章 18: Traveling to Vules

Early the next morning, before the sun even began to rise, I awoke. Giddy with excitement for the trip to come, I got dressed and made my way to check on Dee. Upon exiting my room I saw James coming down the hall.

"Your Highness," he said with a bow, "I was just coming to wake you. Everyone is ready and waiting at the castle entrance."

"Even Dee?" I asked and he nodded. "Well, then let's not keep them waiting any longer."

We walked down the long corridors and finally made it to the foyer of the castle. I took one last look around, and we went out the doors. Sure enough there was Sabina. I was really going to miss her. I walked over to her and brought her in for a tight hug.

"Be safe, and kick ass if you need to," she whispered in my ear. "And please keep Dee safe, too."

I nodded into her shoulder, "of course, hun, and you keep everything in line here for me, okay." We both pulled back with teary eyes, holding each other at arm's length. "That includes my father," I said with a wink.

"Don't worry, he's at the top of my list," she winked back. "I love you, Elle."

"I love you too, Bina," I replied and hugged her one last time.

I turned to my father, and could see he was on the verge of tears.

"Oh, don't cry father, I'll be safe. Don't worry," I said as I rushed into his arms.

"It's not just your safety, my little gem. I know the others will do everything in their power to protect you," he said while holding me close. "It's also how much I am going to miss you. There hasn't been a day since your mother passed that we haven't seen each other. I'm afraid your old man will die of loneliness."

"Oh nonsense, father. You'll be fine. Sabina said she would look after you, and I promise I will write you letters as often as I can," I reassured. "I love you, father."

"I love you, too, Estelle," he said with a squeeze. "Now, go show the other lands what Criba is made of."

I smiled, and hopped in the carriage that would take me to the border where Stetson was currently waiting for us.

"Took you long enough," Dee said once the carriage started moving.

"Well I'm sorry that I actually slept last night," I jabbed back. Knowing Dee, she didn't sleep a wink due to being too excited.

She smirked in response. "What do you think it will be like? Obviously there will be a lot of vampires, but I mean like, the culture, the attitude, the architecture."

"I have no idea, but I'm sure you can ask Stetson or the others with him when we get to the border." I didn't want to admit it, but I was really curious too. There was only so much you could learn from books. The real learning came from experience.

I peeked outside the back window and saw James on his horse behind us. He smiled and nodded at me. "How long does it take to get to the border, James?"

"About fifteen minutes to the edge of the capital, and then about an hour and a half from there to the border, your Highness."

"Thank you." I replied. "Oh and James, you can drop the formalities when we get to the border. Not only is it annoying, but I now count you as a close friend. You may call me Elle," I said with a smile.

"As you wish, princess," he said, returning my smile with one of his own. "It would do you good for your safety, also. If there were to be any unwanted eyes watching, and they catch on that you are the princess of Criba, they would make you their main target."

"Good point, James. Thank you. Make sure everyone is aware of that when we get to the border."

"I already talked to Mr. Scott about it, and he said he would inform them before we even get there."

"Forever the forward thinker. Thank you."

By now, we were exiting the capital and on the road to the border. The ride went uneventfully, and before we knew it, we arrived at the border. We stopped, and the carriage door was opened. Dee was the first to step out, and then I made my way out. I was greeted by the arms of Stetson.

"My little amethyst. I know it's been less than a day, but it felt as if it were years. I don't know if I could have waited any longer for your arrival. Come, stretch your legs a bit, and then we will start the second part of our journey," he said.

After entering the dark-colored Vulien carriage, the Criban guards and carriage turned around and left to go back to the capital. The Vulien guards formed around our carriage, and we began the rest of our travels. James was in the front, and Stetson was now behind the carriage on his horse, who I was just introduced to as Nero. He was a gorgeous horse, and seemed to have a lot of personality.

I peaked out of the back window, and smiled at Stetson. He looked so serious, but after noticing me he smiled.

"Once we enter the treeline, I will be able to remove my disguise," he said while wiggling his eyebrows at me.

"Good, because although I do like your disguise, I much prefer the looks of the real you," I replied with a wink and closed the curtain before he could respond.

"You two are so gross it hurts," Dee said with playful disgust.

"You're just jealous that you squandered away your time at the ball instead of finding yourself a fiance of your own," I picked back.

"Ugh, no way," she feigned disgust. "One of the guards said it would take almost 6 hours to get to the capital of Vules," she changed topic.

"Well then that gives you plenty of time to catch up on the sleep you didn't have last night," I smiled, and she squinted in response.

She knew I was right, and made herself comfortable but not without a huff. I stifled a giggle at her attitude.

***

-Stetson/Heath POV-

We were halfway through our six hour trip, and I could tell everyone needed a short break. I knew that up ahead was a small area where we could stop the carriage and not block the road. Riding to the front, I told the others the plan to stop, and sent 2 guards ahead to check out the area. This road was one that bordered all the different kingdoms, so we could run into anyone of any species.

They came back a short while later without incident, meaning we were ok to stop. After a short distance we pulled the carriage over in the clearing, and I had a handful of guards double check the area more carefully before I let the ladies out.

They all came back, and I opened the door to the carriage. Elle's beautiful smiling face was staring back at me, and Dee was fast asleep on the opposite seat. I raised an eyebrow, and Elle shook her head as she stepped out.

"She didn't sleep last night. She was too giddy," she said with a quiet giggle, and I smirked.

The other guards came back and gave the all clear. We all stood around, chatting amongst ourselves. James came over to check on Elle.

I turned towards Nero to check on him, and I saw movement out of the corner of my eye.

***

-Unknown POV-

I was hunting in the woods when I smelled this faint scent of oranges and cloves. It was spicy and enticing. Before I knew it, I was following its trail, and it led me to the main road. Whoever it was, they were traveling with bloodsuckers, so I circled back into the woods.

I masked my scent the best I could with dirt, and I followed after the scent. The stronger it got, the more I became spellbound by it. I began to pick up speed, my inner being taking over before I could stop it. It took me to the edge of a small clearing where I could see about twenty bloodsuckers, a knight, and a woman.

What was strange was that the scent wasn't coming from her though. I could tell she smelled like fresh wildflowers, with a hint of the forest after it rains. No, the citrus and cloves scent was a bit fainter, though that didn't hinder its intensity.

I circled around the clearing trying to look at the group from a different angle. I moved to a spot where I could see inside the carriage that the woman must have been traveling in, and that's when I saw another woman. I saw HER.