Forbidden Seductions

Chapter-4

As the day progressed, I attended to my duties, handling court matters and addressing the concerns of my people. The eagerness to carry out the plan was constant, but I understood that restraint was necessary for this tricky game.

But before I took any action, I needed to gather more information about Alaric Ozud Vlad and the royal family. I summoned one of my trusted advisors and instructed them to discreetly investigate the vampire kingdom, gathering any valuable insights they could find.

As the sun began to set, casting an ethereal glow over the castle, I decided to take a moment for myself and venture into the woods surrounding the kingdom. The night air was crisp, and the moon's pale light shone through the canopy of trees.

As I ventured deeper into the heart of the ancient forest, a surge of uncertainty coursed through my veins. The lush greenery seemed to whisper secrets of untold power, and the rustling of leaves echoed the yearning within me to unleash my magic. The forest was a place of elementary energy, a canvas where my dark and dangerous magic could be explored and harnessed.

When I was created, I inherited the power of nine powerful faes, each bestowing upon me a unique and extraordinary ability. Among these gifts was the rare ability to connect with nature itself.

Finding a secluded clearing, I stood at the epicenter of nature's embrace. The air crackled with tension as I closed my eyes, feeling the pulsating energy of the forest merge with the magic inside me. With every breath, I could sense the ancient spirits of the woods stirring, drawn to the essence of my power.

Opening my eyes, I raised my hands, and swirling darkness began to emanate from my palms. It coiled and twisted around my fingers like a living entity eager to be released. I let out a slow breath, focusing on the threads of power coursing through me.

With a controlled flick of my fingers, the darkness poured forth, engulfing the clearing in an ethereal glow. Shadows danced and squirmed, weaving a symphony of arcane beauty as my magic took on a life of its own. But beneath the beauty, there was a raw danger-a darkness that could consume if left unchecked.

I reveled in the feeling of power, allowing myself to lose control just enough to witness the true extent of my abilities. The ground trembled beneath my feet, and the very trees seemed to bow before the might of my magic. It was a dance of dominion, where I was both master and servant to the dark forces that surged through me. Yet, even amidst the charge, I remained in control. With a commanding gesture, the shadows obeyed, retracting to their source.

As I continued to explore my abilities, I learned to blend my dark magic with the natural forces around me. My spells intertwined with the whispers of the trees, the rustling of leaves, and the call of unseen creatures. I summoned the spirits of the forest, forging alliances with beings of ancient wisdom. They shared their secrets, guiding me to use my magic to protect the delicate ecosystem that thrived within the woods.

With each passing minute, I delved deeper into my magical prowess. As my control over my magic grew, so did my understanding of myself. I was no longer just a dark fae queen; I was a force of nature, a balance between light and shadow. The forest became a reflection of my soul, a place where I could commune with the elements and draw strength from the very essence of existence.

As I finished my magic practice, I started heading back to the castle. The path was dimly lit as the moon's soft glow filtered through the dense canopy of trees. However, a strange sensation prickled at the back of my neck, and I became acutely aware of someone following and watching me from behind. My senses went on high alert, and my magic surged within me.

Instinctively, I decided to use my transformation power to conceal my true appearance and reveal a different face and body. With my disguise in place, I continued to walk, pretending not to notice the presence that lingered.

A sudden gust of wind brushed against my skin as if someone had passed by in a blur. My heart raced, but I remained composed, not showing any signs of fear or vulnerability.

As I walked further, my unease grew, and before I could react, I felt a strong grip on my waist. Instantly, I was slammed against the nearest tree, startling me. The force was powerful, but I refused to be intimidated.

I sniffed the scent in the air, immediately recognizing the vampire's pure-blood lineage. I tried to break free from their iron-like grip, but my body was partially exhausted from all the magic practice, and the vampire was much stronger than me. The contact sent a shiver through my body, and I know he experienced the same.

The vampire's husky voice whispered in my ears, sending a chill down my spine. "Oh, doll, I am not going to harm you," he spanked my ass lightly, his words dripping with arrogance.

I mustered all my strength to stay calm and composed, even as panic threatened to consume me. "Release me, you arrogant son of a b***h," I commanded.

The vampire chuckled darkly, enjoying the power he held over me. "You're quite a feisty one, aren't you? I like that," he taunted.

My heart pounded as I weighed my options: should I use my powers to fight back or pretend to be a vulnerable woman, using him to gain an advantage against those leeches? His scent revealed him as a pureblood, undoubtedly connected to the royal family. I had to choose wisely.

"What do you want from me? I'm just a fae, and all you can do is suck my blood," I said softly, faking vulnerability.

