Promised To The King

Here Comes The Groom

2 months later

BLAKLEY'S POV:

    The day had come, and I could not help the overwhelming sense of dread I felt. My wedding day was supposed to be a happy occasion. Tell me why I felt as if I were attending my own funeral? As we got closer to the day of the wedding Eldric's abuse only increased. Everything I did seemed like it was the wrong thing to do. I could cough, and it still is wrong. Whether it interrupted him, or he said it embarrassed him. After a while, I was banished to my room. As if I were a prisoner in what was supposed to be my own home. 

    I stared out my window looking toward the Faylinn River, and still, although it has been a year, my mind wonders to Silas. Replaying every interaction, every word, every letter, wondering where I went wrong, and why he stopped loving me. I often wondered if he ever loved me in the first place, or, if it was just a game because he had no one else. I wondered how his new wife and he were doing, pain rushing to my heart as the thought of them together crept into my mind. I felt my eyes begin to water at the thought. So many unshed tears burned behind them. 

    I blinked quickly trying to erase their presence. I heard the door creak open slowly behind me. My heart stopped. These days there were only three people whoever came to see me were mom, Elanor, and Eldric. Afraid of who it might be, my hands started shaking already. I turned around slowly and came face to face with the last person I expected. Dad. Given it was my wedding day, I suppose it really wasn't that big of a surprise. 

    I bowed to him gracefully and stood to meet his eyes. He looked at me in disgust. "You better not embarrass me or Eldric today. We have waited a long time for this union, and we will not have you ruin it."

    I nodded in understanding. "Of course not, my king. I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing." My voice broke as I spoke the words. 

    He rolled his eyes. "The whole kingdom will be there to watch. If anything happens to mess this up, I will kill you. Understood?" 

    I swallowed hard looking at him, trying so hard to hide the disbelief in my eyes. I don't know why I didn't expect that. Maybe it wasn't the threat that caught me off guard, but the calm way he said it. Like he honestly didn't have an issue with committing such a crime. My mind began to wander off, wondering maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing to die. Surely death would be easier than living in a world where such monsters as these existed. 

    "Well? Do. You. Understand?" He asked again quickly losing his patience and breaking me from my thoughts. 

    "Yes sir. Crystal clear. I will not do anything to ruin this day for you. I swear it." I said trying my best to keep my voice stable. 

    He watched my movements carefully as if he were trying to assess my every emotion. I stood still with my hands folded in front of me. Erasing all shred of human emotion from my features. God forbid anyone to feel anything around him. It just fuels his inner hatred. 

    "My king, I believe Duke Eldric is looking for you." A familiar voice said standing behind father. 

    He sighed and turned to face the reason for the intrusion. "Very well, can you see the princess to her mother? SHe needs to be getting ready now." He said glaring at me from over his shoulder before walking off quickly. 

    The man stepped in slowly wearing his soldier's uniform. I knew the man instantly and felt a sigh of relief escape. I didn't even realize I was holding my breath. Sergeant Major Axton. 

    I couldn't help the smile that crept onto my face. "It has been a while since you came to see me, Sergeant." 

    He returned my smile effortlessly. "My apologies princess. But I can see your beauty never faded. Despite the um...you know, circumstances." He looked away. 

    "That is very kind of you. So tell me, Eldric never needed dad, did he?" I laugh a little. 

    "No ma'am. What kind of officer am I if I can't protect you?" He smiled. "I thought you could use a small break." 

    "I see. It is nice to know that some things never change." I smile at him kindly.  

    He glanced around slightly checking for anyone eavesdropping. "Princess." He said as his voice came out broken. "Forgive me, but, before your father returns and has my head, we must go to get you ready." 

    I nodded slightly. My heart sinking. In just one hour, I would be married to the monster under my bed. "I understand Axton, really, it is okay." I offer him a kind smile. I walk out of the door with him close to my side. 

    "It isn't, not really. But it will be." He said still looking around, making sure his words still went unheard. "Princess, I want you to know, everything is going to be okay." 

    I looked at him not knowing whether to be confused or grateful at his kind words. He smiled knowing the ease put on my heart just by his presence. But, the thought didn't go away. What makes him so sure that it will be okay? 

                                                                            --------SILAS' POV: 

    I busied myself around my castle. Today was the day I would save my beloved from that hell. According to Harlow things should go off with little to no issues. She did say I would lose my temper...damn her for not telling me the cause. It had me wondering. I knew I had a bad temper, but she said something about me getting...out of control. I laugh a little. It's not like Everett wouldn't deserve whatever befell him today. 

