Ares's eyes flashed at her words. "It doesn't?"
Eleanor scoffed. "Who do you think I am? I am grieving."
"Reasonable, I suppose."
Frustrated, Eleanor slammed her hands on her table and rolled her eyes. "No, it is not! Please do not pretend to understand how I am feeling right now! You robbed me of everything! If you had shown up to make a civilized proposal, what could have gone wrong? Why did you feel the need to rob me of everything?!"
Ares did nothing but throw the invitation card at her, which caused her to scowl even more. "What is this?"
"A royal invitation." Leaning back against the chair, he responded solemnly.
He irritated Eleanor beyond measure. He was obviously trying to avoid her tantrums. She examined the card, then gingerly opened it to reveal a letter. "Is this crest of royalty? How come you do not live in the castle if you are a prince?"
Ares remained silent and avoided raising his eyes to meet her.
Upon unfolding the letter, Eleanor discovered it was an official summon to princess Iris Mazitzis' birthday ball.
"You have a sister?" She raised her gaze to Ares, who was staring up at the ceiling with complete concentration. Which she found odd. "What are..."
"It is also an additional means of returning me to the castle." His voice remained solemn as he muttered.
Eleanor was taken aback. "What..."
"Listen carefully, Little Bird. Every vampire in Malenia is aware of your existence, as well as the fact that you are my betrothed and are currently in my possession. I have a reputation, which makes you sacred and untouchable, but it also puts you in grave danger. You will find yourself useful in my plans."
Those words caused Eleanor's eyes to twitch with rage. She could not take it all in... "Even after marriage?"
"Indeed."
"No." She vehemently refused. "I refuse to be exploited."
"You do not have a choice." Breathing, Ares returned his attention to her, looking entirely serious this time.
Eleanor felt a lump in her throat. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because I am able to. And I never let an opportunity slip through my fingers." Taking hold of the goblet by his side, he answered sharply.
"Are you trying to exploit the fact that I am alone?" Eleanor asked, tears welling up in her ocean blue eyes. "I refuse."
"You will not be deprived of your rights."
"This is not what I want. Nothing about this appeals to me."
"If you refuse to acknowledge reality, you will be damned. Reality is terrifying unlike the comfortable chamber you have spent your entire life in. I would rather not have you learn that the hard way."
"I need time." Eleanor muttered, clutching her dress. She really did not have a choice but to accept it. What was going to happen? She was really afraid.
"Accept that you are my betrothed, I intend to seize the throne." Remarking indifferently, Ares rose up from his seat and strolled in her direction. "It is corny, but it is what I desire."
Still holding tightly to her dress, she muttered, "I..."
"Do not think too hard about it." He drew out her chair, forcing her to face him, and then placed his hands on the sides, caging her between him and leaning in close.
"You know nothing." Eleanor mumbled, her teary eyes rising to meet his. Tears in those deep blue ocean eyes always caused it to glimmer mesmerizingly.
"I don't."
"What about the marriage?"
"You will be crowned queen."
"No, that is not what I mean." Eleanor frowned, scrunching her nose. She observed those red eyes, which seemed to be appraising her. But then, feeling even more tense than before, she lowered her eyes. How could she simply accept everything? What would her parents think of her?
"Will I ever be able to escape this?" She had to ask.
"Oh, sweet adorable bird," Ares uttered in a subdued voice, a deceitful playing on his bright red lips. "You are trapped with me for all eternity."
Eleanor gasped, looking up into his eyes. Shivers ran down her spine at that smile. She realized then that she truly was doomed.
"Now," Leaning back, Ares took a black silver ring from his pocket. "Hold out your hand."
Eleanor pressed her lips, shaking her head. "No."
"Why?" Ares furrowed his brows, clearly amused. "Is it not good enough? I can have another one made..."
"I would prefer not to wear a ring." Eleanor scowled in complete irritation.
"Ohhhh." Ares drawled and fixed his gaze on the ring as if it were imperfect, even though it wasn't. "But, it will symbolize our collaboration."
"I have no interest." Eleanor firmly declined.
Ares's smile faded. Without giving her a chance to react, he leaned his face closer to her once more, grabbed her arm, and pulled her off the chair.
He cradled his powerful arm around her petite waist, "Now, Little Bird."
Eleanor found herself with her hands pressed against his chest as their unexpected proximity knocked all the air from her lungs.
With that misleading smile, he held the ring and twirled it in front of her eyes. Just like his silver eyes, so was the silver diamond that adorned it.
"There will be no harm."
"Unhand me." Breathlessly, Eleanor hissed as she struggled to free herself.
"If you refuse, I will go on to kill the blacksmith and the maids who spilled rambles about me. Their blood will be on your hands."
Eleanor gave him a disapproving look. "You are so cruel."
Ares nearly burst out laughing at what she said. Nevertheless, his smile grew. "Yes, I am aware. Now, hold out your dainty little hands."
Eleanor felt the impulse to slap him as she lifted her hand to his face. And as he slipped the ring onto her ring finger, she grabbed his hand, yanked off his glove, and bit into his palm with all her might.
Ares gave her a dilated look. It did not hurt at all at first, but as the pain started to surface, he could feel his hands shaking.
Pride took control. He restrained himself from screaming. Still, deep lines of uneasiness slowly started to appear on his forehead, and when she giggled, biting in deep, he lost all pride.
"Bloody hell!" He bellowed.
Laughing, Eleanor released his hand. His expression of stunned agony was priceless! But how a being could be even more beautiful eluded her still!
He pointed at her, his hand trembling and his crimson eyes dilating. "What are you? Tell me!"
Feeling somewhat satiated, Eleanor laughed even harder. "You are entitled to more."
Ares gasped, took a step back. "You... You... You..."
"I... I... I..." Eleanor mimicked him and burst out laughing again.
Ares scoffed incredulously. "Are you a rabid bird?"
Eleanor's smile faded only to be replaced by a frown. "I am not a bird."
Ares tsked, examining his hand. Her teeth marks were clearly visible. "Bloody hell!" And he walked out of the dining room, leaving her with his glove.
"It is only fair." She muttered in satisfaction, pushed her chair back into its proper position, and resumed her meal.