The carriage came to a halt the moment it reached the seaport that divided the two kingdoms. Damien stepped down, holding the sleeping girl carefully in his arms, mindful not to wake her. The morning breeze carried the scent of salt and sea, brushing against his face as he made his way toward the ship waiting for them.
Servants standing nearby bowed deeply as he boarded the massive vessel.
"This way, milord," a slim, well-dressed vampire said, stepping forward to lead him. Damien hummed in acknowledgement and followed.
The room was large, draped in quiet luxury–soft velvet curtains, polished wood, and a soft golden glow from the lanterns. Damien laid Bella gently on the bed, his eyes lingering for a moment before he spoke.
"Prepare the bath," he ordered the lanky vampire who had accompanied him.
"Yes, my lord," the man replied with a bow.
"And bring food. Make sure it's warm."
"As you wish."
When the servant left, Damien turned back to Bella. She lay sprawled across the silk sheets, her lips slightly parted as she breathed softly. His gaze slid to her neck—so pale, so fragile–that his fangs ached at the urge to sink into it.
"Foolish lamb," he muttered. One moment she was guarded, the next completely defenseless. He drew in a slow breath and forced his gaze away.
Soon, two maids entered, carrying steaming buckets of water. They poured them carefully into the marble bath. Damien stepped inside, the maids helping him undress before they began bathing him.
Bella woke with a start, blinking at the unfamiliar ceiling. The last thing she remembered was the carriage—and Damien making her sit on his lap before sleep had overtaken her.
Sitting up, she noticed a tray of warm food on the side table. She heard the sound of water and followed it quietly. Reaching the bathroom doorway, she paused, her eyes widening at the sight.
The maids bowed the moment they saw her. Damien opened his eyes lazily, turning his head toward her. Bella's face flushed scarlet. How could someone bathe with others present so casually?
"Want to join me?" Damien asked, voice dripping with teasing amusement.
Bella gasped and fled in embarrassment, her feet padding quickly against the wooden floor. Her face burned as the image of his bare chest flashed again in her mind. She pressed her hands to her face.
One day with him and he's already driving me insane…
She walked to the window and pulled the curtains open. Sunlight rushed into the room, warm and bright. The endless blue sea stretched into the horizon, waves glistening under the golden light. She inhaled deeply—the scent of the ocean was intoxicating.
Her heart softened at the memory of her mother, who had once spoken of the sea. Sadness pricked her eyes. She wondered how Lumi was handling everything. And her mother… even lost in her mind, she had always cared for her.
Then her chest tightened at another memory—her brother. The gentleness he once showed her… and the horror of what he had almost done. The fear of being near him had twisted inside her for so long, she barely realized how relieved she was to be away.
"Planning to swim away, little fish?"
Bella jumped at Damien's voice behind her. She had been so lost in thought she hadn't heard him approach. She turned and instantly regretted it.
He was wearing only a towel, loosely tied at his waist.
Her face turned bright red as she quickly looked away.
"Why are you naked?" she blurted out, flustered.
Damien smirked, something stirring in his eyes as he slowly stepped closer. He stopped directly behind her, leaning in. She felt his breath on her ear.
"I'm not naked," he murmured. "But if you want to see me completely, you only need to ask… little fish."
Her heart pounded as he inhaled her scent—stormy and warm, something he found himself becoming addicted to far too quickly.
Bella jolted and scrambled away from him, cheeks burning. She glared down at the floor, as though she had been the one in the wrong.
"What did I say about moving away from me?" Damien's voice lowered, dangerous, though not loud.
Bella looked up. The sunlight framed his pale features in a soft glow, making him look almost unreal.
"That… was in the carriage," she muttered.
" So I guess I have to repeat my words at every location we find ourselves than" Damien said
Bella secretly wonder why this vampire seem to enjoy frustrating her, her eyes searched for the two maids wishing the would come to her rescue, but the two maids had already sneak out once the were done.
Searching for a saviour? Damien asked noticing the hopeful look on her face, her eyes widen at this she wondered if he could read minds, after all he had spoken to her through his mind while the were in the carriage.
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Am supposed to write more but am a bit tried right now so BG'sG I would continue tomorrow. Pls leave your throughs on this chapter.bye.