    I quickly grabbed my jacket and put it on. I looked at myself in the mirror. Today would be the final day I was alone. I have spent the last two months, since my coronation, putting together the perfect plan. I ran through hundreds of options, and only one would work. Using allies I had on the inside. I had Harlow read through each of Everett's guards and only two would be willing. Axton, and Amias. Axton had stopped me from interfering in the brutal murder of my parents. I had wondered why, but apparently, Harlow knew he would. Apparently, he hates Everett as much as we do. Keep your enemies closer and all that mumbo jumbo. They both seemed unlikely allies, but, Harlow said they would be the most loyal when it came to the road ahead. And I trusted her. Man, I trusted her with every inch of my being. 

    The other two allies we had, were none other than Queen Cora and her maid, Elanor. They were loyal to Blakely. So of course I had to fill them in with everything. Getting ahold of these people was tricky with Everett's knowledge. So I had Harlow help with that. Apparently, there was a witch in hiding within Eudaimonia. Too bad she wouldn't tell me who it was. So she was able to send a signal for Axton to meet me by the north edge of Faylinn River. He was all aboard the saving Blakely train. He would be how everyone else got the message. Everyone, except Blakely. She needed some plausible deniability. 

    The only thing I couldn't bare about this whole mission was what Axton had told me. Everett told Blakely I didn't want her. She wasn't fit to be Queen. I had no idea how I would make her trust me, and I had no idea how to erase such lies from her mind. But I decided to worry about that when she was safe behind the walls of Ambrogio. Still, it pained my heart to think that she was hurt. The lies she had been fed. I couldn't wait to hold her and somehow let her know I would never hurt her that way. She was more than fit and able to be my Queen and lead my kingdom. 

    "Everything is going according to plan Silas," Harlow said stepping into my chambers snapping me from my thoughts. 

    "Perfect. No one suspects anything?" I said turning my attention toward her. 

    "Of course not. If they had, I would have seen it by now. If they suspect anything now, it is too late to stop it." She gave me a conceited smile. 

    "Yes, I suppose it would be." I laugh a little. "Harlow, tell me, will my bride be happy here?"

    She smiles gently. "Silas, she will come to love you if that is what you are asking. But as far as happiness goes, it is still far from that. She needs closure in her old life before she can be truly happy in her new." 

    I nodded understanding. "Well, I guess we will just have to make sure she gets to that point then, hm?" 

    She laughed. "Just as stubborn as your dad." Her eyes hold a bit of pain as she says the words. Perhaps reminiscing on better times. 

    My mind starts to wonder to them as well. "It would be boring if I wasn't. Let's pray they give us the strength to pull this off." I nod about to walk out the door. 

    "My king?" SHe asks before I even make it to my bedroom door. 

    "Hm?" I said eyeing her curiously. 

    She nods toward the bed. "Don't forget your crown. Let them know who they are messing with." 

    "Of course. I wouldn't dream of leaving without it." I laugh turning and grabbing it from the bed. I put it on slowly and walk out of the door quickly. 

    "Mhm. You would lose your head if I didn't remind you." SHe laughs walking next to me. 

    "Yea, yea, yea." I laugh rolling my eyes. "Are you sure you can't come with me? You already said it would be successful." I nudge her with my elbow. 

    She laughs. "Silas, You know an advisor's duty is to tend to the throne while the royal family is away. Plus, should the humans use a witch to counter-attack before you return, The kingdom will need me." SHe reasoned.

    I sighed heavily. "UGH. I know. Deep down I know you are right. But, still. I wish you could. We make a killer team you know." I said nudging her as we reached the door. 

    She laughs. "Yup, just like your dad. I will see you and our Queen when you arrive safe and sound. Safe travels my dear." She bids turning and leaving me. 

    I shake my head laughing to myself. I opened the doors quickly and stepped out of the building. I walked toward the car. From what Axton had told me, not many people would be coming to the wedding. A few delegates and a few of the upper class. This was all formality really. To ensure Eudaimonia stayed the same during its next rule. So I didn't plan on taking many soldiers. A few of the most trusted only. Only the best for my Queen. Hell, I had grown up and trained with most of them. They could each easily defeat 10 humans at a time. 

    I smiled as the first face I am greeted with smirks. "Always ready for a battle huh, Shea?" 

    She smiled at me. "What can I say? I have a lot of anger bottled up. I need a way to release it." 

