Two weeks later...
Caruso POV
"Caruso!" Merek called out to me while I trained a few of our soldiers. I wiped my sweaty brow, "good now go and practice your foot work with Ethan because if you can't perfect that, you're dead." The young soldier nodded in obedience and made his way towards Ethan. I put my sword in its hilt, "what do you want Merek? I'm training the men right now, I hate being interrupted." Merek rolled his eyes, "I know that and if it weren't important information you know I would not bother you. But what I've just discovered cannot wait and we must devise a plan on what to do." I nodded, "fine, well out with it! What has happened?"
"I intercepted a message for King Ambrose from Alek. He is trying to sabotage us for fathers' kingdom but I think Ambrose is tricking him into thinking he will keep his end of the bargain. He wants Ambrose to kill father so he can have the throne and give Ambrose half of everything."
Although this did not seem out of Alek's character, I never thought he would actually plot to kill our father. Especially since our father has always favored him. I felt upset by his betrayal. "What are we going to do about it Merek? We are expecting an attack within this week. Are you going to tell father?" Merek shook his head, "why would I tell father? He would never believe that Alek is a traitor. He would have me whipped or thrown into the cells for even uttering this. No, no we are going to take care of this quietly and catch Alek in his own plot. I'll go and try and strategize a plan. I just wanted to let you know in case you hear commands from him and father. Alek is going to be swaying father in the direction he wants so be aware. We are going to have to form our own secret plans now brother, for our families safety." "Yes definitely, I don't want my wife murdered because I was not one step ahead. Thank you for informing me Merek, I am grateful." "Always brother, I told you that you and I need to stick together. Remember, tell no one, we cannot trust anyone." Merek swiftly walked away and I went back to training with Ethan and my soldiers.
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Evangelina POV
I was having afternoon tea with Helga, I truly enjoyed our daily ritual. She was very endearing, I was beginning to feel not so alone anymore. While I bit into a small sweet lemon cake she began inquiring about Caruso.
"How has Caruso been behaving my dear? I hope he hasn't lost his temper with you anymore, he mustn't."
I wasn't quite sure what she meant about 'he mustn't', however, I shook it away.
"Not recently, no but the other day he seemed extremely stressed about the king." Helga's eyes narrowed, "how do you mean my dear?" "Well, the king has him give daily reports on the military. How the defenses are coming along from the outside of the walls of Inferno. Caruso tries not to show his frustrations but at times I glimpse flickers of red in his eyes. Which is very odd but I've seen this before. I'm confused what it all means. I'm not sure what the king is telling him but he's distracted."
Helga shook her head, "Toran asks too much from him at times. He knows he cannot snap! Oh these men and their ambitions! Evangelina my dear, if you ever see that red flicker again try to calm him, in any way possible." I wasn't sure what she was implying. "Evangelina, when was the last time Caruso was intimate with you?" I almost spit out my tea but I choked a bit instead while turning red. "Pardon?" I choked out still trying to catch my breath. Helga sighed, "child I do not need details. I just need to know how long it has been that he's been deprived of his flesh. It's important you seduce him daily, if possible, so he will not snap." I did not understand but tried to. "What do you mean he will snap? As in loose his temper? If you must know it's been almost a week. Caruso is so preoccupied with this coming war that he seems uninterested in me. How do you propose I seduce him? I do not know how to do that. Aren't I forbidden to demand my needs to him?" Helga smiled at my innocence. "No dear you need to seal your position and conceive a child or you will be replaced. I do not want that and I know you don't either. Seduction is simple just fall asleep naked or wear a revealing night dress. So when he comes to bed you will be irresistible." I blushed more, "what if I'm not in bed when he arrives?" Helga smirked with the same sardonic grin Caruso gives me. "Undress in front of him or be in the bath. He will not be able to contain himself." I nodded embarrassed, "Helga?" "Yes dear?" She asked while sipping her tea. "What happens if Caruso snaps? It seems as if you try to keep him contained. Why? He is not an animal that needs to be caged?"
Helga seemed uneasy and squirmed while she drank. "It's best we do not find out and I'd love to confess everything to you but I think it's best my son reveals it himself. I will tell you this. I am currently working on something that may help him but I'm unsure it will work." I was so confused with all the holes in this entire conversation. "Just make sure he is sexually sated my dear, that's all you can do to help right now." We finished our tea time after I changed the subject many times. Helga bid me farewell then went off to her chambers. I decided to take a stroll in the vast garden. I stood taking in the freshness of the breeze and felt the sun's rays kiss my skin. I felt at peace. I walked further into the garden, taking in all the floral fragrances and began thinking about the library. Caruso had told me I could go there and read whenever I wanted. I longed to read about the greek gods and their love affairs with other gods and mortals. I had just read the story of Cupid and Psyche before I departed from home. I was so intrigued by the scandalous plots. I opened the large door and entered. I took in the general splendor of books painting the vast walls. Ladders at every corner to reach the books towards the high ceilings. I wandered over to a large section and took a blue and gold covered book. When I opened it I felt strange, as if I were being watched. I turned to scan the room again and there just a few feet away from me was Prince Alek. I instantly felt that familiar feeling when he was around me, uncomfortable. I watched his eyes scan my body and I wanted to run away.
"Hello Evangelina." I refused to meet his gaze so I stared at the marble floor.
"Hello." Is all I said in a low tone.
