Trigger warnings: Non-consent, abduction, public humiliation, death, blood and blood drinking (I mean...they're vampires), degradation, and sexual harassment (including not between MCs)

Note: This story, including all names and people, is entirely fictional and not based on any real life experiences or events.

If you like this story and want to read more, you can find a list of all my stories here!💜 You can also find a list of the parts of this story whenever they are published.🥰

If you want to read the prologue, you can do so here, but it's not required.

---

One week earlier

The sun beats down on my face, and I sigh contently, feeling refreshed and warm. It rarely gets this sunny during winter, so I’m enjoying it as much as I can as we take a quick break by the side of the road to feed the horses.

They neigh happily as they get fed and take a quick break. Far off in the distance, I swear I can hear wolves howling, but it might also just be the wind. In any case, I know I’m safe here.

“Aren’t you cold?” Simon, my personal bodyguard asks. He’s been my personal bodyguard for years, ever since I was sixteen, so he doesn’t hesitate to talk to me like a normal person, thankfully. Everyone else insists on using my formal titles, but not him.

Sometimes I think he might be my only friend. I’d never tell him that, though. Even the gods themselves would blanch at a princess expressing loneliness in any way.

“No,” I reply, shaking my head. I’m wearing a heavy blue coat over my matching gown. If anything, I’m too warm.

I look at Simon as he smiles his acknowledgement. He’s a handsome young man, being only twenty-five years old, which is impressively young for a royal bodyguard. His dirty blonde hair blows in the cool wind, making him briefly close his pretty blue eyes.

I’ve always been a little attracted to him, even though it could never work with us. Tell that to my heart, though.

He folds his hands at his front, leaning back against our carriage. “How do you feel?” he asks. It’s the fifth time he’s asked since we left, and I’ve always given him the same answer.

“Fine,” I lie. I’m not fine at all. I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous before.

We’re on our way to Baronis, a distant and prosperous kingdom. I only found out a few days ago that my mother, the queen, has been communicating with their king, Julian, to set up a potential alliance against the growing threat of vampires to the north. Once they reached an agreement, I was betrothed to the king’s oldest son, the Crown Prince Theodore, in order to solidify the alliance.

I’m not complaining, though. Really, it’s a smart match. The crown prince is twenty-seven years old, just six years older than I am, and from what I’ve heard, he’s a good-looking prince with a kind and patient heart, a rare trait for men to have.

There have been plenty of worse matches for girls in my position. My older sister was married off at seventeen to a duke who took several mistresses to bed – sometimes all at once if rumours are to be believed.

And Baronis is a prosperous kingdom, like I said. Much richer and more powerful than my own homeland: Korya. We’re not poor by any stretch, but truth be told, if we faced a direct threat, we’d be hard pressed to stand against it. An alliance with Baronis is a smart idea, all things considered.

Baronis is practically overflowing with wealth according to the legends. There is no poverty, and in the larger cities there’s almost no crime. Its king has ruled for many long years, and he’s brought Baronis to new levels of prosperity and wealth. Frankly, even if their crown prince treated me horribly, I’d still be a crown princess, a future queen, in the richest country in the world.

Like I said. There have been worse matches for girls like me.

I sigh wistfully, imagining what my life will be like once we arrive. I can practically smell the smells, feel the fabric of their soft, beautiful dresses between my fingers. I might’ve been shocked – and, okay, a little outraged – when my mother announced the betrothment, but by now, all that remains is excitement and a lot of nerves.

“We should get moving,” Robert, the leader of our group announces. He’s the highest ranked of our group, being a captain handpicked by Mother to lead us. He apparently has experience with traveling between Korya and Baronis, and he’ll be returning to Korya when we arrive. Simon, thankfully, will remain with me there.

Along with Robert and Simon, there are half a dozen other guards, most of whom I’d never seen before we were preparing to leave. Honestly, when I first saw our little procession, I thought we were too many, but considering how close we’re traveling to vampire territory, I’m thankful for them.

The vampires control a large swathe of territory to the north of Korya and Baronis, a place they themselves call Thaerin. They’ve been in several wars with the human nations, some as recent as in my mother’s lifetime, but we’ve been in a tenuous peace for some time now.

Although tenuous might be overselling it. Things are tense, and travel this close to the border is especially precarious. Simon, gods bless him, has been doing his best to distract and entertain me, but he can only do so much. I mean, when we’re a stone’s toss away from literal bloodsucking vampires, I don’t know how anyone can expect me not to freak out.

“Sure we can’t wait a few more minutes?” Simon asks, probably noticing the nervous look on my face.

Shaking his head, Robert gets on top of his horse. “’fraid not. We’re already behind. We need to speed up.”

I swallow, suddenly nervous about arriving in Baronis again. If we arrive late, that’ll be incredibly humiliating. I’m supposed to marry Theodore the day after we arrive, so we really can’t afford many delays.

I nod to Simon, silently telling him it’s fine, and we climb into our carriage. As my own personal bodyguard, Simon accompanies me in the carriage, mostly to keep me company, but also as a last defence against any threats.

