Sebastian's lips twitched at her words and he nodded. When the meal ended, the three of them went out of the room. Eve followed behind Sebastian and Oriana, not bothered that the Lady had pushed her back to walk close to the King. They were both engaged in a conversation and it looked like they had forgotten about her. It was what she wanted, she didn't want to be alone with him which was why she agreed to have the Lady walk with them.
Her eyes moved from the portraits on the walls to the mini statues and beautiful artifacts collected on one side of the castle. She looked relaxed and her shoes padded softly on the castle floors as she walked slowly. She was engrossed in looking at the castle that she didn't realize Sebastian had paused his footsteps to look at her. When she saw him, her guard came up and she clutched the sides of her gown.
"You seem to be more interested in looking at the portraits, there are more in the gallery room," Sebastian proposed.
"I can look at them some other time," Eve said as she come to stand beside him.
"We can go there now, your Highness," Oriana said placing her hand on Sebastian's arm, she had wanted to see the gallery room since the time she had been visiting the Castle but she had never been invited. But this human just got the invite, and she rejected it.
"I hope Lady Evelyn won't mind continuing the tour alone?" Oriana asked.
"Of course not, I would find my way to the library to read some books," Evelyn smiled at the Lady who forced a smile back at her.
"There are different books in the castle library, I'll take you there," Sebastian said and the two women turned to look at him. Eve pursed her lips, trying hard not to sigh, she was hoping to find ways to leave the Castle.
"The gallery, your Highness," Oriana said, feeling dejected.
"Lady Evelyn wants to visit the library instead," Sebastian said sternly. Oriana tried to keep her smile that was faltering and she nodded before looking at the human. She had been grooming herself all this while to be a perfect lady, so she could be the one to sit next to the King on the throne. Her father was the Vizier who was also pinning her with the hope and she had also gotten the favor of the Queen but this weak human here seem to be slowly replacing her. She wouldn't allow it.
"It's good that you like to read, lady Evelyn. But a Lady shouldn't waste her time on such things."
"Learning new things isn't waste of time, Lady Oriana. I can teach you how to read when we reach the library, you would agree with me then," Eve said leaving no room for the Oriana to say anything. She had implied that the Lady didn't know how to read which was why she considered reading as a waste of time.
When they arrived at the library, Eve marveled at the huge room and lines of bookshelves filled with many books. Great, a new way to pass her time in the Castle, she thought with a smile on her lips. This way, she won't always be with Sebastian. When she turned to look at him, his eyes narrowed at her and she gulped, wondering if he could hear her thoughts.
She stepped into the library, maneuvering between the shelves while looking at the books, she could hear the footsteps of Sebastian and Oriana as they stepped further into the library. When she was sure she was far away from them, she settled to pull out the books to find one to read.
"What are you trying to do? Stay away from me?"
Eve heard Sebastian's voice behind her and she turned swiftly, to see him leaning to rest on the bookshelf behind him as he stared intently at her with his cold eyes.
"Uh? No, your Highness, I was looking for a book to read," she showed him the book she pulled out.
"You didn't tell me you are interested in such books," He smirked, pushing himself from the bookshelf.
Eve frowned and checked the title of the book, 'Savouring her warmth." She felt her cheek heat up seeing the cover of the book. She looked up at Sebastian who moved towards her while still staring at her.
Eve stepped back as he continued to walk and she felt her back hit the wall she hadn't noticed to be there. The distance between them was narrow and in seconds, he had trapped her in a close proximity.
The lights from the lanterns casted his shadow over her and it only heightened her sense of vulnerability, seeing his red eyes glow brighter. He raised his hand to her hair and pulled the band used to tie up her hair. She felt the wave of cool air as her brown tresses fell over her shoulders.
"You look more beautiful with your hair down," He whispered, weaving his hand in her hair. His voice sounded distant like he was talking to himself and not her.
Eve held the book up to her chest, her heart beat quickened with his hands that felt her hair. Her eyes gazed into his, shifting from left to right. Her lips parted and she breathed in to calm her jolting nerves.
"Your Highness, you agreed we won't be close when alone," Eve said, her hands turning sweaty with the way his eyes stared at her.
"I haven't taken my blood for today and I'm thirsty," his voice was huskier and his hands left her hair. He reached out to brush his fingers on her neck and he traced the line of her collarbone with his fingertips. Her breath hitched and she struggled to keep her heart steady.
"Y-your Highness," Eve called in a soft whisper. She was feeling faint even before he drink from her. No one had ever taken her blood and it was making her nerves jump along with his finger works. She heard from the maids that it was like two needles piercing your neck at the same time. She knew it was something she didn't want to experience.
Sebastian's fingers lingered on her pulse and his eyes settled on the delicate curve of her neck. She tensed, seeing him lean in, his breath falling on her bare neck. His lips brushed the sensitive part of her neck, causing a whirlwind of conflicting emotions in her mind.
When he parted his lips, she waited, for the prick from his fangs but the pain never came. His tongue peeked out of his mouth and touched her neck which caused a shiver to run down her spine as her brown eyes widened.