1#Awakened by the Vampire Prince (Rosebud) (5 page)

Esral
took a deep breath, feeling her heart beat in her ears. It couldn’t be that
difficult. She blinked her eyes rapidly, trying hard to flutter her eyelashes
at the male. It felt awkward, she did not know how long to go on with the
display. How males could find this attractive, she did not know either.

York’s
face became one of concern. “Oh no, princess”—using a big hand, he clasped her shoulder—“Do
you have something in your eye?” Using the other hand he cupped her cheek.
“Tilt your head back and let me have a look.”

Esral
managed to hold in a sigh, it seemed that she wasn’t very good at seduction.
Not very good at all.

****

Xavier
felt the air seize in his lungs. Anger, and another emotion he couldn’t quite put
his finger on, coursed through him. His hands fisted at his sides and he had to
clench his teeth to keep a growl from escaping.

Esral
touched the male, York, with her little hand. He had never seen her touch
anyone before. In fact, she always seemed extra careful not to allow contact
with any members of the opposite sex. Not that he would allow them anywhere
near her anyway.

When
York clasped her wrist, it took everything in him to keep himself from roaring
and attacking the male. He knew that he would probably kill York if he let
himself loose at this moment. When the male, he had once considered a friend,
took ahold of the princess and cupped her jaw with his hand, Xavier spun on his
heel and marched away. When he was a far enough distance away, he smashed his
fists repeatedly into the bark of one of the great trees until his hands bled.

It
helped to calm him and it also helped him to see things differently. Since when
had he become so attached to the female? Sure, he lusted after her but it
didn’t mean that he wanted her. He shouldn’t feel…
jealous
. That was it,
jealousy. If he merely lusted after her then he certainly wouldn’t be feeling
these turbulent emotions. Hell, he’d shared females before and felt nothing.
Watched as a friend rutted the same female he had just taken without feeling a
thing. Seeing York cup Esral’s cheek though had caused anger like nothing he
had ever felt before. He didn’t like it.

The
unfortunate thing was that he was stuck here at Pulamor whether he wanted to be
here or not. He had been given several duties to attend to. Firstly, he needed
to ensure that the healers were safely delivered. Secondly, and more
importantly, he needed to try and win over the elven Prince, Keto. Brant had
made it very clear that he was to use any means necessary. That the future peace
between the two species was in his hands.

The
princess was no longer his concern. It was clear that she was taken care of. He
gnashed his teeth, hearing a crack. He would perform his duties to the best of his
ability and try and stay clear of Esral. She didn’t need him. If York hurt her
though, or disrespected her in any way, then the male would regret it.

Since
the vampire healers were conversing with the elven healers, and would be for
some time, Xavier had been on his way to meet with Keto. Which left him at a
loose end. Moving from bridge to bridge, tree to tree, he sought to find a way
out of this blasted, fucking treehouse. Xavier couldn’t believe that the elves
dared call this a castle. He wanted to feel soil under his feet. Maybe go for a
run. Anything to get the picture of York touching the princess out of his mind.

So
intent in his actions, he almost flattened a small elven female as he collided with
her. She gasped, grabbing a branch so that she didn’t topple over. Then, she flattened
herself up against the bark of a nearby tree.

“I’m
sorry.” He growled, making her flinch away from him even more. “I’m not going
to hurt you.” He took a step towards her while holding up his hands. “I
promise.”

“You’re
one of them.” Her eyes were wide and he noticed that her hands shook slightly.

Xavier
nodded. “Yes, but like I said, I won’t hurt you. Are you okay?” He had knocked
into her with some force. “Stand still.” He instructed while taking another
step towards her. His eyes moved up and down her body, trying to assess her for
any damage.

 “My
shoulder is a little”—the female winced as she rolled the joint—“sore, but I
will heal quickly.”

“Let
me see.” He moved so that he was standing just inches in front of her.

She
gasped again, bringing her hands up flush against his chest. It was not lost on
him that she did not try and push him away.

“I
told you that I will not try to harm you in any way. Do you need me to take a
look? I promise not to expose you or to dishonor you in any way.”

Her
cheeks flushed and her eyes widened. Her heart rate increased dramatically.

“I
could also carry you to your healers if needed. I know where they are.”

She
shook her head. “What is your name?” A small smile appeared on her lips.

“Xavier.”

