His Queen

9. Back to Hell?

Aliya's POV

A nudge on my shoulder brought me out of my slumber. I opened my eyes slowly and Damien's face came into my view, with his hand resting on my shoulder.

"We're here, sleeping beauty," he said, "how you managed to sleep the whole ride here is beyond me. Such a great company you were, I almost died out of boredom."

"Excuse me, I woke up early for classes and then I was on my feet for six hours working. Not everyone gets to order people around while sitting on a mighty throne," I huffed, feeling tired.

I looked out to notice that we were parked in the long driveway right outside the main entrance of the castle. A guard ran up to open the car door for me, holding out a hand so I could step out.

It was an undoubtedly nice change, compared to the last time when I was brought here forcefully like a prisoner.

I placed my hand in his, stepping out of the car. He bowed and took a step back, keeping his eyes on the ground.

"My King," he acknowledged Damien and I noticed another guard was taking my bags out of the car without me even telling him to. A boy in his late teens who looked like a helper also appeared next to Damien.

I didn't feel any less than a princess, receiving such royal treatment. But I knew they weren't doing it for me, they were doing it out of respect for their king, I was just his acquaintance.

"Anthony, gather all the castle guards in the throne room, tomorrow morning 7 am, sharp. I want to go over increasing our security for the next few days til the wedding, and discuss other pressing matters," Damien said to the man in front of me.

"Yes, your highness," with a final bow, Anthony disappeared out of our sight.

I took a moment to take in my surroundings, the circular driveway was so big that it could probably fit 50 cars at once. But then again, the castle was the perfect venue for massive gatherings and parties.

Facing away from the castle, we were surrounded by bodies of water which was barely visible in the night but I could hear the soft waves as they crashed into each other, peaking up to kiss the shoreline.

I turned my head back to the glorified estate that the vampire king called home. Even in the darkness of the night, the building which seemed to be made out of pure gold shined in the moonlight.

My eyes fell on the golden statue of a man who had wings like the phoenix, with an unknown source of light shining on it.

The statue was enormous and truly breathtaking. I was surprised I hadn't noticed it there before, but then again I had only been outside the castle once or twice.

"Take them to the King's tower," Damien said to the guard carrying my luggage, "she will reside in one of my guest rooms."

"Forgive me, my king," the boy who was helping the guard said, "But the guest rooms are still under renovations, they are said to be ready by tomorrow evening just as the guests will arrive."

"What?" Damien's tone turned serious, "they'll barely be ready minutes before the guests arrive? What is the meaning of this, has my staff become too lazy to do anything a day prior?"

The boy grew weary and hurriedly shook his head, "no, your majesty. Princess Emma dismissed the staff early, claiming they can resume tomorrow morning and work through the day."

Damien groaned, "after I clearly told her that I would be bringing Aliya back with me tonight. Guess you're gonna have to stay with me then."

He didn't seem too happy with the idea, and neither was I.