Rejected and forgotten.

Painful goodbyes.

Lord Lucas was fighting with his thoughts. The plan was crystal clear in his mind, but he still had doubts. He had to leave this place in order to save Clare, but the thought of letting her stay here alone was making him nauseous. Who knew what could happen to her before he would figure out how to save her? Susan could always change her mind and kill the poor girl.

Clare was probably still alive because Gustav's daughter was not ready to face the consequences of taking her life.

Even in not mated couples, if one dies, the other experience the excruciating pain. No one could exactly explain this phenomenon; it just was like that.

If Susan would eliminate Clare, who knew how it would impact Christoper?

Lord Lucas had to admit she was, in fact, clever in finding this solution. That was working in the lord's favor, but the time was running out. He had to act fast but not suspicious.

Finally, Lucas gathered his courage and called one of the guards. There was someone he needed to talk to. After the vampire warrior left, there was nothing more but to wait.

Soon, there was a rush in the corridor. Lord Lucas smiled to himself; his plan worked. A minute later, the door to his cell opened, and Gustav came in, scrunching his nose from the lingering stench in the air. The lack of water and hygiene gets you that.

- What is it? You had the audacity to call me, so it better be good. - He asked, pressing the perfumed tissue as he could not breathe freely.

Lord Lucas almost burst into laughter, seeing this, but he concealed the urge. That was not a moment to make fun of Gustav.

- My Lord, I had enough time to think about my words and behavior towards you and your daughter, Susan. It was inappropriate and disrespectful. I guess I did it out of pure jealousy. - Lucas said slowly, hating himself for every word that came out of his mouth, but it was necessary.

- As I thought, there is nothing a long time in the dungeons couldn't fix. - Gustav laughed out loud. - You came to your senses. It wasn't that hard. No wonder, since you are the lord.

Lucas stood with his head lowered so that no one could see the anger flashing in his eyes. There was nothing he wanted more than to punch Gustav's face. This man was disgusting and rotten to the core.

- You are correct, Lord Gustav. - Lucas said through slightly gritted teeth.

- There, there, do not be mad. You admitted your mistakes so I will show you some of my goodwill. You can leave this place right now.

Lucas looked up to make sure he was not hearing things. He was counting on that, but not that fast unless it was a trick.

- You do not believe me? Let's say I feel generous today, but if you keep looking at me like that, I will change my mind. - Gustav said in a threatening tone.

Lord Lucas decided not to test his luck anymore, so he bowed deeply.

- Thank you so much. I do appreciate that.- He said quickly, trying to sound sincere.

- Good. The guards will show you the way out. I was hoping you would not keep me here longer than necessary. - Gustav replied.

After those words, he left, not paying attention to anyone else.

- Hurry up! - The guards pulled Lucas out of his cell.

The man wished he could say at least goodbye to Clare, but there was no time for this. He will have to explain himself later.

Clare was devastated. She could not believe her ears. That could not be true. The girl sat on her mattress, and the feeling of disloyalty washed over her.

She thought they were friends with the Lord Lucas, connected by those extraordinary circumstances. And now she knew how wrong she was. At least some of the words he told her were true. In politics, everyone is a snake.

After the realization hit her, a few salty tears rolled down her cheeks.

After some time, Clare calmed down.

Why was she so upset? They hadn't seen each other, but she felt attached to Lucas. This man was like an anchor, keeping her sane. Now, she will stay here all by herself. That thought was depressing.

But how could she blame him? A family was waiting for him, worrying about him. Lord Lucas could not abandon them for her. That would be ridiculous. Clare dreamt about returning to her home; his dreams probably were similar.

Slowly, her feelings changed, and the girl felt relieved that at least her friend was reunited with his dear ones. Only this place felt gloomier after he left.

Lord Lucas held his wife, not bothering about how dirty and stinky he was. Tears of joy were rolling down his cheeks. His family was safe; only that mattered right now.

- I am glad you are back, Dad. - His son came to greet him. - I thought we would never see you again.

- It was a nightmare, my son, but I am back, even if I am not proud of what I did. - Lucas replied.

- What did you do then? - Dawid looked at him suspiciously.

- I have to talk to you about something after dinner. - Lucas told his son quietly when his mate was busy making dinner.

- Is there something wrong?

- I will tell you later.

Soon, all of them were enjoying their food, but Lord Lucas was absent-minded. These thoughts were coming back to the young girl in the dungeons. Her safety was a priority for him now.

When the meal was over, the Lord entered his office, breathing deeply the scent of leather and old books. He missed it greatly.

Dawid followed him shortly after and sat in one of the massive chairs.

- Spill the beans, Dad. What is going on? I can see something is occupying your mind.

Lord Lucas looked at his son, thanking the gods for his bright mind. There was nothing his eyes could miss.

- I have met someone in the dungeons. The girl. - Lucas said slowly, only to receive a cold stare from his son.

- Do not tell me you fell in love there. - Dawid said emotionless.

- Don't be ridiculous! There is only one woman I love. - Lucas replied, offended by such suspicions.

- So what about this girl then? I am not looking for a bride. - Dawid giggled.

- She is a bride already.

- What a happy life she has. Being locked in a dungeon.

- That is the problem, my son. She doesn't know about being a bride, but that is a reason for her being locked.

Dawid watched his father, completely confused and worried at the same time. There was no sense in what his father was telling him.

- I am afraid I do not follow. - He admitted honestly.

Lord Lucas sighs heavily. Dawid was right. His explanation was clear as mud.

- I found the bride of the Prince. - He said quietly, like he was scared someone could hear him.

Dawid burst into laughter.

- Susan got herself into a dungeon. Serves her right.

- For Goddess's sake, I am not talking about her. I am talking about the destined bride.- Lord explained, annoyed by the fact his son was not taking him seriously.

Dawid stopped laughing and glanced at his father.

- Destined bride? How can you be sure? Maybe it is another trick of Gustav? You should be careful.

- She was there much longer than me. She is young and inexperienced in politics. Her father was accused of being a traitor. Then he was released, and she was kept as a hostage. Who does that? - Lord asked, raising his brow.

Dawid had to admit that was a bit odd. Her father should be locked up instead of her.

- Gustav has a wicked sense of humor. - He pointed out, but Lucas just shook his head.

- He had nothing to do with that. It was Susan who brought her there.

Now, Dawid was looking at his father with utter shock. Susan would never go that low to visit dungeons.

- Are you serious?

- I am. This girl still thinks she is protecting her father and waiting to be released. But I am sure that will never happen. She will be killed soon after the Prince's wedding.

The young man sat in silence for a while.

- It was hard to believe your words at first, but now I think you can be right. Are you sure this is not some trap?

Lord Lucas looked at him carefully.

- I am sure. She is entirely unaware of the situation, believing she will be free soon. There is no way she could made up all this story and stick to it without making mistakes.

Dawid was watching his father when he spoke about this girl. He believed her, and Lord Lucas could not be fooled easily.

- What do you want to do?

- I want to get her out. But I am not sure how to do it.

Dawid pinched the bridge of his nose. He always did it when he had to think. After a while, the young man looked at his father.

- I think I can help you with that. - He said slowly.

- I was counting on that. - Lord Lucas replied with a smile.