Forbidden Seductions

Chapter-10

Athenea's pov



My eyes fluttered open, and my head throbbed in protest. I groaned, my senses slowly coming back to me. Blinking against the harsh light, I tried to make sense of my surroundings. The last thing I remember was being in the forest, with the vibrant colors and laughter of my intoxicated state still vivid in my mind.

With a soft moan, I pushed her into a sitting position as I rubbed my temples with my fingers. My surroundings gradually came into focus; the chamber was known to me.

Where the f**k am I now? The forest can't have this vast f*****g room in just a few hours, can it? f**k those stupid fruits.

I glanced around; my memories were still hazy. "Alright," I replied hesitantly, pushing myself to my feet with Lily's assistance.

With gentle guidance, Lily led me through the familiar halls of the castle, my steps unsteady as my pounding headache continued. They arrived at a small chamber, and Lily gestured towards a change of clothes laid out for her. "You can freshen up in there, miss. The prince has requested that you be presentable."

I nodded gratefully and entered the chamber. I took a long, refreshing bath, with the warm water helping to ease the rest of my headache. I emerged feeling rejuvenated, my damp hair cascading down my back.

Dressed in a simple yet elegant dress provided by the castle staff, I stepped out. Lily was waiting for her, her smile brightening as she appraised my appearance. "You look lovely, miss."

"Thank you, Lily," I replied, feeling a touch of warmth amid her confusion. "May I ask where you're taking me?"

"To the throne room, miss," Lily answered. "The royal family is waiting for you there."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of the throne room. My mind raced with questions, but I followed Lily's lead, my steps echoing in the grand hallway.

As we entered the throne room, my eyes widened at the sight before me. Valaris was there, his wrists cuffed, his posture one of submission. My heart ached at the sight.

If I could, I could destroy every f*****g person present here.

In front of me stood the king of vampires, Alexander, and the queen, Lady Cynthia, whom I knew was a totally manipulating b***h, power-hungry, and always good in people's faces, but backstabbing them whatever moment she got.

Thanks to Altor

They sat regally on the throne. Beside them were both the princes, Ario and Alaric, and Princess Amelia. King Alexander's gaze was focused on Valaris, his expression a mix of authority and scrutiny. My presence went unnoticed for a moment as the drama unfolded.

Valaris' voice, filled with a mixture of defiance and desperation, reached my ears. "My lord, I assure you, we meant no harm. We were victims of a witch's magic, trapped in your land by sheer accident."

10/10 for your acting skills, Val.

Alexander's eyes flickered toward me as if sensing my presence. I cleared my throat, stepping forward. "My lord, if I may speak," My voice quivered slightly, my nerves getting the best of me.

His attention shifted fully to me, and his piercing gaze seemed to examine every inch of mine. "You may?" he asked.

as if this fucker could make me stop speaking.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "We are innocent, my lord. Victims of circumstance, as Valaris has said. We do not seek trouble or harm."

Alexander's gaze remained locked on me, his silence stretching on for a tense moment. Finally, he spoke, his voice measured. "I shall consider your words, Miss Valera. But I might not be able to aid in your exit from our dimension. It would be too expensive for us. After pausing for a moment, he continued, "But if you want, you can stay among us, work in the castle, and earn respectably. The human servant quarters are available for you to live in. However, there is something you need to pay us as rent, and that would not be money".

Curiosity tinged my voice as I quizzically questioned, "What might a high lord like you want in return from a mere human couple?"

His reply, however, sent a shiver down my spine, freezing me in place. "Your blood," he stated matter-of-factly, his eyes fixed on us.

A surge of realization flooded my senses, and I exchanged a tense glance with Valaris. We both knew the implications of his demand. The fae possessed unique blood compositions, distinctly different from humans. While most faeries had either white or transparent blood, I, as a dark faerie, had rare black blood. Donating such blood would undoubtedly expose our true identities and origins, a risk we couldn't afford to take.

Struggling to maintain composure, I managed to reply, "No, my lord, it's not too much to ask." My words dripped with politeness, masking the turmoil churning within me.

Alexander's lips curled into a sly smile, seemingly satisfied with my response. "Very well then. Ario, untie this man," he gestured toward Valaris, "and take them to the working grounds. Explain their tasks and ensure they are compensated per hour of work. Also, arrange single quarters for them. They are engaged, I suppose."

As I turned to go, my heart heavy with uncertainty, Alexander's voice stopped me. "One more thing, dear. Remember that you are being watched, and your actions have consequences." I nodded and turned to Ario.

Ario was the oldest of the three siblings. He exuded an air of calm and peace that surrounded him. From no angle could he look like a killer or even near someone who could slap someone, but you never judge a book by its cover. His features bore a striking resemblance to his mother's; their common lineage was evident. With a deep voice, he addressed us, "Follow me." Valaris and I complied, trailing behind Ario as we left the throne room.

As we walked, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Alaric, whose eyes met mine. In that fleeting moment, a rush of sensations engulfed me, my stomach fluttering with nervous excitement. My heart raced, and an unexpected heat pooled between my legs. The intensity of that gaze left me breathless, and I found myself walking a bit faster to catch up with Ario, trying to shake off the unexpected sensations Alaric's gaze had stirred within me.

We were led through the vampire castle's corridors, each step feeling surreal in this unfamiliar realm. No doubt the pull was magnetic between me and Alaric, despite the circumstances that surrounded us. Even when I am hiding the strongest of them all, he is still sensing something. If this continues, it will be extremely difficult for me to focus on my mission.

Ario's voice broke through my thoughts as he explained the tasks we were to undertake. My attention snapped back to the present, focusing on his words. "You will be assisting in the maintenance of the castle's gardens. The grounds require diligent care, and you'll be compensated accordingly. There might be a shift in chores. Someday, in kitchen chambers, we will clean the castle off, and there will be many more of them. Now follow me. I'll provide you with whatever is necessary."

