Chapter 60
I whimpered intensely, my muscles screaming in pain as I attempted to move, the agony that shot through my body appearing to advise me against movement. I blinked against the harsh light, my eyes burning as they began to adjust to the change, fighting to focus. Breathing shallowly, I felt the comfort that came with silk sheets, my small frame encased in layers of sheets. I hesitantly opened my eyes, failing to anticipate the movement that erupted beside me as I groaned; coughing lightly. I snapped my head to the side, realising that I was in my bed chamber, the immortal king perched on the end of a chair beside my bed. His lifeless white eyes watching me in a predatory hunger as he tilted his head to the side, causing my pulse to increase with each breath I forced from my lungs; terror plaguing my mind. Attempting to remember back to the night before, I struggled to shuffle away from the immortal, wincing when a deep pain exploded through my legs.
“I wouldn’t move your legs if you wish to avoid pain, little girl. Both your ankles are broken and will take a few weeks to heal.” Mortem stated harshly, leaning forward in his seat.
I recoiled back, my eyes widening in horror as I remembered what the immortal being had done to me, the large stone slabs playing across my memory like a brutal game. Turning away from him in fear, I gazed down at myself, frowning when I realised I was no longer wearing the pale blue corset or gown. Instead, I wore a silky black night dress, the sweetheart neckline partially showing my breasts. I tugged the blanket closer to my chest, a bright blush rising in my cheeks as I turned back to look at my captor, his eyes shifting along my bear arms. I winced slightly when I tightened my grip on thesheet, a sharp pain slivering down my arm. Glancing down at my wrists, I noticed that they were heavily bandaged and swollen; my fingers darkening to a deep purple.
“Yes, your wrists are also broken. It may be wise to remain in your quarters until you have regained full strength.” The vampire king muttered, glaring at me with lifeless eyes.
I thought for a moment, contemplating what I could say in response; knowing that if I remained silent, he would be unpleased and perhaps violent. I turned to stare at the immortal tyrant, my heart thumping against my ribcage as I spoke; my voice harsh and croaky. “Yes, you’re Highness.”
“Very well.” He bobbed his head, carefully rising to his feet before he continued; his tone gravelly and low. “Now, what about the information, Sanctus?”
“I...” I stuttered fearfully, my heart screaming at me to say nothing to betray what family I had left; whilst my mind pleaded for me to be logical, to tell him what he wished to know. I turned to look down at the dark sheets, my tone soft and unsure. “Please don’t make me betray my grandfather, your Highness.”
“You must obey everything I command, no matter the consequences.” Mortem snapped; his tone mixing with an animalistic snarl. He glared at me, taking a calming breath before he continued. “Now, tell me everything.”
My shoulders deflated as I turned to look up at the immortal being, unsure whether I would be able to endure the tortures that he would inflict upon me if I continued to ignore his commands. “There are secret tunnels that lead into the heart of the city from various points around the borders, allowing people to enter and leave unnoticed; that is how my father and I visited my grandfather.” I informed the creature, tears forming in my eyes as I betrayed the only family I had left, their lives resting in my words. “Some lead directly into the castle, below the throne room.”
“This may prove to be most useful, girl. Although, I do not trust your words; therefore, you shall accompany me and lead me to these tunnels.” The vampire king growled lightly, pacing around the bed as he spoke.
My eyes widened in shock, tears slipping free from my eyes as I spoke; forcing my tone to appear docile and obedient. “Yes, your Highness.”
“You must drink my blood if you wish to recover at a pace that no mortal has the capability for.” The tyrant creature mumbled commandingly, re-taking his seat beside me.
I shook my head, attempting to back away as tears slid down my cheeks. I had promised myself that I would not allow him to force me into consuming more of his immortality, the effects of it wearing on my mind. “No ... I will heal at the natural pace mortals have been given.”
“You will not question my orders. You will either drink at your own wishes, or drink by the force of my hand.” Mortem snarled viciously, shiftidng towards me at an alarming pace.
I squealed, crawling across the bed as he gripped me by the hair, dragging me back towards him as I fought to struggle. “Wait! Stop please!”
“Why should I answer to your wishes? You are under my care.” The tyrant king repeated his vicious snarl, violently tugging me closer towards him.
I whimpered when he pulled my back against his chest, wrapping an arm around my waist. I panted lightly, my tone small and fearful. “Please, if I am under your care then allow me this one request, to heal without the aid of your immortality. I will obey what you command without it.”
“I will not allow you to heal without my aid, you must obey every command I utter. Now, remain still or I may take more than is needed.” The immortal creature muttered, inhaling deeply as he leaned in closer, his breath drifting across the skin on my neck.
I whimpered when he pushed my head to the side, placing me at his mercy. Mortem lightly scraped his razor-like fangs across the delicate skin of my neck, causing me to squirm in fear and discomfort. The immortal creature chuckled, savagely slamming his teeth into my neck as I screamed in agony, struggling against his unmerciful grasp. I clenched my eyes shut as the pain increased, the feeling of having my blood forcefully drained from my small frame barbaric and untamed. Tears exploded from my eyes as I cried out in sorrow, sobbing uncontrollably. The tyrant king pulled away suddenly, my head lolling to the side as I became unable to hold its weight, my eyes blurring. His arm tightened around my waist as he pulled me closer to his chest, biting down on his free arm.