Only I Can Help You
“Perhaps this is what you’re searching for, Lady Elora?”
Elora swiveled around to find the owner of the voice. Her brows furrowed as her gaze settled on the man before. He stood tall in a deep crimson high collared coat with a wide smile playing on his lips. Her eyes dropped to the plate of chocolate cake in his hand.
‘Finally,’ she screamed inwardly. But she stopped herself just in time before she could snatch the cake out of his grasp and consume it.
She cleared her throat and demanded. “Who are you?”
The man let out a silent chuckle. “Forgive me. I must've startled you. I’m family, I mean no harm, sister in law.” One hand holding the cake, the other settled on his lower back. “I’m the crown prince of this great kingdom, Lucian Thronewood.”
Elora swallowed her gasp and quickly lowered her head in a respectful bow. “Your highness.”
He maintained his smile. “Lucian is just fine.”
“I dare not.”
“I insist, Lady Elora. Here.” He extended the cake. “It’s quite evident that you need this.”
This time, she didn’t relent in receiving the plate of chocolate cake. Its aroma had been assaulting her nose ever since he approached her. “Thank you.” She offered him a smile before pulling her gaze off him to devour the piece of cake. Once she was done, she lifted her head only to find him still before her.
“I’ll have that.” He took the empty plate and handed it to the servant behind him. Afterward, he returned his eyes to her. “It’s your welcome party, Lady Elora. It will be a shame if you dont grace the dance floor. Elyria needs to experience the dance skill of Yvlies. And since the second Prince is absent, it’s only right that I take his place. May I?” He outstretched his palm to her.
She gave it a hard stare. He’d fed her. A dance wouldn’t hurt. Taking off her cloak, she passed it to the waiting servant.
The crown Prince maintained his smile even as he led her to the dance floor and as the crowd parted around them. Baroque style music began. While the crowd watched, he encircled his hand on her waist and drew her closer. Although the prince was friendly and his red eyes weren't piercing her soul, she still couldn’t relax.
“Relax,” he breathed into her ear, as they began to dance. “I’m unlike my brother. I do not hurt women.”
“What…what do you mean?” She said as she looked up at him. She couldn’t help but notice his good looks. With thick black hair, dark red eyes, and a smiley appearance, he had the look that could charm any girl.
The prince’s chuckle was all she received. He circled her slowly, one hand on her waist and the other holding her gloved hand. “You must’ve heard the rumors by now, My Lady, and I’m certain you’re aware that your life is in danger,” After a moment of silence, he spoke.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I’m afraid my brother would harm you just like the others. It would be a shame for a lady like yourself. I must warn you, My Lady. My brother might act harmless at first. But that is just his nature. He murdered his own mother. Your case would be no different.”
Elora’s brows furrowed. “I appreciate it but I can watch over myself.” Her tiny voice slowly rang out.
“I doubt that. I know he’s doing a good job of hiding his real self but it will only be a matter of time.” His grip on her waist tightened and as she gazed up into his eyes, she saw something in them. Hatred, anger, and perhaps bloodlust. His voice cuts through the air again, this time lower and deeper. “He’s married to you against his will and once he’s selected a consort, you’d be discarded.”
“A consort?” Was her new husband thinking of getting a consort?
“Humans and vampires barely have babies. It’s impossible. He’s a cursed monster. Trust me, My Lady. You're only a mere human, You’re unsafe with him.”
She felt her heart begin to pound in her chest so loud, she was certain he could hear it. Was he trying to scare her? Why was he telling her all these things about his brother? They were brothers, right? She knew he might be right about Rafael but… It was suspicious. What was he trying to do?
“Why are you telling me these?” She questioned.
His lips curled into a devilish smile and with a chuckle, he leaned closer to her and whispered. “Because only I can help you!”
She stiffened. Oblivious to her surroundings, she was unaware of the piercing eyes watching their every interaction from afar, nor was she aware of the intent behind the eyes.
At the top of the stairs, three figures stood, gazing down at a particular spot on the dance floor.
“Your highness, I’m certain the Crown Prince speaks toned for a reason. Can you hear their conversation?” Adam wondered out loud.
Draven shot him a glare. “Of course he can. His highness is unlike the rest of us.”
“Your highness,” Adam called for the second time, his eyes on the back of the man before them, staring down at the dance floor.
Rafael stood with his hands crossed behind his back, watching the interaction between his new wife and his brother. He’d listened to their entire conversation. He’d watched the way her legs grew tired, the sloppy movements of her frail body, and the flicker of fear in her eyes each time the Crown Prince spoke. The damn bastard.
His jaws clenched with each second that passed. She shone brightest in the middle of the ballroom, her red hair dancing with every move of her body.
“Your highness, I think Lady Elora is The Gifted one,” Adam stepped to stand behind him and whispered. “It’s been snowing since she arrived.”
“I doubt it would be a mere human like her,” Draven disagreed.
“She’s quite the beauty though.”
Rafael let out a sigh and gently scratched his forehead with a finger. “Just how stupid could you both be?”
“Adam possesses the most stupidity between us. Where was he when he was supposed to make sure the princess didn’t come to the castle?”
“I was just saying,” Adam blabbered on. “By the way, the human princess is a beauty and Prince Lucian is quite handsome and more friendly than his highness. It would be a shame if she takes a liking to the crown…. Your Highness.” He sucked in a sharp breath.
“Where did he go?”
Both men gazed at the spot where Rafael had stood barely a second ago. He was nowhere.
They both looked down at the ballroom only to find the eyes of the human princess on them. Immediately, they hid behind a pillar.
“She saw us,” Draven said in disbelief. They’d seen her eyes on them. It was clear as day.
“But that’s impossible. No one is supposed to see us.” Especially not a mere human like her. No one should be able to break through the spell.