Chapter 12: Whispers of the Realm

The Night King entered his study, the air growing colder with each step. His footsteps echoed against the stone floors, a constant reminder of the vast emptiness around him. He passed rows of bookshelves, ancient tomes bound in dark leather, and intricate artifacts scattered across the room. He was lost in his thoughts when the door creaked open behind him.

"Your Majesty," a voice called from the threshold. The Night King didn't turn around; he already knew who it was.

"Speak," he said, his tone low and commanding.

The guard stepped forward, standing with a stiff posture, waiting for permission to continue. "The council is agitated, Your Majesty," the guard reported, his voice laced with tension. "Rumors have spread throughout the Vampire Realm that you brought a human into the realm. The council is... displeased."

The Night King's eyes flickered with a hint of annoyance, but he didn't show it. He remained silent, waiting for the guard to continue.

"They claim it's unacceptable," the guard said, his gaze unwavering. "Since the realm's creation, humans have never been allowed. It is a violation of the peace agreements. They fear this could cause... significant unrest. If any humans—especially those already in peace with us—learn of this, it could lead to a war."

The Night King finally turned around, his icy gaze locking onto the guard. "We will address that when the time comes," he said coldly, dismissing the concern with a wave of his hand.

The guard hesitated for a moment before continuing, "There is also the banquet in five days' time. The council has requested your presence. A Duke's daughter is celebrating her birthday, and it's an event that will also serve as a meeting for the council members."

The Night King nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. "Very well," he replied. "I'll be there." His tone made it clear that this was not a matter for further discussion.

Without waiting for the guard's response, he turned back toward his desk. "You may leave now."

The guard bowed and exited, closing the door softly behind him. The Night King stood alone in the study, his mind still swirling with thoughts about the human he had brought into his domain. He had always been a creature of discipline, order, and control—until she arrived.

---

*Later, in the Night King's Chamber*

The heavy door to his chambers creaked open, and the Night King stepped inside, his mind still preoccupied. But as his eyes scanned the room, they immediately froze.

There, lying casually on his bed, was Lena. She had somehow made her way into his personal space without him even realizing it.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice betraying none of the shock he felt.

Lena looked up at him lazily, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Since you said the night would be cold, I thought I might spend it here," she replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

The Night King's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't show it. No one, not even his closest allies, dared enter his quarters without permission. Let alone lie on his bed as if it were her own.

"You can't just walk in here like that," he growled, but his words lacked conviction. His cold gaze, however, was sharp enough to pierce the air.

Lena only shrugged. "Why? Don't tell me you've never had a woman in your room before," she teased, her lips curling into a smirk. "You're the Night King, aren't you? Surely you're used to... visitors."

The Night King clenched his jaw, irritation flickering in his eyes. *This girl... she's completely unbothered by everything.*

Before he could say anything else, Lena's teasing continued. "What? You don't want to talk about it? You've never shared your bed with anyone?" She leaned back into his pillows with a lazy smile, completely unfazed by his aura of power.

The Night King remained silent. *She's provoking me on purpose.*

With a sharp exhale, he turned and walked toward the adjoining bath chamber. "I'm freshening up," he muttered, not wanting to engage with her further.

---

*In the meantime, a maid entered with a tray of blood, a glass cup in hand. She noticed Lena on the bed immediately, her eyes widening with shock. The maid quickly bowed, her face turning pale.*

"My lord," she stammered, avoiding Lina's gaze. She placed the glass of blood on the bedside table before hurrying out of the room, whispering to herself.

"What is going on?" she murmured as she rushed to inform the other maids. "Did the Night King... did he bring a human to his chambers? What are they doing in there?"

---

As the Night King returned from his bath, dressed in only a simple shirt and boxer, he barely noticed the maid's departure. His mind was still preoccupied with Lena, who was sprawled out lazily on his bed.

She raised an eyebrow when she saw him enter. "Aren't you going to put on your cloak? It's your usual style, right? I thought you'd sleep with it on," she teased, clearly enjoying the sight of him without his usual imposing cloak.

He merely gave a small, dismissive shrug. "I'll wear it when I see fit."

He poured the blood into the glass, watching the deep red liquid swirl. The scent filled the room, making his fangs sharpen involuntarily.

Lena was watching him carefully, an odd glint in her eyes. "You know, I'm still curious about something," she began. "Why do you need blood? I get it—it's part of being a vampire, right? But... what's it really like? To never eat, to never feel hunger the way humans do?"

The Night King didn't answer right away. Instead, he took a long sip of the blood, his gaze never leaving her face. He could feel the tension in the room, the unspoken words between them.

"I don't need sleep," he finally said, his voice low and steady. "Vampires don't sleep, at least not the way humans do. Only once in a while... and even then, it's not necessary for me. Especially not now."

Lena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, you never sleep? Not even a little nap?"

"No," the Night King replied, his voice growing colder. "Not at all. I have no use for it. Unlike you, I don't require rest."

Lena rolled her eyes. "Fine, whatever. But you can't tell me you're always this... 'untouched.' No one can go on forever without any kind of release."

She yawned dramatically and stretched, clearly teasing him. "Well, I'll be asleep in a minute. Don't bother me."

The Night King sat in the chair by the window, still sipping his blood, his mind working overtime. *Who is she really?*

As he watched her lie down in his bed, curling under the covers with a contented sigh, the question lingered in his mind. This human was more than just a pawn—she was a force of nature. And her presence here, in his room, in his life, was something he hadn't anticipated.

As he turned to leave, the Night King paused.

Something pulled him back—something about her presence, her warmth in his cold world.

Without a word, he walked to the bed and slid under the covers beside her.

Lena blinked, startled. "You're… sleeping?"

"I don't need sleep," he said flatly, turning on his side. "But tonight… maybe I want it."

She turned to him, eyes wide. "Why me? Why did you really bring me here?"

He didn't answer.

"Do I make you nervous, Your Majesty?" she teased softly.

"Shut up and sleep, Lena."

She grinned, her voice low and playful. "Yes, Daddy."

He froze. Turned his head slowly. Looked at her.

And for the first time in centuries… the Night King almost smiled.