It
must’ve been his imagination, but a look of recognition seemed to cross her
face for a split second.

“And”—she
paused for a few beats, taking her full bottom lip between her teeth—“are you
also here to guard the princess like the others?”

Xavier
shook his head. “I am here on other business.”

The
female glanced both ways and then, unexpectedly, one of the hands on his chest
slid upwards, circling his neck. Xavier made a sound of confusion.

“I
would like it very much if you would kiss me now, vampire.”

Xavier
frowned, he could feel how his forehead pulled together.

She
giggled. “We’re not all uppity, stuck up virgins you know? Lucky for you, I am
a low born. My thorn was broken a long time ago. You interest me vampire and
that doesn’t happen very often.”

Her
eyes were a beautiful blue, not as captivating as the princess’ though. Irritation
flooded him. Why did everything have to revolve around Esral? He would do his
best to forget about the princess once and for all.

This
elven female was very pretty. He allowed his eyes to freely roam the rest of
her body. She was dressed in a crisp green robe that clung to every curve.

He
should be feeling highly aroused at her words, yet nothing happened.

“I
can see that you are hesitant. No one would need to know.” The female pulled the
garment from one of her shoulders and a full, pink tipped breast sprang free. “You
would need to be careful not to spill your seed inside me though.”

Xavier
clenched his jaw in frustration when there was still not a single stir from his
loins. This female was everything a male could want from a quick rut, yet she left
him cold. He kept his eyes on her plump mammary glands, hoping that something
would spark in him.

The
female must have sensed his further hesitation because she palmed his flaccid
dick with one of her hands, expertly running her fingers from his sack to his
tip. The ministrations worked and blood filled his cock but instead of arousal
he only felt annoyance.

Xavier
took ahold of her hand and moved it away. “Thank you, but my duties at Pulamor
do not include partaking of the local offerings. I have to, unfortunately,
decline your tempting offer.” It would be no use hurting this young female. She
looked delicate and easily saddened.

Which
was why it confused him to see a look of anger cross her beautiful face just
before she smiled and nodded. She righted her robe. “If you change your mind,
my offer will remain.”

When
he took a step back, she disappeared down the bridge on light, graceful feet.

Esral
entered the healer’s chamber. It was bustling with activity. Groups of males
congregated together, they poured over books and debated with one another. It was
a strange sight to see, vampires and elves working together to the same end. All
trying to find a cure for her beloved father.

She
closed the door quietly behind her, not wanting to disturb them. Esral
suppressed a gasp as she turned and noticed Xavier standing at the far end of
the room.

What
was he doing here? When had he arrived? It seemed that Brant had meant every
word he had said about sending him after her. Did the vampire king truly
believe that the vampire prince was interested in her?

Xavier’s
eyes darkened as they landed on her. His whole demeanor seemed to tense up as
their eyes locked. He pursed his lips and looked away. It seemed that now that
his guard duties were over, he didn’t even feel the need to acknowledge her in
any way. After spending months together, he couldn’t even muster a small nod in
greeting.

Xavier
whispered something into one of the nearby healer’s ears. The elderly vampire female
nodded. The prince then disappeared through a back entrance, not once turning
back to acknowledge her.

Sadness
rose up in her but she pushed it down. This was not the time or the place. Besides,
she knew that Brant had been mistaken. She couldn’t understand why she was
feeling so shocked about it. Allowing her eyes to roam around the room, she
found the male she was looking for. Esral took a deep breath and walked to him.

The
healers were so busy that only one male recognized her as she walked by. His
eyes widened and he nodded his head in greeting but was quick to huddle back
down. They were working hard and racing against the clock to save her father.

The
group that she approached was the largest and most tightly huddled. They all
seemed to be seriously debating something. A book lay open on the table in
front of them, it was being pulled from one to the other. They pointed at
various pages, talking over one another.

Esral
waited for several long minutes, hoping that someone would see her standing there.
None did, so she finally took a step closer towards the group. “Excuse me,” she
said quietly. “Lord Minogue, please, can I have a word?”

“Your
highness. My humble apologies, we did not see or realize that you were here.” Each
of the healers rose to their feet. Some bowed but most just nodded their heads
in greeting.

“It
is I that should apologize for disturbing you. I would very much like to have an
update on my father please.”

