Chapter 42

Chapter 42

"Ms. Anastasia."

Anastasia slowly peeled her eyes open to see about five maids standing near her bed.

She turned to Hannah. "What is it?"

"We are here to prepare you for tonight's coronation," Hannah replied.

Her eyes shifted to the maids walking into the bathroom with buckets of steaming water.

"Okay," she groaned, getting up from the bed and walking towards the mirror.

The pain had subsided, and she was feeling better.

Anastasia shed the gown she was wearing and stepped into the bathroom, entering the tub. Hannah added scented soaps to the water, running it across her skin.

Once she finished scrubbing her skin, she walked out of the tub, dripping with water. Hannah wrapped a towel around her shoulders, patting her skin dry.

"Ms. Ana, we have selected a few dresses for you. If you want, you can choose from these," Hannah said.

Anastasia walked towards the bed, her eyes scanning the gowns on the bed. There were black, red, and a mixture of black and red color gowns resting on the bed.

"I want this one," Anastasia pointed towards the red and black gown.

The maids helped her wear the gown. The gown was heavy with red gemstones that decorated the sides. It hugged her body, displaying her perfect curves.

Anastasia stepped closer to the mirror, a smile appearing on her face. Hannah wore the red crystal necklace around her neck.

"Ms. Anastasia, can I take the pendant out?" Hannah asked. "It doesn't suit the gown."

Anastasia quickly touched the pendant. "Please don't."

"Okay."

"You look beautiful," one of the maids commented, and Anastasia smiled.

A knock sounded through the door, and Anastasia turned around to see Naomi and her daughter walk inside the room. They were dressed in long red gowns with shiny crystals.

"How are you feeling?" Naomi asked.

"I'm feeling better than last time," Anastasia replied.

"Are you ready?" Naomi asked. "We are almost late."

Anastasia nodded her head, following Naomi outside the room. They entered the carriage, and the coachman rode them to the venue.

"Where will the coronation take place?" She asked.

"At the great tree of Ami, the moon goddess. There, Cassius will be baptized in the blood bath," Naomi answered.

Reaching the venue, they stepped out of the carriage. Anastasia took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the surroundings. There she saw the great tree, with many branches and beautiful white leaves. There was a pool of blood close to the tree. Anastasia narrowed her eyes. The Elders were dressed in red and black garments. She watched as they stirred the blood pool.

"What is expected to happen tonight?" She whispered to Naomi.

"Cassius will drink the blood of his father," she said. "After that, he will be baptized and an announced Elder. Then the both of you will be crowned King and Queen."

"Okay," Anastasia whispered.

The place was crowded, filled with mostly vampires. The humans there were few. They all stood watching the Elders as they continued the ritual. Her eyes fell on Emily, who lingered around Cassius. What was she doing here? Anastasia thought. She shifted her gaze to the advanced man standing next to Emily. Anastasia could tell from the resemblance that they were family.

One of the Elders stepped closer to Cassius, handing him a metal cup. She could tell that it was blood. Anastasia tried to hide the uneasiness that she felt as she watched Cassius drink the blood. He gulped it down before handing it back to the Elder and slowly stepped inside the pool. He lay down, allowing the blood to cover his entire body.

"How will he breathe?" Anastasia asked.

"This is a little ritual which is called reborn," Naomi replied. "Once he steps out of that pool, he will be an entirely different person."

Anastasia knew that she had a lot to learn in the rituals of the Kingdom.

Cassius remained in the pool for more than ten minutes, then she saw the surface begin to bubble. Cassius stood up from the pool, his body dripping with blood. His hair was wet, falling on his forehead.

"Cassius?" Anastasia stepped forward.

He turned around, and once he stepped out of the bath, she caught sight of the tattoo ink appearing on his chest. The drawing of a huge bat with its wings out appeared on his chest.

"Bat is his spirit animal," Naomi whispered.

Before Anastasia could speak, she saw bats fly above his forehead before they disappeared.

Cassius approached her, his gaze darkening with each step he took. She swallowed hard, feeling her stomach churn. When he neared her, he raised his hand to touch her cheek, and she closed her eyes.

Cassius leaned closer, capturing her lips into his mouth, and he kissed her. He licked her lips, sucking and nibbling her. She moaned, drawing herself closer to him.

When he pulled back, she raised her hand to run her fingers across his chest. He touched her wrist, guiding her fingers across the tattoos.

"You look beautiful tonight, my Queen,'' he said.