****leo pov***
****
The morning sunlight barely crept through the windows when Leo's door swung open. Ryder, his childhood friend from the human realm, strode in, his presence commanding attention.
Ryder dropped into the chair beside Leo's desk, his fingers drumming a lively rhythm on the armrest. Leo's eyes snapped open, his gaze narrowing.
"How many times must I tell you to knock?" Leo growled, his voice low and menacing.
Ryder chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Thankful I'm not gay; your look took my breath away." He grinned. "Aww, your fiancée's missing a lot, poor innocent soul."
Leo's scowl deepened.
"Can you shut it? You're annoying sometimes."
Ryder's laughter filled the room.
"I wonder why I'm still stuck with you," Leo muttered.
Ryder's grin widened.
"Because we're buddies, Leo. Buddies for life."
As a half-breed vampire, Ryder's presence in the vampire realm was rare. His eyes gleamed with concern.
"Leo, I'm scared. What if I fall in love and she doesn't love me back? It would be a disaster."
Leo leaned back in his chair, a playful glint in his eye.
"Don't worry, Ryder. I won't do anything stupid. We said either one of us must love the other, but that won't be me." His voice dropped to a sultry whisper. "I'll slowly spread my webs into her heart, and she'll fall for me first."
Ryder's eyes widened.
"You're a sly one, Leo."
Leo's smile was reassuring.
"I don't want drama from my childhood sweetheart. Since you're here, keep her busy, thanks."
Their hands clasped in a brief, firm handshake.
"Consider it done," Ryder vowed.
With a nod, Ryder departed, leaving Leo to his thoughts.
The door closed, and Leo's expression turned calculating
******Emily pov *****
The darkness of Emily's chamber shattered as the door swung open. Mary, Leo's childhood sweetheart, strode in, her maids trailing behind. A sly smile spread across Mary's face.
"Rise and shine, servant," Mary taunted.
With a flick of her wrist, a maid poured icy water onto Emily's sleeping form. Emily's eyes snapped open, shock and fury etched on her face.
The cold liquid seeped into her bones, stealing her breath. Emily's gaze locked onto Mary, her eyes blazing.
"You're assigned to me now," Mary declared. "Victor, the king, decrees it. You'll cater to my every whim."
Emily's heart seethed with resentment. Her mind reeled.
How could Mary reduce her to servitude?
Emily's thoughts swirled.
Should she flee to her parents' waiting arms?
Or endure this humiliation and secretly master her hidden powers?
The witch's whispered promise echoed.
Mary's laughter cut through Emily's turmoil.
"Get up, servant! We have a busy day."
Emily rose, her movements deliberate.
Mary's maids stepped forward, their hands grasping Emily's arms.
"Let's prepare you for your new role," Mary sneered.
Emily's eyes flashed.
You may own me now, Mary.
But I'll never surrender.
The icy water still dripping from Emily's skin seemed to fuel her defiance.
Mary's gaze met Emily's.
For an instant, their eyes locked in a silent battle.
Then Mary's smile returned.
"Let's begin."
The maids tried pulling Emily away
Emily shook off the maid's grip.
"Don't touch me," Emily warned. "You have no right over me. All you can do is talk."
As she followed Mary and her entourage, Emily's thoughts swirled.
Why was she still enduring this humiliation?
The answer echoed in her heart: her parents' offer, her hidden powers, and the witch's promise.
Outside the palace, the air filled with whispers.
"Your Highness...Your Royal Highness...welcome back, Princess Mary."
Emily's eyes widened.
Mary, a princess from a nearby kingdom?
The revelation stunned her.
As they walked, Mary turned to Emily.
"Servant, could you fetch something from the carriage?"
Emily's response sent shockwaves.
"Sorry, Your Highness, I'm not a servant. I'm Emily."
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
The name "Emily" sparked whispers.
"The prophecy...it can't be...a maid?"
Eyes locked onto Emily, filled with surprise and curiosity.
Mary's face paled.
"How dare you!" Mary hissed.
Emily's gaze never wavered.
"I'm not a servant," Emily repeated.
The crowd's murmurs grew louder.
"This can't be...Emily, the chosen one...a maid?"
A nearby noble stepped forward.
"Your Highness, is this...the Emily of legend?"
Mary's smile faltered.
"We'll discuss this later," Mary said hastily.
As they continued on, Emily sensed the weight of the prophecy upon her.
Was she truly the chosen one?
And what did Mary's reaction conceal?
To Be Continued...