.
The darkened spot where the injury had been inflicted was gone...not even a scratch on his perfect skin
"Y-you... healed"
"Your blood did" he responded, his eyes closing for a brief moment "Your blood is the reason why those demons are after you. Because it holds a great amount of power, that could do this" he pointed to his waist where the injury was no longer visible "That's why they want you..."
Orchid's eyes fluttered at the discovery. Her blood was powerful enough to heal him...
"Does it hurt?" he asked and she turned to look at him "I took longer that I had expected..." he stated and Orchid could see the tip of his fangs from his parted lips
"No, I feel lightheaded...that's all. I should leave" she said and stood up from the couch. She clumsily offered a bowed and left the room in a hurry
Ciaran's tongue peeked out from his mouth and he licked the remnants of her blood off his lips
He wanted to taste her again...he felt strengthened when he had taken a sip... her blood was sweet and potent
She was extraordinary
.
It was late, the royal family of Seaton sat in the dining, diving into the meal presented on the table
The sound of the cutleries pattering on the plates could be heard as Brenda chest twisted sadly at the presence of the empty seat besides her
Ever since they had that fight, Leon had left the palace...probably to meet his other women, but sleeping on the same cold, empty bed each passing day...made her feel extremely lonely
Their heads whipped over to the door when they heard the harsh bang from outside. Leon stepped in with staggered steps, his hair and clothes were tattered and his eyes looked drowsy
"Let go of me!" Leon yelled at the maid who tried helping him to prevent him from falling
It was clearly written in his expression that he was drunk. King Eli shook his head as he took in his son's appearance
Brenda saw the disappointed look in the King's eyes and she stood up, walking towards Leon
"Leon?" she called out softly and her hand reached out to him
"Brenda..." he held her outstretched hand and bumped her to him, holding her tightly in his embrace
Brenda's eyes fluttered in confusion as his hand wrapped tightly around her
"Your Majesty. If you'd excuse me, I'll take the crown prince up to his room to rest" King Eli nodded and smiled at Brenda
She wrapped her hand around his waist and brought his hand up to her neck, but Leon was refusing to let her out of his hold
Feeling awkward as all eyes were on her, she slowly took him up the stairs
"Let's continue with our meal" the King said with a sigh
Unknowingly to them all, the second prince's eyes glimmered dangerously as his fist tightened on the fork he held
He stabbed the meat on the plate harshly and roughly twisted the fork
"What's wrong?" Ares, who noticed the change in Alexander's demeanor questioned
He got no response from Alexander thus he choose to focus back on his meal
.
The next morning, Brenda had just taken her bath and the palace maids had excused themselves when she saw Leon was still laid on the bed
After getting him to the room last night, he had immediately fallen asleep. She walked out of the room and strolled in the hallway
"Your Highness" she said with a slight bow as she came across the young prince
"Princess..." Ares said with a bright smile. Amongst the brothers, he was the only one Brenda found to be heartwarming and friendly "You don't mind if I walk with you, right?"
"Of course not" Ares smiled at her immediate reply and they both walked in the hallway
"I guess he isn't awake yet?"
"He's still asleep, Your Highness. My guess is, he had too much to drink last night"
"Hmm" Ares hummed, his hands folded behind his back
"I don't mean to intrude, Your Highness. If I may..."
"Go on, princess"
"The crown prince, the second prince and you don't seem to get along well" Ares's smile dimmed when he heard her words "Forgive me, your highness...it's alright if you don't-"
"No, princess. You do live in our home now. You're part of the family. It's only right to ask if you sense something's off" his smile returned back to his face and Brenda felt relieved "The thing is...we weren't always like this. We were once happy, united and carefree. The King, Queen and the three of us. But I guess happiness doesn't last long" Ares sadly sighed "Things changed when the Queen passed away. The Queen turned ill, the royal family of Seaton was invited for a treat, it was a prestige invitation...we needed to attend, Alexander didn't want to go, he wanted to care for the Queen. She died on her bed and he watched her, for he wasn't able to do anything to save her, no one was in the palace at that time except the maids and before they could call for the royal physician, it was too late. Alexander grew distant and cold, he blamed us all for her death, but mostly...he blames himself for he wasn't able to save her and he had to watch her painfully pass away"
"Oh?" Brenda said sadly, she knew she had touched a deep topic, she had only gotten curious