♡Daemon♡

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The prince himself was part of the greeting committee. Obviously not attached at the hip with his sister as Faust had enclosed in the letter he had received only a few days prior. Had something happened or was the male just trying to smooth it over so he'd feel better about the wedding? Even Cass said that they seemed unnaturally close in such a short period of time. Nevertheless, the dark haired prince smiled brightly at Keenan, nodding in respect. "Thank you, but I'd like to just skip to seeing my siblings if that's alright? I need to exchange some words with the both of them. I hear my future right hand has disappeared?" He asked, pulling the black leather gloves off his hands one finger at a time.

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The Crown Prince Daemon de Atwood-Omelle had arrived relatively alone with just two other riders besides himself. The two fae soldiers seemed exhausted as the prince seemed renergized by his newest mission.

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Freyja and Daemon shared their Father's golden eyes. The brightness that came from the first fire wielders in their bloodline. Faust had gold as well, but even his dipped towards brown in comparison. He did have dark curls though, neatly trimmed so they weren't dipping into his eyes or shagging down past his jawline. The male's figure was broad and lean, toned as most were. Dressed in royal blue, his sun kissed skin paired nicely. And he was very aware of it. So he flashed his signature smile that revealed dimples on either sides as he shoved his gloves into his pockets.

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"I appreciate the welcome committee though, highness. But I've only got twelve hours to make sure my little sister's big day goes just right. Hmm? What, trouble in paradise?" He asked with a devious grin as he scanned Keenan. At first glance, Daemon hadn't been entirely impressed. As he got closer though, the grin widened into a smile. "I like that scent. Is it Rose? Trying to repel Freyja or something?" He asked. In all honesty, he had no clue what it was. He just knew he was missing information and needed it quickly. "Also, is it possible for you to send for the Scholar Cassian?"

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{Freyja}

She looked at Claude sideways. "Keenan does magic? I didn't know that one." She muttered it more to herself than anything. Her mind wandered for a bit until she brought up the other fae. One turned vampire. That was close to impossible from their records. It could have killed the Vampire turning the fae. As Claude mentioned the possible deal, Freyja began to smile. "Seriously? I mean, that would be amazing. Fingers crossed she finds me tolerable. Today I'm even annoyed with myself." She sighed, looking back and realizing finally that the guard had been dismissed.

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"Claude, will his highness be upset that you accepted my invitation to a walk?" She looked back at Claude, eyes a bit wider than before and instinctively she reached to her middle finger that was now bare. The ring was locked up in her room. So instead she put her arms behind her back and clutched them together. Claude seemed more at ease now, but Freyja remained stiff. Counting her breaths and staying alert. As much as she wish she didn't, she wouldn't be surprised if one of those two males appeared to ambush her. Whether or not Claude would partake is what held Freyja's curiosity.

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"Um, is it a bit too late to see if we'll still be doing our court lessons or do I need to find a tutor?" Although that would potentially be blocked off as well. If Keenan, excuse me, his highness was going to continue his anger towards her then she'd be cut off from her share of the income. Resorting to letters back home is not something she wished to do. "I don't need an answer this very moment, but I'd like one before the tour. And I feel like that's already been cut short as it is." She sighed, moving to cross her arms over her chest.

Keenan

The crown prince of the Fae was refusing him? Fine. They would play that game. Keenan folded his hands in front of him and offered the fae prince a sickly smile. Unfortunately, the gorgeous male’s personality was not fitting with his appearance. Not beautiful inside and out, a shame really but if what Faustin told him was true, he could be playing a very dangerous game. Perhaps a dangerous game was needed, time to shake things up. Afterall they were planning to overthrow the king. He was planning to murder his own father and truly cement himself as the blood traitor prince, no the blood traitor king.

“Alas I do not know what has happened to your future right hand, I do not involve myself in fae politics or business, Cassian and I gave each other a wide berth, perhaps you sister has an idea,” he said nonchalantly, “I will ensure that your siblings are aware of your arrival. Perhaps, I could suggest a secure location for a meeting?” he suggested, having that many fae of that power in the same room was a recipe for disaster especially if tensions were running high. Keenan didn’t want them accidentally destroying the rose garden, he was rather fond of that space. They needed to be somewhere energy could be contained, “My suggestion would be training room four on the second floor, soundproof and secure.”

