Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Poppy

The red had faded from the sky, leaving only darkness. My chest rose and fell rapidly as I followed Valeria without a word.

I couldn't believe I was married to the Vampire King. I was his wife now.

Hatred rushed through my veins as I thought about what would happen tonight. I had to keep him happy—just as Ana had said.

My hands clenched. Who would have thought that just last week I'd be married to the Vampire King? That Jon would be dead?

Valeria paused and slowly turned to me. "Are you alright?"

I couldn't answer her question. How could I be alright when I had just married pure evil? A monster?

"You are not," she said. "But after tonight, you—"

"Can we not talk about what will happen tonight?" I cut her off. I already knew. I didn't need her reminding me.

"We should return to my room and do whatever he asks," I said.

"Be careful," she replied. "The King will show no pity if you try anything foolish."

I didn't respond. It wasn't that I didn't want to harm him. If I had the means to kill him, I would.

Valeria led me back to my room and sent for Sara to help change me into something more comfortable. After that, she would take me to Rhain's chambers.

"Do you want another bath?" Sara asked.

"Just help me out of this dress," I said, feeling a bit uncomfortable with how tight the gown was.

Sara slowly began helping me undress. Once I was out of the first layer, a knock sounded at the door.

We didn't even have time to react before the door burst open and someone barged in—a tall male vampire with long red hair, the same color as his eyes.

He smirked.

I frowned.

"I heard about Rhain's bitch bride who just arrived," he said, his eyes landing on me. "You must be her."

I swallowed hard.

"What do you want, Vesper?" Sara asked.

He turned to her. "The audacity to call me by name. What happened to His Highness?"

"You're the King's cousin, not the King," she snapped.

"You should be lucky I didn't come here for you," Vesper said, his eyes returning to me.

He smiled. "I knew if I wanted to see you, I'd have to wait until you were alone and defenceless."

"Defenceless?" I asked.

"There's no guard in your room. I sent Valeria on an errand."

I took a step backward, pulling my hair forward to hide my chest.

"I didn't know humans could be this beautiful. Not like the disgusting ones brought into this castle."

"If the King finds out you're seeing his wife, he'll kill you," Sara said.

"He doesn't give a shit about this bitch. He only cares about what's between her legs and her blood for the curse."

Sara moved in front of me. "You can't be here. You should leave."

"As you can see, I'm here," Vesper said. "And I want a taste of this bitch before she's sent to Rhain." He grabbed Sara and stared deeply into her eyes. "You're going to leave this room, and you won't remember what happened once you step out."

Sara's furrowed brows relaxed. She slowly nodded. "Yes," she said before walking out the door.

I shook my head, my brows drawing together. "What did you do to her?"

"Compulsion," he said, taking a step closer. "Now I can have you for as long as I please."

"Take your clothes off," he ordered, his irises growing darker.

I frowned and tried to step back, but he grabbed my neck.

"You will do as I say, bitch."

"You don't own me!" I said, struggling in his grip.

His lips tightened into a straight line. "What's wrong? Why isn't it working on you?"

"Take your clothes off!" he barked. "And be still!"

"Let go of me!"

A look of surprise spread across his face. He looked at me, lips peeling back to reveal two sharp fangs. They were long and gleaming.

"There's no point in fighting," he growled.

I punched him in the face, but it didn't faze him. It only made him angrier.

If I didn't stop him, those fangs would be in my flesh.

"I don't know how Rhain's been able to control himself around you without stealing a taste of your blood," he said. "I need a taste of your body and blood."

"No!" I shouted, punching him repeatedly.

Suddenly, the door swung open and Valeria appeared.

Her eyes widened as she extended her hand toward Vesper. "Get away from her," she said.

Vesper fell to his knees, grabbing his head.

I stumbled back, breathing heavily.

He groaned, gritting his teeth as he pushed himself up on one knee.

"Get out of this room now. You'll meet Sara on the way," Valeria said.

I nodded and rushed toward the door. I threw it open and ran out.

But I had only taken a few steps when a hand wrapped around my neck. That was the only warning I got before an excruciating pain exploded in my head—and everything went black.