Slaying the Blood King

♤•Chapter 9•♤

"Really, Lunar?" Albesk teases from behind me as I attempt to land a blow on the dummy. "You can do better than this."

"I could do better if someone would actually teach me," I retort in annoyance.

It has been three days since the assassin had fired the arrow at me. Thanks to the light of the moon, I had healed fairly quickly. Barely a scratch remained where the arrow had entered. Since then, Albesk thought it best for me to train as soon as possible. At this rate though, I'd be lucky if I actually learned much.

"See though, I am teaching you. Your enemy isn't going to care how you feel about them talking non-stop. In fact, they might use that as a way to get under your skin. Throw you off so that way they can defeat you." A smirk spreads across my face as I notice his calm stance. Before he can react, I kick my foot out and smack him behind the knee. It buckles, sending him down. He lands on his arse with a thud. A satisfied smirk appears on my face as he looks up at me with annoyance.

"Ha-ha. Go ahead. Smirk. That was a cheap shot and you know it," he says, his pride wounded. I laugh at him, causing his scowl to deepen.

"You said that there is no such thing as a fair fight," I said, using his words against him. He pouts, crossing his arms are he stares up at me.

"I didn't think you'd use it on me though," he grumbles.

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoes through the cavern outside of the sparring room. When I turn to look, I find Antonious entering, his bright amber eyes regarding me with interest. A black robe with gold sequins cover his upper body, a slit exposing his sculpted chest, while black trousers accentuate the strength in his lower self. I silently pray to the moon goddess that he doesn't catch me ogling him like a heiress. I blush quickly at the thought.

I watch as his gaze darts between me and Albesk, before an amused smile spreads across his chiseled features.

"Albesk, please enlighten me as to why you are sitting on the ground?" Antonius chides, causing Albesk's pale face to redden with embarrassment.

"Princess here got a cheap shot in," he says, brushing the dust off his black battle tunic as he rises to his feet. When Antonious's intense stare drifts to meet my gaze, my heart flutters involuntarily.

"Well, if she could land a cheap shot," he starts. "That means you weren't paying attention."

I cast my gaze between Antonious, who wears a smug smile, to Albesk who stares daggers at his leader. Based off of their interactions, I assume that there is tension between the two males, and I feel awkward being in the middle of it.

Clearing my throat, I address Antonious. "What brings you here to grace us with your prescence," I ask him. A smile spreads across his beautiful features.

"I have come to request you as a guest for dinner. We have matters to discuss," he says, his voice carrying a tone that lets me know that this is not a suggestion. I bow my head to him.

"As you wish," I say. Cool, gentle fingers grasp ahold of my chin, before my gaze meets Antonious's beautiful eyes.

"Please," he starts. "Don't bow your eyes to me." His fingers linger a little longer, and with a final glance at Albesk, he releases his hold, before strutting towards the chamber door. I realize quickly that he never told me the location.

"Antonious," I call after him. He turns toward me, his piercing gaze locking with mine. "You never told me where to meet you."

His face lights up with a wicked grin, and with that I know I'm in trouble.

"My room. I will send Liona for you," he says. And with that, he turns, his braided, ebony hair bouncing as he walks out of the chamber.

Silence hangs in the air for a moment as I stare at the entryway. He wants me to meet in his room. My mind buzzes, unsure of if I should be excited or wary.

"Don't pant after him too hard now," Albesk says, annoyance weighing heavily in his voice. I turn to look at him, and find his face in a mix between anger and sadness. It is then that I realize the dark circles under his ice-blue eyes. His cheekbones also seem more angular. I cast him a worried glance.

"Are you okay?" I ask him. He rolls his eyes at me.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" he asks in return, his voice dripping in sarcasm.

"I don't know, you're acting so calloused and if I did something to hurt you, I'd like to know."

Albesk doesn't even acknowledge what I said. Instead, he turns and stalks away. I watch his back, hurt at his sudden reaction. When he nears the door, he stops, turning his icy gaze to me, sending unwelcome chills down my spine.

"He's no saint, Princess. Don't trust him. We resume training tomorrow."

He turns and walks out of the sparring room, leaving me baffled to how a seemingly good evening could change so quickly, In this moment, for the first time since I've arrived, I really feel alone.

●•♡•○•♡•●

A gentle, cool breeze caresses my legs as I sit on the edge of the window, looking down from my chamber in the great, big, Willow. The waning gibbous moon hangs in the middle of the starry night. I look up at it's beautiful light, enchanted by it's beauty. It's almost as if the light radiating off of it fills me with energy.

I think back to the first day I arrived here, realizing that this world is the opposite of what I hailed from. Nights here are our mornings. We survive by night. When I had questioned Liona about how my body had adjusted so quickly, she told me it was due to crossing over, my body changing into what I am now. Never in my existence did I think that any of this could be real. At any moment, I expect to wake, finding that I've been dreaming, my mind harboring an escape away from my dreaded father. Although, as I experience new things, new feelings, I find that this has to be real. It just had to be.

"You're not going to jump, are you?" Liona's voice calls from the doorway. Turning I stare at her, noticing the twinge of worry coated in her dark features. Without another thought, I heave my legs back over into my room. Her face visibly relaxes when I'm safely inside.

"Worried?" I ask, a wary smile playing on my lips. Hers set into a thin line as she addresses me. "As a mother," she starts. "It is my job. Come now, I must get you ready to meet with the Lord."

I walk over to the wicker chair she stands behind, before taking a seat. With the snap a finger, she busies herself with fixing my hair, taking the long white strands, combing them out, and braiding them. She turns around to face me, taking a dark liquid and lining my eyes. Silence hangs in the air as she works, and deep down, I know something is on her mind.