    I laugh as I climb into the car next to her. "Yea. I guess so. But keep that anger away from Eldric and Everett. They are mine.'

    "Hell yea! I love it when you go all badass on us." SHe laughs poking me in the ribs. 

    I laugh shaking my head as the other 3 guards climb in. A very small force indeed. I sit back for a minute. Waiting. When the car doesn't move I nudge SHea. "Hey. Aren't you supposed to be driving?" 

    "s**t!" She screams climbing out and hopping in the driver's seat.

    Alaric laughs watching her. I nudge him hard. "When are you two going to get together anyway?"

    He immediately blushes and stops laughing. I seemed to have hit a nerve, "Not cool dude. Not cool one bit." 

    "Oh! Silas, you embarrassed him! Look at how red he got!" Lilith giggles next to him as Shea begins to drive. 

    "Shut. Up." Alaric whispered harshly glaring at her. 

    I laughed and shook my head. "Alright, Lil. It seems as though he has been teased enough." 

    She pouts and leans back. "You boys are no fun." She says crossing her arms over her chest. 

    I lean back watching them. "You two are like siblings. Hush up now." I warned playfully. "Alaric, You know the plan?" 

    He nods. "Amias will let us into the kingdom. He will then leave us to go walk Blakely down the aisle. Axton will let us into the castle through the dungeon. We will take it from there. Assuming Cora and Elanor have done their part in getting Blakely ready. Amias will then protect Blakely as people rush out of the chapel upon hearing a rumor that we are in the building."

    I nod listening. "Correct. Keep in mind, human soldiers will be on us in a matter of minutes. No one will know who let us in. No one will be punished for our intrusion. Everett will be left alive. Eldric, well, that depends on my mood." I say looking at my nails casually. "But none of you are to touch them."

    They all nod as Shea continues to drive. I see the castle coming into view not long after everyone falls silent. As we cross the bridge over Faylinn River my heart begins to race. This is it. If I screw the plan up, I won't only be putting my life in danger, but my dearest friends, my spies on the inside, and Blakely's. Surely when Everett sees me he will know what I am here for. It is vital that everything goes perfectly. 

    'Stop worrying. We all know our parts. Everything will go as discussed." Lilith kicks me slightly. "I can see the worry all over your face. Breath. And calm your hands." 

    I nod as we creep across the bridge. So far so good. It seemed pretty dead, meaning Amias must have found a way to clear everyone out temporarily as promised. I smile as I see his familiar face patiently awaiting us. He waves us forward silently. Shea stops the car as we arrive at him. She points to the back of the car, signaling where I was sitting. 

    I watched as Amias approached my window. I rolled the window down quickly. "Command Sergeant Amias. Good to see you." 

    He nodded in return. "King Silas. Always a pleasure. What you will do is drive straight. Before you reach the palace doors turn left. Go about 2 blocks. You will arrive at the east gate. Park the car. Walk to the gate silently. Do not make a noise, and Axton will come to get you. Do not drive all the way to the palace doors, you will be caught. If you make it to the doors this mission is over." He warned. 

    I nod quickly. "I will not fail this mission. I swear it to you." 

    He nods. "For Blakely's sake, I hope not." 

    He walks away quickly. "Shea." I call to the front. "You heard the man. Start driving now. Let's get this over with." 

                                                                            --------ELDRIC'S POV:

    I was counting down the hours until I could claim the throne. The wedding today, my coronation next week. Everett and I had already planned the perfect ruling. Given Blakely being the disgrace she is, we couldn't allow her to rule. On our honeymoon, I plan to kill her and make it look like an accident. Then I would be free to marry a woman who would birth the proper heir. Everett had even agreed this would be the best way to end the weak line Cora had given him. My senses were tingling with anticipation at the thought. And all I had to do was get through the next week. 

    My seamstress was busy finishing some last-minute stitching on my pants as I stood and waited. I felt the stab of the tiny needle pierce my ankle. "Ow, you insufferable b***h!" I growl and kick her in the face hard. "Watch what the f**k you are doing. Next time I will shove that needle into your eye." I warned as she cried out. 

    I stared down at her as blood dripped from her mouth. "Yes, Duke. Forgive my ignorance. It will not happen again." 

    Such weakness. "It better not. Do not get blood on my tux, or I will give you a true reason to cry." I said spitting at her. "Hurry up. You can not make me late for my own wedding." 