Not that there are many threats out here on this desolate, snow-covered road. Hopefully, all we’ll encounter are a few wolves here and there.

---

When we stop to make camp two days later, Robert looks solemnly at our group, like he has some bad news to announce.

“If we keep this pace up, we’ll be at least four days late,” he says, his face contorted like that was the most embarrassing thing he’s ever admitted.

One of his subordinates, a female guard with red hair, speaks up. “That’s not too bad, though. The king knows as well as we do that travel this time of year can be slow. If anything, they should’ve expected us to be late.”

“It is not fitting for the Princess of Korya and future Queen of Baronis to arrive late for her own wedding.”

Everyone grows quiet at that, me especially. For Robert to so casually remind everyone of my current and future title is enough to make my heart climb into my throat. I was never expected to be much beyond a fitting match for a Duke or a Lord, so to become queen is…terrifying.

His subordinate sighs. “Fine. What do you suggest?”

Robert hesitates, something I don’t think I’ve ever seen him do before. “If we cut through the forest north of here, we can make up for lost time and arrive the evening before the wedding.”

Everyone, and I mean everyone, looks horrified by that idea, but to me, it just sounds like a smart way to make up for lost time. What’s so bad about that?

“Sir, I must protest,” Simon tries, but he’s cut off.

“Respectfully, you have never travelled this road before. I have. I know what to expect. We’ll be fine.”

“How can you be so sure?” his female subordinate insists, standing. “Have you ever even been in that forest?”

I somehow find my voice, curiously asking, “What’s so bad about cutting through the forest?”

“Nothing,” Robert says, just as Simon says, “It’s controlled by the vampires.”

I gasp, unable to help myself. I already knew we were close to vampire territory and that that carried with it some risk, but now Robert wants us to travel through their territory? To cross the border and stay within their kingdom until we somehow make it out?

“If we don’t stop, riding day and night, we’ll only be in the forest for half a week. Nothing will happen, I assure you.”

“No,” I protest. “I’m sorry, Captain, but I’d rather be late for the wedding than risk being attacked by vampires.”

His icy eyes slide to mine. “Your Highness, you have several capable bodyguards with you. We’ll keep you safe, and we’ll get through the forest as soon as possible.”

“I don’t like this,” another guard grumbles, and Robert looks to him.

“It’s decided,” he declares. “Pack up. We’ll head north immediately.”

---

“Excuse my language, Your Highness, but I fucking hate this,” Simon announces once we’re moving.

I snort a laugh, loving the way he shows me humanity unlike everyone else back at the castle. “Robert seems to know what he’s doing.”

“We better hope so,” he grumbles. “I agree with you, by the way. If I were in your shoes, I’d rather be late.”

“With you here with me, I’m sure we’ll be fine,” I try, something he smiles softly at.

“Don’t worry, Anastasia. I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

The sincerity in his voice is enough to make tears prick at my eyes. I’ve always liked Simon, ever since I first met him, and it’s his gentle protectiveness that makes it so easy to like him. Maybe I could’ve loved him, in another life, but that’s not in our futures.

Instead, I’m off to marry a future king, and he’s destined to remain my bodyguard until one of us passes.

The first day and night pass without incident, thankfully. Simon, despite his nerves clear as day on his face, is doing his best to keep me distracted from the terrifying situation we find ourselves in.

By now, we’re deep in the forest, with trees visible for miles in each direction. The snow is thick and heavy, blanketing the entire forest, and all the trees are bare, leaving behind an eery and uncomfortable scene surrounding us.

But according to Robert, we’re making good time, and we shouldn’t be late.

On the second night, Simon tries to entertain me with stories of his training, back when he was a regular solider in the army. Despite my heart being permanently lodged in my throat, I can’t help but laugh at the ridiculous tales he’s spewing.

“It’s true!” he insists as I laugh, shaking my head. “He was late because he paid a late-night visit to the Duchess. He hadn’t even pulled his shirt on yet. I don’t even think the Duke ever found out, but that’s not even the best part.”

“Oh, gods,” I laugh, desperately trying not to be too loud and distract the rest of the group outside, all riding on horseback. “Tell me.”

“You know Tina, their daughter?” I nod. “Well, what if I told you she was born just nine months after Devon’s time with the Duchess.”

“No,” I insist dramatically. “No way.”

Simon nods, grinning. His dimples pop out as he does, the sight warming my heart. “She even has the same eyes as him, it’s ridiculous. You should see it; she doesn’t look at all like the Duke.”

I double over in laughter. “That is ridiculous!”

“I know,” Simon laughs. “Gods, I miss Devon. He always got into so much trouble. Did I ever tell you about the time he broke into his general’s office for a dare?”

I shake my head.

“Well, back when we were…“

Simon trails off, frowning. At first I don’t know what he stopped for, but then I hear it. It almost sounds like…wind? But not quite, like it’s just a little off, a little too quick and rhythmic.

But then someone screams.

