Alexander sat opposite Alia inside the royal carriage, his posture straight and regal even in such a confined space. The wheels rolled smoothly along the cobblestone road until a sudden bump jolted the carriage. The force pushed Alia forward slightly, causing her leg to brush against the King’s.
Heat flooded her cheeks instantly. She pulled her leg back so quickly it looked like she had been burned. She lowered her head to hide her blush, clutching the fabric of her dress between trembling fingers. She still couldn’t believe he had agreed to accompany her.
Across from her, Alexander leaned his head back and shut his eyes, as though eager to detach himself from the mont. His expression remained unreadable, but his irritation was obvious. Spending the day with the human princess was not his idea of peace. Whatever plans she had ford inside that little head of hers would never happen. In fact, the re thought of it was enough to annoy him.
"Thank you, King Alexander," she said finally, her voice gentle as she broke the silence. "I’m very grateful that you agreed to bring here... and that you chose to spend your ti with ."
Alexander opened his eyes slowly, as though waking from a pleasant dream only to find her still there. He stared at her for a mont, then gave a short, dismissive nod.
"When will you be returning to Greenville?" he asked bluntly.
The sparkle in her eyes dimd almost instantly. "Do... do you wish for to return so soon?" she asked, confusion and hurt knitting her brows together. The question felt like a stab to her chest. Did he really dislike her company that much? He seed uncomfortable by her presence. And though she wasn’t foolish enough to assu the King enjoyed her company as she enjoyed his, she had hoped he would at least pretend.
Alexander regarded her with a stare that could freeze fire. Was she truly this slow? He rolled his eyes, letting out a small exhale.
"I have a long list of matters to attend to," he said flatly. "And you are wasting what little ti I have."
His words sliced her deeper than she expected. Alia lowered her gaze, swallowing tightly. Did he not care that he hurt her? Or was he simply incapable of caring?
"We’ve only spent a few minutes together, Your Majesty," she whispered, unable to hide her disappointnt. "I... I assu you do not want here."
Before she could stop herself, she reached out and gently touched the back of his gloved hand, her last attempt to read his intentions, or perhaps soften them.
Alexander’s reaction was imdiate.
His expression hardened, becoming colder. He jerked his hand away as though her touch offended him.
"When are you returning to your kingdom?" he repeated, this ti his voice devoid of anything remotely human, cold, sharp, emotionless.
A shiver ran down her spine. Not from his beauty, not from admiration—but from fear.
Alia tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear, her cheeks burning with embarrassnt. She could hardly look at him.
"I plan to leave in the next two days," she murmured.
"Good," Alexander responded curtly.
She flinched at the harshness of the word.
"I will dedicate the whole of today to you," he continued, still speaking as if reading from a report. "Tomorrow, I will have no ti to engage in activities or conversation of any sort. So spend today wisely."
His indifference stung, but Alia forced her lips into a small, polite smile. She had already accepted that he was cold. This, she reminded herself, was simply the nature of the Vampire King.
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Your Majesty," she said softly, bowing her head. A blush spread across her cheeks despite everything.
Alexander closed his eyes again, leaning back as if determined to ignore her existence entirely.
Alia watched him with curious eyes. His deanor changed so effortlessly—from cold, to colder, to almost tolerable. She wondered if even he knew what mood he was in. The King was a strange man... beautiful, terrifying, and unreadable.
Still, this was her first ti in a vampire kingdom. She wanted to understand the people, the culture, the way they lived.
"I would like a full tour of Noct," she said suddenly, lips forming a small pout. "I want to see what life here is like for your people."
Alexander opened one eye, almost amused. So she wanted to spend an entire day beside him in an enclosed carriage?
Bold. Much bolder than she looked.
---
The carriage continued its steady journey. Alia’s gaze drifted to him again, unable to tear herself away. He was simply too captivating, every line of his face sharp, refined, almost otherworldly. His dark lashes rested softly on his cheeks as he closed his eyes once more. For a mont, she wondered if he was asleep.
"I am aware of my looks," Alexander said suddenly, without opening his eyes. "Do you not think it is inappropriate to stare so shalessly?"
Alia snapped her head toward the window, mortified. Heat rushed through her body.
She needed to see a physician when she returned ho—whatever this feeling was, it was not normal. Why did her body react so quickly around him? Was it nerves? Admiration? Or sothing else entirely?
"N-Noct is beautiful," she said, desperate to change the subject. "The scenery..."
Alexander did not acknowledge her comnt. Instead, he said, "We will stop at the market first."
Her eyes shot wide open.
The market?
She prayed she heard incorrectly. Alia had never stepped foot into a market. Whenever she needed sothing, a maid fetched it. She had heard countless unpleasant stories, crowding, noise, thieves, beggars. She hated beggars.
"Of... of course, Your Majesty. That would be a good start," she said, accidentally choking on her words.
Alexander tilted his head slightly, studying her with a dark, unreadable gaze.
"What seems to be the problem? Have you changed your mind already?"
She forced a smile. "O-of course not, Your Majesty. I do wish to visit the market. I’ve never been to one before."
As expected, Alexander thought. A spoiled princess indeed.
Alia, still nervous, twirled her fingers in her hair. She decided to ask sothing she’d always wondered.
"How do your people get blood?" she asked quietly. "Since feeding from humans is banned..."
"Supplies," Alexander replied. "Or animal blood."
Alia nodded thoughtfully. She had more questions, so many more but the King’s voice carried an edge that warned her to stop while she still had her dignity.
And so she did.
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