    She nodded and put the last few stitches in quickly. Being extra careful not to stab me again. I jerked my leg away when she was done and pushed by her to look in the mirror. 

"Damn I look good," I smirk. I look at the time quickly. I feel her eyes burning a hole through me as I stand there. "For the love of all things hold. Can I help you with something? Leave me. Now." I dismissed her as I continued to get ready. 

    I pulled on my jacket. I walk around my bed chambers preparing everything else. I smirk at the piece of paper laid on my dresser. I laugh a little looing at it. Everett already made Blakely a death certificate. That sly son of a b***h. Smirks. It read for a week after the coronation. The ending of the honeymoon. I laugh a little. At least he is going to let me have some fun with her before her death. I laughed at the thought and folded the piece of paper putting it in the pocket of my pants. 

    "It's showtime," I smirked walking out of my bed chambers. 

                                                                                 --------AXTON'S POV: 

    "It's time Axton," Amias said walking to meet me in the hall. 

    I was standing guard outside of Cora's bed chambers while she and Elanor were getting Princess Blakely ready for the ceremony. "Alright. I will be on my way." I didn't tell Blakely about you walking her and not myself. I am sure she will understand by the end of the night. Remember. Keep. Her. Safe." I warned him. 

    He nodded and I turned to walk away as I hear the door open slightly. Damn. SO close. "Axton? Where are you going?" I turned to see Blakely staring at Amias and me. 

    I smiled gently at her. God. Out of the whole royal family, if I must give my life, it would be to her. "Princess. I need to go check the security on the grounds. We don't want to endanger you in any way. Amias has graciously agreed to walk you down the aisle. I will be back before the I dos. I swear it to you." 

    She looked at Amias. "Thank you, commander. I feel safest with either of you honestly." 

    I smiled a little. "That is our job, Princess. I am glad we fulfill it so well. Now, I must go. I will see you soon. Remember what I said. Everything WILL be okay. I swear to you. No harm will befall you. Not anymore. Not as long as my lungs draw breath." 

    I turn and walk away without waiting for her answer. I could not be late. Not if I wanted her to make it through all of this. I walked quickly down the hall, seeing to it that no one suspected anything. As I near the entrance of the dungeon, I take extra precautions to avoid being seen. I open the door quickly and shut it behind me, knowing I am the only one with a key, being the highest-ranked officer in Everett's army, I rest assured no one followed. Everyone was seemingly busy with the wedding. 

    As I get to the door by the far east gate of the palace I grip the handle tightly. I suck in a deep breath praying Silas had done his part in getting here unseen. I push it open slowly. My hands starting to shake in anticipation. I peek out of the door and see a shadow standing not too far. As he steps near I release the breath I didn't know I was holding. 

    "King Silas. In 5 minutes come to this entrance. I will ensure that the dungeon remains unlocked. Make your way out, and then do what it is you came to do. But ensure Blakely's safety. I told Cora to put Blakely in shoes that are easy to move in." I quickly said watching him and his team. 

    He nods in understanding. "Thank you, Axton. The plan is well understood. We will be in 5 minutes. Not a second longer. Harlow's vision hasn't changed. As long as we stay on course. We will succeed. No casualties." He informs me. To which I am grateful. I nod and turn to quickly leave. 

    On my way out I make sure the doors remain unlocked as promised and start on my way to the wedding. It has taken 2 months of planning to work this strategy out, I hope it worked. Call me old fashioned, but I have never been one to believe in a witch's vision. 

                                                                              --------BLAKELY'S POV:

    I stood from the vanity quietly, avoiding my reflection completely. I hear mom gasp behind me. "Oh, my baby girl. You are so beautiful, just as I always knew you would be." She gushed over my wedding gown. 

    "Too bad it isn't for happier circumstances," I said depressingly. 

    "I know. But who knows? Maybe it will be, one day." SHe says, pulling my white hair in front of my face. "I have always loved how unique your hair is." She smiles. 

    Elanor walks over with my shoes and puts them on me slowly. "Flatts?" I said a little surprised. Normally Elanor was always trying to get me into heels. 

    "Well, multiple reasons. They are easier to move in, and the Duke likes to feel superior. You are to never be as tall or taller then he is." She explains. "I wouldn't want you to be more uncomfortable then you are already forced to be." 

    I offer her a smile. "Thank you."

    She smiles and stands discreetly wiping her eyes. From crying? My heart broke for her, but I knew those weren't happy tears. Who would be happy about this union? I sighed and looked around the room. "I suppose it's time?" I said feeling all of the sadness in the room. 

