Queen Thana and her husband had made a decision to get their daughter, Nimose, married. Their intention was for her to gain immediate support from the twelve elders and, most importantly, to witness her coronation as the leader.
However, Nimose was not pleased with the idea. She had always yearned for a love life of her own, with the fantasy of being saved by a fair-skinned prince with charming looks. She was not ready to settle for anyone less.
"But Mother..." Nimose began to protest.
"There is no time for 'buts,' my child. I promise he will be kind and loving, just like your father is to me," Thana said, placing her hands on Nimose's cheeks.
"No, Mom! I am a princess, and I should have the right to choose my own partner," Nimose exclaimed with an astonished and frustrated expression. She was so upset that she did not care to listen to whatever the Queen had to say. She had never supported the idea of being forced into an arranged marriage or being compelled to love a man she had never met.
In tears, Nimose ran out of the library and made her way down the stairs, where she found solace in the arms of her beloved sister, Lilith.
"Is everything alright, sister?" Lilith asked, concerned.
Sobbing uncontrollably, Nimose held onto her sister tightly. Lilith tried to comfort her, but Nimose's anger and disappointment prevented her from truly listening to her sister's words. She couldn't bear the thought of being given away like a possession to a complete stranger.
As they embraced, Queen Thana entered the room, having followed Nimose.
"But Mom, you can't do this to her. She is an adult and has the right to choose her own partner," Lilith argued, her face displaying confusion.
Thana tried to explain the predicament they would face if Nimose refused to get married soon. She gave Nimose the condition of finding a man of her choice within three days. If she failed to do so, she would have no other choice but to marry a man chosen for her. Thana attempted to convince her daughters, but neither of them could see things from her perspective.
Lilith, on the other hand, urged their mother to allow Nimose to find a man of her own choice. She mentioned someone named Maccon, but Nimose knew her mother would never approve of her marrying a guard from the palace.
Feeling conflicted, Nimose contemplated her options. She decided not to disclose her plan to Lilith, fearing that others might overhear. Instead, she hurriedly left her sister, vowing to share her plan when she returned.
In her room, Nimose took a quick shower and changed into a simple dress. She then called for her maid, Marisa, to meet her in the library.
"Marisa, you have been more of a sister to me and my best friend. I need your help," Nimose said.
"Your Royal Highness, I am at your command. Whatever you desire, just say the word, and it shall be done," Marisa replied, keeping her head lowered.
"I want you to deliver this message to my uncle. Inform him that I am ready tonight and that he should be prepared as well. And Marisa, please call me by my name. We are friends," Nimose requested.
"Forgive me, my princess... I mean, Nimose. I will do as you command. However, I won't be allowed to pass the gate without your mother's approval," Marisa explained.
"Tell the guards that I requested you to gather some flowers for my sister. When you return, bring me some flowers as well," Nimose instructed, hoping that her plan would unfold smoothly.
"Alright, Marisa. Make sure no one overhears any of this," Nimose instructed firmly.
"I promise with my life, my princess," Marisa replied before quickly leaving to carry out her task. Raul's castle was not far from the royal castle, and Marisa wasn't allowed to ride a horse. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her, reaching Raul's castle in no time. However, she was confronted by Raul's guards upon arrival.
"Halt! How can we assist you?" one of the guards asked, their stance firm.
"My lord," Marisa said, immediately falling to her feet.
"Leave us!" Lord Raul commanded, dismissing his guards. He then asked Marisa to speak.
Marisa quickly relayed the message her mistress had sent, and Lord Raul gave her a reply to take back to Nimose. He made her swear not to behold his face during their encounter.
On her way back, Marisa noticed beautiful flowers near the castle gate and decided to pluck some for her mistress, as she had been ordered. Hurrying back to the princess, Marisa found Nimose engrossed in conversation with her father, the king. She opted to wait for her in the library.
"Marisa, what took you so long?" Nimose rushed over, excitement radiating from her. "Were you able to deliver the message?"
"Yes, I did. Lord Raul said to tell you to wait at the entrance of the dark forest. A white horse will meet you there. I didn't quite understand his words, but that's what he said. Also, here are the flowers you requested," Marisa replied, her smile evident.
"Never mind whatever he said. I understand. You should start going now; my mother is..." Nimose began, but she was interrupted by the queen's sudden presence.
"What is going on here? And what are those flowers for?" the queen inquired, causing Marisa and Nimose to tremble in her presence.
"I-I-I... we..." Marisa stammered, unable to provide a satisfactory answer.
"The flowers are for my sister. I was just asking Marisa to help me deliver them to her," Nimose quickly interjected, handing the flowers to Marisa and instructing her to leave.
"I am going out with your father. We won't be back until nightfall," the queen informed Nimose before leaving.
*********
Meanwhile, Lord Silas rode alongside Lord Vikra. They discussed the recent meeting and the actions of the king. None of the Elders were pleased with the king's decision. They had expected him to choose a leader from among the other clans or appoint his brother as the next ruler. With numerous enemies closing in, particularly the werewolves, the vampires were in a vulnerable position. A single mistake could ignite a war, leaving the vampires exposed to humans.
"She's lucky I was in a good mood today," Lord Vikra remarked.
"No, you should be grateful you didn't say or do anything foolish. You heard her threaten to sever anyone's head," Lord Silas replied.
"Who does she think she is?"
"She is the daughter of the oldest vampire to have ever lived, Dracula. You wouldn't want to cross her path," Lord Silas responded. He was exceptionally handsome, appearing much younger than his 486 years.
"I would like to have a private meeting with some of the elders in a few days. We can discuss choosing a leader to succeed the king. Have you not noticed that he is growing weaker with each passing day?" Vikra proposed.
"Yes, he is. But we must tread carefully. He still has the support of the vampire order. We are merely elders of the vampire clans," Silas replied before taking his leave.