CHAPTER 58

**SOPHIA**

"I... I’m not feeling well. May I return to my room, Your Majesty?", I murmur, blinking quickly, trying not to show weakness.

He stares at me, visibly confused by the request.

His eyes, so intense and fixed on me, seem to probe my soul, as if he’s trying to decipher my thoughts.

The pressure of his gaze makes me tremble even more.

I try to keep my head held high, but it’s impossible to ignore the weight of that silent exchange between us.

"I want you to dance with me.", he says, his voice deep, like an order I cannot refuse.

The request scares me, not because of the gesture, but because of what it means.

Refusing the king right after his coronation would be a fatal mistake. Something in his voice leaves no room for denial.

"Yes, Your Majesty.", I respond in a weak murmur, bowing slightly, resigned to my fate.

As he rises from the throne with an almost supernatural grace, I feel all eyes in the hall turn toward us.

The hall, which had been filled with whispers and murmurs, now seems to hold its breath.

His hand touches mine, firm but not aggressive, and a shiver runs down my spine.

I try to maintain control, but his touch always provokes conflicting reactions within me.

I grip my dress tightly, almost as if it could anchor me, while the crowd moves aside, making space for the dance.

The music starts softly, with a slow rhythm that seems to sync with the rapid beating of my heart.

My eyes wander around the hall, searching for an escape, but then I find my mother’s gaze, hidden among the crowd.

My chest tightens. Does she understand how trapped I feel here, beside him?

He places his hand on my waist, pulling me gently closer.

His body touches mine in a way that makes every inch between us feel smaller.

I place my other hand on his shoulder, trying not to falter, as his red cape slides across the floor, creating an intense contrast with the dark surroundings.

"You look like you're going to run at any moment, Sophia. Relax...", he whispers, his voice so close that I can feel the warmth of his breath on my neck.

My body tenses, but I try to follow the steps of the dance, even though every movement makes me feel more vulnerable.

As he guides me, I feel the weight of the power he exerts, not just physically, but emotionally. He spins me, making me turn my back to him. His hands rest firmly on my waist, and I raise my arms, following the motion, but I can't help looking back. His lips are dangerously close to my neck.

"Is this what's making you feel this way?", he murmurs, his voice loaded with a provocative tone.

"And other things...", I respond without thinking, feeling the blood pulse in my temples. I know it's the truth.

"I'm not going to kill you, Sophia. But I could do other things...", his tone is insinuating, which leaves me even more confused.

I frown, trying to understand what he means.

"What...?", I ask, my voice trembling, as he spins me again, making our eyes meet once more.

"I think this isn't the right place to talk about it."

He smiles, but not cruelly. It surprises me. Something inside me wants me to trust him, but I know I can't allow myself such vulnerability. Not now.

My mind spins along with the smooth movements of the dance. I try to find the courage to make the request I've been holding onto since the beginning of the ceremony.

"I... I would like to ask for something, Your Majesty...", my words almost get lost in the music and murmurs around us.

"Tell me.", his voice remains calm, but his eyes narrow with curiosity.

"My mother. She's here, and I... I would like to spend some time with her. Please. I promise I won't run away, I won't try anything. Just... let me see her.", I whisper, feeling the tears gather in my eyes.

For a moment, I'm sure he's going to deny me. The silence between us stretches on, and I feel my heart tighten.

But to my surprise, he nods.

"I can do that, but I also want something in return.", he responds calmly, and before I can feel relief, he adds.

The tension returns to me. I hold my breath, expecting something cruel or indecent, but what he says next leaves me speechless.

"I want you to read with me in the library every morning."

I blink, incredulous, unsure how to react.

"God, why are you looking at me like that, as if I said something profane?", he seems amused by my shocked expression.

"I... I'm just surprised.", I admit, still processing his words.

"Why? Because I'm always cruel?", he lets out a short laugh.

"Don't forget, Sophia, that I'm still a vampire. And you, my blood donor. That means I can have you whenever and wherever I want. But don't worry. I promise to keep my teeth away from your pretty neck during our reading lessons.", he leans in to whisper in my ear again.

I bite my lip, feeling a timid relief.

He spins me one last time, and despite the weight I still carry, the hope of seeing my mother brings some comfort.

 I continue dancing with the king, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on us.

His movements are firm and graceful, and despite the soft music, I feel my body tense with every step. His red eyes, so penetrating, are fixed on me in a way that makes my skin crawl. I can barely keep my focus; his presence is overwhelming.

"Why are you looking at me like that?", I whisper, forgetting for a moment to address him as Majesty.

The silence between us feels as thick as the surrounding air, and the curious stares of the court do nothing to ease the tension.