Keenan resisted the urge to roll his eyes, instead he decided to rise to the male’s challenge. He was worried about Daemon’s true motives, however that was something for him to worry about later, or one of the others would do it. Could he end a spy to find more information? If what Faustin said about Daemon was true, then Keenan just had to find out his type. He would do it himself but there would be no guarantees there, if he did need another, a few threats and it would be sorted. People were rather resourceful when afraid. “Darling, if I wanted to scare off your sister, I would not need a perfume, I am perfectly capable of doing it myself if I was so inclined.”

Keenan left, stopping to look over his shoulder at Daemon, “I look forward to your appearance at dinner.”

He had promised Faustin something to help with the hangover. It was sent by a servant accompanied with a letter alerting him of his brother’s arrival and to pull himself together enough for the meeting. This meeting between the siblings could go very badly. If Faustin and Freyja decided to share everything they had learned then there could be another war and hell, he owed Faustin a favour. War was a very dangerous time for another to be able to command you.

Claude

“Incorrect, he is capable but not willing to train it. He learned a small amount to help with the war but then something inside him shifted, but that is not my story to share. If you want to know more about it, I would suggest talking to him. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you more, as I am not privy to that information. Even I am only allowed to know so much,” Claude still remembered the haunted hollow look that she saw on Keenan’s face after he first discovered he had inherited his mother’s gifts. He never told Claude what he learned, nor how much he was capable of, it was as if he didn’t want to know, or knew and the thought terrified him, “She managed to put up with a juvenile Keenan, I am sure she would be willing to help,” Or at least she hoped for all their sakes.

She stopped walking, of course Keenan was going to be annoyed. She had directly defied an order and if Keenan wasn’t so kind, he could have her locked up for it. Hell, if Freyja pushed him too hard, he could become that kind of person. “Don’t worry about it. I will deal with him,” she said firmly, “As for tutoring, I am willing to help, however you must understand that my expertise is limited in some areas and you may have to ask the prince. Although I cannot unless he approves,” he could have her flogged for the information she had revealed, hell, the king would probably consider it. She had to be careful.

A messenger came running over to them. Freyja had a meeting with her older brother. Claude reached out and grabbed Freyja’s wrist to stop her leaving, “Be careful,” she said, suddenly pulling her hand away, remembering what Freyja did to Cassian, “If you do not mind what you say and implicate the inner circle or Keenan, things will not be pretty and I would not wish that on my worst enemy.”

.Daemon.

So the Vampire had more than just a physical sort of bite. He smiled at the prince, "Thank you, Darling," He said the last piece must quieter than before. Daemon turned and signaled to the soldiers they were good to go. This prince might prove to be a bit more difficult than he had thought. "Hmm, something tells me Freyja is spooked by a 'boo!' more often then not. I do look forward to dinner, your highness. I'll see you then," he said coyly before stepping away and into the castle. Second floor in training room four. The male was just excited to see his siblings.

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The vampires all seemed a but tense at the moment. Must be the wedding. He had no doubt Freyja was probably just as frazzled as the staff. The male reached to touch the shoulder of a human wearing what seemed to be the maid's uniform. He flashed a smile, "I'm sorry, could you point me to training room four?" He asked. Dumbly, she pointed down the row of doors. He thanked her with a nod and continued on his way towards the door marked for their meeting.

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The room was already empty so Daemon sighed and shed his overcoat, hanging it on a hook. Daemon took the lessons in hand to hand combat and was a whiz at archery, but Swordplay was his downfall. He'd made sure Freyja was not in the same position and as she had more time to dawdle about, he'd given her the best trainers for all three. But he also knew very well that she just enjoyed the adrenaline of it and hardly ever carried a proper weapon with her. He'd have to tell her to change that. He had no liking for any of these people.

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How could one let their project go to waste, eh?

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So Daemon stood with his hands on his hips as he waited for his siblings to arrive. If he would have had it his way, Rion would be there. But he was far more dedicated to the Gods than his family. That airways caused an eyeroll at dinner.

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.Faust.

The male gladly took whatever kind of tonic it was to help with the hangover. Tasted like raw donkeys bottom, pre washing. But it was starting to help and that was enough to get him through reading the note and wanting to start the cycle all over again. But he just sighed and staggered around the room, throwing on clothes as he went. He'd skip dinner tonight and then reappear at the wedding good as new. He'd have to make up some dirt of excuse for dinner but he couldn't say he was looking forward to the meeting with both of his siblings in one room.

