CHAPTER THREE
In the heart of the Great Vampire Kingdom stood a building so mesmerizing, it never failed to steal the breath of anyone who beheld it—the royal family's mansion. It was strikingly beautiful, its red and golden walls glowing enchantingly under the sunlight. Rumor had it the mansion contained over fifty rooms, with ten on each floor—except for the fifth and sixth, which held only five rooms each.
Kayden strode down the sixth-floor hallway, heading to his brother's room. This floor was the quietest in the mansion, as it belonged to the Crown Prince—who was famously averse to noise.
After passing two doors, Kayden paused in front of the third. He raised his hand, about to knock, but changed his mind. With a quiet mutter—"I know you'll complain about this, but damn, I don't care"—he twisted the knob with his long, slender fingers and pushed the door open.
Leaning against the frame, his eyes swept across the luxurious space before settling on the man sprawled across a king-sized mattress.
The room was dark and brooding, its walls a mix of army green and gray. The cushions, no matter how intricately crafted, were all various shades of black. Despite the elegance, the atmosphere was heavy.
The only brightness in the room came from the bed: pristine white bedposts, sheets, and blankets. Above, a grand chandelier hung in the center, its gold-edged crystals casting faint glimmers of light that shimmered like distant stars.
Kayden smiled wickedly, shaking his head as if dismissing a thought that had crossed his mind. Instead of lingering on it, he choose to wake his brother by calling out.
"Abyaaz, wake up," he said lazily, assuming the man should have sensed his presence by now. Frowning slightly, he stepped forward and tapped him sharply on the neck.
"Do you have a death wish?" Kayden's voice was grumpy and husky, as if he was desperate for every bit of sleep he could get.
"Kayden, just leave me alone. Get out of my room," Abyaaz groaned.
"Hey! It's not like I enjoy being in your freaky, dull room either," Kayden protested, "but Mother asked me to call you urgently. Tried your mobile—no answer—so I had to come all the way here." His tone was sharp.
"Urgently? What's wrong? Did she get hurt or something?" Abyaaz asked skeptically, sitting up and looking at his younger brother.
Kayden, with his dark black hair and sea-blue eyes, looked older than he was. Both brothers were tall, with cream-colored skin and perfectly sculpted bodies. Kayden's clothes clung to him, outlining his defined abs and muscles—any girl would be hooked at first glance.
"Nah, she's not hurt. Otherwise, I wouldn't be standing here bothering you. Just get your ass ready and let's go. You can come back to the bath after meeting Mother," Kayden said, suggesting.
Abyaaz was already changing into black jeans and a gray hoodie. "Okay, let's go. The earlier, the better."
A few minutes later, the brothers were heading down the staircase. Kayden leaned on the railing and sighed. "I really hope the elevators get fixed today. These stairs are so damn stressful."
Abyaaz just shrugged and kept walking down. Along the way, a few guards and maids bowed their heads respectfully.
"Do you think this is about the council's complaint last time?" Kayden asked.
"I don't know. Don't disturb me. Let's just find out," Abyaaz replied sharply.
Kayden scoffed. "Can you stop being so grumpy and annoying this early? I feel like kicking your ass."
Abyaaz ignored him, glancing sideways before opening the door to their mother's chamber.
The Queen Mother's room was spectacular and mesmerizing. Wooden shelves lined the walls, filled with shoes, bags, and jewelry. The bed was even bigger than a king-size mattress, shared with the King.
The Queen Mother's room was adorned with ancient paintings and exquisite art hanging all over, their rich history contrasting beautifully with the mint and orange walls. Two additional doors stood in the room—one leading to the bathroom, the other to the closet.
"Mother, good morning," both brothers said simultaneously.
"Ah, my beautiful sons," she said with a breathtaking smile, flashing perfectly arranged teeth. "Seeing you both has already made my morning perfect. Sit down, boys."
After they settled on the sofa, she joined them. "I called you here to make an announcement—I have arranged wives for you both."
The brothers exchanged surprised glances, clearly not expecting their mother to make such a decision so quickly. Before they could protest, the Queen continued, "Oh, boys, you will love them. They are very beautiful and well-mannered."
Abyaaz was the first to respond, "Mother, why didn't you consult us first? You're pushing us into an awkward situation."
"I hate to agree with Abyaaz, but he has a point, Mom," Kayden added.
Selena looked back and forth between her sons and sighed. She held up her hands to stop any more protests. "Okay, okay, I understand. But if I had asked for your permission, would you have agreed?" She paused, allowing a few seconds to pass before continuing, "No, right? I know you two well. But if you meet the girls and don't like them, I won't force you, I promise."
Seeing her sons still doubtful, she asked, "Should I call your father here to seal the deal?"
"Nope, no need. We agree," Kayden replied quickly.
Abyaaz sighed but nodded, "Yes, Mom. We agree."
Selena's joy bubbled over, making her feel like jumping around like a child. For the last two years, she had been worried about her sons, never seeing them show interest in any girls. She even hired guards to spy on them during their free time, but the reports always left her unsatisfied.
Apparently, the boys spent most of their time in the royal library or walking around the kingdom playing with the children of the natives.
"Okay then, it's settled. I'll call them over by 4 PM today. Be ready."
"Mom, please slow down. Give us time to make proper arrangements—so maybe by 9 AM tomorrow, you can call them over."
"I support his mother's words," Kayden added.
To avoid further refusals, Selena agreed to their conditions. "That's all, boys. You can go."
As the brothers were alone again, Abyaaz shook his head. "Mom is really something else."