WRITER'S POV
"Cough! Cough!"
"Hey, take it slowly. Here, have some water."
Theron quickly handed Evania a glass and rubbed her back as she drank.
"Oh dear! Are you alright?" Queen Lyra asked.
"I'm fine, thank you... cough. Your question just caught me off guard," Evania replied, her cheeks turning slightly pink.
"Did I startle you with my question, sweetheart? I'm sorry, dear. I'm just so excited to see children running around this house again."
The queen's face lit up with excitement.
"Mother, we aren't ready to have a child yet," Theron said.
"Why not? I've seen the way you two look at each other. You're in love."
Theron glanced at Evania.
Her face was a mixture of emotions-shock, uncertainty, and nervousness.
Gently, he placed his hand over hers.
The action startled her, but she didn't pull away.
"Yes, Mother, we are in love. But we'd like to wait a little while before having children."
Evania nodded in agreement.
"Take all the time you need. No one is forcing you," King Alaric said. "Lyra, stop pestering them. They only just got married."
"You're right, darling." Lyra sighed. "I'm sorry, dears. I was just excited. It's been so long since there was a child in this castle."
Her expression became dreamy.
"You two take your time. I won't pester you anymore. Now let's continue eating."
The rest of the meal passed peacefully.
Evania seemed far less tense now and appeared to be genuinely enjoying her food.
The sight warmed Theron's heart.
Later that night, they returned to their room.
As usual, Evania took the bed while Theron settled onto the couch.
Silence filled the room.
Apart from her soft breathing which was music to his ears.
"Your Majesty?"
Her sweet voice broke the quiet.
"Yes, Princess?"
"Um... if the couch is uncomfortable... you can share the bed with me."
Theron nearly laughed.
She had no idea what she was doing to him.
It felt like handing a lamb to a lion and asking the lion not to eat it.
"No, Princess. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
He sat upright and looked toward her.
"I am. Even if I shared the bed with you, I doubt I'd remain a gentleman."
His voice lowered.
"I might break my promise, and I don't want that."
Evania nodded.
"Well... good night."
She turned away from him.
"Good night, Princess."
~~~~~~~~
Much later, after making sure she had fallen asleep, Theron quietly left the room.
His feet carried him to the highest tower of the castle.
When he was younger, it had been his sanctuary.
A place where he could read, think, and be alone.
Stepping onto the balcony, he was greeted by the cold night air.
Closing his eyes, he allowed a wave of nostalgia to wash over him.
"I knew you'd be here."
Theron didn't need to turn around to recognize the voice.
"Father."
"Can't sleep?" King Alaric asked as he joined him.
"Don't want to."
Alaric chuckled.
"Your mother is very fond of your wife."
Theron smiled.
"Yes, she is. Evania has that effect on everyone. People are instantly drawn to her."
The smile lingered on his lips.
His father laughed softly.
"You sound smitten, my boy."
"Maybe I am."
"Now that's something I never thought I'd hear. The Ice Prince finally having feelings?"
Alaric laughed again.
"It's good, son."
He placed a hand on Theron's shoulder.
Then his expression became serious.
"Have you confirmed whether she is the one?"
Theron's expression darkened.
"I should receive information soon."
His father nodded.
"If she is, you know what to do."
"Yes."
Theron's voice became cold.
"I do."
~~~~~~~~
"My Lady, the queen has requested that you join her for tea."
"Alright."
Evania set her paintbrush down and removed her apron.
She hadn't seen Theron since the previous night.
The memory of him choosing the couch over sharing a bed with her lingered in her thoughts.
It couldn't have been comfortable.
Yet he had done it for her.
Why?
Lili led her through the castle and into a snow-covered garden adorned with glittering icicles and elegant snow sculptures.
The sight was breathtaking.
"Good morning, Mother," Evania greeted as she approached.
Queen Lyra's eyes brightened immediately.
"Good morning, sweet Evania. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I did. Thank you."
Evania took a seat.
"Please forgive me for how I behaved last night, darling."
Lyra placed a hand over hers.
Her touch was cold.
"No worries, Mother. It's normal to want to see your grandchildren."
Evania laughed softly.
The queen joined her.
"You know, I've noticed a change in Theron."
"A change?"
Evania carefully lowered her teacup onto its saucer.
"Yes. Growing up, he was always cold, reserved, and distant."
Lyra chuckled.
"He wasn't called the Ice Prince for nothing."
A fond smile crossed her lips.
"But ever since you entered his life, he's become brighter. He smiles more. Shows more emotion."
Her eyes softened.
"And my dear child, the way he looks at you reminds me of how I used to look at my husband when I first fell in love."
A blush spread across Evania's cheeks.
Had Theron really changed because of her?
Quickly, she lifted her teacup to hide her face.
"Ah yes! The reason I called you here."
The queen clapped her hands together.
"We're holding our annual Frost Ball tonight. Vampires from all across the kingdom gather to celebrate."
She smiled warmly.
"It will also be the perfect opportunity for everyone to meet the wife of Ravenscar's king."
A ball.
Filled with vampires.
Fear immediately settled in Evania's chest.
"Oh dear."
Lyra's expression softened.
"Your heart is beating very fast. Are you frightened?"
Evania nodded.
She was.
"It's alright, darling. No one is going to harm you."
The queen squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"The law applies to every vampire."
Then she smiled.
"You're one of us now. Show them what a human is capable of."
She stood.
"Come. I'll teach you everything you need to know about vampires."
~~~~~
"You look absolutely breathtaking, My Lady!"
Lili stepped back to admire her work.
Evania looked at her reflection.
She wore a royal-blue gown adorned with silver embroidery along the hem, paired with elegant silver gloves.
Her long golden-blonde hair cascaded freely down her back, decorated with delicate silver pins and her favorite white hair clip.
Around her neck rested a sparkling diamond necklace that had once belonged to her mother.
It was time.
Descending the staircase, she found Theron waiting at the bottom.
For a moment, she forgot how to breathe.
He wore a black velvet tunic and matching trousers trimmed with gold embroidery.
A dark cloak rested upon his shoulders.
His long black hair was tied into a half-ponytail, loose strands framing his handsome face.
He looked every bit the king he was.
"Princess."
Theron stepped forward and gently took her hand.
He pressed a soft kiss against her knuckles.
"You look beautiful as always."
"Thank you."
Evania hid part of her face behind her silver fan.
Lately, she found herself blushing around him far too often.
"Shall we?"
He offered his arm.
She nodded and accepted it.
As they began walking together, he leaned closer.
"Don't be afraid. I'll be with you."
Evania looked up at him and smiled.
"Thank you."
The smile she gave him made his grin widen.
"You look even more beautiful when you smile."
Her cheeks warmed once more.
Moments later, they arrived at the Frost Ball.
The moment Evania stepped inside, her heart nearly stopped at what she saw.