We walked through the grand castle, its architecture intricate and beautiful, much like the tales I'd heard of the vampire realm. The gardens were a breathtaking expanse of vibrant flora, each blossom seemingly more enchanting than the last. Ario handed us basic tools and outlined the tasks we were expected to perform.

As I worked, I stole glances at Valaris, who seemed deep in concentration. I wanted to talk to him about Matilda. I don't remember even bits and pieces of what happened last night, but Val must have seen or at least heard about her in the dungeons. The f*****g fact that Alexander kept guard to observe us at every f*****g moment was enough to hit me on the nerves. That son of a snoppy b***h had to do it to ensure no harm came to his realm, let alone that fucker, who has no idea who he has under his breath.

Once I take his throne, the whole royal family will be working in my royal gardens.

Hours slipped by, the sun gradually descending towards the horizon. I tried giving Val hints, but he couldn't understand. Talking in those idiotic leech guards' presence was useless since they have high hearing power. A male guard then informed us of the day's end. "You did well on your first day. Tomorrow, report at the same time. The pay and your quarters are sorted by Prince Ario."

As Valaris and I retreated to the designated quarters, fatigue tugged at my muscles, and I longed for a moment of rest. My thoughts, however, remained entangled in Alaric's intense gaze on me in the throne room. I could feel his curiosity about me and his questions lurking beneath his composed facade. What was I supposed to do in this complicated web of fate? I paced back and forth in my quarters, the walls seemingly closing in on me.

Someone from his family had a hand in the m******e of my own, and I couldn't simply let that slide. Yet, allowing him to walk away and let go was not the most strategic move either. I have no idea how he is as a person, but one thing that Altor told me was that his love for his family is above all. If I revealed my true motives to him, he couldn't possibly allow me to hurt his closest friends, no matter how much he desired me, and it would set us in a clash where one of us would inevitably fall. Our species' enmity was too deep-rooted for him to let that slide.

Even if, in any case, he steps back, the bond between us would never be accepted by our respective kingdoms. The rulers of two powerful domains are locked in a forbidden entanglement. One has to submit to the other to rule, and we both have a similar trait of never submitting to someone or even compromising for the least, let alone a whole f*****g kingdom.

I flopped onto the plush bed, staring up at the ornate ceiling, frustration gnawing at me. It wasn't just the complexity of our situation that weighed heavily; it was the unexplainable pull he had on me. I didn't want to be drawn to him, yet every thought of his touch and his voice sent shivers down my spine. The way his gaze seemed to touch parts of my soul I thought were hidden. It was a maddening contradiction, my mind and heart at odds, each vying for dominance.

With a heavy exhale, I rose and moved to the bathroom, my footsteps echoing in the quiet room. I ran my hands through my hair, my emotions a tempest within me. The sound of running water drew my attention, and I realized how much I needed to cleanse myself, not just of the physical dirt but of the turmoil that had settled into my bones. Stepping into the shower, I let the water wash away the grime and sweat, and the weight of my decisions momentarily lifted.

As I stepped out, wrapped in a towel, I was greeted by a sight that made my heart skip a beat. Valaris stood before me, dressed in nothing but his boxers. His physique was defined by the soft light filtering through the room. His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

He took a step closer, his presence filling the room. "Are you alright, Ale?" he spoke, his voice soft yet in a husky whisper that was a gentle caress in the midst of my internal storm. "You're facing a storm of decisions, aren't you?" he continued, his words laced with understanding.

My throat tightened as I tried to put my chaotic thoughts into words. "Val, I... I don't know what to do. Everything is so complicated, and I can't figure out a single sh*t about this whole mate sh*t drama. Every path I take seems filled with consequences.""

He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from my face. "I understand, Ale. Navigating through your heart for the right destination is like entering unknown territory, and the choices will impact not just us but everything that surrounds us. Choose what is best."

I nodded, his words resonating with the weight of truth. "I don't want to let go of my purpose, Val, but I can't ignore the feelings that have arisen between me and Alaric. Deep down, I want him badly. I want to know how loving someone makes me feel. I want to change again, learn to trust again, and make a family again."

He cupped my face gently, his thumb tracing my cheekbone. "Remember what your father told you. Choose yourself before the rest, until you are not happy and can't make anyone else happy. You don't have to have all the answers right now. We'll slowly find a way together. I am always here for you. To live for you or to die for you. You are the most precious thing I have. I would never let you go through the pain alone. Your pain is mine, and my happiness is yours."

Tears welled up in my eyes, a mixture of frustration and relief. Here was a man who understood the complexity of my emotions and was willing to stand beside me on this rough journey. As he leaned in, his lips met mine. The moment our lips met, an electric current surged through me, igniting a fire that seemed to blaze from deep within. His touch was both gentle and demanding, a contradiction that sent waves of sensation cascading through every nerve in my body. The softness of his lips against mine contrasted with the urgency in his hold.

Fuck the Mate drama. I need a release.

His fingers traced the curve of my jaw, sending shivers down my spine. Our breaths came in ragged gasps, and our bodies pressed together. I could feel his hard c**k. And then, as abruptly as it had begun, the kiss ended, leaving us both breathless and staring into each other's eyes.

He pulled away slightly, his breath mingling with mine as his lips crashed against mine with urgency. His hands explored every shape of my body, igniting sparks of sensation wherever they roamed. Our mouths moved desperately; the lust, by the way, was getting deeper. The world around us faded into insignificance as we became lost in the intensity of the moment.

The sound of a throat clearing behind us brought us back to reality, and we jumped apart, our chests heaving with ragged breaths.