Rejected and forgotten.

Loneliness.

It has been a week since Lord Lucas left the dungeons, and for Clare, it was a painfully long time. She missed the man terribly. He was the only person who acknowledged her presence here, except for Susan, but that was not a good thing.

Clare only recognized the passing of time by the meals brought to her regularly. Guards still ignored her, no matter how polite and kind she was when they were entering her cell. Yet she still greeted them as that was her only chance to use her voice.

The only hope she had was the fact every passing day was getting her closer to reuniting with her family.

But for now, all she could do was wait.

Clare had no interest in talking to anyone else, as other prisoners were too vulgar for her liking. They mainly were cursing their fate or the royal family.

There was nothing interesting to listen to, but at least it was proof she was not alone here.

There was no peace in Susan's life right now. Almost every day, she could hear whispers around her. Vampires, from the lowest servants to the highest royals, were talking about the Prince's mysterious travel, and all she could do was endure it. Susan could not give them more reasons to talk.

Christoper was traveling for months, not that she cared about that. The woman he was looking for was locked under the guard.

There was no threat here as this stupid girl thought she was doing it to protect her father. To be honest, Susan couldn't remember his face anymore. This man was just an irrelevant obstruction, as the girl was what she really wanted.

What she was worried about was Christoper. He had already spent months looking for his bride. Susan had hoped he would give up by now, as there were no chances for success in this mission. Yet he still was somewhere out there.

Susan could live with that. What she feared was that he could come up with another idea that would let him postpone the wedding even more. She could not let this happen. Susan had to act fast.

The young woman left her room looking for the only person who could help her get what she wanted.

Susan knocked at the door and waited for an invitation. Soon, she heard it, so she pushed the door and entered the beautiful room.

Queen Maria was sitting on the large sofa, reading a book. She put it down when Susan came inside.

- My dear child, come in. I have not seen you for a while. - The Queen said motherly, parting the seat next to her.

Susan rushed to her and took a seat.

- It is so lovely to see you. I know you are going through a hard time since Christoper is not here. I am wondering what is keeping him there so long. He never left the castle for such a long time.- Maria said, grabbing Susan's hand and squeezing it gently.

The young woman wanted to tell her what was keeping her son away from her, but that would be a great mistake. She has to control her frustration.

- Apologies, Your Highness, I felt a bit down recently; there was no need to upset you with my mood. - Susan looked at the Queen with teary eyes.

- Don't say that. I thought we were friends, and what are the friends for? To cheer us up. Promise me that whenever you feel that way, you will come straight to me. After all, we will be a family, and I will be your second mother. - Queen said, caressing her hand.

Susan felt nauseous, listening to those words. The Queen was always like that. Loving, carrying, and ready to help everyone. In Susan's eyes, this woman had no character. She wanted to be everyone's friend while she was a queen, for goddess's sake. She was above everyone, and she should act like that. Her behavior was always beyond Susan's understanding. On this one, she was just like her son. None of them understood what it meant to be a royal vampire. Without thinking, they could mingle with the lowest cast if someone needed their help

But that had a good side, too. Queen Maria was so easy to manipulate. A few tears, and she was ready to do anything for you.

While Susan was a master of manipulation, she could be charming and well-spoken when needed. That is how she convinced the royal couple to believe she was the best choice for their son.

But today, she was going to play the role of the victim. The victim of her fate.

- It is so empty here without Christoper. But I guess it is something I need to get used to. When he will be a King, such travels will be expected.- Susan whispered and lowered her head. It was a masterpiece. She sounded like someone who knows all the dark sides of such a position yet accepts it without complaining.

- Don't think about this like that. - Queen Maria shook her head. - Soon, you will be his companion during those trips. That is the role of the Queen. I have no idea what he was thinking when he made this decision, but I am sure he would not do it, knowing how much it upsets you.

Susan almost burst into laughter. Christoper knew precisely what he was doing, and her feelings meant nothing to him. Right now, she hated the girl in the dungeons even more. She was the reason for her current state, and Susan promised herself to get rid of her right after the wedding. Right now, she is untouchable, but later, nothing will save her.

- I guess you are right, Your Highness. After all, you have more experience than me in being the Queen; I still have so much to learn. - Susan looked straight into Maria's eyes

- I will teach you everything, and you will be the best Queen. I promise.

- Thank you, Maria. I should have come here sooner. - Susan skipped the title to show how close they were.

- I am sure Christoper will be back in no time, and then I will have a word with him about abandoning you.

Susan looked at the Queen with a scared expression.

- Please do not do it! I don't want him to think that I am complaining. It is what it is; we have to deal with it. - Susan said in a shaky voice.

Queen Maria looked like she had already regretted those words.

- Don't worry, dear. I will say nothing. I am sure you will find a way to work it out.

- Thank you, my Queen. After the wedding, we will find a compromise in everything.

- Of course you will, sweet girl. When Christoper is back, I will ensure the wedding will happen as soon as possible. The men are like that. They can fight and spill blood, but getting married scares the hell out of them. - Queen Maria laughed; Susan joined her, as that was the right to do.

- I will take my leave now, but I promise to revisit you soon. - The young woman said, bowing lightly.

- You are always welcome here. - Queen Maria said, picking up the book she was reading before.

Susan left the room, smiling to herself. That was what she counted on. Queen will make sure that her son keeps his promise.

After that, no one will stop her from killing the girl. She will do it with her own hands if needed.

Satisfied with the results of this visit, Susan came back to her room. Now, when everything was settled, she could go back to planning her wedding. It will be the event of the year. After that, the crown, title, and power will belong to her. And Christoper, of course, but that was the last position on her wish list.

After the wedding, he can travel as much as he wants, but Susan could not care less. She will be the Queen, respected and admired.

Susan was in such a good mood she decided it was a good time to pay a visit to the dungeons. She wanted to look at the woman who soon won't be a problem.

Clare fell asleep since she had nothing better to do. She jumped to her feet when the doors opened, and that sudden movement made her dizzy. Was it a mealtime already? Clare could swear that she just closed her eyes for a second.

When the dizziness passed, the girl noticed Susan. What could this woman want from her now?

- Your Highness, welcome. - Clare said, bowing deeply.

- I just came to check on you. We don't want anything to happen to you. You have to go back home safe and sound.

- I appreciate your care, my Queen. May I ask when I will be released?

Susan looked at her with a smile, but her eyes remained cold.

- I think it is just a matter of weeks when there will be no sign of you here.

Clare shot her a surprised look. Why did those words sound like a threat to her?

Susan laughed gently and turned on her heels.

- Please enjoy the rest of your time here. - She said and left the cell.

Clare sat on her mattress; her body was shaking. The girl embraced herself, trying to calm down. Something wrong was happening here.

- Dear gods, please give me the strength.