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{Freyja}

Her eyebrows raised slightly as Claude pulled away last minute. Gloves would be added to her shopping list and a heavy jacket as well. "Believe it or not, I can tell when to hold my tongue. Earlier was a rare occurrence. I'd rather not have the people I'm supposed to deal with for the rest of my living days be at my throats. Thank you for your time, Claude. And please send word about the other matter regarding magic. It's time to find out if Keenan, I mean. His Highness told my brother about the issue. Well, brothers." Shhe started to walk away but turned abruptly. "Um, at dinner. Don't mind Daemon. Pay him little attention. He's used to getting what he wants. Anyways, I'll see you at dinner," She said, turning once more to head back into the castle.

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Yes, Freyja was more than happy Daemon was here. But she would have been happier about it a few days ago when everyone was on good terms. Now everything was jumbled and she wouldn't know until she was there if Keenan had already tried to put a wedge between her siblings. She knew the castle fairly well now, thanks to the blueprints. Although Secret passageways were still hidden for her. But she still reached the room intended for the meeting in less time than she thought. She collected herself at the door. She'd be the precious sister when she walked into that room so she let out her braid and wiped her palms on her gown.

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Opening the door, she hardly had a chance to have an intake of breath before she was crushed in a hug by her oldest brother. Broad shoulders came from father, and Freyja had somewhat obtained them as well, but she was still petite in comparison. "Daemon, I can't breathe!" She finally wheeled, wriggling her fingers.

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He grinned, "Why, little sister. How are you going to survive here amongst these creatures if you can't even take your own brother?" He asked.

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Faust smirked, "You'd be surprised, Daemon." Freyja looked at him with wide eyes, Faust caught that but only continued to grin. "Little sister is quite the snake charmer. She must have learned that from you." He muttered his last sentence. Freyja blinked a few times. He reeked of spirits. How was he able to keep quiet about it?

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Daemon grinned, "Playing nice, are we? Oh. I suppose that's probably good for an alliance. Hmm, say, where's Cass? Is he hungover?" He asked. He must have assumed.

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Freyja shook her head no, hand instinctively going to her middle finger to once again find the bare skin, but she rubbed and twisted anyways. "Actually, Cassian has. Um, well he's gone missing. We have gathered enough to where we think he may have ran away?"

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"Where is his journal? The black leather one. You painted roses on the front for him. Where is it?" Daemon asked, a bit panicked.

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Freyja blinked. How did he know about the journal. The few entries she'd even bothered to look at were about how she had killed the staff after receiving the new. Had Daemon been in on it the whole time? Had that been the reason for all of her training? "Lord Montague and the Prince have it. Brother, it was rambling nonsense. A thick book of nonsense." She said firmly, watching how he'd react.

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He nodded slowly, "I guess I shall have to ask the prince about it. I'll be taking the rest home with me after the wedding." Faust looked at Freyja. She could faintly smell Keenan on him so she knew he knew. Perhaps he would remember this time. "Anyways, Mother and Father say hullo and terribly regret not being able to come..." the rest was drowned out by Freyjas own thoughts.

He saw red. Storming across to where Claude was stood, his golden eyes glowing with rage. "My office. Now!" He ordered, looking more like his father than ever before. Pure lethal vampire rage, if anyone ever doubted that he was not strong enough to be Prince, would be eating their words.

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"Sit," he barked as the entered the room, closing the door behind them.

This was the moment that he was grateful for a sound proof office. He still furious, defying his direct order. She was one of his most trusted friends and she did this? "I should have you arrested. Hell my father would want you whipped for your disobedience," Claude flinched, there was no mistaking the fear on her face and Keenan just relished in it, "I allow you most freedoms but this was my one non negotiable. Do you even have anything to say for yourself?"

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"She requested to speak to me, I had a guard come with us," Claude said desperately, "Nothing happened. I promise."

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Keenan snarled completely feral. Claude had not seen him this angry since the war. He looked so much like his father and it was terrifying. Gods help them. "Luckily for you, I am feeling generous and don't want to cause a scene in front of our new guests. However, disobey a direct order again and I will not hesitate. However if you wish to still remain in my inner circle once I am king, I will require a blood vow."

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Claude paled. A blood vow was intense and unbreakable. She knew he was upset but who could've predicted this? Who had he been talking to? Or was it this situation with Freyja that had pushed him over the edge? Keenan sighed, "You are dismissed Claude."

What Claude really wanted to know was how he found out.

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Walking down the hall to his father's study, Keenan found himself caught up in his own thoughts. It was a risk threatening Claude like that but if he was going to he king eventually, he could not be seen as weak nor too merciful. He was not his father but he was the crown prince.

