Page 84 of The Reluctant Heir

After a few hours of casual conversation, I excuse myself to step outside and get some fresh air. It’s hot inside, so I don’t even mind that it’s in the forties outside. The cool air is refreshing. Damek goes to grab me a bottle of water, so I have a moment to myself.

At least the night is almost over. Hopefully, there won’t be any more events like this one for a while. And since I’m now betrothed, I won’t have to go out on dates every weekend with different eligible princes. I’ll get to spend my time getting to know Damek and learning how to be a vampire princess. It will be nice. Peaceful, even.

“Princess Madeline.”

I nearly groan when I hear my title but I force myself to smile as I turn to face the speaker. The forced smile nearly slips off my face when I see who has spoken, but manners forced into me my whole life keeps me from reacting.

“Prince Lucas.” I nod my head in his direction. “Thank you for coming tonight.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” He steps forward. “I will admit, I am jealous of your engagement. I was hoping we’d get a chance to hang out before you made your decision.”

I swallow hard, not sure what to say to him. I don’t want to hurt his feelings, but I also want him to know that he doesn’t have a chance with me. Not that he ever did, even before Damek.

“It was… love at first sight,” I say, exaggerating slightly. Love at first sight doesn’t exist. I’m told that even soulmates still have to fall in love as they get to know one another. But it’s a happy thought. One that will hopefully help ease Prince Lucas’s broken heart.

“I still think you should give me a chance.” Prince Lucas takes a step closer.

“I’m sorry,” I say, keeping my tone firm. “My decision is made. Damek and I are engaged.”

“It’s not too late to break off your engagement.” Prince Lucas steps closer again.

I look into his pale green eyes, noticing for the first time how cold they are. His jaw is set and his face is hard.

I take a step back. “Prince Lucas, I think you should give me some space.”

“I will say this one more time.” His voice lowers to an almost growl. “Break off your engagement with Prince Damek or else.”

I look from Prince Lucas to the door. He’s standing in the path. There is no way for me to maneuver around him.

“You were supposed to belong tome.” He takes a menacing step forward. “And if you don’t break things off with Prince Damek and declare your intentions to marry me, I will put you in the dungeons with your brother.”

My brother?

My eyes widen as I look at Prince Lucas.

He is the one who has Lucien?

I start to open my mouth to scream… something. But before I can, I feel something sharp hit the top of my head and everything goes black.

I wakeup in an unfamiliar room. My head is throbbing and everything is too bright. That is when I notice the curtains to the window were left open.

Where am I?

I rub at my head and wince as I touch a large bump on the back of my head.

Just what happened?

Events from the night before rush back to me—the engagement party, and Prince Lucas.

Oh, my gosh. That’s where I am. Prince Lucaskidnappedme.

And Lucien! He has my brother!

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot an old landline telephone sitting on the table beside the bed.

Certainlynot. It’s just for decoration, right? Hesitantly, I roll over and sit on the edge of the bed. I pick up the phone and nearly cry out in relief when I hear a dial tone.

It’s official—Prince Lucas has no brains to go along with his no personality. I dial Damek’s number because it’s the only phone number I have memorized. He picks up on the second ring.

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