Luana felt something sharp and heavy hit her hand. She lost balance and the sword fell from her hand causing her to crouch to waist level. The whole recruits murmured while some laughed inwardly.

Although she knew no one among the kids could dare throw the rock at her, she also noticed the stone had come from an angle behind her. Looking back, she wasn't wrong and her heart skipped a beat.

The sound of rushing feet and horseshoes hit her eardrums but none was eye-catching as the beautiful woman that Zeidan carried on his horse. She didn't think twice before knowing that was the girl they both planned to use. But something was off. This wasn't the description he had given or heard about the rejected Princess of the Alpha Styx.

Screaming as she rode on the horse, with the wind blowing her golden hair, Lyne held a couple of stones, one of which she threw at her. What a nice shot. Luana thought. But Zeidan should be paying attention to her.

When their horse reached where she stood in front of the recruits, she crouched down in pain, pretending her stomach where she had been stabbed was hurting.

"Ouch!" She cried in pain as Zeidan climbed down the horse, carrying Lyne as well.

She could see him walk up to her in majestic strides. 

"What is this for, Luana?" His voice was unusually chiding and hard. This wasn't how he left home.

She looked up and glanced at Lyne with a cold gaze, wondering what she has fed him with.

"Did she do this to you?" She asked referring to Lyne who walked up to them, locking her arm immediately with Zeidan which he took gracefully.

"Do what? I am asking you a question, Luana. Why are you recruiting kids into the army?" 

"I thought you should be impressed with my attempt to help you. What the hell happened to you, Zeidan?" She inquired.

But instead, he yanked the tiara off her head. 

"What has come over you, Luana? You even took one of our most precious treasures when you're not even a Queen yet!" Much as Zeidan tried talking to her politely, he still felt like he couldn't control his anger.

"What do you mean? We were running short on vampire soldiers. You refused to reply to my letters and I decided to take things up by myself. Is this how you thought it best to repay me?"  

Luana froze, her eyes widening and locking on his. She felt shocked and embarrassed as the kids giggled. As she felt a burning tear in her eyes, she pretended her stomach was hurting again so she could blame her tears on the pain.

"Hey." Zeidan wanted to hold her but Lyne held him back as Wikh stepped past him and grasped Luana's elbow.

"I've got this." The tall man said to Zeidan before turning towards her room.

"You're welcome, Princess Lyne." A rich warm female voice called and looking back, Lyne saw a woman dressed in a fighting gear, probably in her mid-thirties.

"Yes, Lyne. Meet Chloe. One of our best fighters and best female archer in Vampire city." Zeidan introduced as Chloe extended a hand which she took to shake.

"Hi, Chloe." She smiled wryly at the woman whose eyes looked like they could see through her. There was this warmth about her that could make anyone trust her at first glance. 

"And how is everyone back home?" Chloe asked, her smile still in place.

"Everyone is...they're good."

"Um..." Zeidan cleared his throat to stop the discussion as he noticed how uncomfortable Lyne was feeling.

Deep inside, Lyne wondered why Chloe was asking about her people. 

Another man huge, and bald with emerald green eyes climbed the podium and dismissed the young boys. As they dispersed, Lyne could see the relief in Zeidan's eyes. He must really care for his people. If nothing else was evidence that she had found her missing ribs, this should be counted as one.

As they both moved into the huge beautiful palace, she couldn't hold back her gasp at the wealthy outlook. The golden chandeliers, the golden case, the diamond-crafted artworks. Vampire city is indeed the city of the rich. Not like back home, their clans are not rich. In fact, the Werewolves are considered wealthy but in terms of war and other basic needs. Vampire city is known to be home to thousands of natural resources.

Moments later, he led her to a big room where a king-sized bed lean against the wall and all over the floor, an expensive-looking black soft rug stood in the middle. She unstrapped her shoes and jumped on the rug barefoot to feel the material under her feet. She felt free not just because of the wealth she would likely enjoy here but of the fact that there will be no more siblings to annoy her or wake her up earlier than normal so she can make them breakfast. This was the life she has always dreamed of. 

Lyne jumped on the soft bed, squealing and glancing at the entrance, she could see Zeidan looking at her amused. She stood up quickly.

"I'm sorry. That wasn't queenly of me, I guess." She bit her lips but Zeidan only went to sit beside her and tucked hair behind her ear.

"No. It makes you look more like my little bride." She smiled and he gave her a brief kiss on the lips. Her heart fluttered at the kind of love this man showered on her. 

Together they lay on the bed, staring at each other's eyes until they heard a voice.

"Zeidan?" It was Luana. 

Lyne rolled her eyes as Zeidan rose to meet her. 

"You didn't even bother to check up on me. Have you forgotten the whole plan?" 

"Aren't you supposed to be taking care of your wound?" He asked.

"You're right but now when we have lots of important things to do." For a split second, her eyes met Lyne's and she could see the defiance and confidence in this woman. Little wonder she overheard Zeidan say he preferred Luana as the Queen. She sighed, relieved as she thought that would no longer be possible as they are now married.

Lyne sat up to get a glimpse of what is going on but Zeidan grabbed Luana's arm and pulled her out of the room, leaving her alone again. She sighed and decided to have her bath, her head feeling free of problems.

She stared at a long mirror resting by the side of the room at her reflection. She looked happy and different, she could see. What was happening to her? She touched her red lips where Zeidan had just kissed and wondered if this is what it's like to love someone. She chuckled to herself and smiled broadly.

She seriously hoped he wouldn't change towards her now that he has gotten what he wanted, but with what she was seeing, he would not.

Looking at her by the window, Chloe smiled and nodded as well in approval. 

"My God, she is indeed beautiful," Chloe said to herself watching Lyne from the window.