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He knocked once on the door and counted the breaths until the guards allowed him to enter, always three. Such a strange number to choose. He bowed to the king before standing up in front of the desk. He carried his chin high and held himself with the arrogance of a spoiled prince. "How did the meeting with Claude go? Was my spies information correct," the king asked.

Keenan nodded, "It was, she is back under control again."

The king nodded and paused for a moment as if trying to find a tactful way to word what he was going to say next, "And the situation with young Aleksander?"

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This was the part Keenan was dreading. He knew it was coming but, it still did not make him feel any better. "The situation is evolving," he said tactfully, the king raised an eyebrow, "Princes can and often do have lovers father, as you are well aware. Some princes have multiple. It does not influence my rule nor decisions. I just allow myself to sample some of the finer things."

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They king nodded. Seemingly satisfied with that answer. Keenan could have let out a sigh of relief but knew better than to falter. "It is nice to see you finally acting like a prince but one mistep and I will be waiting. The second you prioritise your relationship with that boy. I will kill him and then you... although maybe that's to generous. I'd kill him, make you watch and then lock you in the dungeons again. How long do you think you could last without blood until you break? Is your resolve stronger this time. I mean we didn't get far enough along to truly test you strength," the king paused for a moment to let his words sink in, "Then I hope I have made myself clear."

"Yes father," Keenan said.

"Then leave as you have a dinner to attend."

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Keenan did not bother changing for dinner, he fixed his hair and replaced his jewellery and circlet with something more fitting for the occasion and made his way down to the dining hall.

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The king had decided yet again not join them. Perhaps he finally had some faith in him. That was rather unlikely. The king was just waiting for Keenan to make a mistake. Offering him the information about Claude and Freyja was a way to bait him into doing something. His father was right on one thing though, he had to make sure those around him were loyal and it started with Claude.

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Keenan grinned at the fae siblings as they entered the hall, encouraging everyone to take a seat. He was praying that this dinner could go reasonably well. If they could avoid any talk of war he would call it a success.

Double oops

Daemon

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The fae smiled, eye twitching slightly. The vampires had their hands on his precious research. "Ah, yes. Mother and Father say hullllllllooooo, and oh my! Look at the time. It's time for dinner. Freyja, wear the black gown. Faust, do not make an appearance. You're still stumbling about like a peasant and I won't be associated with it. Freyja, come along, I'll escort you to your chamber to change." He said, offering his arm for her to latch on to. Getting the message, she did just that and immediately pasted on the smiled he'd trained her to.

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Once they were out in the hall and Faust was stumbling back to his room, Daemon glanced around a few times more before he tightened his grip on her hand that had been linked. "Freyja. Darling, you know I know your tells. Where is my Scholar?" His sister stiffened, bit hadn't fussed up yet. She had learned from these snakes then. She had began the slow building of a backbone. That was not according to his plans. That threw an awfully large wrench into his plans, actually. "Freyja, darling dearest sister of mine. Where. Is. Cassian." He said more firmly, lower than before.

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"Dead."

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Daemon's pace slowed and his eyebrow perked, heat flushing the base of his neck. "How? Murder? Who murdered my Scholar, Freyja? Who?" He asked, turning the corner as if he already knew the layout of the castle. Cassian was not dead. It wasn't possible. The male had three gifts and was an expert swordsman. He had trained with the ancients for crying out loud!

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He felt Freyja stiffened once more and he felt the answer then. She had done it. On one hand, this was awful. His friend, future right hand, and her lover were all gone. On the other hand though, No one had mentioned any blood. It's harder to hide blood. So that left one explanation. He slowly grinned, "Freyja....do you have...magic, my dearest?" He was answered with her small nod. "Well, this is actually good new. We just need that Journal. Okay?"

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He watched as they continued to walk. She seemed to be in shock. Her body was still moving, stiffly, but moving. And her eyes had become saucers in size. She blinked a few more times. "Daemon, how is that okay? How is any of that good news?"

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Daemon only smiled as they paused outside of her door. Brushing a curl out of her face, he tilted his head. "Poppet, it just makes you more special. Everyone's killed at least once in their time. But you've done it in the most unique way. Now wear the black dress along with the rubies. Hair up. This is the night before, you don't seem happy so don't show them that. Just be pleasing to the eye for now and answers will come later. Alright? I've forgotten my coat, I'll collect you once I've gotten it. Make haste, Freyja."