He took his lips to my neck, taking a sniff before replying, "I want all of you. After all, you belong to me, mate."

My body froze, my breath caught in my throat, and my mind refused to accept what he had just revealed. The intensity of his words left me in a whirlwind of emotions: fear, anger, and a strange sense of conspiracy.

As he pulled away, his face was concealed beneath a flowing black cloak, leaving only his violet eyes visible. Those eyes that I had a vision of during my meditation, had now transformed into the darkest shade of red I had ever seen. His crimson eyes locked onto mine, the power and allure in his gaze causing a mix of confusion and curiosity. He seemed amused by my reaction, relishing the control he had over me.

"Escape is not an option, little fae. Destiny has marked you as mine, and I fully intend to claim what is rightfully mine," he declared, his voice smooth as silk but laced with a dangerous edge.

I gathered every ounce of composure I had left, trying to suppress the rising panic. "I belong to no one but myself, and I'll never submit to you or anyone else."

His lips curled into a devilish smirk, undeterred by my defiance. "Ah, but that's what makes you so irresistible. Your spirit, your defiance-it fuels my desire to make you mine. You'll come to see, my little fae, that we're bound together by a force greater than both of us."

With those haunting words, he released me from his grip and disappeared into the shadows, leaving me alone to process the unsettling encounter. The weight of his claim lingered in the air, and I knew that no matter how much I resisted, our paths were now entwined in a forbidden seduction that would challenge everything I thought I knew about myself and the world around me.

It was nearly midnight when I reached the castle. As I came into view, the guards swiftly bowed, their hands moving to open the towering doors for me. My steps were purposeful as I made my way directly to the throne room. Valaris and, to my surprise, Altor were waiting there. Both of them lowered themselves in a respectful bow as they caught sight of me, and in return, I gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment.

Altor was the first to break the silence, his voice carrying a mixture of understanding and concern: "My queen, I am aware of what occurred in the woods today. It is as surprising for us as it is for you. The bond between a vampire and a fae as mates is unheard of in history."

I responded, my voice steady but contemplative," Indeed, the revelation has left me stunned; I'm struggling to comprehend it myself. However, my body's reaction to his touch is undeniable evidence of our connection as soulmates. Yet duty must precede personal desires. The fact that he is a vampire, a pureblood, and likely tied to the royal family won't sway my determination. I will ruin the realm of L'Essaim with my very own hands. Even the divine powers above won't deter me from my course."

Valari's voice resonated with unwavering loyalty, "Altheanea, I hold deep respect for your decision and stand firmly beside you. However, this consuming thirst for revenge may unwittingly cost you something bestowed by the fae goddess herself: a soulmate. Even the mightiest of fae cannot sustain themselves fully without the presence of their soulmates. With time, not only your physical strength but also your emotional stability will weaken. There exists an alternate path - you could choose to imprison him within the castle's dungeons while acknowledging the bond between you. Refusing this connection might lead to your downfall as a queen."

"Don't you dare tell me what to do with my mate; he is mine, and what's mine, will be treated with respect." I retorted, my voice resonating with a deep and dangerous edge. The room fell into a heavy silence, my unexpected response leaving everyone stunned and taken aback by the intensity of my words.

What the f**k is wrong with me? Why the f**k am I being so jumpy and defensive towards him?

"easy, peasy. because he is your soon-to-be daddy". my inner fae giggled loudly.

Yes, but I do--. Wait a minute, what did you just say?

"You heard me correctly. Stop being an 'OuUUu, I aM A ScaRY FaE qUEen. I wOuLd sPaNk YoUr aSs If YoU cOmE cLoSeR to me

Valaris broke my inner conversation, as he spoke, his voice tinged with fear, "I am sorry, Altheanea. I shouldn't have-"

I cut him off with a wave of my hand, my tone firm, "Leave me alone. I'll call for you when I am in the right mood." dismissing him from my presence, I turned away, my emotions a turbulent mix of anger, confusion, and desire.

I knew of a person from whom I could seek advice about this soulmate situation. So, for the second time that day, I left the castle, donning a red cloak. I was accompanied by a few guards, just in case someone harbored personal animosity. We strolled along the enchanting path leading to the town of Avalon, adorned with vibrant flowers and lanterns. The distant symphony of insects filled the air. Upon entering the town, all activity ceased, and the people bowed in my presence. I acknowledged their gestures with a nod, receiving a variety of reactions-pleasant smiles, frowns, and even disdainful glares.

A man not much older than 30 approached, carrying a basket brimming with freshly baked pastries. He bowed again and offered, "My queen, this is a small gift from my daughter to you. She baked them just before your arrival."

