AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I had no idea where this well-tended path was leading me, but this was certainly a reprieve from the isolation I had been subjected to. Refusing to acknowledge any fear, I welcomed the warmth of the sun on my face, the touch of the breeze on my cheeks, and the fragrant symphony of nature that surrounded me.
The garden was a sanctuary of life and beauty, and I couldn't help but marvel at the world that had existed beyond the walls of my confinement. It was as if I had been reborn into a realm of possibilities, a place where answers awaited and the shadows of the past could be dispersed.
But I didn’t fail to notice that there were guards all around. There was not a single patch of this garden that had not been overseen. There, at the very center, stood Constantine. My heart quickened at the sight. I knew he had a reason to bring me here. Probably to mock me with the freedom that reigned outside, all around us, and after we were done talking, he would throw me back into the darkness. I tried not to think about it.
The guard with the bruised eye approached Constantine, bowing before him.
“Here he is, Your Highness,” he addressed Constantine.
“Leave us,” Constantine waved his hand dismissively.
The three guards who had brought me here, bowed once again, then disappeared somewhere between the bushes. However, I knew they were still there, all eyes on us. Constantine would never take any risks, but at the same time, I knew that he was not in the habit of being completely unguarded standing next to an enemy. Because that was who I was to him. An enemy. No matter how much he wanted to make me the opposite of that.
“Walk with me,” he said in a deep voice, his hands locked behind his back. Only, his were locked by choice. Mine rested in front of me, shackling me into obedience and powerlessness.
Slowly, we started to walk without any destination in mind. He didn’t speak yet, and I used this time to keep absorbing the outside world into myself once again. I had no idea I missed the fresh air this much, the sun, the earth.
Still, I was watching him with the corner of my eye. He wore a finely tailored coat made of rich, deep navy velvet, its fabric catching the sunlight in a way that accentuated its luxurious texture. The coat was adorned with intricate gold embroidery, which traced elaborate patterns across the lapels and cuffs. He was known for liking opulent clothes, much unlike King Theodore, who had to be forced to wear something regal.
Around his waist, a wide, richly decorated belt held a sheathed dagger—an emblem of his status and influence. The hilt of the dagger was adorned with ornate gemstones that caught the light, hinting at the hidden power he held. I knew that he could easily end my life with that dagger. But if that was his plan, he would have done that a long time ago.
I was strangely curious to find out why we were here. Would he try to convince me to join his cause in some other way? I was sure of it. But at the same time, I was afraid that the longer I was away from Lilith and Cass, the more danger they were in.
“There is not much time left, you know,” he spoke slowly, as if he had all the time in the world, which stood in stark contrast to what he just said.
“For what?” I asked.
He stopped, turning to me. “For those who are not on my side to be eradicated.”
I could see the gravity in his eyes. He would not flinch while killing whoever stood in his way. But I knew that even before I faced him.
“I thought we could do this… the nice way,” he admitted, with a sigh. “I heard many things about you, Adrian. You are… a legend in the human world, and not only there. But there are also vampires who speak of you very highly, of you and your skills.”
I shrugged. “I am nothing special.”
Maybe he thought that I had some special powers that he could put to good use? If that was the case, he had another think coming.
“On the contrary,” he shook his head, continuing to walk and I followed suit.
“Despite what is known of me, I do not take pleasure in killing women and children,” he spoke in a way similar to that of a worm digging into soft ground, making a hole that refused to be closed.
I knew what he was referring to. At the same time, I knew that I had to stay calm. The angrier I got, the more danger my family was in. So, I inhaled deeply, trying to gather my thoughts. For a moment, I even thought I might try to tackle him, to try to fight him somehow, to get my animal to the surface and break these shackles. But my animal had been slumbering for far too long. I had no idea whether I would even be able to control it, or if I would even be able to take Constantine out silently, before any of the guards saw us or heard us.
No. That was too risky, too dangerous. I had to wait, but waiting was an expensive commodity. The more time passed, the more difficult it felt to wait more. I could only hope that my new ally would be able to help me get out of here before it was too late.
“The only reason you are still alive is your word that my family is alive as well,” I told him menacingly, although my tone was equally calm as his.
He turned to me, surprised. Then, he burst into an amused chuckle.
“See? That is why I like you,” he nodded, his hands still locked behind his body, while he swayed softly as he walked. “You don’t give up that easily. In fact, you don’t give up even when defeat is staring you dead in the face. That is what my army lacks. You could teach them that.”
“You don’t teach character,” I told him. “You either have it or you don’t. You either care about yourself or those you love. When shit hits the fan, you have to make a choice. And this is what separates us all.”
“Indeed it is,” he nodded. “You know, I was offended when you told me I was not as good of a king as Theodore.”
I pondered for a moment. “Then you aren’t used to hearing the truth. Your closest allies are afraid to tell you the truth because they fear your wrath. And that is where your mistake lies.” I continued talking, realizing that this conversation had somehow switched. For a moment, it didn’t feel like we were bitter enemies but rather two leaders, discussing strategies.
“Is it now?” he asked, amused. There was even a faint flicker of a smile on his lips.