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{Freyja}

She hadn't known how to react so she just went back into her room and shut the door. Of course she followed her instructions and pulled the black gown out. Taeya was no where in sight though. Not even a note. So she slipped into the dress and pulled her own corset, tying it at the bottom. The gown was simple from afar, but as you came closer you could see that it had lace in some areas and the bodice was beaded with onyx. Puffed sleeves, but off the shoulder and they reached her wrists with ease. She put the ruby earrings it, the dangling teardrops of course and the matching necklace as well. Yanking her hair up in a style that very clearly showed her curls and brought out her heart-shaped face. She slipped into her ebony colored heels and was ready. No makeup was needed for this event.

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When she made her exit, Daemon was right there. Waiting. Blue coat was back on and buttoned back up. How he could look so close to perfection after a whole journey had to have come from Mother because Freyja certainly hadn't inherited that piece of DNA. The walk down to the dining room was mostly just him talking about homelike and the newest court fashions and such. Normal small talk.

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Her attitude flared as soon as she entered and saw Keenans grin. Of course, she naturally straightened her back and held her head high and gave him a dazzling smile. Taking her seat beside him, she didn't say anything to him. Or really acknowledge his existence. Instead, the princess sat straight in her seat and quietly sipped on whatever kind of juice was in her goblet tonight.

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Daemon nodded his respects and took his seat, scanning the rows of vampires, turning to his left to finally make conversation to entertain himself. Freyja smiled, leaning in so to those around them it would seem like she was whispering sweet nothings. "So you didn't tell my brother about Cassian. Sorry to disappoint, highness. But I do think he was rather proud instead." She inhaled, wrinkling her nose. "Wish I would have sniffed out the rat earlier. Is your father well, your highness?" She asked, the second half of the phrase louder as it was common for one to.worry about their father in laws delicate health. The only one who seemed to find this strange was a vampire seated diagonally across from the royals. But his only tell was that his eyes widened and rolled before he returned his meal.

Things were still tense between him and Freyja, he had expected that and ws not ready to forgive her for making and ass of him in front of the inner circle. Freyja was lucky that his father did not actually care about the fae scholar she had murdered. The case had been assigned to Keenan to shut the fae up. If they wnted justice, well Freyja would learn why they were called monsters afterall. His father had plenty of blood on his hands and was not afraid to add more, he was a sadistic bastard.

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"Sometimes things are better left unsaid, darling, he exaggerated the last word, "and sometimes, it is not yours to share," He glared at Claude, she was going to have to work to regain his trust. Revealing the truth about is heritage was borderline treason. Luckily for him, Claude's knowledge was limited and only believed the stories she had been fed. She had never met his mother so she would never learn about that side of his family.

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He smirked when she mentioned the rat, as quickly as the expression was there, it was gone. "You found out? Good. Very few places are truly private here. Most guards report to me or my father and he is currently tolerating my existence," the king was only tolerating him because he had decided to play good little prince. His father wanted to kill the kindness that remained in him and gods above he had tried. It was sheer determination that kept him going. That and Aleks had restored his faith in others again. Speaking of Aleks, he had skipped dinner. Smart to avoid being seen together in front of the new prince together but it still hurt and Keenan was feeling very lonely at the table.

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"My father was feeling unwell this evening so you will have to excuse his lack of attendance tonight. He wished to rest so that he was well for the wedding in the morning," he said slightly louder.

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The thought that the wedding was tomorrow made him want to vomit, hell, he almost did when drinking with Faustin. He never thought he would say it but he would have been grateful for the male's presence right now. The fact he was expected to share blood with her, a sacred ritual when it followed a wedding, the way vampires consumated a wedding. His father would know if they avoided it but he hated the thought of doing it. Especially her and fae blood had unique properties. Terrifying really, there was a reason the more powerful vampire fed exclusively on fae prisoners in the war. It was a place he never wanted to go to again and he had never fed on particularly powerful fae, what would happen if he did? The thought terrified him. His hand was being forced and if he wanted to stay alive he had no choice.

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Keenan ignored Freyja for a few minutes before turning to her brother, the male was gorgeous. He looked like he knew it as well, he cleaned up well especially after a long journey. Keenan sraightened and held himself with an arrogance that only a prince could conjure, "I trust your journey was pleasant and I hope that you find the facillities adequate. If you do find something unsatisfactory or need something, do not hesitate to send a servant or if they cannot help, send for me."

