Chapter 6
Selena woke up earlier than everyone else in the mansion, after tossing and turning all night from extreme excitement. Her heart brimmed with joy. Today was finally the day — the day her princes would choose their brides.
She had counted the ceiling of her room most of the night, while her dear husband slept peacefully, as serene as a baby.
Preparations for the welcoming event of the princesses — the potential brides — had started early. There was so much to do: cooking sumptuous food, cleaning every corner until it sparkled like stars, decorating the palace to dazzle and intimidate the guests with its grandeur. Selena was determined to impress the princesses, to show them the full power and splendor of the royal house.
The royal palace now stood magnificently decorated, its beauty overshadowing even the grandest palaces known to the realm. Its blinding display of royalty and overwhelming elegance was truly a sight to behold. Queen Selena's happiness was infectious — as she gently touched a flower on the wall, it glowed and blossomed. Such is the heart of a mother when her princes fulfill her will. Even the roses and lilies seemed enchanted, unable to resist her radiant joy.
Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Abyaaz and Kayden were together in their secret hideout — a place unknown even to the king himself. The princes discovered this hidden refuge years ago during a game of hide-and-seek, fueled by their boundless curiosity and love for adventure.
Their secret spot lay on the outskirts of the palace grounds, near an abandoned wing that had been sealed off for centuries and was strictly forbidden.
Abyaaz's insatiable curiosity and Kayden's unshakable faith in his brother's decisions led them to explore this forsaken part of the Palace. The abandoned palace was every bit as magnificent as the new one, but with vines and twisted branches strangling its stone walls, hiding its once-glorious essence.
No sane person would dare step foot inside that decaying relic — but the princes were no ordinary vampires.
"Should we just run to the Other World and come back tonight?" Kayden asked his brother in a voice as soft as a whisper. "Perhaps Mother will forgive us." He stared at Abyaaz, hoping for an answer.
Abyaaz didn't bother lifting his head from between his knees as he replied, "Let's go. Mother will be waiting." He dusted his palm against his gray pants and stood up. "We have to run — we're already late."
Kayden scowled but stood up too. He knew exactly what his brother would say to his idea, but he had proposed it anyway. Everyone in the palace knew how much Abyaaz loved their mother — rumors said he would rather be sad himself than see her sad. Kayden loved her too, but sometimes wondered if their love would ever be enough.
Without another word, the brothers ran through the forest between their hideout and the palace, leaving only the swooshing leaves in their wake.
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The screeching sound of tires broke the quiet as about a dozen cars approached the palace. Judging by the style and condition of the vehicles, no one doubted the princesses had arrived.
The first car pulled up smoothly — a display of a seasoned and professional driver's skill. As the guards opened the door, the princess didn't wait to be escorted out. Her feet were already on the ground, and she was out in an instant.
Her leather boots matched the deep marine blue of her dress. The harsh clinking of the soles echoed across the floor as she strode toward the entrance with a dancer's grace.
Her posture radiated elegance and confidence; her excitement was so vivid, it shimmered like a translucent veil around her.
The doors swung open to reveal Queen Selena, waiting with her maids to welcome the guests.
Selena was dressed as a queen should be — her gown embroidered with linked crowns interwoven with the family crest. The crowns glittered, glowing a bright gold against delicate orchids wrapping the fabric. It was clear that the queen's famous tailors had crafted the dress from scratch — their skill were truly unmatched in the kingdom.
"Princess Cecil, I'm so glad you arrived safely," Selena said warmly, stepping forward to take the princess's hands.
Princess Cecil bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Come in," Selena smiled, and Cecil returned an even bigger smile.
The queen subtly studied her guest, appraising every detail — her height, which rivaled the queen's own; the way her lips curved into a smile that bordered on a smirk.
Princess Cecil was undeniably beautiful — especially after the careful preparations for today. Her maids had plaited her blonde hair with delicate flowers woven throughout, completing a look of poised sophistication.
Her eyes were the most arresting thing about her face — bright gold, hidden within layers of stormy gray. They didn't just look at you; they reached in, read you, and whispered truths you didn't know you carried.