Lord
Minogue’s face turned grave. He cast his eyes to the ground for a few seconds.
When he looked up, he smiled and nodded once. “Let’s go into my library for
some privacy.”

“Thank
you.”

The
elderly healer led the way, moving between the various desks to a door that
seemed to lead into the very heart of the tree. When he opened the door, she
indeed saw that there were stairs leading down to a hollowed out part of the
oak. It was normally customary for chambers to be built up into the branches,
and very often the actual branches of the tree could be found inside the rooms.
It was rare that a tree was ever truly damaged when building a chamber. Though
she knew that there were times that this was necessary in order to tap into the
very energy of the earth and this seemed to be one of those times and places.
It made sense since Lord Minogue was an elven healer of the highest order.

She
followed him down the narrow staircase. She could feel the energy that came
with being inside a living entity. The shadows all but disappeared as Lord
Minogue struck a match, lighting the lamp on his table. He adjusted the burner
for maximum light.

“Let
me look at you child.” Minogue smiled again and crinkles appeared around his
eyes. “You have grown into a fine young lady. Please take a seat, princess.”

“Thank
you.” She couldn’t help but to smile. “It’s only been a few months.”

“Yes,
but something is different about you. Then again…” He laughed. “It’s probably just
from living with those vampires. I’m sure something like that will change a
person.”

She
didn’t know what to make of his comment so she chose to ignore it.

“Not
such a big frown, child.” He continued to smile. “I don’t mean it in a bad way.
You are definitely more grown-up. More serious than you used to be. Maybe too
serious.”

“It’s
my father’s illness.” Her voice hitched against her will. “I am worried about
him.”

Lord
Minogue nodded, his face turned solemn once again. “Yes, it is a terrible time
for the elves.”

“Do
you know anything more about his affliction?” She was tempted to reach over and
grab his hands but managed to refrain. “Is he any better?”

Lord
Minogue took a deep breath. “He is no better, but”—he raised his eyebrows—“he
is thankfully no worse. This is very different from any other form of wasting
sickness that we have ever seen before.” He took another deep breath. “Normally
individuals fall ill and when given calves’ liver, they either worsen and die
or are cured. Your father, although still gravely ill, has not worsened since
being given the liver.”

Esral
nodded, not sure what to say.

“This
is good, princess, it has bought us time to try and find a cure to get to the
bottom of this whole matter. I’m glad that the vampires sent their best healers
and I’m sure that all of us together, with all of our collective knowledge, will
be able to find a cure before it is too late.”

The
pressure inside of her eased up somewhat when she saw how sincere he was. How
committed he sounded. “Are you any closer?”

The
old man leaned across and gripped her hand. He squeezed. “We will find the
answer. Of this I’m sure.”

It
wasn’t really the response that she had hoped to hear, but Lord Minogue was not
one to dish out false promises. She certainly did believe that if there was a
cure to be found, that the group of men in the chamber above, led by Lord
Minogue, would find it.

“Thank
you for all you have done.”

Lord
Minogue released her hand. “Your father was looking a bit better this morning.
I think it is because you are back with us. He mentioned that you’re in love and
soon to be mated. I can safely say that this is a great relief to him. Our
people look forward to a day, very soon, of your blossoming ceremony.”

Her
knees turned weak and she had to fight to keep her breathing even and her heart
rate normal. Plastering a smile on her face, she nodded not trusting her voice at
the moment.

“It
is important, princess, that your father not stress about anything right now.
It was a comfort to him to know that you will soon be taken care of. There are
many rumors making their way across the chambers in Pulamor. It is important
that these rumors be put to rest.” The healer took a deep breath. “I realize
that I’m probably speaking out of turn, but your father’s health, the future of
our king is at stake. I therefore feel that it is my place to speak frankly and
openly. I trust that you understand.”

Esral
nodded her head. “None of this is news to me but nonetheless, I’m glad that you
have shared your thoughts with me. As a trusted healer to the king, it was of
the utmost importance that you bring this to my attention. It is also important
that you be able to speak frankly to me in all things concerning my father’s
health. I expect nothing less.”

A
tension seemed to ease out of Lord Minogue. “Thank you for understanding, princess.”

The
thing was, she did understand and all too well. Everywhere she turned, she was
met with the same realization. She may not be very good at seduction but she’d
better learn quickly. There was too much riding on this. She refused to gamble
with her father’s health or to allow him to feel responsible for decisions that
she had made.