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Claude gave him a look that made him feel like he was going mad. Perhaps he was, afterall, who could stay sane amongst all this drama. The constant mind games and trying to stay at least one step ahead of the person sitting accross from him. he needed to find out what Daemon wanted and fast, especially as they planned to leave on their tour not long after the wedding. It had been cut down dramatically to a mere few days excluding travel but things were so fragile at the castle, he couldn't afford to be away any longer, hell if he could avaoid it, he would not have been going.

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The atmosphere at the dinner table was miserable. Keenan and Freyja were whispering back and forth to eachother and Daemon had enchanted a few of the others. Claude felt very alone.

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In all honesty, she was terrified. What Keenan asked of her... It was a lot. She would have to give up all of her freedoms, his word would be law and she could not disobey him. The only way the bond could be broken would be his death, his word or her own death. It was not very promising but if she refused she would lose her position in the king's army and her more than comfortable life in the castle. She was not of noble blood and had no plan B, no one had ever been willing to give her a chance.

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It was all her own doing. Defying a direct order from the crown prince was bordering on treason, she was lucky she got away with a slap on the wrist. One wrong step and Keenan could not protect her, the king would have her flogged in the square or worse locked in the dungeon.

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Daemon clearly had an agenda, perhaps she could use that to her advantage. Could she convince the fae to give her an out? The real problem would be doing it without Keenan or his father finding out. If she went down this path, there would be no turning back and if she was caught, a fate worse than death waited. It would all be worth it if she succeded and was allowed to keep her freedoms but how much would she have to sacrifice? What would happen to Freyja in her absence? Keenan was too angry to be of any use. Too afraid to think straight.

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She needed to talk to Freyja but did not know where she stood with Keenan at this moment. Her standing in the court was growing fragile as it is. She could not afford to rock the boat anymore. Perhaps they could come to an agreement, surely there was something she could do to convince Keenan that Freyja was not as dangerous as he thought. Keenan was not in his right mind, he was not going to be reasonable. If she couldn't force some sense into him, perhaps Freyja could. He had a duty to her especially as they would be married.

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Who was she kidding, the only person that Keenan would listen to is Aleks and possibly Monty. For a reason she could not fathom, Kee was playing the obedient prince. Something had refused to ever do. had the king hurt him? She couldn't smell any fear or pain. Perhaps he truly had lost his mind and Freyja was what pushed him over the edge. She prayed that it was not the case, otherwise they would be going from one tyrannical leader to another. The rebel forces were growing by the day and they had all hoped that a change in leadership would help but not if Keenan was a carbon copy of his father.

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Aleksander got away with not attending the dinner and it was not fair. The tension in the air could be cut with a knife. Keenan seemed to have a thing going for the new fae prince, as did Claude. Had everyone gone mad? Did they not remember that the fae hated the vampires?

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The Claude thing was starting rumours. People were saying that she was seen speaking to Freyja unattended even after Keenan's direct order to not go near her alone. Monty took it with a grain of salt. Claude was Keenan's most loyal subject, she would never defy him, although it would explain why Keenan asked him to swear a blood oath once he was crowned king. Monty of course accepted, it's not like Keenan would order him to do anything monstrous.

{Daemon}

The male turned from the person he was talking to to give Keenan his attention. It was mere small talk but Daemon sent him a broad smile. "Ah, yes. Everything has been lovely so far, highness. Now I must say, Keenan, is it? My, your pretty." He said, picking up his wine glass to take a swig. He glanced over and grinned. "But I'm afraid that I haven't been introduced to your friends, highness," Daemon said with a smile towards Claude and Monty. In the corner of his eye, he could see Freyja stiffen. Perhaps it was what she and the prince had been whispering about.

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They had changed her. And he was going blame it on the prince himself. They both were scary together like this and he loved it. Freyja did not seem to enjoy the flirtatious approach. He grinned and turned to her. "Sweet sister, is there something the matter? Is his highness not pretty?"

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Freyja smiled, wrinkling her nose slightly. "Of course he is. Remember, the Orc was always an option." She seemed more interested in the shepherds pie on her plate after that, pushing around the peas.

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Daemon smiled as she went back to picking at her food. It was a shame though. She had such potential to be a leader, but of course that meant she could be potential threat to his crown. Well. It all depended on if the prince across from him was smart enough to use his future wife as a weapon instead of a pretty companion as his father expected of her. His plans now rested on if the female was infertile or not. Her bloodline could grow to be conquerors if they pleased. And he did not want that prince's blood to be intertwined with his own. He'd find a look alike for the prince in his own kingdom. Or perhaps a shifter. That way Freyja wouldn't be tossed from the throne.