Simon’s eyes widen, colliding with mine as we both realise what has just happened outside. Sounds of terror and violence erupt outside the carriage, swords clashing, guts being ripped open, horses galloping away in panic.

Simon hurriedly goes to the tiny window on the carriage door, his eyes searching the outside. “Fuck,” he breathes.

“Simon?” I ask, voice trembling. It sounded like death outside, but most of it has died down now, making me even more nervous.

In a flash, Simon’s eyes widen, and he moves to grab his sword, and I only realise why he’s hurrying when the door swings open.

An intimidating and terrifying vampire charges inside, her long raven hair flying all around her face. She grabs Simon, dragging him outside like he’s nothing, and I scream.

“Simon!” I yell, charging after him.

I’m knocked to the ground as soon as I make it out, wincing as my hands collide with the cold snow and the solid ground beneath. I try to run after the woman dragging Simon away, but instead, a scream tears from my throat as someone grabs my hair, pulling it so tight that I can do nothing to stop sinking to my knees. I try to fight back, but that fight quickly dies away when I feel cold steel at my throat.

“You make another move and I’ll slit your fucking throat,” a male vampire spits from above me, gripping me tight and keeping me on my knees.

All I can do from here is watch in horror as the woman from earlier drags Simon away, pushing him to the ground and stabbing him straight through the neck.

“No!” I scream, trying to fight myself free, but the man above me effortlessly keeps me down.

“What the fuck did I just tell you?” he snarls, and my heart sinks when I hear several people laugh all around us.

I look around at the horrific scene. The only light source is from the small torches and candles from within the carriage, but it’s enough to see just how horrible it looks around me.

Bodies litter the forest floor – all human – and the snow has been coated red with their blood. I see Robert laying face down a few paces away, and Simon…

The woman grins wide at my visible terror, showing off those deadly fangs. “Good evening, Your Highness.” She says the last two words with disgust, like she’s never heard anything as offensive before.

“Please,” I beg. “Please let me go. I don’t know who you think I am, but I’m just–“

“Shut the fuck up,” the man above me orders sternly, his grip tightening, making me wince.

The woman laughs. “What’s the matter, Derrick? I thought you were an expert on keeping human women quiet.”

The implication of that statement makes me cry, despite my best efforts to avoid it.

More vampires laugh, and I try to count how many I can hear and see. There’s at least five, by what I can tell, but there could be more hiding in the darkness.

The man – Derrick – laughs as well, and I get the impression he’s at least friendly with the woman. “Oh, wouldn’t you like to know.”

She laughs, and I whimper with pure terror. Her eyes collide with mine, the deep, blood red keeping me on the edge of a complete breakdown. “Awe, what’s wrong, little princess? Not so happy to see us, hm?”

“Fuck sakes, Morgan,” another man groans. “We’re wasting time.”

The woman – Morgan – laughs again, but she quickly grows quiet when another presence enters the scene.

He’s large, larger than all the rest by a margin. His walk is confident and sure, both intimidating and casual all at once. Huge, blackened wings are splayed at his back, which I now realise was the sound I heard earlier, but he conjures them away instantly, serving as a stark, horrifying reminder that the vampires have magical abilities humans could only dream of.

He approaches me slowly, crouching in front of my face. I’d glare at him if I had the courage to, but instead, I have to make do with looking at him through blurry eyes. Even so, I can tell he looks scary. High cheekbones, a sharp jaw. Full lips and thick brows, contorted into a serious, concentrated expression. And his eyes, a deep red just like Morgan’s, boring a hole straight through my blue ones.

He grips my cheeks between his thick, calloused fingers, tiling my head side to side as though to inspect me. “You sure that’s her?” he asks Derrick, though he continues to look at me.

“Have I ever failed you? Of course it’s her. You can’t miss her with that silver hair of hers.”

The man’s eyes snag on said hair, flowing in neat, silver waves across my shoulders. He looks entranced by them for a few long moments, but then his eyes go back to mine again.

“And that damn carriage,” Morgan adds. “They didn’t even try to hide her, the cocky bastards.”

More laughter erupts, but the man stays quiet. “Alright,” he says, standing. He turns to the rest of the group. “We’ll take her back to Thaerin Castle. Leave the bodies and the carriage. Let it serve as a message.”

Thaerin Castle…?

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Morgan says, nodding.

Your Majesty? Who…who is this?

The man turns back to face me, and he must see the question in my eyes, because he smiles, amused. “King Sebastian of Thaerin, at your service, Your Highness.”

King…oh, gods. This is much, much worse than I thought.

Standing before me is the most powerful vampire in history. Ruler of Thaerin, head of the powerful House of Blood, King Sebastian is ruthless and horrifying. He was king during the last war, and he brought so much destruction to the human realms his name has turned into a curse. Even whispering his name is said to cause great peril and destruction.

He looms over me again, his hand coming out to touch my temple. “Time to sleep, princess,” he says, suddenly.

I go to scream, but a throbbing pain appears in my head, silencing me. Everything fades to black before I even open my mouth.

---

Thank you for reading!💜