The Third Prince Of Elyria
The estate of the Prime Minister of Elyria was more of a castle than an estate. The buildings were tall, with strong walls and ornate designs that screamed of the Prime Minister’s wealth, power, and influence.
Artificial flowers adorned the sides of the estate, and fake petals were on the pathway that the horses and carriages walked on.
Elora’s mouth was agape in awe even as the carriage finally came to a stop. She looked out of the window of the carriage, her wide starstruck eyes scanning through every detail of the estate.
If she’d thought the imperial castle was pretty, she didn’t know what to describe the Prime Minister’s. The windows were made of gold… she was certain they must’ve cost a fortune. Was the prime minister perhaps wealthier than the royals?
Her attention was cut off when the door of the carriage opened from outside. She watched as Rafael stepped down and extended his palm for her to take. Slowly, she gathered her dress in one hand and the other, she placed it on Rafael’s and let him help her down.
She couldn’t help her eyes from staring around, at the hundreds of expensive custom carriages made of polished wood, gold, rubies, and a few… skulls.
Her gaze trailed from the carriages to the people who stepped out of them next. Goodness, she wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to the beauty and serendipity of vampires. The women were dressed in stunning colorful ball gowns and corsets so tight she wondered if they could breathe while the men wore coats.
The sound of soft music echoed through the estate as the men and women walked hand in hand into the ballroom.
Elora jerked when she suddenly felt something pinned to her dress.
“Wh…what?” She looked downward to see a scent pouch nestled on the hem of her corset on her waist.
“It is a scent pouch,” Rafael informed.
“A scent pouch?” She touched the soft material of the pouch.
“It would keep you protected and blended in. You do not have to be scared about being in the midst of vampires.”
Her head bobbed up and down in understanding. “Ahh.”
“Make sure it doesn’t fall off.”
After his order, he clasped her hands in his and began to lead her into the ballroom. As they stepped into the magnificent hall, dread suddenly crept into her skin, her eyes scanning through the hall. She was the only human in the midst of tons of vampires and unconsciously, her hands curled around his arms, and she drew closer to him. She didn’t know why but she felt only safer with him around her.
“Don’t be scared,” she heard him whisper, as if he could sense her growing trepidation. “I’m here. They can’t hurt you.”
Somehow, she felt relieved by his words.
“Look who is at a birthday celebration.” A voice rang from behind. Rafael’s stride came to a stop. A chuckle resounded before the voice continued. “How fortunate we are for you to grace us with your presence at a birthday party, second brother.”
Elora turned her head to see the owner of the unfamiliar voice.
The man before them had a striking resemblance to her husband. He was almost as tall as Rafael. His hair was dark and full, his eyes a shade of red that shone brightly as his lips curled into a smile. He had his hands dipped into the pockets of his luxurious-looking brown coat.
“Ahh, so you’re the… Princess of Yvlies?” The man’s eyes looked her over from her head downward to the tip of her covered toes. “Princess Elora?” He laughed. “Splendid. By the way, I’m Soren Thronewood, the third prince of Elyria.”
He extended his palm out for a handshake.
Her eyes slightly expanded. The third prince of Elyria. It was the first time that she’d met him. Glancing at his outstretched hand for a short second, she extended hers but just before her palm met with his, it was suddenly snatched by Rafael and she was pulled backward by him.
“Prince Soren,” Rafael murmured.
“Ahh.” The third Prince glanced at their locked palm and let out a chuckle. He brushed his forefinger over the bottom of his nose and continued. “Posessive of this one, are we? I meant no harm.”
“And since when did you start coming out of your hellhole?”
“Hellhole? My bedchambers, you mean?” He threw his head backward and laughed. “You’re quite funny on this one. No one would ignore an invitation from the Prime Minister. Now, I’m glad I came. I get to see the famous Princess of Yvlies.” His eyes skimmed to the side, staring intently at Elora as if trying to see through her, to read her mind and her every thought.
She clutched Rafael’s hands tighter and forced herself not to look away. From the little information that she’d managed to gather from the servants about the third prince, his personality was between Rafael’s and the Crown Prince's. He was like a mixture of them both. Brenda had once explained that the prince delights in being alone in his bedchambers and going through history books. She’d gathered that he didn’t have a close relationship with Rafael, nor were they enemies. Although they speculated that he might be on the crown prince’s side since they were born of the same mother.
“I have heard a lot about you, My Lady.”
“My pleasure, your highness.” She gave a tiny bow.
“The royal family just faced a major loss. I do find it a bit odd for the prime minister to hold a ceremony,” the third prince spoke. “I find it utterly suspicious. Right, brother?”
She expected him to agree but the next words that he spoke left her stunned. “I do not. Why don’t you enjoy the party and let sleeping dogs lie?”
She was about to dwell more on his words and the exchange with his brother when her eyes caught sight of something or perhaps someone from the side.