18

"Are you okay Luna?"

I quickly wipe the tears away and nod, but he is not assured.

I blurt it out. "Do you usually drink the blood of other women or are they there for your entertainment? I cannot decide."

"I thought that would have been you on our wedding day." he replies, a slow grin creeping up.

"Yet you said nothing?" I mutter.

Jace strokes the side of my cheek and looks down in dismay. "I may not directly feed on humans, but I do have donors who are willing to give me vials of blood."

I scoff. "Is that so?

"Indeed Luna, human blood is what I fancy much more, so once in a while I collect vials from different willing donors."

"And what is something they get in return?" I say, squinting at him. "Do they get fucked too?"

Jace smiles at me and I return a puzzled expression.

"Luna, many of my donors prefer my riches over that, so I amuse them with it. They get excited of course, as any would. Besides..." his face is close to mine, and his finger strokes my lips softly, "I will never deceive you, my Queen."

I stay there in awe, partially in confusion but also happy that it was not what I thought. Do I believe him? In a way, my heart says so, it is all in his eyes, his beautiful bright eyes that pierce through mine. I stroke his sharp jawline in return and place a soft kiss on his perfect lips. He then lays beside me and cradles me in his arms, and I smile to myself.

-

I wake up and feel myself wrapped in a blanket. My hands reach to the other side but it is empty. Strange. I know I did not imagine everything since I am still in the same red bed. I slowly get up, still wrapped in the blanket, and see a steaming fresh bath, filled with an aroma of fresh lilac and lavender. Oh how I crave to wash myself. I creep into the warm liquid and relax, my fatigue slowly being released as the heat massages my tensions. I wash my hair and body with the soaps and then grab a towel placed next to the tub, drying myself. I notice new garments with the towels - a silky white slip dress with kitten heels and a brassiere set.

After I get dressed, I walk to the door but as I do, Mother Margarine enters.

"Come my dear, the King has requested you for breakfast."

I follow her to the same room as the dinner room, and see his handsome face smiling at my arrival. Below, the table is set with almond butter croissants, pink sugar cookies, deviled eggs and turkey bacon with a creamy cappuccino, just for me.

I smile at this and sit, arranging my plate. "Thank you Jace."

He nods, sipping at his drink - blood.

"Where did you go, you weren't there when I woke up." I say while munching on an almond croissant.

"Your father sent my subordinates a message on the rising issue in Gardenia, the attacks are getting worse. We have excellent troops so I have decided to send them over, smooth it out. The attackers will leave Gardenia soon knowing my crescent has joined allies with yours."

I swivel the spoon around and around in the froth of the cappuccino, obviously stricken by anxiety and sadness. Couldn't Father have contacted me first? I know he may not take me seriously enough to press Gardenia's burdens on me but he barely knows Jace. Of course Jace will do it on my behalf, however I cannot help but feel awkward with no power at all. Yet again, this is my father. He would never bestow any responsibility on me, just as it was back then before I met Jace.

Jace senses my change in emotion, because he shifts his chair closer to mine and places his cool veiny hands over mine. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," I say smiling. "Will Father be okay?"

"He will. I will keep you updated."

"Can't I join the affairs? I would like to know what is happening too."

He smiles wryly. "If that is what you wish. Come with me today, we can go to Gardenia together and join your father's council meeting, if you are able to."

I smile wide and nod. Little did anyone know, I had always dreamt of joining the big talk. It was power nonetheless, something I have always craved for.

"Will I be able to talk?"

"If need be," he squeezes my hand again and shifts back to his own space. "We will leave at once while it is still day."

"I thought you couldn't go out into the light?"

"I am a cursed creature, but my only damnation is the blood lust. I handle everything else well."

I raise my eyebrows and shift my plates aside.

"Alright, let's go."