Nicholas had already explained the mishap that occurred in the forest, including the mention of Miquel, but he had left out most details about him, referring to him as a "passerby." The reactions of his uncle and aunt were as expected, they were terrified, especially given the fact that Annabelle had nearly been bitten by not just any vampire, but a rogue one.
Sightings of rogue vampires had been scarce for over a century, and their resurfacing, especially in large numbers, was unsettling. The issue had to be handled before they recorded any casualties.
Annabelle's parents though they were wary of vampires, but they had to associate with them due to the treaty - a thin line that prevented both races from waging war against each other, a facade everyone was aware of. But who was going to break the ice?
The fact that the royal family were vampires was daunting, who knew if they would hunt humans as they were the superior race or breed a whole new army of vampires? Every thought that ran through Annabelle's parents' minds was terrifying, considering they had accepted the invitation to Annabelle's debut, which was surprising, as the royal family hardly made public appearances.
"Where is she now?" Edward asked.
"She is resting in her room," Nicholas replied.
"And my sons?" Lady Kena requested.
"They are in the library writing the case report," Nicholas answered.
Marque Edward and Marchioness Kena nodded in relief. Their sons were strong, and they knew that, they all worked for the court, specializing in the council as case reporters. Sometimes, when given a case to handle, they did so efficiently, working as a team.
"We will be heading straight to the court. Please take care of Annabelle until we are back," Edward said to Nicholas, who gave a curt nod. Edward stood up, gave Nicholas a light squeeze on the shoulder, and helped Lady Kena get up before they headed out to their carriage.
Nicholas headed to Annabelle's room. She was still fast asleep, looking peaceful, as though nothing had happened. He was glad nothing had, or else Belle might be in a cage, chained up and ready for her transformation. He was grateful for Miquel's intervention, it had saved Belle.
Minutes passed, and Nicholas drifted off to sleep on the couch near the window. Annabelle's eyes fluttered open, and she groaned as she sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The memory of what had happened earlier that day came flooding back, and she shivered at the thought. She shook her head, trying to forget the scene. She was skilled at fighting, but she had never been in an actual fight. She thought she was strong, but today's attack had proven her wrong.
Belle looked around her room and found Nicholas lying on the couch, his eyes closed, appearing to be asleep. Not wanting to wake him, Annabelle gently got up from the bed and tiptoed to the door. "Where do you think you're going?" Nicholas asked, his voice low and amused.
Annabelle froze, her hand on the door handle, before she turned to face him with a sheepish expression. "I...I was just going to get some fresh air," she said, trying to sound convincing.
Nicholas raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with skepticism. "At this hour?" he asked, his tone dripping with doubt.
Annabelle sighed, knowing she hadn't been very subtle. "Okay, fine," she admitted. "I just can't stop thinking about what happened in the forest. Those vampires...they looked different, didn't they?"
Nicholas nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yes, they did. Rogue vampires often do. They're...altered, in some way."
Annabelle's curiosity was piqued. "Altered how?" she asked, her eyes locked on Nicholas's face.
Nicholas hesitated, clearly weighing his words. "It's complicated," he said finally. "But I'll tell you this, rogue vampires are often driven by a hunger that's hard to control. It's like they're...consumed by their own nature."
Annabelle shivered, remembering the way the vampires had looked at her in the forest. "That sounds terrifying," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nicholas nodded, his eyes somber. "It is. Incase your parents ask about Miquel, say he's a passerby" Nicholas said.
Annabelle turned to face Nicholas, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You didn't tell my parents everything that happened in the forest, did you?" she asked, her voice low and curious.
Nicholas's expression was neutral, but Annabelle could sense a hint of wariness behind his eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked, his tone cautious.
"You referred to Miquel as a passerby," Annabelle said, her eyes locked on Nicholas's face. "But I know that's not the truth. Who is he, really? And why did he help us?"
Nicholas hesitated, clearly weighing his words. "Miquel is...a complex individual," he said finally. "Let's just say he's someone who doesn't fit into the usual categories."
Annabelle's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean?" she pressed, her voice insistent.
Nicholas sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Miquel is a...a damned prince," he said, his voice low. "One of the vampire royal family and he's the firstborn. He's...different. He doesn't play by the rules, and he's not afraid to take risks."
Annabelle's eyes widened in surprise. "A vampire prince?" she repeated, her mind racing with questions. "Why would he help us?" She was shocked, she had never seen someone from the royal family.
Nicholas's expression turned thoughtful. "That's a good question," he said. "I'm not entirely sure, but I think he might have his own reasons for helping us. Reasons that might not be entirely altruistic."
Annabelle's curiosity was now fully piqued. She wanted to know more about Miquel, and why he had intervened on their behalf. She wondered why he was referred to as the damned Prince.
Annabelle's eyes locked onto Nicholas's face, her curiosity burning brighter than ever. "You said Miquel is a damned prince," she said, her voice low and insistent. "What did you mean by that?"
Nicholas's expression turned somber, and he seemed reluctant to discuss the topic. "Miquel was cursed," he said finally, his voice measured. "It's a long story, and I'd rather not go into details."
Annabelle's eyes widened in surprise. "Cursed?" she repeated, her mind racing with possibilities.
Nicholas nodded, his eyes clouding over. "We've been friends for a long time, despite everything," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of affection and wariness.
Annabelle's surprise turned to shock. Friends? She hadn't expected that. "You've known him that long?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Annabelle would never have thought that Nicholas would maintain a close relationship with a vampire yet alone a royal one! It was unbelievable.
She wondered if she would get to see Miquel during her coming of age celebration since the royal family were coming. Now she looked forward to that day. The Prince did her a favor by saving her, she was thrilled to meet him again.
Nicholas nodded, his expression guarded. "Yes. Let's just leave it at that, okay?" He didn't seem like he wanted to talk much about the topic and Belle realized so she decided not to ask any further questions.
Annabelle nodded, though her curiosity was still piqued. She couldn't imagine what kind of curse would warrant such secrecy, or what kind of relationship Nicholas had with Miquel. But she knew better than to press Nicholas further, not now, at least.
Nicholas's eyes locked onto Annabelle's face, his expression serious. "Belle, I need to ask you something," he said, his voice low and urgent.
Annabelle nodded, sensing the gravity of the moment. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nicholas's eyes bore into hers. "Everything I told you about Miquel, about the vampires...it's not common knowledge. And I need you to keep it that way."
Annabelle's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You want me to keep it a secret?" she asked, her voice filled with understanding.
Nicholas nodded. "Yes. It's not safe for you to know these things, but I had to tell you. Now, I need you to promise me you'll keep it to yourself."
Annabelle's face set in a determined expression. "I promise," she said, her voice firm. "I won't say anything to anyone."
Nicholas's eyes searched hers, as if looking for reassurance. Then, seemingly satisfied, he nodded. "Good. Let's keep it between us, for now."
The sound of carriage wheels crunching on the gravel outside broke the silence of the evening. Nicholas and Annabelle exchanged a look, both of them aware that it was likely his parents returning from their trip.
Nicholas's expression turned serious. "My parents are back," he said, his voice low. "Let's keep what happened to ourselves for now."
Annabelle nodded in understanding, she was excited to meet them after 3 years. She knew that Nicholas's parents didn't know about the events of the night, and it was probably best to keep it that way for now.
As they listened to the sound of the carriage door opening and the murmur of voices, Nicholas gestured for Annabelle to follow him. They both made their way downstairs, ready to greet his parents and pretend that everything was normal.