"What brings you to the library?" He insisted on keeping conversation.
"I-I wanted to find a book." I kept my answers short. He let out a chuckle, "obviously. Which book, perhaps I maybe of assistance."
I shook my head, "no I'm sorry to have bothered you while you were busy here. I did not know the library was occupied. This will not happen again. If you will excuse me, I must be going." I took a few steps to go around him but he grasped my arm, stopping me. I let out a small gasp and looked into his mischievous eyes.
"Why are you in such a hurry princess?"
My heart was pounding in my ears and I felt myself get pale from all the blood rushing away from my body. This man made me feel uncomfortable, the way he spoke to me and constantly watched me. He wants something from me and my intuition is persistent with warning me. "Let me pass please." I whispered, my tone was obviously shaky and scared. He grasped my arm tighter and whispered into my ear. I could feel his hot breath on me and I shivered in fear. "Why must you beguile me Evangelina? You look gorgeous in this sapphire dress, the way your silhouette glides as you walk. If you are attempting to bewitch me, it's working. I want you. Why don't we have some fun here in the library? No one ever comes in here, it was fate that had me come do some research." He grabbed my other arm and pulled me close to him forcefully. I pulled back, fighting him. "Alek! What is the matter with you? I am
Your sister by law, you cannot force yourself on me. Please stop this!" I cried out while tears rolled down my cheeks. He pushed me hard against the book shelf and smelled my hair. A sharp pain shot up my back and I let out a whimper. "Be quiet! I am the crown prince and I always get what I want. Now hold still!" I fought but it was useless, he was stronger and had me restrained. I felt him tear the sleeve from my dress exposing my shoulder and he kissed it. "Alek stop this, you're hurting me!" His hands were grasping my arms so tight they started to burn while I struggled to get free. I felt that it was hopeless and I wished for this to be over. Just then the door opened and there stood my brother by law Merek. Alek quickly let go of me and I fell but caught myself before I hit the ground. I ran to Merek in tears and grabbed on to him. Merek was staring at Alek with so much intensity. Alek's guilty face then turned to a blank one and walked out of the room expressionless. He looked as if he was in a trance, following orders. Once we were alone Merek turned to face me, his face full of concern. "Evangelina are you all right? What on earth happened?"
I tried putting words together but I was crying hysterically. "Alek—he tried to...he ripped my dress...I told him to stop but he—he...I was just looking for a book!"
"There now, no need to cry anymore, he's gone and it's over. I will try my best to keep him away from you." Merek said while he pat my back. "You need to go to your chambers and change before my brother sees you like this. He cannot see you like this or everything I have planned will be ruined. Go now hurry and change and speak of this to no one." I had no idea of what he was talking about. What plans? Even though I was confused I did as I was told. "Thank you Merek, if you did not come I'm..." he cut me off, "no thanks needed. I just heard you and came to see if something was wrong. Go now and change, I need to tend to a few other matters." I nodded and ran to my chambers, once I was there, I shut the large door. When I turned around, there standing staring at me was Caruso. I assume he was sitting at our table eating but when I barged in he stood up. I watched while he scanned my appearance and his demeanor changed. He looked confused, worried and upset all at the same time. I instinctively ran to him, still shaky and tears spilling out of my eyes. Caruso held me while I cried and he stroked my hair. "Evy what on earth is going on? What has happened? Why is your dress torn? Did you fall?" I did not want to tell him because of what Merek told me but I could not lie to him. How would I lie? When I could not impulsively think one up? "I—I don't want to say because I do not want you to loose your temper."
I remembered what Helga told me. "I don't care something is wrong and you need to tell me now." He insisted. I let out a sigh of relief and spilled the truth. "I was in the library looking for a book on Greek mythology. I thought I was alone but I wasn't. Alek...Alek was there and he came up from behind me...and tried to force himself on me." I watched his face change from concern to hate. He withdrew from our embrace and clenched his fists. I continued stammering trying to make it better, hopefully. "...but Merek heard me and came to the library. He came before he could hurt me and I am very grateful. So you see my darling? No need to be hasty and do something you will regret. All is well, Caruso please calm down. What's happening to you? Are you all right? You're shaking, Caruso?" I watched him shake and his eyes turned crimson. I was scared but could not bring myself to turn away. Caruso groaned and hissed in pain. His hands elongated into claws, his nails looked sharp as knives. He continued to groaned in pain from the transformation, then his mouth opened and his teeth turned sharp and animal like. The canines turned to fangs and I walked backwards towards our bed and leaned against it out of fear. "Caruso..." I managed to stutter out, "what is this? What are you? What is going on?" Caruso walked towards me slowly his red eyes watching me with concern. He stopped in front of me, "Now you have discovered the truth love. I am a monster, the stories of my family are true. I am truly sorry my brother scared you. This is the last time he will touch or even look upon you. I am going to kill him and my father. I have to kill my father because if not then he will kill me and then give you to Alek. I'd rather die before I allow that to happen! I know I haven't told you but I love you, you make me very happy. I understand if you will never love me. After all who could love a demon?" With that said I watched him leave, still shocked. However, what frightened me most was that even though he was a horrifying monster, I was taken by his declaration. 'He loves me...Caruso loves me and I love him too.' I thought to myself, then I came to the terrifying conclusion that I didn't care if he was a monster. I loved him back and I do not want him to die because of me. So I ran out of our chambers to try and save my love.
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