The thick atmosphere inside the carriage continued as the horses slowly pulled them towards the Castle of the Doven Family. The sound of the horses stepping against the rocks and cobblestones on the road filled the air as she felt him relaxed next to her.
Lucinia didn't dare open her eyes. She was afraid of the emotions that she would see in his red orbs.
"So you don't remember," his voice brought nothing but sadness in her chest. She couldn't understand her current emotion. It felt like she had lost something… "Hey," he continued as his hand slowly intertwined with hers. "Do you know why people's hair turned white?"
"Hm?" she eyed their hands. She was about to pull her hand away when she heard him say.
"Sadness," he answered his own question. Hearing this, Lucinia slowly lifted her head and stared at him. He was already looking at her. However, unlike before, a few inches stood between them. Then he added, "It's when someone turned so sad that their hair would slowly turn white despite their young age."
"Are you saying that you were sad before?"
He shrugged and turned his head towards the window next to him. "You know what else happens if someone is sad?"
"Aside from their hair turning white?" she asked.
Turning towards her, the Duke smiled as he answered. "They recall. Everything."
Confusion flashed in her eyes as she blinked. Why was this person saying things like this? "I am not very good at riddles." She doesn't like riddles as it reminded her of something embarrassing from her past. She felt that she had once embarrassed herself over riddles.
Again, he shrugged. "You are not as fast as a vampire nor as strong. You should stay next to me all the time."
Lucinia didn't say a word. It was futile. She knew the Duke would insist, and they would only end up in an argument with her walking away. Silence descended until they arrived in the castle near the palace.
The Doven Castle was one of those prestigious Castle with more than thirty luxurious rooms and more than twenty suite rooms. With a view of both the forest and the sea, the Castle stood on top of the hill surrounded by gardens of different flowers.
"Princess Lucinia and… and Duke Mo have arrived." Even the man who announced their arrival stuttered for a few seconds when he saw the white-haired Duke walking next to the Princess. He trembled before he opened the door, welcoming the two at the banquet.
Everyone's eyes landed towards the Princess and the Duke as they walked inside.
"Duke Mo! Princess Lucinia… Welcome! Welcome!" Baron Doven immediately welcomed the two. By now, the rumors surrounding Lucinia had reached everyone's ears. The fact that the Duke was now standing next to the young vampire only meant that this was true. After all, the Duke was someone really mysterious and powerful in the Kingdom.
"Please… join us at the main table."
"Baron Doven… there is no need for that." Duke Mo smiled before he held her hand. The action was small and quick, but it was enough to attract the attention of other nobles surrounding them. "We are here to congratulate you. We are not here to steal the night from the bride and the groom."
Lucinia watched the Duke gave a gentle smile that only matched his kind words. His handsome face shone against the chandelier that was full of candles. Seeing the Baron gave a respectful nod, the Duke removed a velvet box from his coat and handed it to the Baron. "Our gift."
The mention of the word 'Our' made most people, including the Baron gasp. Does this mean that the Princess and the Duke…
"I will take her to the garden. Please enjoy the rest of the night without us."
Before she could utter a word of protest, the Duke already dragged her towards the side door.
"Hey! " She tried to remove her hands from the Duke's grip. "Hey! Where are you taking me?"
He stopped walking for a few seconds but didn't answer her. Instead, he lowered himself and carried her into his arms. A short squeal escaped her mouth.
"Duke Mo! What do you think you're doing?" When she felt him started running, Lucinia immediately closed her eyes and stopped talking. She wrapped her arms around his neck, out of instinct. Powerful vampires just like the Duke could actually run really fast. Unlike them, Lucinia can't do that. So, the Duke just decided to carry her.
The next thing she knew, the Duke already put her feet back on the ground. "Why did you do that?" she asked.
"People were watching us." he said and turned towards the sea of white roses that reflected the moonlight in front of them. The soft breeze that carried the sweet smell of roses soon filled the air. She held her hair, stopping it from moving against the wind. "If I could just hide you forever… " she heard him say.
"You are a very weird man." She uttered. This man loved speaking in riddles and telling her things that she doesn't understand. Was this a hobby?
He chuckled in response. "I am telling the truth. If only I could imprison you in a cage and just let you stay with me. Sadly, I cannot do that."
"Who would want to stay in a cage? Do you see me as a pet?"
"Exactly. I know you would hate me if I do that. You were never the type that loved to stay in a cage."
"You are speaking in riddles again. I think… you are really thinking that I am someone else." In her eyes, this was nothing but a misunderstanding. This man was already old enough to have so many past lovers. It was possible that he saw someone in her that reminded him of her previous lover.
The thought of him being with another lover was enough to dampen her mood. Her face darkened as she pretended to stare at the roses. "You should stop thinking of me as one of your previous lovers." She forced the words out of her mouth, a pang of jealousy and anger swirled inside her orbs. She quickly lowered her gaze and hid her eyes from his inquiring gaze.
…..
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