Rejected and forgotten.

New friend.

After all those months when Clare's only company was rats, having someone she could talk to was refreshing. Of course, it was impossible to speak whenever they wished, but it was more than the girl could dream about. Lord Lucas was genuinely interested in her life back in her coven. Clare enjoyed those talks, which helped her remember there was more waiting for her behind this place.

In return, Lucas was telling her about his family. Clare could notice how proud he was of his son, David, who dreamed about becoming an elite warrior. Sometimes, the lord mentioned his wife, but talking about her was much more painful. His wife, Agatha, was his destined bride, which made Lucas lucky beyond imagination. Destined metes could not be found behind the corner. Most vampires settled with arranged marriages, where they chose their mates.

Clare as every young girl, dreamed about finding her mate, but she was realistic enough to know that her father would find her a suitable future husband. She was sure he would get her the best one.

But now it did not matter, as the girl was stuck here. In this situation, her priorities drastically changed. Now, all she cared about was freedom.

Guards were still giving her a silent treatment, so she looked for a moment to exchange at least a few words with her new friend. Clare considered Lord Lucas, her friend. It was a strange friendship, as none of them knew how the other one looked, but here in a dungeon, it was not relevant.

Clare found out that lord was an educated, cultural man with a sharp tongue when needed. Being a politician was his heritage, as his father and grandfather served the Crown for many years.

Clare decided Lucas had to be a great father, allowing his son to choose his path without forcing him into his steps.

- After so many years in politics, I honestly regret not following my dreams. This world is cold and cruel; it is a constant fight. I would compare it to walking on thin ice, one wrong step, and falling into the cold water or the dungeon. - The man told her one day, and Clare knew he was telling the truth.

- So, what was your dream?- She asked him to change the subject, as it was upsetting lord.

- I always wanted to be a healer. - Lord Lucas replied.

Clare nodded her head, even if he could not see that. Healers were generally respected in every coven. Vampires, like most supernatural, had the ability to heal themselves, but sometimes the wounds were too massive, so extra help was needed if you wanted to survive. Clare could not tell what they exactly did, as she had not visited their house in their coven many times. But she knew that was a noble profession.

- What stopped you from becoming one?- The girl asked curiously.

- My family. They said I would go much further in politics, and as a good son, I obeyed. That led me to years spent between all those snakes. - Lord replied, and his voice was dry.

- It is never too late to try. - Clere said to cheer him up. He heard lord chuckling.

- My sweet girl, all I can do at my age is bite those other snakes. I don't think I have enough empathy to help them if they require it.- - The man said, laughing.

Clare loved those moments. For a brief moment, she could feel normal, and she thought that her company also helped Lucas to endure his circumstances.

The girl was curious how this man ended up in a cell. After a long hesitation, she decided to ask.

- That was exactly what I told you before, my child. - Lord said. He knew the girl in the next cell could be his future Queen, but he still felt fatherly when it came to her. All she knew in her life was a family; now, she was taken away from them. She was like a thirsty man who could not find water.

- That is when you are around the snakes. You may know them, you think you can trust them, and then one of them bites you. That is precisely what happened. I shared my opinion with someone I thought could be considered a friend, and soon, the guards knocked at my door. I have to tell you, I was surprised. After so many years, I was fooled like a child. I forgot at what times we live. But it has a good side too; I met you. - Lord laughed again, and his words warmed Clare's heart. Of course, she would prefer to meet this man in different circumstances, but now all she could feel was gratitude. Lord Lucas helped her keep her sanity, especially after Susan's visit.

- Trust me, dear; one day, we will laugh at this time's memory.

- These are precisely the exact words my father told me before he was taken away. I hope you and him are correct, as now I can not see anything funny here. - Clare replied dryly.

- You will see your family soon, I am sure about that. - Lord Lucas cursed himself for such an unfortunate choice of words. In his defeat, he could not know.

For the last few days, he has been thinking about a plan that would allow him to save Clare from this misery. Time was running out, and Prince could be back anytime. He would not find his bride if she were here, right under his nose. And when Christopher returns, Susan will sink her claws into him, forcing him to marry her before he can change his mind. This woman was shameless, just like her father. For power, she was ready to do anything.

Lord Lucas had an idea about what he had to do. His honor would suffer from that, but it was for the greater good. Anyway, that would be an easy part. Later, he would need to find people who think like him and would be ready to risk. Then, he would have a chance to save Clare.

This girl had no idea what was coming for her, but he was experienced and could imagine her sad future. Lifetime imprisonment would be the best option, but Lucas knew Susan would devise a more drastic solution. She had too much to lose to take this risk and let Clare live.

This poor girl would die without knowing a reason.

Prince Christopher let out a heavy breath, taking a seat in his chariot. It was the fourth coven he visited. He had been on the road for the last few months, and still, there was no sign of the mysterious girl from a ball. It looked like she had vanished in thin air. He tried to find her right after the ball, but it seemed no one knew who she was. Christopher was like a child in the fog. His bride was gone.

After meeting her, Prince was in a haze. He could not believe his luck in finding his destined bride. She was young and could not feel he was her mate, but he had no doubts. This girl belonged to him. He cursed the circumstances. The ball was the worst place to meet her, as Susan hung on his arm all night. Prince feared she would find out who this girl could be to him.

But his happiness was short-lived. The next day, there was no sign of the girl, and Christopher started to think his imagination was playing jokes on him. The worst part was no member of the coven remembered her, no matter how precisely he described her.

But Christopher knew he had found the woman of his life, who should stand by his side instead of Susan, who was making him nauseous.

His parents adored her, and Prince had to spend every day listening to how perfect couple they were. King and Queen already planned the whole wedding, while his only task was to arrive at the right moment. They even started mentioning the grandkids, a joke of them, as Christopher could not for himself to anything more than a kiss.

Prince was a clever man and knew precisely why Susan was next to him, from like forever. She had no feelings for him, but she loved the idea of being a Queen. Christopher often tried to show his parents her true colors, but they seemed blind. Susan was clever; in the presence of his parents, he played the role of the charming young lady so well that she deserved an award.

When they stayed alone, there was absolutely nothing they could talk about, as they seemed to be from two different planets. Christopher felt like he was in prison. He was a prince but had no power regarding his future.

His parent panned his life in the most minor details. What a shame they could not live it for him.

That is why the young Prince came up with a plan. He told his father to postpone the wedding as he deserved a short break before he settled for good. But his valid reason was he needed this year to find his bride.

Even his parents would not dare to go against the gods will.