Bab 10: Chapter 9
Later that afternoon, in the grand royal courtroom, Cedric sat regally on his throne, his expression stoic and unwavering. Standing behind him with unwavering loyalty was Sir Roland, his trusted personal guard.
The room was filled with ten ministers, each one a middle-aged man, their faces weathered with years of experience. They all sat on either side of the courtroom, an extra seat provided for magnus who sat in the far concer of the room now in fresh clothes, their anticipation evident as they awaited the reason for this sudden gathering.
"You are likely wondering why I have summoned you all here on such short notice," Cedric began, his voice calm yet commanding. He leaned forward, releasing a weary sigh before continuing. "There has been a troubling increase in vampire activity."
One of the ministers, Albus, interrupted with a slight smirk on his lips. "That's why we have the liquid, isn't it, Your Highness?" he remarked confidently.
For years, the kingdom had been tirelessly searching for the rare ingredients needed to create the mysterious liquid. Their efforts had finally paid off, and they believed it would protect them against any vampire threats.
Cedric's gaze hardened as he addressed the minister. "Silence!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the room and immediately silencing the murmurs. With a calm demeanor, he continued. "Vampires have been appearing more frequently within our streets, blending seamlessly amongst our villagers. They are growing stronger, faster, and, most concerning of all, smarter than the vampires we've encountered before. Simply relying on the liquid may not be enough."
The ministers exchanged concerned glances, realizing the severity of the situation. Cedric's words had struck a chord with them, causing them to reflect upon the recent surge in vampire sightings.
"After the war ended, vampire sightings became increasingly rare," Cedric continued, his gaze sweeping across each minister, analyzing their reactions. "Just last year, we only captured two vampires. So, is it not suspicious that there has been a sudden and drastic increase in vampire activity within the past week?"
A minister with spectacles spoke up, his voice laced with worry. "Could it be that they are planning something?" he questioned, his concerns mirroring those of Cedric.
Cedric nodded, leaning back into his throne. "It is a possibility," he replied quietly. As the room erupted into hushed conversations once again, this time filled with dread, Sir Roland observed the king closely, his gaze unwavering.
Sir Roland had experienced firsthand the horrors of war, having lost his father, who served as the head of the royal army. The loss had left a deep scar on his heart, and in honor of his father's memory, he had joined the royal guards. After demonstrating his skills on the battlefield, Cedric had personally appointed him as his personal guard, just as his father had been to the previous king.
As Sir Roland listened to Cedric's words, fear gripped his heart. Memories of the past war flooded his mind, reminding him of the lives lost and the pain endured. Yet, despite his own trepidation, he maintained a steadfast gaze.
"Magnus," Cedric called out, his eyes locked with the scarred man's. Magnus looked up, acknowledging the king's command.
"Tomorrow morning, you will resume your duties as a hunter," Cedric stated firmly. "But this time, instead of killing the creature, you will bring it back to me. Is that understood?"
Magnus nodded respectfully. "Yes, Your Highness," he replied, his voice filled with determination.
Curiosity piqued, one of the ministers couldn't help but inquire, "And what do you plan to do with the captured creature, Your Highness?"
Cedric's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "What else?" he retorted, raising an eyebrow playfully.
Later that night, behind the closed doors of the king's chambers, Cedric lay sprawled on his bed. A woman with flowing brown hair lay beside him, their forms entwined intimately. Passionate moans escaped her lips as her hand clung tightly to the rumpled bedsheets.
A soft gasp escaped her lips when he slowly pushed himself into her, his hands gripping her hips tightly. Feeling the bursting pleasure that was building up in her, Christina's toes curled, her mind starting to turn hazy.
Her body throbbed in excitement as she was about to release but Cedric pulled out of her, leaving her feeling empty.
Cedric moved to sit on the bed, his hand rubbing his forehead as he appeared lost in thought. Unlike Christina, who seemed desperate in that moment, Cedric's mind was occupied with countless thoughts. One of them revolved around a young maiden he had recently rescued from a vampire attack in the town. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen her somewhere before, leaving him unsettled and unable to find any pleasure or solace.
Concerned that she may have offended the king, Christina slowly wrapped her hands around Cedric from behind, sliding her hand down his bare chest. "Your highness," her voice soft and seductive, she began. But before she could utter another word, Cedric abruptly pulled her hands away, stood up, and donned his robe.
"You can leave now," he stated, catching Christina off guard. Furrowing her brow in confusion, she watched him tie the ropes of his robe without making eye contact.
"Did I do something wrong?" she asked anxiously. It was unlike the king to dismiss her so suddenly, unless she had unintentionally upset him. She wondered if she had been too loud or not loud enough, biting her bottom lip in worry.
"I just remembered I have an important matter to attend to," Cedric explained.
"But—" Christina's words were cut short as Cedric interjected sharply. "Get out!" he yelled, his tone firm and commanding, a sign that he was being tested. Christina shrieked in fright, her heart racing.
"Yes, your highness," Christina replied meekly, getting off the bed. She knew better than to test his patience. Hastily picking up her dress from a nearby chair, Cedric made his way to a secluded room separate from the rest.
Before entering, he turned to Christina, who was busy fixing her dress. "Also, inform Roland that I need his presence here on your way out."
Christina simply bowed in response and hurriedly left the king's chamber. Her footsteps echoed along the empty corridors as she made her way to Roland's room. Coming to a stop outside his door, she gently knocked.
After a few moments, faint footsteps were heard from inside, and the door opened, revealing Roland, who was just about to retire for the night. His stern gaze studied the woman before him. "What do you want?" he asked.
"The king has requested your presence in his chambers," Christina said. Roland nodded in acknowledgment and walked out of his room, heading in the direction of the king's chambers.
Feeling a mix of disappointment and desperation, Christina made her way back to her room. She had been so consumed by the pleasure of being with Cedric, but it had abruptly come to an end without reaching its peak.
As she approached her room, she noticed a familiar guard holding a candle to light his way. "Greetings, milady," he greeted politely as he started to pass her.
"Excuse me, guard," Christina called out, urgency evident in her voice. "I've discovered something in my room and I need your assistance to remove it safely."
The guard turned to face her, his eyes widening slightly. "Of course, what seems to be the problem?"
Christina glanced around cautiously before lowering her voice. "There is a small creature in my room."
"Rest assured," the guard reassured her.
Christina led the way inside her room, the guard following closely behind, his hand resting momentarily on his sword. The room was enveloped in darkness, except for the flickering light of the guard's candle. He meticulously searched every corner, moving from one spot to another, but there was no sign of any creature.
Finally admitting defeat, he turned to the woman who had quietly remained by the door all this time. "I have searched every inch... ," he began, his words trailing off as his eyes widened in disbelief. There she stood, her dress fallen to the ground, leaving her exposed.
Hadiah
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