Raziel's POV:
I am sitting in the throne room when Lorrain approaches me with her usual warm smile.
"Your majesty, my Lady's wounds have been tended and will heal shortly. She is resting in your chambers as you requested and is sleeping. I will send for the herbs tomorrow for the salve to heal her scars." She says with a bow.
"Thank you Lorrain." I say and she bows again then turns and walks away.
"And sir.." She says as she stops just before getting to the door.
Lorrain slowly looks back over her shoulder at me with a terrifying look in her eyes.
"I hope you make those bastards pay for what they've done to my queen." She says in a low voice laced with malice then turns to face the door again.
I have already had Markus deal with the guards but something tells me she wasn't just talking about the guards but the people who had harmed her before.
"I intend to." I say in a low growl just before Lorrain leaves the room.
After I was sure that everyone in the castle was resting I made my way to my chambers. I marveled at the woman resting peacefully in my bed as I slowly made my way to the side of the bed she was on while I began to remove my clothes. I watched her for a moment as I unbuttoned my shirt and she stirred ever so slightly, gently turning away from me. A smile forms on my lips and I quickly finish undressing and change into my night attire then slide into the other side of the bed. I turn to face Cordelia and put one arm under my head and watch her sleep peacefully until I drifted into slumber.
Cordelia's POV:
I awoke the next morning and squinted as soft light streamed through the white sheer curtains hanging in the room. I put my arms over my head and stretch my body when something suddenly catches my eye. I turn my head to the left and see Raziel resting peacefully next to me. I push myself up on my elbows as I study his sleeping form. He is no longer cloaked in the usual shadowy aura that surrounds him and he almost looks angelic as he sleeps peacefully. I hadn't really been able to admire him before but he is very handsome and I find my eyes searching over every inch of his face before they travel down his neck to his muscular torso and arms as the pulling sensation returns.
I shake my head and sit up in the luxurious bed and place my feet gently on the floor.
"I trust you slept well Lady Cordelia." Raziel's strong voice says from behind me.
"Yes I slept well thank you, your majesty. By the way, happy birthday." I replied.
I hear the sound of movement behind me as Raziel gets out of bed and walks to his wardrobe.
"Thank you Delia. That means alot coming from a lady such as yourself." He replies.
"I will get dressed in the bathroom then send for the maids to bring you some clothing." He says as he takes some clothes from the open wardrobe.
"I can dress in the bathroom!" I say quickly as I stand from the bed.
"That isn't necessary, Delia. I will dress quickly then call for the maids." He says again and I lower my head and begin to fidget.
"What is it?" He asks, noticing me.
"Could you possibly only send Lorrain your majesty, if that is alright with you?" I ask hesitantly.
"Very well I will send her in immediately." He replies to my surprise then goes to the door and opens it then says something to the guard outside.
"Thank you." I say softly as he closes the door and goes into the bathroom.
A few moments pass when there is a knock on the door just before opening to reveal Lorrain.
"You called for me, my Lady?" She asks as she enters the room with clothing and a few other items.
"You don't have to call me that." I say with a smile as she places the clothes on the bed.
"Nonsense my Lady!" She replies with a smile as she pulls a brush and other personal items from a small bag.
"Come sit, let me brush your hair while we wait for his majesty to leave the bathroom." She says sweetly and I find myself relaxing as I take a seat in front of the vanity.
"Thank you Lorrain." I replied as she began gently brushing my hair.
A few moments later Raziel comes from the bathroom wearing a pair of dark pants paired with a white button down shirt that he has left open at the top exposing his chest. My heartbeat quickens as I hold my breath and I quickly glance down at my lap trying to avoid his gaze.
"I will be waiting in the foyer, Please send her along once you are finished here." Raziel says as he walks gracefully out of the room.
"You can breathe now." Lorrain says in my ear with a chuckle and I suddenly release the breath I had unconsciously been holding.
"His majesty wishes for you to accompany him to town. There will be a celebration this evening for his majesty's birthday." She says as she finishes brushing my hair.
"Now let's get you undressed so I can make sure your wounds have healed. I will be sending a merchant to the next town to bring me herbs for a special salve to heal your scars." She continues as she helps pull the gown over my head before removing my bandages.
