Alexander strode into his room, a warm smile spreading across his face as he called out, "Sweetheart!" But there was only silence. He expected Nikolas to be lounging on the couch, reading a book, or perhaps freshening up in the bathroom. But as he entered, he was met with an unsettling stillness.
Alexander's eyes narrowed as his supernatural senses kicks in and he takes whiff of Nikolas's scent but it was faint, indicating that Nikolas had been out of the room for hours.
Alexander made his way to the bathroom, thinking that Nikolas might be taking a long shower or simply enjoying some alone time. But as he pushed open the door, he was surprised to find the room vacant. The shower was dry, the sink untouched, and the air was stale.
"Nikolas!" Alexander called out, his voice rising in concern. He waited for a response, but there was only silence. He checked the closet, thinking maybe Nikolas was getting changed, but it was empty too.
Alexander's brow furrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. Where could Nikolas be?.
Alexander followed the faint smell of Nikolas scent his supernatural senses guiding him through the corridors of the castle. He moved swiftly, his long strides eating up the distance as he tracked down the sweet aroma.
As he turned a corner, the scent grew stronger, leading him to a door he hadn't expected , the castle library. Alexander's brow furrowed in surprise. What was Nikolas doing in the library because there were many books in Alexander room.
He pushed open the door, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of his mate. The library was dimly lit but using his vampire senses he spotted one of Nikolas servants.
"Your majesty" Marcus exclaims standing up from the chair where he had been trying to read a book.
" Where is he " Alexander asked but Marcus was confused not know who Alexander was asking about " where is Nikolas " Alexander repeated his patience running thin.
" Ohh his highness" Marcus started " I have not seen him since this morning , your majesty."
Alexander's eyes narrowed. "Do you know who he was with?"
Marcus nodded his head "Yes, Your majesty. He was with Leo during lunch but I don't think they are still together perhaps check the garden."
Alexander's gaze lingered on Marcus for a moment, his mind processing the information. Then, he nodded curtly. "Ok and go tell Xaiter to ask around where Nikolas is," he instructed.
As Marcus bowed and hurried off to carry out Alexander's orders, Alexander turned and headed towards the garden, his long legs moving with speed, the sound of the castle floors beneath his feet filled the air as he moves ,his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of his mate.
The garden was still as it was , the only sound is the gentle burble of the fountain and the soft rustle of the flowers in the breeze. Alexander's eyes scanned the area, his gaze searching for Nikolas's familiar figure. But he was nowhere to be found again.
Alexander's heart quickened, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios but what still gave him hope about Nikolas still being safe was the fact that the mate bond hasn't sensed any danger.
Alexander spotted Leo sitting on a bench, staring at the fountain, and strode towards him.
"Have you seen Nikolas?" Alexander asked, his voice firm .
Leo looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. "No, Your Majesty. I haven't seen him since when I left him at the library," Leo replied, his voice hesitant.
Where could Nikolas possibly be? And who could he be with? Alexander thought , his brow furrowed in concern as he paced back and forth along the garden path.
Just then, Xaiter appeared by his side, bowing low. "Your Majesty, Nikolas was found going out of the castle with a maid," xaitar said, his voice low and urgent, his eyes cast downward in respect.
Alexander's head snapped towards Xaiter, his eyes blazing "Which maid?" he demanded.
"The guards stationed at the castle entrance said her name is Hartiie, Your Majesty," xaitar replied, his voice cautious. "She was seen leading Nikolas out of the castle, after she had told them it was your order."
Alexander's face darkened, his jaw clenched in anger. "No, I didn't send anyone," he growled, his voice low and menacing.
Without another word, Alexander turned and rushed out of the garden, his long strides eating the distance as he headed towards the castle entrance. Xaiter followed close behind, struggling to keep up with Alexander's pace.
As they reached the entrance, Alexander's eyes scanned the surrounding area, his gaze searching for any sign of Nikolas or the maid . But they were nowhere to be seen.
Xaiter, come with me," Alexander said, his voice low and urgent, as he took off in a sprint, using his vampire speed to devour the distance.
Xaiter nodded and followed close behind, his own legs pumping furiously as he struggled to keep up with Alexander's supernatural pace.
As they ran, the trees blurred together, the wind whipping through their hair and the sound of their footsteps echos off through the forest. Alexander's vampire senses came alive, his eyes scanning the surroundings with supernatural clarity.
He could smell the scent of damp earth, the musky aroma of wild animals and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers but most importantly, he could smell Nikolas's scent, faint but unmistakable moving through the trees like a beacon calling him home.
Alexander's speed quickened, his senses on high alert, as he followed the scent deeper into the forest. Xaiter kept pace beside him, his eyes fixed on Alexander's back, his loyalty to his king unwavering.
Suddenly, Alexander slowed to a stop, his head cocked to one side, his ears straining to pick up any sound. Xaiter followed suit, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
"What is it, Your Majesty?" Xaiter whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of his own ragged breathing.
Alexander's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on something in the distance.