Chapter 84 - Success
"And what do you plan to do about him?" Elias mused.
Elias pondered the thought of killing the usurper. The idea enticed him, but the results repulsed him. If she took back her throne in Kastrem, she'd have a responsibility far from him. He didn't like that. He wanted her close and within reach, where she can never get away from him again.
The thought made him smile, hauntingly as a ghost. He affectionately c.a.r.e.s.ses the back of her head, his hand sliding down to her lower back. He firmly pulled her close, hiding the glint in his devious eyes.
"Something about your expression tells me you don't want me to do anything to him," Adeline pointed out.
Adeline had been watching him the entire time. Though she could never know what he was thinking, she had noticed the shift of his expression. It was sinful and cruel.
They were all alone in the meeting room. There were many things he could do to her inside of here. But that was not why he had such an obsessive expression on his face. He shifted his head down to her, his lips curling into an open-mouth smile. His fangs were sharp and could tear her head off.
Adeline's grip tightened on his suit jacket.
"What do you mean, my sweet? This is my normal expression."
She narrowed her eyes.
"What? Does my handsome face repulse you?" Elias touched strands of her hair, bringing it to lay in front of her c.h.e.s.t.
"I wish I could say you repulse me," Adeline admitted.
Adeline tried to shift his hand away from her hair. His fingers slide towards the back of her neck. Before she knew it, his lips were upon hers.
Adeline's eyes fluttered shut. He angled her head and kissed her deeper, his lips pressing urgently on her. He licked at her lips, suckling as if he had honey dripping on his fingertips.
Her body hummed with p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e, warming up for him. He curved her body against hers, as she felt something tighten near her lower stomach.
He pulled back to let her breathe for a split second. Then, he kissed her again, this time with more passion and calculated coyness. He had her in the position he wanted. Their bodies and mouths molded perfectly together as if she was made to be his.
"I… can't breath," Adeline muttered whilst turning her head away from him.
He didn't stop there. He pressed open-mouthed kisses from her jawline to her neck, savoring and nipping upon her s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e skin. He licked the spot where her pulse was the strongest.
Adeline's heart lurched. She felt his fangs scr.a.p.e against her skin.
"Elias," she said, her voice caught in her throat.
Her eyes widened when she felt a slight pinch, a drop of blood trickling down the side of her neck. Her breath hitched when he licked the blood, his fingers digging into her waist.
"Just a taste." His voice was gruff and deep.
"That's what you said last time, but we escalated it further," Adeline whispered.
"Then let's escalate it even more."
Elias s.u.c.k.l.e.d upon the slight cut until no blood could drip from there anymore. He shifted her hair away, kissing the back of her neck. His lips were tender and affectionate, touching the exact spots she wanted him.
His soft, silky hair tickled the side of her face.
"You smell delectable, my sweet," Elias murmured into her smooth skin. It was pale and creamy. He nipped and kissed it as if he was eager to lick melting ice cream on a cone.
Adeline felt like he was stuck in a fervid dream. She tried to shift away from him, but his lower arm had her pressed upon him. When she leaned back, he leaned with her, until she nearly fell backward. But she never fell, his body was sturdy upon hers. From their position, she felt the hard spot pressing even more into her lower stomach.
"D-don't you have a country to rule?" Adeline asked, wishing to run from him, but he'd never let her do that.
Elias breathed her in, closing his eyes to savor the scent. She smelled of a fresh walk in the gardens after a rain shower. The soft feminine scent tickled his groin, the smell of flowers drove him crazy. He wished to pluck her soft petals, gingerly touching them until she gave him his nectar, and he could slide into her.
Elias's jaw ticked.
"Go," Elias said. He stepped back, capturing her by surprise.
Adeline saw the tortured, hungry look on his face. His eyes were burning, ignited red with passion. Her heart was rapidly beating, threatening to jump out of her c.h.e.s.t. Without another word, she dashed out of the door, knowing he'd take her on the table, screaming and begging.
Just a taste he had said. But that taste alone made him crave the entire meal.
Adeline decided to never let him have a taste of her blood, for his eyes were the same color as it. And he wanted more than just her blood.
- - - - -
"Your Majesty, I am surprised by this sudden visit," Quinston said. He was on his way back to the military when his car had been halted by the royal guards. He had been informed by the guards that the King demanded Quinston's presence.
"I was just on my way to spectate the new recruits. They're young and I've been told of how promising they are," Quinston stated. He was seated on a plush leather couch, with tea offered to him.
Quinston couldn't help but suspect the true intentions of this invitation. The meeting had just ended this morning. What could've been so important for the King to personally invite him to this private study?
The lights were turned on, forcing him to acknowledge the magnificent decorations. Gold paintings of scenic locations, vases older than his family name, tables crafted by the best woodworker, this place was the dream of any wealthy man.
"I've been giving thought to your suggestion," Elias slowly drawled out. He glanced at Quinston.
"Oh?" Quinston asked, lifting the teacup to his mouth. He was pleasantly surprised by the bitter, yet nostalgic taste that reminded him of… tobacco?
"It would be too much of a shame to let the Golden Rose go when I have her right within my reach," Elias sympathetically said with the nod of his head.
Quinston instantly perked up. "Yes, I agree, Your Majesty! I am so pleased you feel the same way, I'm sure Minerva and Dorothy would be delighted to hear—"
"I plan on informing them later. This is a hushed secret and I'd prefer to keep it that way," Elias interrupted. He widened his smile, his fangs glinting under the bright chandelier lights.
Quinston gulped at the sight of the fangs. They were stronger than the bite of a beast. Nonetheless, he willingly drank the tea and enjoyed the King's presence.
"Of course, Your Majesty. As your loyal servant, I will do whatever it takes to make sure word of this doesn't get out, especially to your beloved Princess," Quinston said.
Loyal, huh?
Elias hummed in response, taking a sip out of his wine glass. The substance tingled on his tongue, sweet and cold. But nothing could compare to the delicate taste of Adeline's blood. It was a single droplet, and he was willing to drain her dry.
"When do you plan on having a taste of the Golden Rose? Just one night with her will grant your immortality, but I hear there is a long ceremonial ritual to guarantee that success," Quinston said.
"Today's Monday," Elias said. "I will enjoy the night with her on Sunday."
Quinston perked up. All the more time to prepare… He rubbed his hands together, mirroring the large smile on the King's face.
"Sunday it is, then," Quinston said. "I will prepare a gift of sincerity and wish the best of success upon you, Your Majesty."
Elias merely laughed at Quinston's words. Success? He was certain this sneaky little rat wanted everything but that.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel