Aleksander’s eyes followed the princess’ every movement – from the way she walked gracefully to the way her long wavy hair of fire swayed with an ethereal air to it. Was she doing all of these on purpose?
If she was, then she was doing it very well.
Aleksander was utterly entranced.
"I will agree to help you, under certain conditions," Elys said when she turned to face the prince.
Aleksander’s face instantly lit up.
"I will do anything for you," Aleksander immediately spoke. "Anything!"
He didn’t make any reservations, didn’t even hesitate when he replied. The prince was already desperate for her help, and he was already tired of trying to convince her.
Aleksander just wanted the princess’ yes.
And so, whatever she would demand, the bastard prince will surely do his best to deliver.
The princess hid a smile, and then said, "Abolish the slavery system, my king. Free my people, free all of them and the rest of the slaves."
The bastard prince’s face turned rigid.
"Wife, that would be quite a feat," he said. "Most of the vampires, both nobles and commoners even, have been used to having slaves since the beginning of our kind’s existence."
Elys’ brow arched with the prince’s reply.
"Are you saying you won’t be able to do what I ask of you? That is just the first of my conditions," Elys turned away, feigning disinterest.
The princess’ plan on doing reverse psychology on the prince deemed successful. Aleksander’s instant reply proved he was anxious she would totally back out.
"But of course, I can do that," he said as he shook his head, "I promised you whatever you want, and I plan to see through it to the very end."
"Good," Elys nodded, "now off to my second condition."
Aleksander listened carefully, praying her condition would be simpler this time around. Then again, once he does get the crown for himself, he wouldn’t need to worry what Elys demands of him.
Everyone was expected to follow whatever the reigning monarch ordered.
Even his crazy father and his equally insane ideas were followed. He didn’t even need to use his magic that much on people unless necessary.
Elys cleared her throat and then continued with her negotiation, "My second condition would be that the vampire kingdom compensate the people they have taken as slaves."
"In what way do you mean to compensate?" the prince asked. "Gold? That would be quite easy. A bar should be enough."
"Make those five bars of gold each, an additional bar to the closest kin of a dead slave," Elys added without a skipped beat.
The prince’s mouth dropped.
"You are basically going to bankrupt the kingdom then!" Aleksander scratched his chin.
"Didn’t you say you wanted to bring this whole kingdom down?" Elys said in a mocking tone, "Are you having second thoughts about it? Then you are just as power hungry as any of the nobles you seek revenge on."
The prince choked on his own words.
"Right," Aleksander said. "We can do something about that. We still do have mineral mines. Alright, five gold bars each, plus an additional bar to those who got killed in service."
"Or killed by any of the kingdom’s officers that used their powers over innocent people," Elys added.
"Very well," Aleksander sighed, "consider it done. Anything else?"
The princess smiled at the question, "I like that you are finally listening to me."
"I did say I would do anything," the prince crossed his arms and looked at Elys seriously, "just make sure that you do your part, and I promise you to that I will do mine as well."
"Great," the princess squinted her eyes, "now then. One final condition that I would love you to do for me..." Elys moved forward and leaned towards the prince, "punish those that hurt the slaves."
Aleksander’s fangs glinted as he smirked at the condition Elys gave him.
"With pleasure," the prince responded, "vampires do get the reputation for being cruel. That wouldn’t be a problem."
Princess Elysianne clapped her hands together and grinned, "Then if you will, we have a deal then?"
Aleksander put his hand forward and said, "Let’s shake on it."
+++
Wiriam opened his eyes slowly. The destruction that he saw within the room was entirely beyond him. Was all of it because of that blinding wave of energy the prince’s wife had released?
The blast had been deafening. And if not for Wiriam’s fast reaction, he would have been one of those who were eaten alive by that magical explosion.
Fire had engulfed the majority of the court. Those that didn’t see the attack coming were set ablaze, some even instantly burnt into oblivion.
The Ravinias were completely annihilated, while a handful of the Elnuas and Rossos were able to defend themselves. The Farvars were complete, much to Wiriam’s relief. The vampire clergy were safe as well with High Priestess Naya casting a defense spell around them.
His eyes turned to the center of the room. What was left of the knights that attacked had scattered to the ground, bloody and missing several parts of their bodies.
The prince and princess stood unscathed, and the look on their faces were that of chilling bloodlust.
"Do you all still dare to deny me my right to the crown?!" Prince Aleksander yelled at the remaining people inside the room.
The prince turned to the vampire clergy, his golden eyes staring at the High Priestess. His brows raised and challenged them to deny him once more, but Wiriam thought there was no question that the clergy was going to go up against him now.
His wife was the game changer.
"Your majesty," Wiriam bowed down. "Your blood remains the true heir to the throne no matter the rumors surrounding you, my king, your throne awaits."
Aleksander and his wife turned to the Farvar. The bastard prince grinned, an evil smile that could have sent anyone crying to the next kingdom.
Although Wiriam wanted the crown as well, he thought he should bid his time.
For now, he will see to it he doesn’t get into the wrong side of clashing powers.
The unlikely couple had definitely taken them off guard.