"That isn't necessary Lorrain. I don't have much money and.." I begin to speak.
"It's already been taken care of, all you have to do today is enjoy yourself with his majesty." She says and I fall silent.
"Your wounds have completely healed my lady, shall I help you dress?" She asks and begins to unfold the clothing she had brought me.
"No, that won't be necessary." I say as I place my hand gently over hers.
"Very well, I shall tidy the room while you dress and take your night clothes to the laundry.
"Thank you Lorrain." I say with a smile and begin to dress as she makes the bed and gathers the laundry.
"It's nothing, my lady. I am just happy to see you here." She says with a warm smile and a voice that calms me.
After I have finished dressing in the light blue jeans and black tee shirt I put on the black slip on shoes then grab my few belongings. Lorrain then walks me to the foyer before leaving with the laundry items in her hand.
"I hope you don't mind coming with me, Lady Cordelia." Raziel says as he holds out his arm for me.
"Not at all your majesty." I reply as I gently take his arm and allow him to lead me outside.
"I hope you don't mind if we walk. The town is not too far from here and the road there is beautiful this time of year." He says as we begin to walk to the castle entrance.
"Not at all." I reply and we begin walking in silence.
"I hope you are pleased with the living arrangements at the castle and while we are out today feel free to get anything you may need." He says after a few moments of silence.
"It's fine but you don't need to do that your majesty." I replied.
"And why is that my lady? You yourself said you do not stay in one place for too long so you clearly don't have a home. Think of it as your new home." He says while glancing at me.
"If that is what your majesty wishes then so be it." I replied as my heartbeat quickened.
"It is." He says in return.
"Then so be it." I replied.
"That means no more trying to sacrifice yourself or get yourself killed." He says with a chuckle as the town comes into view.
I fall silent at his words and secretly hope he will not want to discuss it further.
"Why were you so eager to die?" He asks in a solemn voice.
"I told you, your majesty, there are things worse than death." I replied.
"Yes you did Lady Cordelia, and your answer has piqued my curiosity. Care to elaborate?" He asks.
"I would rather not relive the past if I can help it, your majesty. I'm sure you can understand that some things are better left buried." I replied honestly.
"Very well. We will discuss it when you are ready." He says as we begin to walk into town.
Raziel and I walk around casually and though there are a few people who look at us here and there I do not feel as uncomfortable as I normally would.
"Surprised?" Raziel says in my ear, noticing my surprise.
"A little. Most places I go people constantly stare or stay as far away from me as they can." I replied.
"A beautiful rose for a beautiful lady." A street vendor suddenly says as he produces a solid red rose from his back.
"Thank you." I reply as I take the rose and inhale its fragrant scent.
"The closer you get to the castle the less you will run into people who gwauk and stare at vampires like us. They have grown used to our kind and though they may glance your way it is only out of curiosity on who you are. Our race has come a long way from hiding in constant darkness to now walking in the light among humans and even coexisting with them." He begins to speak.
"The people here seem friendly. Even the innkeeper.." I begin to speak and trail off.
"The innkeeper is fine, Delia. He was merely a part of a plan to get you to reveal yourself." He replies suddenly.
"Why?" I ask as we stop in front of a small shop.
"When I heard news of a woman in town, a vampire no less, that didn't resemble humans as most of us now do, I wanted to lure you out. To see you." He replies.
"And are you satisfied?" I ask.
"Very much so." He replies with a genuine smile and a spark in his eyes.
The shadowy aura that had been around him yesterday seems to have vanished as if it was never there leaving only a gentle caring creature in its wake.
"I need to step inside for a moment, will you be joining me." He asks as he begins to open the door.
"There is something I need to take care of first. I won't be long." I replied.
Raziel bows his head slightly and I return his bow with one of my own and then turn and walk away as he walks inside the small shop. I quickly make my way to the inn and once inside I apologize to the innkeeper. The innkeeper graciously assured me that it wasn't a problem and after things had been explained to him he understood why the king had gone through such a drastic measure. The innkeeper's kindness humbled me and after speaking for a few moments longer I left the small inn and visited a few of the neighboring shops.