I accepted the basket and selected a pastry to taste. Just as I was about to bite into it, a guard intervened, cautioning me, "My lady, before you eat, let me taste it first for your security." I agreed, and he sampled a pastry, nodding after a moment to signal it was safe. I then sampled each flavor, savoring the deliciousness of the pastries, my satisfaction almost audible. I pulled out a pouch of gold coins and tossed it to the baker, suggesting, "If you're willing, allow your daughter to work in the royal kitchen. I'm taken by these pastries and would love to have a dozen each day."

He responded immediately, "Your wish is my command, my queen. My daughter will come to the royal kitchen daily and bake whatever you desire." After receiving other gifts, we ventured deeper into the town until we reached a sprawling, majestic tree.

I instructed the guards, "Wait for me here. I'll return shortly." With that, I pressed my palm against the center of the tree's bark, chanting a mantra. My palm emitted a radiant glow, conjuring a gate that led inside the tree. Stepping through, the gate dissolved behind me. The room I entered was adorned with flickering candles and fragrant rosemary flowers. Gleaming bowls filled with vibrant potions graced the corners, exuding an otherworldly aura.

A voice resonated from behind me, causing me to startle. "I see someone has graced my humble abode with their presence." I spun around to find Matilda standing there, offering a respectful bow. I reciprocated with a smile, saying, "Matilda, how are you? Meeting you feels like a reunion with an old friend." Matilda let out a hearty chuckle and replied, "Indeed, it does feel that way. Our first encounter was during your coronation. And I'm well aware of why you're here today."

A sense of disbelief edged my voice as I asked, "How did you come to know?" She answered calmly, "Nothing remains concealed from me, dear child. I've long awaited this day-the day you will inevitably cross paths with your beloved soulmate, none other than Alaric Ozud Vlad, the heir to the throne of L'Essaim."

My shock resonated as I replied, "But how? How could you have foreseen this?" Matilda's eyes glimmered with wisdom as she responded, "The winds of destiny often carry whispers of what's to come. Alaric's fate and yours are intertwined in a tapestry woven by the threads of the universe."

As the truth settled, my thoughts swirled with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Matilda's presence always exuded an air of charm, a testament to her deep connection with the ethereal forces that governed our world. Intrigued and taken aback, I couldn't help but ask, "But how can this be? I'm not ready for such a connection. What should I do, Matilda?"

Matilda's gaze held a compassionate understanding as she spoke: "Embrace it, my child. The bond between a vampire and a fae, forged by fate itself, is a tough one. Alaric is not your enemy; he's the missing piece of your soul's puzzle. This union has the power to heal the wounds of the past and shape the destiny of both realms."

I implored, with a hint of desperation in my voice, "It's impossible. What of the brewing conflict and the thirst for revenge do I carry within myself to seek justice for my brother's death? I won't just let it go, and you know that, Matilda."

She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "You have a choice, Altheanea. Embrace the union that fate has ordained; embrace Alaric as your soulmate, and together you shall forge a path uncharted. Or resist and face the consequences that may unfold, both for you and the kingdom." Her words echoed in the air, a gentle reminder of the complex web of possibilities before me.

I asked Matilda, my voice laced with uncertainty, "What happens if I refuse this reunion?"

"If you choose to deny the bond that destiny has woven, Altheanea, the consequences may ripple through both the realms and your very soul. The bond between a fae and a vampire, especially one like Alaric, is rare and potent. Your own powers, a reflection of the magic within you and your soulmate, could grow unstable. Denying it could lead to a growing imbalance in the delicate fabric of our world, potentially giving rise to unrest and chaos. Moreover, you might find your own magic dwindling, for a fae's power is intimately tied to matters of the heart and soul, and beyond your personal disruption, the realm of L'Essaim itself might experience turmoil. The forces that bind your fates could become explosive, casting a shadow over the land you hold dear."

I absorbed her words, and the gravity of the situation became clearer. "And if I accept it?" I pressed.

Matilda's eyes gleamed with hope. "If you embrace the union, a unique synergy will ignite. Your magic and Alaric's vampiric strength will intertwine, potentially granting both of you exceptional power. Together, you could wield abilities that might tip the scales in favor of harmony and justice. The very essence of your connection could inspire positive change and heal the wounds that plague our kingdoms."

As I left Matilda's sanctuary, her guidance echoing in my thoughts, I retraced my steps through the enchanted town of Avalon. Her explanation made me think a lot, torn between what I should do as a queen and what my connection with Alaric might mean. Her words kept playing in my head as I tried to figure out what I should do next.