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"I honestly can't wait to see you in your wedding attire, highness. It ought to be a sight for sore eyes, no?" He asked, cutting into his own portion and taking a small bite. The prince ate like a fine lady for sure. But even as his lips were sealed, "but back into introductions. Who is this lovely lady?" He asked, tilting to glance at Claude.

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{Freyja}

Daemon was flirting. Awfully. With not only her fiancé, but half of the people in their row. She'd stared at him stiffly in disbelief as he started with Keenan. Calling him pretty. She'd been so set on disliking him from the moment they met, even as they were on good terms a for those few days, she hadn't let herself think about his looks or anything of that sort. If she had, it would be so their outfits wouldn't clash too horribly against eachother. But pretty.

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And..and... and Keenan flirted back. Her eyes were on her peas but they widened to double their size. He was flirting with her brother. Something caught in her throat. Somewhere she remembered Keenan wanted to offer his hand to Daemon. Not her. She had always been the back up. The one he had to settle for. But she never once thought that they'd so openly flirt in front of everyone at dinner. Even the Lord next to her was starting to shift uncomfortably.

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Freyja looked up, bringing a hand to cover her false smile. She didn't say anything though. She just listened in and kept her hand there until she was sure she could keep the smile up without faltering. But that didn't happen. She stood instead and excused herself, walking all the way to the door and once the doors were closed, she ran as fast as she could back to her chambers. The bloody dress getting in her way at every step but as soon as she entered, she fell in front of her waste basket and emptied her stomach. She didn't know how she could possibly feel such a way. Part of her wished Aleks was there for the show. She prayed it was a show. But she knew Aleks wasn't there for his own safety.

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Whatever. She wouldn't care. She refused. She was tired of being shocked and bossed around like she was an ant. She killed someone the other day without a second thought. There wasn't even a first. And there had been no cautionary precautions since. Keenan was angry, yes. But did he actually understand? Did the male still underestimate her?

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{¿?¿}

He had watched the pair for the entire week. From the first night, they already seemed respectfully close. As the days progressed they grew closer. Tonight was different. The princess was tense. And the new addition to the table smiled at anything that looked his way. Even the prince seemed different. Angrier. Possibly because of his father.

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Mother would be absolutely pleased.

Keenan

This thing with Daemon was going to be harder than he thought. Daemon just called him pretty…pretty. When was the last time someone had called him pretty? Hell, even Aleks only ever referred to him as the handsome prince. Just the sound of it made him go weak, let alone that it was Daemon who said it. Freyja looked disgusted, not that it bothered him. Caring what she thought made him weak and he had promised his father that he would rectify that.

Sure, they planned to kill the king when they returned but until then, his father was still in charge and Keenan was his humble servant. Well not so humble as he did agree with Daemon, he was pretty, but he was definitely a slave to his father’s wishes. Especially if he wanted to ensure the safety of his friends and Aleks.

Daemon may risk what he has with Aleks but they’ve never actually been exclusive. He didn’t want to tie Aleks to him by officially stating that he was his boyfriend, that would have caused so much unnecessary drama and tarnished Aleks’ reputation. Aleks was young, he didn’t need the pressure of being with a prince while he was still trying to adjust to life living as an immortal.

Keenan winked at the other prince, “It is rather flattering if I say so myself.”

He could’ve sworn he heard Monty groan, Keenan kicked him under the table and gave him a look that said, pull yourself together. Monty blinked hard and stared intensely at the goblet of blood in front of him.

Keenan gave Daemon an easy smile, “this is Lady Claude and Lord Montague, both part of my inner circle, unfortunately the third member Lord Aleksander is feeling unwell so was not able to attend tonight.”

Freyja’s departure was… dramatic to say the least. No one moved from their chairs initially. Eventually Claude stood, she curtseyed at Daemon, “It was a pleasure meeting you your highness, perhaps we should catch up another time? You will have to excuse me; I am going to go and check on Princess Freyja as she looked unwell.”

Claude knew that Keenan could not tell her no in front of Daemon. That crafty vampire. He had to sit with an impassive expression on his face, he nodded to her to allow her to leave but that was as much as he could do without making himself look like a fool. Politics were a mine field and sometimes he wished things were simpler.

Claude

Seeing Keenan flirting so shamelessly with Daemon made her feel ill. The thing he had with Aleksander was so much healthier than whatever toxic relationship he was trying to form with the Fae prince. She of course knew that Aleks and Keenan weren’t exclusive, it was partially due to the king but Keenan would never admit that. He was not willing to admit that his father influenced the relationship. She also knew that Keenan had suggested offering his hand to Daemon. If that had happened, there would be no hope for any of them.

