace in his hands.

"I-I just… I just wanted my freedom," she whispered.

"I can grant you that freedom with the snap of my hand."

Adeline instantly looked up. Her eyes had grown wide in disbelief and curiosity. Like the gaze of a deer observing it's Hunter, she was breathless with anticipation.

Adeline's attention was solely on him and no one else.

Elias bent his head and smiled down at her. Though, it lacked warmth and kindness. How could there be affection when he planned to trap her in his little cage?

"How…?" she asked with uncertainty dripping from her voice.

"Live in the castle with me."

"L-like as a maid?"

Elias threw her a deadpanning look. "I have plenty and no need for a pampered little Princess to become my maid."

"Then…" Adeline trailed off.

Adeline wished his words would hurt. But it didn't even scratch her fragile heart. She had heard much worse.

"Think, Little Fawn. What use would I have of a beautiful and willing girl?" Elias touched strands of her fine hair that resembled spun gold. He lazily brought it towards his lips and stared into her eyes.

She flushed on the spot.

"Then as a mistress?" she squeaked out in fear.

Elias froze. She was as dense as a wall.

"And who would that benefit?" he teased, whilst twirling her hair in between his fingers.

Adeline gulped. Eyeing his fingers, she tried her best to not think of that night. He had said he was great at playing the piano. His expertise was greatly demonstrated.

"Y-you?"

Elias loudly laughed. "Sounds like it will benefit you more, darling."

Adeline shook her head so fast, he was worried the poor thing would fall off her neck.

"I don't know…" he mused. "Getting to wake up to my handsome face every morning, enjoy the ecstasy I bring you, and succumb to pleasure…"

Adeline's breath was caught in her throat. Her heart skipped a beat. Was it debauched of her to imagine everything? A sudden image flashed inside her head. His muscular body pressing her tone, as she writhed in pleasure, sweat slicking upon their tangled limbs.

"Seems like you'll enjoy it a lot more than me," he teased on.

Elias wondered if he should kill the only Pure-Bred in this entire world that could read minds. If he drank that man's blood, then Elias would inherit the power. He'd do anything to see what went on inside of that little head of hers.

"I-I just…"

"You have until the end of the ball to tell me your duties in this enormous castle of mine," Elias stated. His fingers graced the side of her neck, feeling her soft and supple skin against his knuckles. Such a pretty neck… it would be a shame if he bit into it.

"And where would I find you?" she warily asked.

"Anywhere."

Adeline was confused. She had been mesmerized by him for so long, that she had forgotten their promiscuous position. The realization only settled in when he took a respectful step backward.

"I don't understand," she said.