I took a deep breath through my nose, opened my eyes gently, and released my grip on the rigid string. The arrow sailed through the air as time slowed. I watched, my head held with arrogance, …show more content…
as my arrow hit the middle of the target- exactly where I knew it would.
"As always- very nice Princess Elisabeta," my educator, Ettore, applauded. He wasn't just any ordinary teacher, he had taught me everything since I could remember. Long ago he became my closest friends despite the sizable age difference. I glanced over at him as he began to pack up the bow and arrows.
He was short and bald- so cliche for a teacher. Over the years his face acquired a few wrinkles, yet his rich brownie colored eyes radiated a youth to them. I wasn't quite sure how old he was, but I did know that he had been the Royal family's educator for many generations and it was finally beginning to show. Although Vampires do not age quickly, time eventually does catch up and begins to show.
After he had finished packing, he asked, "You are coming back up with me, aren't you? Don't forget about your meet and greet, the Queen would stake us both and I don't know how you feel, but I'm not one for the stakes."
"I need a minute alone with the waters," I responded, shaking my head at his lame attempts at a joke. The water beckoned to me, pleading for me to seek knowledge from it, begging me to let it run cold over my bare fingers.
A short nod later, "Alright, Princess, but be careful." I smirked as he turned around, he was completely aware that I could handle myself if I needed to.
I gazed over at the rocky cliff behind me, bright green moss clinging to every inch of it.
The grounds were covered in long, swaying grass mixed in with dazzling, colorful wildflowers. The wind caused everything to dance in unison, creating a soft whoosh for the ears. In front of me the waves crashed violently against the jagged rocks. Although it looked rough, it was breathtaking and I never grew tired of it.
Turning my attention to the waves crashing against the sharp rocks on the shore, I inhaled slowly. Each step I took closer to the waters, the waves seemed to calm themselves. I smiled as I dipped my fingers slowly into the cool water. A burst of freshness surged through me and I felt relieved.
My mother was holding a tea greeting tonight featuring the few unvowed royal princes left. She was pressuring me into vowing, and I was having none of it. I knew for Vampires like us, it was normal to be forced into this type of commitment. Royalty didn't vow out of love, it was done for peace and growth. I was so distraught over the whole situation, finding it absolutely disgusting that I was being forced against my will to commit myself to …show more content…
another.
"The waters seem to like you well," a deep voice came from behind me.
I let out a little scream- startled that I hadn't heard him before. I turned around ready to fight, but I was even more shocked by what I saw.
"Ashanti," I whispered, all the air escaping me. Before me stood a tall, dark man. I could sense he was the same as me- hiding the same secrets as me. His black hair was cut short, matching his deep brown eyes. His muscles distracted me for a moment, bulging with every movement he made. The most striking features of him were the swirling tattoos covering his body. The black lines flowed where his veins popped out. The intensity of his presence threw me off. "What are you doing here?" I spat out, remembering who the Ashanti were.
"Looking for someone like you," he smiled- showing off his perfect white fangs. My heart skipped a beat and I almost forgot why I was supposed to be fighting. He took a step towards me, but I didn't move. It was almost as if I couldn't move, like all of gravity fell upon me at that exact moment. How did he have this kind of hold over me? Who was this man?
"Get back!" I snarled, baring my razor sharp fangs. He smirked, taking another small step towards
me.
"There's nothing you can do Princess. I have you just where I want you," his voice purred out, closing the gap between us. He traced his long, icy fingers along my jaw, staring directly into my eyes. His eyes burned into my soul, it was as if he was searching for answers in me. I was in a dangerous situation and I couldn't function right. My heart pounded in my chest, exploding from the terror.
Suddenly, he tore away from me and I felt faint. The world seemed to sway underneath my feet. My eyes rolled around the blue sky and I felt an absence in the air. For a moment, all I could see was the stream of water. As I recollected myself, I realized I was alone. There was no Ashanti man, there was no power being held over me. It was just me- all alone- with the waters.
I was utterly confused to say the least. It all happened in a matter of seconds. He appeared and disappeared out of thin air. I questioned my sanity for a second before moving back to the stream of cool, flowing water. I shook my head along with the startling thoughts brimming it.
The Ashanti were the worst of the entire vampire race. They controlled people and used dark power- something that had incredibly terrible consequences. I didn't know much about their Clan, but I knew enough to know that whatever just happened was dangerous.
Deciding I needed more information; I started my journey back to the palace, but not before a ballroom full of potential kings awaited me- along with my dreadful mother; an event I couldn't run away from. I rolled my eyes, becoming instantly angry at the fact. So much for those much needed answers. It would have to wait.