Avelina replied with a bit of hesitation.
"Nothing much. It's just that I can't help but worry since I would be coming alone without you. You said I have made enemies out of the entire family, even your mother."
"I dare not say, but... what if something happens to me on the way? The car could blow up. I have witnessed such a scenario with my own eyes. What if I get assassinated? Your kind moves easily at night. How would I save myself if I were met with such predicaments?" She looked at him.
There was a high chance that what she just stated may happen. But how would he prevent it?
Draven thought seriously about it, and suddenly, an idea struck him like a bolt of lightning.
He hurried to the closet attached to the wall and opened it. He reached his arms further inside and grabbed what he was looking for.
He pulled out the item, which was nothing but a chessboard, and turned to Avelina.
"Play with me."
Avelina gazed at him, confused.
"Now? Aren't we—"
"It won't take long." Draven dropped the chess board on the bed and arranged the chess pieces.
He lifted his head and looked at Avelina. "My father has moved his piece," he said.
"What? H-how do you know that?" Avelina furrowed her brows.
Draven replied, "My ability. Have you forgotten?"
Then he went ahead to explain, "My father has captured two important pieces on my chessboard before you came. My rooks, knights, and bishops are anonymous, and you are the only important piece left that he has an idea about."
"He always says something: the first to make the move wins. And he has made his move, which is you."
"Is he going to kill me?" Avelina revealed a furious look as she questioned
Draven slowly nodded his head with a serious expression. "He will, but not in the way you think."
Avelina was confused. "What do you mean?"
"He has moved one of his pawns," Draven responded.
"Who is it?" Avelina watched him with deep tension and fear written all over her face.
Draven answered, "Natasha." His voice was not as calm as it used to be.
"Natasha?" Avelina revealed a blank expression.
Draven nodded his head at her.
"She is Ryan's wife."
"Your father is going to use her to kill me?" Avelina queried with perplexity.
"Yes. During every marriage ceremony, he has the soon-to-be daughter-in-law duel with the first daughter-in-law. If she wins, she is qualified to be part of the royal family. But if she loses, she will be tossed out," Draven clarified.
"I didn't think he would take this step, considering you are a human, but having thought about it now, I realized that I would have made that move if I were him."
He continued, "My father is not someone who likes his plans carried out easily. He loves entertainment, and therefore he would choose this over bombing the car that will bring you to the royal hall."
Avelina fluttered her eyes. What sort of predicament is this? Is this how I am going to die?!...
Draven added with assurance, "Relax! You are not going to die. I won't let you. The queen does not die so easily. It's called a powerful piece for a reason."
"How sure are you?" Avelina stared at him, her hands trembling a bit in fear.
"I wouldn't lose my queen so easily. For every predicament, there is always a way out," Draven responded.
He stood up from the bed and packed the chessboard and the pieces.
"What is Natasha's ability?" Avelina asked as soon as the question popped into her mind.
Draven halted what he was doing and looked at her. "Aerona. It is the ability to see and understand all forms of illness. Do not worry, her ability isn't dangerous. But she is pretty strong, unfortunately."
He kept the chessboard and closed the closet. "Get ready to leave. I will be going first."
"Don't let me die!" Avelina said to him before he could exit the room.
"I won't! It's a promise." Draven left the room and shut the door.
Abruptly, Avelina began to pace back and forth, still very worried.
What if Draven is not able to protect her? They are in this game together, so what should she do?
As she pondered seriously, three light knocks came at the door, snapping her back to her senses. She turned and looked at the door.
"Come in."
The door creaked open, and Carmilla stepped in with a floral black dress folded over her arms. Thalia followed in with a set of dark-colored shoes in her hand.
"Good evening, my lady," they greeted her in unison.
Avelina responded, "Good evening."
"We like to get you ready for your wedding ceremony." Thalia walked over to the bed to carefully place the dress down.
"Alright." Avelina followed them into the bathroom, trying her best to keep calm.
Carmilla filled the bathtub and walked to her. She unzipped her dress and took it off.
Avelina got into the bathtub and sat down. Gently, they gave her a nice bath and wrapped her up in a warm towel once they were done.
They returned to the bedroom and carefully took care of her body by cleaning her fingers and moisturizing her skin.
Avelina stood still and quietly watched as they put her in her undergarments.
With their help, she slipped into the dress and zipped it up.
She turned her head and glanced at the dress through the mirror, only to blink in awe.
Despite its color, the dress was an exquisite masterpiece, meticulously crafted with the finest, delicate, and luxurious materials. It was adorned with intricate details that exuded elegance and class.
It was the sort of dress that featured a voluminous ballgown silhouette with a fitted bodice and a full skirt that cascaded down to the floor. The bodice was integrated with silver-colored beadwork with sparkling crystals that added to the glamor.
The neckline was modest yet stylish, with a sweetheart neckline.
Such a luxurious wedding dress for a bride who would be murdered. Avelina couldn't help but laugh internally.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Thalia asked with dreamy eyes.
"It is," Avelina replied.
Thalia smiled and fixed her attention on her long, flowing veil that was made of delicate tulle. She added a tiara encrusted with diamonds and helped her wear her black, sparkling shoes.
"You look gorgeous, my lady," Carmilla couldn't help but compliment.
Avelina offered her a charming smile. "Thank you."
She said, "I have a favor to ask."
"Go on, my lady." Carmilla stared at her in curiosity.
"Can you get me a knife? Two if possible," Avelina inquired.