Lost in each other, a maze that has no end to it. Rose couldn't seem to find a way out of his dark eyes. Those beautiful eyes that attracted her like a siren's song. And even though she could sense the dangerous and black aura looming around him, she couldn't help but want to get close to him.
She could tell he was not from this kingdom. Such an aura that demanded the other person to kneel and such an insanely gorgeous and absolutely handsome appearance would have been the biggest talk of the whole kingdom. Still, here he was, standing all tall and proud in front of her, as if a possession waiting to be claimed by her.
The sizzles in the air were so bright, one could clearly make them out even with naked eyes. There was an unspoken recognition between them, a silent pull that bound their gazes, rooted their feet, and sent a flurry of inexplicable emotions ricocheting through their hearts.
As his eyes met hers, he felt the electric charges deep in his bones. His cold heart for the first time in centuries was beating so loud, his eyes turned ten shades darker, breathing ragged. He turned his eyes away from her, sucking in a deep breath as he started to process what just happened.
Once he came to his senses, only then did he realize what he had said aloud: Mate... my mate...
Turning his eyes away, he moved a few steps back, distancing himself from her. The bright light that she emitted and her sweet strawberry scent that clouded his head made his thoughts hazy. He shook his head, trying to think rationally.
Reality slowly settled into his mind along with a pang of confusion. His cold hands trembled slightly at the mere possibility that this was a trap.. some grand scheme to lure him into a political marriage he never asked for.
But what if it wasn't a trap?
Were the words of the prophet wrong then?
How is this even possible? He was cursed to never have a mate. Who is she then?
His head throbbed with questions. Every logical explanation failed to explain the surge of raw, instinctual emotion flooding through him. It wasn't just physical- it was deeper, older, something written in the stars. The feeling of connecting with a long-lost puzzle piece of himself.
That endless longing inside his chest, the one he thought was a symptom of his curse suddenly began to settle. It felt like the aching emptiness had found a home.
As he slowly shifted his gaze again, his eyes landed on hers- innocent, wide, filled with awe and something fragile yet powerful passed between them.
Like she saw through him. Like she wanted him.
But more he was a cookie she was craving since a long time.
He chuckled softly at the absurdity of it all. Still, he couldn't help but admire her flawless skin, her luminous eyes, her cute little nose, and those full pink lips. Her petite figure moved slightly, her expression flustered under his intense gaze. Hunger- new, unfamiliar, possessive flickered in his eyes.
God, she was so pretty.
He must've been staring like a creep. Worse, his aura had likely begun to leak- subconsciously scenting her space, marking it, claiming it. He could tell she was uncomfortable, her shoulders tensed slightly.
Stupid. She was human. Of course she would cower under such an imposing aura.
Just as he took a cautious step toward her, a voice cut through the tension like a knife. "My lord, it's time for you to show up at the palace."
His jaw clenched. He turned his eyes to the interrupter- Drew and glared. Drew immediately averted his eyes, bowing his head low.
'What's the matter with him? '
Lazarus ignored him and turned back toward the girl but he paused. A heavy thought struck him like a stone.
How many people had he angered? What would his enemies do if they found out that the feared Dark Lord had finally found his long-awaited mate? She would be a walking target. Her life would never be safe again.
No. He couldn't risk it. Not yet.
He definitely cannot let any possible harm pass through her.
With a deep sigh, he turned away from his little mate and began walking toward the palace hall, each step heavier than the last. He glanced back once, just once to commit her face to memory. Her eyes, wide and filled with starry awe, stared after him. That expression sent chills through his spine.
"She is going to be the death of me," he whispered under his breath.
Drew stared after him with an expression that could only be described as absurd disbelief, like someone had just said cows could fly. He hadn't missed a second of the electrifying scene in the garden. The looks exchanged. The intensity in his king's eyes. The girl's giddy stare. The sizzling, crackling energy around them.
Who is this girl to pull such emotion from that frozen man?
Rose's POV
At first, I was afraid. He had such a commanding, intimidating presence that it caught me off guard. But there was something so hauntingly familiar about him.
He was gone just as he came.
One last more glance, and I knew.
OMG! How could I forget?! The painting.. no wonder he felt so familiar..
The Dark Lord. He had arrived at our estate.
And somehow, he had stirred feelings inside me that no one else ever had.
Court Room of the Liliac Kingdom
Give me a break!
That was the exact expression on our king's face ever since the former king of Roosevolt Kingdom greeted him like they were long-lost best friends. Overly affectionate, too loud, and very much excited.
He then stepped forward and introduced his son.
Lazarus.
Some courtiers trembled slightly, and honestly, I couldn't blame them.
But I couldn't care less.
I still remembered the silent conversation Lazarus and I had in the garden. Those moments when our eyes locked, it was like something ancient stirred inside me. A tether had been formed, pulling me toward him with a force stronger than logic.
Every single thing about him screamed royalty and danger and somehow, that made him even more attractive. His amused chuckle earlier had left me with butterflies. A whole zoo, actually. And now, as he stood bored and expressionless in the courtroom, I still found him devastatingly beautiful.
His hair, smooth and neat, made me wonder how he'd look with it all messy.
Probably irresistible.
Ugh. He could probably wear a sack and still look sexy.
'Okay, stop it, Rose. Get a grip.'
Then he spoke. "I didn't expect it, but your kingdom surely holds a treasure one would cherish for a lifetime."
His eyes found mine and locked.
Oh. My. God.
'Even his voice is se—'
'Stop, Rose. Just stop.'
I could feel my mother's eyes dart between us, and then she subtly nudged me with her elbow.
We finally made our way up the platform. I bowed deeply to greet the king. "My king."
He nodded in acknowledgement.
Then I turned to greet King Alexander, who wore a wide, suspiciously gleeful smile. "King Alexander. I hope you enjoy your stay in our kingdom."
"Oh! Very much, dear daughter-in-law," he replied, clearly emphasizing the title.
I froze slightly at his words.
I felt a gaze burning into me. Lazarus. I could feel the weight of it, hot and possessive. But I ignored it and turned to greet the crown prince Lance. We nodded at each other politely. However, that must have ticked someone off, because a low growl rumbled from behind me.
A growl that sent shivers down my spine and curled my toes.
'Great. Even his caveman tendencies are hot.'
I needed to get out of there before I embarrassed myself further. Turning, I met his hard, dark stare and bowed. "King L-Lazarus, I hope you have a pleasant visit."
Ugh! Why did I stutter?!
I saw the flicker of something intense in his eyes. His fists clenched slightly as I turned and walked away.
I could feel his gaze burning holes through my back all the way out.
Once in the safety of my room, I shut the door and leaned against it, sliding down with a thud, heart racing.
There was only one thought repeating itself inside my head:
'I'm going to be the bride of that sexiest creature alive.'