So many men had fallen in love with her because of those eyes, not just for their beauty, but for how they made you feel seen — exposed and cherished all at once. In Zone 1, she was as infamous for her beauty as she was for her power. The only daughter of the notorious Lord of Zone 1, she was respected, adored… and feared.
The vampire kingdom was divided into four zones, and princesses from each had been summoned.
The ballroom had been transformed into a vast but warm guest room. Plush armchairs and velvet sofas formed circles, striking a delicate balance between coziness and protocol. Gilded trolleys rolled in, bearing silver trays of delicacies and exotic snacks.
The princesses were already seated, some upright in practiced grace, others curled into their seats with aristocratic ease. Queen Selena sat regally at the head of the main circle, her poise unshaken by the light murmuring and whispers that reached her ears.
"I heard Prince Abyaaz's nickname is the Ice Prince," a voice whispered near the queen's left.
"No," another chimed in, "I heard it was Prince Kayden. People say he's the most handsome — that his eyes are deeper than an abyss." Princess Alice's eyes sparkled, dreamy and faraway. It was clear she had already chosen her favorite.
"I'm just here because of my parents," the third princess, Zanabana, said flatly, her voice carrying a frost of indifference. "I have no interest in either of them."
From behind her teacup, Selena noticed Alice shoot a glare at Zanabana's lack of enthusiasm. The queen smiled into her porcelain cup, her fingers tapping lightly against the base.
This is going to be a very interesting day, she mused. So many personalities in one room — fire and frost, silk and steel. But most of all, she was curious: Which one would catch the eye of her sons?
Princess Cecil, meanwhile, was quickly losing patience. The incessant giggling, idle gossip, and whispered affections grated on her nerves. Is this how nobility behaves in front of the queen? She thought, appalled.
She tapped her heel — sharply — against the marble floor, hoping the sound might silence the babble.
Instead, Amanda, one of the princesses across from her, lifted a brow. "Cecil, are you having foot cramps?" she asked with mock concern, her voice sugared with subtle malice.
Cecil set her teacup down and brought her fingers to her temple, suppressing the sigh already forming.
"No, Amanda. I'm fine," she said, her tone clipped and calm. "Thank you for your concern."
The queen, noting the tension — and Cecil's tightly reined frustration — gracefully intervened.
"Alright, my dear. Enough chit-chatting. The princes are well on their way. Before they arrive, I take it you already know—or rather, have heard about them—before agreeing to this trial?"
They all nodded in agreement.
As if on cue with the mention of their names, the princes entered the ballroom — Abyaaz in front and Kayden closely behind. They walked with almost the same stride, taking gracious, mighty leaps.
Selene smiled — as wide and bright as a smile could be — as she looked at her sons: her pride, her everything. Her eyes shone with pride, love, and affection.
All the princesses rose to courtesy to the princes. The princes nodded in response, barely casting a glance at them.
"Mother, where is Father?" Prince Kayden asked as he took a seat to the Queen's right, while Abyaaz sat to her left.
"He is a bit occupied. We will begin without him, dear. Alright, princesses, come forward and introduce yourselves to the princes. Starting from you, Princess Cecil."
Cecil squeezed her toes inside her boots, gathering courage. She stood, walking steadily to the front of the royals. The gold in her eyes gleamed as she smiled.
"My name is Cecilia Pavard, daughter of Lord Pavard of Zone 1, northern region of the kingdom. I'm an only child, and I enjoy playing the piano, embroidering silks, and disciplining—when necessary. I'm grateful for the honor of meeting Your Highnesses and participating in this."
Her speech earned her a smile from Kayden and a clap from the audience.
"Princess Alice, it's your turn."
Alice's heart was racing with desire. She could barely stand on her feet and couldn't look at the royals—especially Prince Kayden. She had always had a crush on him ever since she saw him in their zone.
"My name is Alice Zlovik, first daughter of the Lord of Zone 4, southern region of the kingdom. I enjoy riding horses, embroidery, reading books, and baking. I appreciate the honor of the invite from Your Majesties."
She bowed and turned to return to her seat but a gasped escaped her lips as she suddenly found herself falling freely with the winds as the only thing she could grasp.