    As if on cue, AMias knocked on the door. He opened it slowly. "Princess? I am afraid it is time." 

    I hesitated, close to breaking down. He noted my action and held out his hand. I took it gratefully. "Thank you Amias." 

    "I am always here for you, Princess. I will be by your side every step of the way. I swear it to you." He said pulling me closer to him. "Princess, going forward, remember, not everything is as it seems." He smiles. 

    "Noted." I smile back. 

    He turns and walks me out of the room. He keeps me close and I wrap my arm around his. This seemed like the longest trip ever. It was only a five-minute walk from mom's chambers to the chapel, but it seemed to take years. My heart thudded in my chest as we approached the chapel, it was so loud I was positive Amias would hear it. 

    Amias felt me tense as the time drew near, and he took his free hand and placed it on the hand I was holding his arm with. He gave me a knowing look. He tried to force a kind smile to his lips, but none would come. I guess the situation is too depressing, even for him. I felt so many unshed tears threatening to spill over. One finally dropped from my eyes, but Amias was quick to catch it. 

    "My sweet princess, don't give them the satisfaction of your tears." He smiled wiping it away. He stopped me outside the chapel doors as the wedding march played. He took a deep breath. "Hold your head up, a true Queen doesn't let her people see her crown slip. Here we go." 

    I nodded and took a deep breath as we began to walk. Amias began to walk me really slowly, which I was so thankful for. I felt safe here. I felt safe with people who actually seemed to give a damn about me. 

    I saw the aggravation on dad's face instantly. "Come on! I don't have all day! I have things I need to get to." 

    I started to walk faster and Amias grabbed my hand slowing me down again. I looked at him confused but silently follow his lead. As we approach the altar, dad is becoming more impatient. He opens his mouth to speak again, but an ear-piercing scream shatters through the air. Dad's eyes grow wide as he stares behind us. He immediately turns and runs to one of the exits, as does the Duke. I turn in time to see Vaughn falling to his knees with a dagger pierced through him. I take a look at the dagger and notice an all too familiar family crest. 

    Silas is here. 

    Amias grabs me quickly and pulls me back toward the main chapel doors. "Princess listen carefully. Know, that we won't allow any more harm to come to you." He said in hushed whispers. Like he was trying to avoid being caught. FOr what? 

    Axton approaches quickly. "Amias it is time. Princess, your mother, and Elanor already know. But, you can not stay here. Everyone will be fine, so please don't question me. Everything we do is for your wellbeing." He hands me a duffle bag already filled. "I see the questions burning, but please, we do not have time. Now. DO as I say exactly. Word for word. Go to the throne room. DO not go in unless told to by anyone other than Eldric or Everett. Wait at the doors. Someone will come to get you. You will be safe now. See? I told you everything would be ok. Now go." He kisses my head gently. "Until we meet again my dear princess." 

    I take note of the urgency in his voice and do as he says. I quickly turn around stepping over Vaughn's dead body. I rush out of the chapel, afraid to look back. I walk towards the throne room quickly when I hear an unfamiliar voice from inside. 

    "Get on your f*****g knees!" The female screamed holding a sword pointed towards dad and Eldric. 

    I peer through the door afraid. Watching dad lower himself to his knees. Eldric does the same. I watch her as she holds them at sword point. She gives them a crooked smile, showing her fangs as if to say she doesn't need the sword to face them. She would win anyway. A gasp escaped my lips and her head jerked up. Damn vampires and their incredible hearing. Her eyes meet mine and they shift back towards her captives. 

    She was captivating. Her hair was red, her whole demeanor demanded respect. Fear even. She seemed stronger than any man in the human army. I was completely lost in her entire being. Until I heard footsteps approach from behind me. My breath catches in my chest as my heart races. 

    "Hello princess." The familiar voice said.

    Silas.

    My hands started shaking. Why was he here? He made it very clear he didn't want me. What if, he as just here to claim Eudaimonia as his own? Should I scream? I was sure no one would come. Should I run? He would catch me. I can't fight him off. He is stronger than I am. My heart sunk. DId Axton send me to my death unknowingly? 

    "Turn around Blakely." He cooed. He was closer to me now. 

    I turned around slowly, gripping the duffle bag's strap in my hands tightly. I pressed my back against the door and looked at the intruder slowly. Taking in every detail until my eyes met his. The crown on his head lay crooked on his brow. My bag slipped from my hands and fell to the floor. I had come face to face with the vampire king.