Chapter 41 My Queen
Ella woke up to a bright sunny morning. She looked at the round clock that hung on the wall across the room and groaned. She had overslept, but it was worth it, this was the most peaceful night she’d had in a long time. Ever since the day she was humiliated, rejected, and scorned, Ella hadn’t experienced such restful sleep until last night. It felt like the long embrace she shared in the garden with Valen had soothed something deep inside her she hadn’t even realized was aching.
She couldn’t stop the smile that crept onto her face as she remembered the night before.
What an irony.
Valen hadn’t rejected her. Though they hadn’t spoken about their mate bond, his actions made it clear he wasn’t planning to reject her either. He seemed just as drawn to her as she was to him. Unlike Derek, Valen hadn’t taken advantage of their bond.
A jolt of anger and regret shot through Ella as she remembered her humiliating experience with Derek. She quickly brushes it off as her mind drifts back to Valen.
She had noticed a lot had changed since when she shook his hands, though she doesn't understand what happened but she was glad whatever happened did. Valen had changed her room to the same floor as his, this is a whole lot bigger and cozier than the former.
Ella took a moment to admire the space around her. She glanced around the room. It was beautiful, far more luxurious than the one she had stayed in before. The walls were painted a soft cream color, and the wooden floor was covered with a plush beige rug. The centerpiece of the room was a large four-poster bed with sheer white curtains that gave it a dreamy feel. There was a seating area near the floor-to-ceiling windows that led to a private balcony overlooking the lush garden.
She hadn’t noticed any of this last night, too tired to do anything but fall into bed as soon as Dorian escorted her in. Now, as she took it all in, she realized how peaceful and inviting it was.
After washing up, Ella decided to explore, Valen had told her she was free to move around, that she wasn't a prisoner, but she knew it wasn't entirely true because she isnt allowed to leave this place. She felt thirsty and figured the kitchen wasn’t too far. Wandering through the manor, she admired its grandeur. The long hallways were lined with intricate woodwork, and sunlight poured in through tall windows, giving the house a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
When she reached the kitchen, she poured herself a glass of water and leaned against the counter, enjoying the silence.
“My Queen”.
Ella spun around, startled. Standing in the doorway was a young woman with vibrant green eyes and auburn hair that tumbled in loose waves over her shoulders. She had a radiant smile that lit up her face and a friendly air about her. It was obvious she's a vampire because she possesses that hypnotic and alluring aura that characterized all vampires.
“What did you just call me?” Ella asked confused.
“My Queen”. The lady responded as she got closer to Ella. “You are the soul mate of my brother who happens to be the Vampire Lord and that makes you “My Queen”. She concluded smiling.
“You're Valen sister?” Ella asked amused at the sweet soul before her.
“Yes I am, I live in the room over there with my soulmate Dorian” she said excitedly pointing at the room at the left corner of the hall.
“Dorian?” Ella’s brow furrowed. “Valen’s second-in-command?”
“Yes” She replied “I guess you have met him, I'm so sorry on his behalf for every inconveniences he might have caused you, he didn't know who you were, he was just following my brother's order as usual”.
Ella raised a brow watching her defend her mate so righteously she couldn't help but smile. “So I should blame your brother then?” Ella teased making the lady pause.
“Uhm not really, you can't entirely blame him, Valen is a very great guy, you will get to know him for yourself”. She smiled.
Ella chuckled softly. “I see. So, uh…?”
“Forgive my manners, I'm Scottie” Scottie said extending her hands for a handshake.
“I'm Ella, it's nice meeting you scottie”. Ella shook her hands smiling.
“It's great to know my brother finally met his mate. It wasn't expected, it's good to have another female here, this place has been so lonely and so has my brother ever since Lydia passed away”. She said sadly
“Lydia? Who's Lydia?”. Ella asked
“She's…..”
“Scottie”.
The thunderous voice made both women turn. Valen stood at the doorway, his expression hard to read, making Scottie swallow the rest of her words.
Shaking like someone who had been caught stealing, she turned and smiled at her brother.
“Valen, I was just getting along with Ella “.
“I see”. He said giving her an icy look, raising his brows as a signal for her to excuse them.
Catching on the signal, she gave her brother a sheepish smile before turning back to Ella. “Ella, I just remembered I have an appointment with someone, I will see you later”. She smiled as she turns and walks away winking at her brother.
Ella didn’t miss the silent exchange between the siblings. Watching them reminded her of her strained relationship with her stepsister, Sandra. She wished things could have been different.
“Are you okay?” Valen's deep voice drew her back to reality.
“Uhm yes I am”. Ella replied, feeling that heat again from his closeness.
“I see you and your sister have a very sweet relationship “. Ella remarked.
Valen chuckled, “Yes she had been like that since my parents rescued her during the war”.
“Rescued her?” Ella asked curiously.
“Yes. She was just a little girl then. My parents found her wandering alone after her village was destroyed. They took her in, and she’s been part of the family ever since.”
Ella nodded, admiring the bond they shared. They aren't even related, still their relationship is this tight.
“Hope she didn't scare or burden you?”.Valen asked, his tone light.
Ella chuckled, “I'm not someone to easily scare off and besides she's the sweetest soul”
“Ahh! Sweet soul indeed, wait till you see her angry. Valen said with a smirk
Ella grinned. “Everyone’s a little different when they’re angry. I bet you’re not an exception either.”
Before Valen could respond, Dorian entered the room, bowing respectfully. “My Lord, we have an emergency.”
“What is it?” Valen asked, as he tried to mask his irritation at being interrupted.
Dorian gave a brief look at Ella and then walked towards Valen whispering something into his ears.
Ella watched as Valen’s expression darkened. His entire demeanor shifted, and she could sense the tension. Whatever Dorian had said was serious.
Valen didn't want to leave yet, but the news Dorian brought just now needed his attention.
Valen turned back to Ella. “ I have got something to take care of, I will be back soon”.
Ella nodded, watching him leave with Dorian. Unease crept over her. What could have happened to make him so tense?
A man knelt before a tall, imposing woman. She had sharp features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see through him. Her long black hair fell in waves down her back, and she wore a dark cloak that gave her an air of authority.
“Luna, I heard she has been captured by the vampires, so she won't be returning to the south anytime soon”.
“Which clan?”.
“Lord Valen of the Eastern Clan”
“Interesting” she replied with a smirk on her lips.
“This is getting more interesting. I will handle it from here”.
“Yes Luna”. The rogue bowed and left
She stood up as she strode around the room, her lips curling into a sinister smile. She had used rogues to avoid anything being traced back to her, but now it seems the moon goddess has given her a better opportunity to actualize her plans.
“You won't know what's coming your way Ella, you should have just died 5 years ago. Now, you’ll wish you had.”