****

“What
is a blossoming ceremony?” York asked as they left the healer’s chamber. He had
patiently waited for her outside the door. Though she knew that vampires had
excellent hearing, his acknowledgement of having listened in on her conversation
caught her slightly off guard.

“I
believe you vampires call it a mating ceremony.” Esral said, her heart felt
heavy.

York
frowned. “I did not realize that you were dating one of our males, that you had
decided to mate with someone.” He paused for a moment as he seemed to notice
her discomfort. “I’m very sorry that my hearing is so good, princess. It’s just
that this is the second time that I’ve heard you discuss it. Firstly with your
father and then again in there.” He gestured to the chamber that she had just
left.

Esral
shook her head. How was she supposed to handle this one?

“Let
me see if I have this straight, your brother thinks that you rutted with a
vampire male and your father thinks that you have found someone and are going to
be mating them soon. It is none of my business and I probably shouldn’t be
talking to you about this now”—the male took a deep breath—“but I feel that we
are friends. Am I missing something?”

“My
thorn is still intact.” She whispered, feeling her cheeks heat. “I am still a
virgin and have not rutted anyone.”

“I
told you earlier that I believed you, but what is all this about a mate? When
did you have a chance to meet someone?”

Esral
allowed her shoulders to slump as if the weight seemed to become heavier. “My
father worries about me and with all the rumors flying around, the best way out
of this mess would be to find a mate and to go ahead with the blossoming
ceremony. If my brother even suspects anyone, they will be forced to mate with
me or face death. You heard Keto yourself, and trust me when I say that he will
go through with it.”

“So
who is this male that you plan to mate? One of the vampire males mentioned that
Xavier is back and I’m pretty sure I caught his scent as we arrived.”

Pain
rose up in her at the mention of Xavier’s name. How could Brant have been so
wrong about his own brother? She shook her head. “He may be at Pulamor for a
reason, but it has nothing to do with me.”

York’s
frown deepened. “I just thought since he was here, that he was the one that you—”

“Look…”
Esral had tried seduction and had failed dismally. It was time to suck it up and
to be straight down the line. Something she was good at. “I’m not interested in
Xavier. There is no future for the two of us.” It still stung, but he had dismissed
her so easily. It seemed that she had been wrong, even an irritating younger
sister was too good of a description for how he saw her. Now that she was no
longer a duty, she was nothing to him. She would never forget how his eyes had hardened
as they had landed on her. “I need a mate. The sooner the better.” She took a
step towards him and swallowed hard. “I’ve decided that I like you, York.” She
took a deep breath, unable to finish the sentence. She could see that she had
made her point and waited for his response.

York’s
eyes widened and his face drained of blood. “Are you sure you’re feeling well,
princess? You’re not making sense.”

“Of
course I am. I need a mate. You are a good male. Would you be interested in
fulfilling the role?” She said in a gush. Happy that the words were finally
out. Her face burned and she struggled to maintain eye contact with the male.

York’s
lips twitched as he…held back a laugh? Was the thought of mating with a female
like her so ridiculous that he felt the need to express amusement?

“Look,
forget about it, I can clearly see that—” She began to step away but he grabbed
her hand.

“I’m
very sorry, princess. I did not mean to make you think that I took what you
have just said lightly.”

His
eyes still held a good dose of amusement so she had to look away. “I can tell
that it is not something you would be interested in. Like I said, forget it. I
am defective and I understand.”

His
grip on her hand tightened to the point of pain. “Don’t say that.” His voice
came out in a gruff bark. Her eyes flew to his. York clenched his jaw for a few
beats. “You are not defective. I can see that deep down you don’t believe it to
be true either. It’s all a bunch of bullshit, princess”

“If
you don’t think I’m defective, then why won’t you take me? I was told that I am
fair, that males would want me but so far I have not seen that to be true.” She
bit down on her lip. She was so not going to cry about this.

York’s
lips twitched again but this time he allowed himself to smile.

“Stop
that.” She shook her head. “Why do you insist on laughing at me?”

He
let go of her and held up his hands. “I didn’t make a sound.”

“You
didn’t have to, I can see that you are laughing inside. Forget I said
anything.” She huffed, taking a step away from him.

York
grabbed her hand back, taking a step towards her so that she couldn’t escape.
“You are the opposite of defective, princess. Trust me on this one.”