"Liona?" I ask her. Her golden eyes meet mine. "What is it dear?" she asks, letting her hands work on applying makeup to my face.

"Is everything okay?" I venture. She gives me a weak smile. Tossing loose, green strands of hair behind her shoulder, she sighs.

"I suppose I'm just worried for Embrance. Since your father's ruling, I've been scared that she will get into hunting, go on a hunt during the full moon, and he will harm her. Your father has been stealing our kind for so long. The last thing I want is for her to be captured," she says, not meeting my eyes. My chest tightens as I realize she is afraid to hurt me. Most people would assume that the offspring of my father would be just as ruthless as him. In a way, I am. Instead of seeing other people killed, I'd rather see him dead.

I place my hand on hers. She passes me a wary gaze. "Liona, I won't let your daughter be harmed. I want to end my father's rule and bring us peace. You are my people just as the ones in my home realm. I want nothing more than to protect you all," I say. She only gives a small nod, a sad smile playing on her lips.

"You are just like your mother. She always tried her best for us all," she says. "She would be proud of you."

A tear slips down my cheek. The rare times my mother had been mentioned, I barely got a glimpse into her life, but knowing I would have made her proud warms my heart.

"Thank you," I whisper. Before she can react, I lean in and give her a hug. I feel her body tense, before she eases her arms around me.

"Only truth, young one. That is all I can give you," she says, pulling away before wiping her own tears away.

"Now, let's get you ready for the evening."

The rest of the time is used to make me feel beautiful. A light green, smelly polish is applied to my nails, matching the glowing vines that snake up my arms. I relax into the makeover, and before long, Embrance enters with my outfit for the evening.

"I'm here!" she squeals, setting my outfit on the chair before coming over and giving me a hug. I hug her in return, giving her a gentle squeeze.

"Now child, where have you been? I've been waiting for you for about a fortnight it seems," Liona worries after her daughter. Embrance turns her dark, freckled face to her mother with a smirk. "Just talking with Malikai," she says. Liona rolls her eyes.

"Now Em, what have I said about him? He trouble," she waggles at her daughter, but I see the small smile playing at her lips.

"Mama, we both know I am the trouble."

At that, both Embrance and Liona laugh. My heart swells with their connection, and in that moment, I start to wonder if I would have had that connection with my mother.

"Let's finish up, shall we?" Liona says, before fixing me up again.

Before long, I'm standing in front of the mirror in awe. I can't help but stare at the beautiful creature standing in my stead. My hair that is normally flowing free is braided like some of the elven warriors I've seen in my books at home. My eyes are lined with black, enhancing the jade-color within. Somehow, Liona managed to make vines wrap down the sides of my sharp, cheekbones, and though I've never been one to paint on my face, I truly loved this look.

"Last but not least, your out-fit," Embrance says in a sing-song voice. I giggle as she brings it over, and almost gasp when she shows me.

For once, I am not wearing a dress. Instead, I will be wearing a black, silk robe with emerald sequins sewn into the hem. Along with the robe is a pair of black trousers with jade-colored vines wrapping around the length of where my legs would go. I look to Liona in question. She smiles.

"I know that look, but I cannot reveal a thing. Lord Antonious will discuss more with you when you arrive."

I give her a small nod, before stripping out of my sparring clothing, and easing this new outfit on. When all buttons are clips and ribbons are tied, I stare into the mirror at the fierce lady that stands in my place. I smile, looking to Embrance and Liona.

"Thank you, for everything," I say to them, before enfolding them both into my arms. They hug me tightly, and before long, I am on my way to meet with Antonious.

I finally reach Antonious's chambers. A guard wearing a green robe and tunic stands watch outside, and as I approach, he holds up a hand.

"Halt. You have not been granted access-" he starts before a voice behind him cuts the guard off.

"Let her in."

The fey guard doesn't question, only moving aside so that I can walk past.

I step past, going toward Antonious's door. When I peer in, his back is to me as he leans against his desk, his hands splayed on it's surface.

"I was afraid you might not make it," he starts. Cautiously, I enter, taking a look at the surroundings he laid out for me. To the right of his massive chamber, his wicker bed lies with black linens decorating it's surface. In the center of the room, is a small dining table, a small roast sitting in the center of it. The smell is mouthwatering but I contain my excitement. Instead, I turn my gaze toward Antonious once more. This time, I find that his eyes are on me.

He looks me up and down, his intense, amber stare giving me welcoming chills. I notice him too, trying to be discreet as I take in his body, his black robe open, as if he hadn't been bothered to cover his angelic-like chest. His silk trousers hug him tightly, allowing me to see how sculpted he is without even needing to take his clothing off. As discreetly as I had tried to make it, a small, devilish smirk plays on his lips. He knows where my mind has wandered and he's enjoying the fact that I know as well.

I quickly clear my throat and look away, having trouble meeting his gaze. "You, um, had called me here with matters to discuss," I say, peeking up at him through my lashes. He bites his lip, and before I know it, in three long strides he has me pinned up against the wall. My heart thunders in my chest as he stares intensely into my eyes.

"Now, I need you to not lower your eyes at me," he starts, before leaning in and nibbling on my earlobe. The sensation alone sends me into overdrive and I have to fight the urge not to moan. His breath tingles with his closeness.

"You are not weak, darling. So please, stare into my eyes," he whispers, releasing the hold on my wrists before he cups my chin, forcing me to look at him. A growing need settles in my stomach, a need I had never felt before. All I knew was that this desire would melt me if he didn't release me now.

"You're so beautiful," he whispers, and before I can say anything, his lips brush gently against mine.

Just as the intimacy had been there, he quickly steps back, and for the first time since staying here,

-I really wanted to murder him.