Awakened by the Vampire Prince 2(12)

“Here.” Glendril handed her a tissue.

She nodded in thanks. “There is just so much to do. So much planning. It’s all a little overwhelming. I’m still very worried about my father.” She ended with the truth. “You must forgive me, Glendril.”

“I’m sure it’s a lot more than that. Let me pour you some juice and you can tell me all about it.”

“I assure you that I’m perfectly well. There is nothing to speak of. I’m just a little nervous about the up-and-coming ceremony.”

The server nodded her head. “As you wish, princess. Please know that if you ever need me, I’m here for you.”

“Thank you. I will remember.”

The female stood and bowed deeply. Her beautiful curly hair falling about her face. She gave Esral a big, warm smile before saying her goodbyes.







Xavier made it back to her chamber within minutes of leaving York. He took four stairs at a time and flew so quickly across the walkways that they barely even creaked under his heavy weight.

In the far distance, he could see that Gideon was pacing. As he got closer, it became clear why. The princess was crying. The soft sniffs and whimpers made his heart clench and the air seize in his lungs. He was extremely angry with her but a bigger part of him wanted to rush inside and pull her into his arms.

It was the sound of an unknown female’s voice that stopped him. “Just tell me, princess. I’ve always been your friend. I’m here for you now.”

There was more sniffing followed by a shuddery breath.

Gideon stepped forward. “Go. You shouldn’t be listening to this. Give the princess some privacy.” His face was a mask of concern.

“I promise not to tell another soul.” The same female said. “It kills me to see you like this.”

A barely audible sob punctured through the wall. He felt himself grimace in response. Xavier nodded. He couldn’t stand to hear Esral this upset. “I’m coming back.” He said, looking Gideon in the eye and trying hard to keep his voice down. “I need to speak with the princess.”

Gideon shook his head. “No one goes in or out by order of the elven prince.”

“Since when do you take orders from the fucking elven prince?”

Gideon’s eyes flashed with momentary panic. “He is her brother.”

“I’m your prince. I’ll be back.” Xavier didn’t wait for a reply, he turned and strode away. The sound of Esral’s crying still in his ears. His heart felt raw.





Chapter 5




Through a slightly thinner patch in the canopy above, Xavier could just make out some light from the moon. He knew that if he was able to see into the night sky, it would be a crescent moon above him.

He took a deep breath as he walked across the final planks of the walkway. Hoping that he had allowed the princess enough time, he had been unable to stay away any longer.

Gideon’s eyes narrowed on him. “The princess is asleep and should not be disturbed…my lord.” He said, keeping his voice down.

Xavier punched the male while trying not to make too much noise. Gideon grunted, taking a step backwards.

“I’m afraid I have to insist,” Xavier ground out through clenched teeth.

Using the sleeve on his right arm, Gideon wiped away the blood that was leaking from his nose. He shook his head. “Esral cried again after that female left and only just fell asleep. Esral is to mate with York in a few days. With all due respect, my lord. I could scent her on you—”

Xavier didn’t wait for him to finish his sentence, he punched the male again. “That’s Princess Esral to you. I’m not asking you, I’m…” He took a deep breath, trying to remind himself that the male was just standing up for Esral. That he actually thought he was doing the right thing by her. “There is something that the two of us need to discuss. It’s very important.”

Gideon’s face was contorted in rage. He was panting heavily and again used his shirt to wipe the blood off of his face. “I don’t like it,” he growled as he stepped to the side. “It’s just not right. She has been claimed by another male. If she so much as sniffs, let alone sheds a single tear…”

“What will you do?” Xavier narrowed his eyes at the male, clenching his fists at his sides. Gideon clenched his jaw but lowered his eyes. “I am not here to hurt the princess,” Xavier finally growled. He didn’t wait for a response, instead, he carefully opened Esral’s door closing it softly behind him.

She made a restless noise in her sleep and the covers rustled as she stirred. Xavier just stood there at the foot of her bed and watched her sleep for half a minute. Pretending for just a short while that the events of this afternoon had never taken place. Then, he grew a set of balls and called her name.