Chapter 4: Kyrian

Terra nimbly climbed the rocky steps that led into the Vampire King's icy domain. Thankfully, Caspian had given her his cloak to ward off the chill of the mountains. She emerged from the cavern on Caspian's map into an icy wonderland. Terra gasped at the beauty before her. Everything shone like stars and she smiled her pleasure.

She was about to consult her map when a figure drew her gaze and held it captive.

He had long white hair that seemed to sparkle like diamonds. His face seemed chiseled from the purest marble. He was gazing up at the stars and just when Terra's heart could take no more, he smiled and she was lost.

Her sigh was the merest of breaths and yet he heard it. He was before her in a second.

They both stood transfixed, each gazing at the other awestruck. Her by his ethereal beauty and him by the perfection of her form.

" What brings you here, godess?"

His voice made her thighs clench with need and her confusion touched his black heart.

" I-I am no godess, my lord. I am but a maiden in need of aid."

" Tell me what you need, my lady, but first your name."

Terra smiled shyly, her heart beating furiously.

He grinned at her knowingly, wondering at his great fortune this night.

" My name is Terra of Illyria and I seek the Vampire King."

His brow rose sardonically as he eyed her brave stance.

" Why would a maid such as yourself be seeking out such a monster?"

Terra frowned at his words but kept her composure.

" What is your name, my lord?"

Her boldness amused and further entranced him.

" Forgive me, godess, I am Kyrian..."

Her smile was his reward as she curtsied gracefully.

" Pleased to meet you, Lord Kyrian."

Terra shivered as a chill crept beneath Caspian's cloak.

" Come you are chilled. "

Terra put her hand in his but froze, her mission firmly grounded in her head.

" No, I must find the Vampire King, please sir will you help me find him?"

His hands tightened around hers and everything stopped.

Memories bombarded them as the heat in her melted the frost in him.

" Kyrian," she whispered softly, " how can I know you?"

He had found her! After centuries of searching, he had finally found her.

" Forgive me, Terra but I need ..."

He pulled her to him, grinning when she didn't resist. He held her close, her head resting on his cold dead heart.

Terra closed her eyes and sighed, she felt the rightness of being with this man. Just her luck, she thought sadly.

" Please, I must see the Vampire king," she said sadly hiding her face within the crisp folds of his shirt.

Kyrian hid his grin as he nodded soberly and led her to his palace.

" Can you tell me why you seek this monster at this hour, Terra?"

" My kingdom needs his help, I need his help."

The words poured out of her and with each word he became more incensed. He would kill any man that dared to touch her! God but he detested pirates.

The palace came into view and Terra's bravery shuddered.

Caspian and her people, her father, they all needed her to be brave.

Terra girded her loins and followed Kyrian bravely.

She paused when some men approached them.

" My k..."

He shook his head quickly silencing the amused soldier.

Terra eyed him quizzically, as she figured it out.

" Does my distress amuse you, your Majesty?" she demanded hotly.

The soldiers eyes turned blood red as they glared at her.

" Forgive my deception, my Terra, it was not meant to hurt you. I just..."

Terra smiled at him and he felt as if the sun still shone on his frozen skin.

" Will you help us, my lord?"

Kyrian pulled her back into his arms and just held her.

" No harm will come to you or your loved ones ever again," he vowed.

He turned to address his men.

" We have pirates to...greet. Make ready to leave for Illyria."

Terra felt like a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

" Are there any conditions, my Lord?"

" Just one. You must never leave my side, you will rule with me as my queen."

Terra smothered a grin as she revelled in his vulnerability.

" Just one, my lord and that is to agree to yours."