Catching up to Freyja was harder than she thought. That girl could move surprisingly fast when she wanted to. Freyja was on the floor, Claude crouched down, the fae girl had vomited, “hey, it’s okay,” Claude stood and offered Freyja her hand, “Come back to my quarters, it’s only down the hall.”

Claude helped Freyja up and gently led her back to her quarters. Unlike Keenan, Claude’s room was well decorated and immaculate, not a single paper out of place. She had helped the girl without hesitation, completely forgetting her earlier hesitation to be near her.

Claude poured Freyja a glass of water before sitting down herself. “We need to talk about what just happened in there,” Claude shook her head, chuckling to herself in disbelief, “He has lost it. He doesn’t listen to me anymore and no offense Freyja but I feel like your older brother will only bring trouble. I thought Keenan had grown out of his flirt with anything that moves phase, obviously not.”

Claude clasped her hands in front of her, “There was one more thing I have to tell you, “She stared at her hands unable to make eye contact with Freyja, “I may not be returning from your tour with you. Keenan wants me to swear a blood oath and I love him like a brother, I really do but that is too far for even me. If I refuse then I will lose my standing as a lady in the court as I have no noble family to fall back on. Mine is a title earned not born,” she looked up at Freyja, eyes wet with tears that threatened to escape, “I am telling you this because I trust you but if you tell him, he will kill me and feel no remorse.”

{Freyja}

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Freyja sat, taking off her jewelry and letting down her hair. No need for looking queenly when you literally just hurled your guts up. She hadn't even noticed Claude had actually made contact with her. "He never flirted with me. Perhaps it's because I came right off the bat and told him I didn't want to marry him and he was just the next step up from an orc." She sighed, smiling slightly as she was handed the water. The princess gratefully drank it in small sips.

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She watched over the glass as Claude took her seat and got very serious. As she spoke the more and more Freyja wanted to just wake up and say it was all a dream. Everything. And she'd wake up next to Cass and the war wouldn't have stopped yet but she was over this emotional roller coaster. She almost choked on her water. "Claude!" She finally wheezed when she was able, her eyes wide and threatening to spill as well. She couldn't leave. Not this soon! "If you leave they'll kill me! Right after Keenan finds away to get rid of the King I'm next! Did he offer you this blood oath because of our walk? You know, the one where that rat of a guard went off to tattle about?"

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She didn't know whether to be angry or upset or both. Her only friend at court would possibly be leaving? Leaving her with Keenan? Keenan and his posse who all wanted to see her head roll. Her throat was starting to burn. Was she overreacting? How does one react to this?

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Freyja took a few breaths and another drink of her water. She looked at her glass as she continued. "Would you still be able to give me advice afterwards? I mean, through coded messages or whatnot? Believe it or not," She laughed. "I've grown rather attached to the whole lot of you so I don't know which is worse at this moment. Knowing that Keenan would rather me dead or that you could possibly be leaving me and then be good as dead." She sighed, rubbing her temples. "And here I can't even offer to help you transfer into a different life."

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"I'd rather you alive though. But that just means you'll have to fit twice as much into our lessons until you leave. But one more question, Claude. Are Vampires the only ones able to make blood oaths?" Fae had something similar, but that was the reason they loved their riddles so much. Bigger loopholes to get around. But if someone other than a vampire could offer a blood oath then that could fix a few of her own issues. Even though she had calmed back down and her head was pounding, she was nowhere near ready to give up Claude. Keenan had to snap out of it. One way or another.

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{Daemon}

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The pretty thing with dark hair seemed to favor Freyja. He didn't like that. Didn't like the fact that even one of them had started to feel anything towards her other than hatred.

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But he smiled anyways, nodding and wishing her a good night before returning to the prince. "Lord Montague, you don't seem to like me very much....or my sister. Is it because she's too pretty for this night court, darling?" He asked, stabbing a carrot to pop in his mouth. "I'm jealous of her too. The red hair. But it never looks good on males, does it? Hmm, excuse me. I'm ready to retire for the evening. Feel free to stop by to chat at any moment, your highness." Daemon said with a bow before wishing everyone else a goodnight.

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Something was wrong with Freyja. Not enough information on their ancestor most likely lead to this. He had no control over her any more. But the Vampire lady beside him did as he thought. His grip had somehow slackened on his sister. Perhaps it was the use of this new gift.

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He didn't like that either.