BLOOD.FANGS.N'.FIRE

She looked at him with her watery eyes desperately fighting back the tears that wanted to fall.

But she could blame no one but herself for her situation.

"Hahaha, how bold of you earlier, my dear." Gavriel said menacingly.

"But don't worry, my dear Red, after, I will give you a blazing gift." He added.

Florah was confused about his choice of words, but she had more to worry about other than his words.

"Come, it's almost show time." The king pulled a numb Florah through his black portal.

When the two reappeared in the King's bedroom, the butler was already there standing professionally dressed in his black and white uniform.

This time, white gloves covered his long fingers.

He bowed his back, acknowledging the king's presence.

His eyes lingered on Florah a little, earning himself a questioning look from Gavriel.

"Miss Crest, your colleagues arrived thirty minutes ago." The head butler informed Florah, who looked a frightened wet kitten.

Florah made a step to go, but Gavriel's hold on her hand tugged her back.

She silently looked back at him, and she followed his eyes that were looking at her inner garments that were showing through the torn part of her dress.

She quickly pulled the dress to hide the torn part while blood rushed to her face in embarrassment.

"I...I beg to be excused, Your highness," Florah inaudibly said, looking at him with sorry eyes.

Gavriel let go of her hand and instructed, "I expect nothing less than one of your stella performances. And I expect you by my side the moment the play is over, I wouldn't want to have to look for you, my dear." He said the last statement with mischief in his eyes.

"I have understood, your majesty. " Florah said, looking back at him with bravery, trying not to be scared by his words.

Gavriel noticed this and smiled, letting go of her hand.

Florah hurried away, picked up the dress of her character, and disappeared into the bathroom.

Matthew looked at the closed bathroom door and back at the king. Several questions arose in his mind, but he knew not to ask because he expected no answer from the man before him.

"Most guests have already arrived, sire. They have settled in the parlour, dining hall, and some guest rooms.

The 'HOUSE' has sent over three senior captains and five lower subordinates. The Duke, Sebastian Clayton, has also already arrived, and he is with his family.

Most rulers have already arrived, too, and only a few members from different houses are yet to arrive."

Matthew gave a detailed report to the uninterested king who was opening the blood wine bottle.

The king downed the entire content down his throat in a few gulps.

And asked after, "And the Bladens?"

I haven't heard anything from them, Your Majesty, " the butler answered.

Gavriel smirked his fangs, protruding out of his mouth. He turned to face Matthew with his vampire features out.

Eyes red, fangs long with veins under his eyes.

Matthew walked over to the king and offered his hand. He had guessed by looking at the girl that Gavriel hadn't drunk blood from her.

It was commendable how he was able to contain his thirst after his meeting with his sister, which always triggered his poison and amplified not only his thirst but made him a different type of danger to be around.

Gavriel looked at the muscular hand in front of him and said bluntly, "What a polite gesture!! Frankly, I am touched, but I am not drinking your disgusting blood."

Matthew lightly chuckled and taunted, "Ok, why don't I call the girl who is too afraid to leave the bathroom maybe hers would taste better. "

Before Gavriel could reply, the door opened, and the Northern Duke entered, blood stained on his chin.

He wiped it and licked his finger and criticized, "Hmm, needs more iron."

"Oohhh, you could use some of that." He commented, looking at Gavriel's state.

Florah opened the bathroom door at once and walked hurriedly across the room.

She bowed when she reached the king. She didn't bother to look at who else was in the room.

She practically glided across the room, opened the door, and disappeared into the hallway.

Lester looked at the closed door mesmerized by the creature he had just seen.

He turned around to follow her only to hear the King's warning, "If much as your breath hits her face, I will not guarantee your heart to stay wherever it is."

Lester's eyes glinted mischievously as the urge to test whether the king would live up to his words kicked in.

Turning to look at his friend, his eyes turned concerned instead with worry.

Only one thing would make him like that, "How is she doing?" He asked, moving closer to him

"She is married now, so I am guessing happy." He replied sarcastically

Lester ignored him and turned to Matthew, "Her highness' condition is progressing according to his Majesty's wishes." The butler answered, and the Duke nodded, but his brows were still furrowed because he knew what Gavriel's body must be going through.

Matthew, this time bit into his palm, and the scent of blood immediately filled the room, sharpening all of Gavriel's senses.

He rushed to Matthew and grabbed his hand. He further bit into his palm and started sucking his blood in big gulps.

He let go of Matthew's hand after a minute. His hunger wasn't anywhere near gone, but it was satiated for the time being.

"You also need more iron, my dear butler," Gavriel commented, slowly gaining back his human features.

He then turned to Lester and asked, "Why are you already making meals out of my guests?"