Chapter 26
“There will be no Wedding Ceremony!”
With Edith’s stern reply, Sarah and Mia excused themselves and ran away, weighing the gravity of the situation. Just like Chloe, Freya, and the Royal brothers were dumbstruck at this revelation.
Freya was the first one to retaliate,
“But why, Royal Uncle? Every mated vampire couple has to make their couple official by holding a Ceremony for their friends and family members.”
Edith’s death glare stopped Freya in her tracks, then William proceeded her statement,
“Not to mention Royal Aunt should be introduced to the whole Royal family properly. Her name has to be added to our family lineage and our cousins too. This all could be possible if you agree to a traditional Wedding Ceremony.”
Chloe was resolute on the notion before that the Vampire King was unfair to Jason. William was just a kid in her mind, incapable to handling sensitive issues, but now, he pressed Edith’s right buttons skillfully.
Chloe was stunned, while Edith shook his head at the direct attack on him. William cleverly used his only weakness against him.
“Ceremony can wait. I will discuss it with Allen.”
That’s the Edith’s checkmate to William’s first move, the rest of the meal spent in complete silence.
After dinner, they made silly excuses one after the other, chickening out, but Freya tugged a small piece of paper in her dress. Chloe was troubled with her stealth method, this aroused her interest in the reason behind this particular act. She feigned to be tired too, and they got back to the basement together.
As Freya handed her that message secretly, so Chloe rushed to the only possible place where she could be alone: the bathroom. She turned on the shower and opened the folded paper with a pounding heart, dying with mystery.
“Check your sleeping schedule, Chloe. Ask your wolf to take charge!”
This brief message was a bucket of ice-cold water poured on her, rendering her speechless!
“How do they know that I am facing sleep issues? Is this so obvious from my face?”
Chloe stared at her face for half of the day for any kind of puffiness and swelling, but there was none. On the other hand, Lulu was overzealous for some action.
“I am not feeling drowsy at all, I will keep check on us.”
Perturbed by their cryptic indication, Chloe was all set to deal with her weird illness.
…
“What does it mean that I will never find my beloved, father lord? It’s impossible.”
William was summoned by his parents first thing in the morning and the topic of under consideration fumed him.
“Take my example, son. I never found my fated one. Your mother is my chosen spouse and see, we are happy together.”
The Vampire king, Allen Ellsworth, held his wife’s hand and kissed it affectionately.
William clenched his fists, his gray eyes flashing strands of blood-red.
“Royal Uncle is also a member of the Royal family. He even got a second chance soulmate. Why would I never get one? Besides, it’s the only one year after my adult age Ceremony. I haven’t searched for her properly, can’t you give me sometime?”
With the utmost effort, William lowered his voice in contrary to his flaring anger.
“You are the Crown Prince, William. Only you know about your father lord’s failing health, and how long you want to wait for her? We have given you plenty of time already.”
Queen Selena winded up the tussle between father and son politely.
“William, we have invited all the notable families for brunch. Meet your age fellows and use this chance to bond with them. We are not forcing our choice on you, but you should be responsible for your duties.”
She got up, hinting that the meeting had been ended, William bowed his head in respect and to conceal his frustration.
…
“This is Mona, her father is a diamond merchant in Spain.”
That’s the sixth girl who was introduced to William in thirty minutes. Regardless of the details of the lavish brunch buffet, beautiful girls were chirping like birds in the grand hall. No doubt, all the girls present were enchanting beauties with outstanding background, he has to give this credit to his parents that they did hard work for the next Queen’s selection.
In addition to the glamorous beauties, there was another girl who came with her Lockwood couple as their elder daughter Alohi was also a contestant in “Vampire’s next Queen’s” contest.
Her simple jeans, shirt, and a swami high ponytail aroused his curiosity. William strode towards the corner of the hall, where she was chugging the third glass of expensive wine despite the broad daylight.
He sipped the drink in his hand, savoring the taste while smiling at her audacity to treat the Royal banquet as a nightclub.
“If all the alcohol available has ended, you can take my glass.”
He offered his glass to a dumbfounded Ashley, who wasn’t affected by his approach.
“I have enough, thanks!”
She turned and poured herself another glass. William’s lips spread in a grin, as they drew back to reveal his white teeth.
“I am William and you are?”
He was fairly amused by this girl, whose carefree attitude had intrigued him.
“Ashley.”
She stretched her hand for a handshake, which he reciprocated compassionately.
“Shouldn’t you be with your beloved? What about this fake circus anyway.”
Ashley stuffed her mouth with the whole piece of jam topped mini cheesecake.
“When you are aware that this whole setting is superficial, then why are you participating in it?”
He robbed the last piece of cake from her plate, receiving a death stare.
“You are the one to prepare a show, why not feast on the free Royal meal? You guys are scary in terms of taxation.”
William chuckled at her accusation and she rolled her eyes, bothered by his approach.
“For your information, this is not a show. I am serious about getting married.”
Although William lied casually, but Ashley broke out in a fit of laughter,
“You got to be kidding me, Second Prince. Don’t you dare fool me with your false enthusiasm. If you were that sincere with your beloved, the Vampire Kingdom would have welcomed the next heir to the throne.”
“What are you implying with your accusations?”
He was on guard instantly, as there was a hint of mockery in Ashley’s statement.
“To whom you are fooling, Second Prince. You are hiding a secret, and you know it well.”
She smirked provokingly, her brown eyes bearing a glaze of challenge. William placed her glass on the table and grabbed her arm.
“Please, excuse us!”
He announced his departure and dragged her to the nearest soundproof room.
“You are not what you are pretending to be. Reveal yourself!”
William roared in his King’s tone, glaring at that teenage girl, who was looking way more serious than before.
“Life is not simple even in the luxurious Villa or Castle. Instead, it feels like a golden cage to you. Am I right, Second Prince William Ellsworth?”
Ashley circled him slowly, emphasizing over every single word.
“Who are you? As you know this much about me, I am sure you are aware that I don’t have any mercy for offenders.”
“Me?”
She giggled and crossed her arms on her chest.
“Or more precisely, who is your beloved?”