When Kaya's fighting instructor got word of her mother's passing, she canceled all of her classes and headed to her room.
Bella knocked on the door and a plump woman with honey-toned skin opened the door. She was slightly plump, with large brown eyes that blinked up in surprise at her.
"Um. Hello?"
Bella smiled. "Hello. I'm Kaya's training instructor, is it alright if I come in to see her?"
The woman frowned slightly before giving a slight nod and opening the door. Bella entered and had to squint her eyes to see in the dark room, the windows were covered and there was no fire in the furnace.
Kaya sat on the edge of her bed, staring down at the floor. Her skin was deathly pale and her eyes had dark circles under them from lack of sleep.
Bella cleared her throat and Kaya turned slightly. Her hair was in a messy braid on her shoulder and her clothes were wrinkled.
"Hey." Bella sat beside her. "I heard what happened. I'm sorry."
Kaya leaned her head on her shoulder and shivered. Bella turned to the woman who was standing by the door. "Could you fetch some firewood, this place is cold. It feels like a dungeon."
The woman moved but Kaya sat up and shook her head, the woman looked between them hesitating.
"Go," Bella said, waving Kaya's head shake away. "I'm sure you wouldn't want King Kojo to hear of this would you?"
"N-no miss."
"What's your name?"
The woman blinked. "Hazel, miss."
"Well, Hazel, go fetch the firewood as I have asked. Make haste and I'll be sure to put a good word in for you."
Hazel bowed. "Of course, miss."
When she slipped out the door, shutting it softly behind her, Bella wrapped an arm around Kaya's shoulder.
"Look, I understand. I've been in your position twice, once for my mother and then my brother." Bella swallowed back on the memories, nearly choking on them. "But I also knew your mother and she wouldn't have wanted you to sulk around all day like this."
Kaya released a shaky breath and muttered something so soft that Bella almost didn't hear. "My fault."
"It's not," Bella said shaking her head. "You tried, Kaya, and that's all that matters! You saved your siblings!"
"I didn't try hard enough." She sniffled and turned away.
"You did," Bella whispered. "I also heard about Nico."
Kaya hid her face in her hands and cried causing her shoulders to shake. Bella rubbed her back in small circles.
"I'm sorry he did that to you..he didn't seem the type," Bella muttered. "But I swear I'll clock him in the face when I see him again."
Kaya cried harder.
The bedroom door opened and Hazel stumbled in. She blinked at Kaya's shaking shoulders then she hurried to dump the wood in the furnace before coming to tend to her.
"You came to talk to her about her mother and that elf, didn't you?" Hazel scowled, pulling Kaya to her feet and leading her towards the front of the bed. "I must ask that you leave."
"What-"
"Just go. Before you make things worse." Hazel hissed, not taking her attention off the princess.
Bella stood and stumbled toward the door. She looked back at Kaya who was now on her back staring up at the ceiling, as though she weren't there anymore.
Even though Kaya appeared still, It looked as though every part of her was shaking.
"I'm..I'm sorry."
She burst into the hall running right into a brick wall. She stumbled back and glowered up at the towering figure before her. Vlad.
He frowned. "Babe, is everything ok?"
"I'm fine." Bella huffed. "Don't you know acting when you see it?"
Vlad grabbed her wrist and dragged her away from the bedroom until they reached a secluded hallway.
"That..didn't look like acting." Vlad studied her. "Do I need to take you home to your father? Is this assignment too much?"
Bella stood with her arms folded, her gaze fixed on the man who stood before her. He was dressed in dark clothes, and a sword was strapped firmly to his side. As she watched him closely, she couldn't help but notice his incredible skill.
She had seen him spar before, and the way he moved was nothing short of amazing. Despite his impressive ability, however, he hardly ever smiled. Yet, for some reason, Bella found herself drawn to his serious demeanor.
"I'm fine," Bella repeated.
Vlad took her chin turning her gaze toward him. "Bella."
Rolling her eyes she pressed their mouth together. Vlad pressed her closer to him and wrapped his firm hands encircling her waist. Bella pulled on the string on his shirt opening it so she could run her hand along his chest.
"You're so hot," Bella murmured.
Vlad grumbled and began kissing and nibbling on her neck. He backed her into the wall and grabbed her by the thighs, pinning her to the wall. Bella pressed their mouth together again, wrapping her legs around his middle.
This was the first time they'd been alone in months. Bella prayed that he couldn't hear her racing heart.
Vlad pulled away breathing hard. He pressed their foreheads together. "Let's not get carried away, hm?"
"Boring."
"I was looking for you to tell you that Conor and I are going to make a move today." he swallowed. "Your father will be pleased with our discovery. It won't be long until King Kojo and the elves bow before us."
Bella blinked. "You mean we finally get to go home?"
Vlad nods. "I've got a surprise planned when we return." He twirled a piece of her hair around his finger.
Bella smiled and cupped his face in her hands. "You planned something for us?"
"Mhm."
Vlad released her, and she landed on her feet again. She pursed her lips.
"Don't be too upset." Vlad kissed her forehead. "We can have fun later, yeah?"
"Promise?"
Vlad took her hands and kissed her knuckles. "Tonight, love. Promise."