What was that?!" she snapped. "You brought us to this stinking market and just left us?!"
It was Nyssara Elarien—easily recognized by her overly flashy attire and even sharper tongue. Since birth, she had never walked the market streets on foot. She only passed through in carriages—and rarely, because she found the air repulsive.
Now she had been forced to walk, and worse, to interact with filthy children.
She wasn't the only one fuming. Noble ladies like Lunelle Tharowen and Celara Nyvenhart echoed her complaints.
Eira stood puzzled. Was it really that serious?
They were just noble ladies, she thought, stifling a soft laugh. And I'm a princess from one of the four most powerful kingdoms—what should I say, then?
Vyselle, standing nearby, caught the muffled laughter. She narrowed her amber eyes, turning toward the sound.
Just a mere human... what could she possibly be laughing about? she thought, raising a brow.
But then she saw Eira appearance even tho she looked disheveled....she was still stunning.
That's baby like face, blue eyeball, genuine smile that could move mountains, her grace and elegance....even in this situation she looked like a complete harmless fairy.
It's would be a lie if it's was said that vyselle didn't feel jealous,by how beautiful and graceful she was.
The moderator stepped forward, arms raised, breathless but calm.
"I apologize, everyone," she said. "I don't know how that happened. But please, bear with the surroundings. I know many of you have grown up sheltered from the sun."
She paused, then added firmly, "But it's time to come out of that shelter. You are all here to become queens. Please, be mindful of your actions. Endurance is also part of leadership."
The moment she finished, she nearly gasped for air.
Some contestants rolled their eyes. Others laughed. A few remained neutral.
---
Meanwhile, in a corner where eyes couldn't reach, two figures stood in the shadows, watching the scene that unfolded in the market.
Derick had been enjoying some leisure time in the forest when he sensed a presence near its entrance.
Squinting his almond-shaped eyes, he stepped out—and there stood Vladimir, looking like a man on a mission.
"What is it?" Derick asked, raising a brow.
"Look, your wives are having a contest, and here you are doing what?" Vladimir replied, not expecting an answer.
Derick simply raised a brow again. He having a vague guess why Vladimir had come. Without a word, he turned to head back into the forest.
Noticing this, Vladimir suddenly felt as if he were sitting on a hot seat. He quickly called out to Derick, knowing that once the prince walked further in, there was no going after him. The forest was off-limits—no one was allowed to enter except Derick himself. He had personally forbidden anyone from stepping foot too close.
Vladimir was the only exception. Even he couldn't go inside, but he was permitted to wait at the edge—just close enough that Derick might notice his presence, if he chose to acknowledge it.
"Derick," Vladimir said firmly, "not just any woman can be your queen. Even if love isn't part of the equation, someone unworthy can't simply stand beside you and rule. You shouldn't be hiding out here, waiting for the officials to hand you a bride just because she passes the trials. What if she wins but doesn't have what it takes?
"You should supervise. Be there for at least some part of the test or trials—see for yourself, so you don't end up with a demon for a wife. If you don't want your presence known, stay hidden in the shadows and observe. I'm not talking to you as your assistant right now, but as a friend advising another friend."
Vladimir said it all in one breath. By the end, he was nearly breathless, even choking slightly. But this was his assignment from the king—to persuade Derick, to get him involved. Perhaps, deep down, the king hoped Derick might notice Eira… or something close to it.
A flicker of emotion passed through Derick's eyes, but it came and went just as quickly.
Even if Vladimir had come with an agenda, his words made sense. Not just anyone could be his queen. Rather than waiting for the officials to pass judgment, perhaps it was time he took a look for himself.
Derick gave a small nod and stepped out of the forest.
Vladimir, watching him, felt a wave of relief wash over him. He struggled to hide the grin threatening to spread across his face.
"Sigh… mission accomplished," he thought smugly.
---
And now, here they were in the market.
Derick had witnessed everything unfold, and one could say he was slightly intrigued. His sharp eyes had scanned the entire area, and it didn't take long for him to realize something: the trial had already begun—yet the contestants seemed completely unaware. It was clearly meant to be a secret challenge.
They looked genuinely oblivious.
Derick couldn't help but smirk in amusement.
And then… there was her. Calling her just a "princess" would be an understatement. If he was being honest, he was a little dumbfounded by her reflexes.
Her reaction to save the baby had caught him off guard. Humans hated vampires, didn't they? Just as much as vampires hated humans…
So why would she risk herself like that?
His gaze lingered on her briefly before shifting to the other contestants.
"Oh Light, Derick, did you see that human princess's reflex? It's so… good!" Vladimir exclaimed in awe.
He was still rambling when a sudden gust of wind blew from beside him.
He turned—Derick had vanished.
Vladimir pouted in dissatisfaction. "Does he have to rub it on my face that he could teleport?"
Derick was the only vampire Vladimir knew who could teleport. And it was a closely guarded secret. No one else was allowed to know.
---
Meanwhile, back in the forest—
Derick reappeared, groaning softly. His once ocean-blue eyes now shimmered with two distinct hues—flickering rapidly between gold and blood red.
He clutched his chest as muffled groans escaped his lips. This wasn't the first time this had happened. For the past three hundred years, it had occurred in short bursts—a quick flash of pain, then it was gone.
But this time was different.
It had already lasted a full minute, and the pain felt like it was ripping through his chest. If it didn't end soon, something inside him might truly snap.
After what felt like an eternity, the wave of pain finally ebbed.
He emerged from the forest—just in time to see the human princess heading in the opposite direction, her hands stained with blood.
The moment Derick caught the scent, his mind clouded. His body reacted on instinct.
His strides grew faster. In moments, he reached her and took her hand in his own. He leaned in and sniffed the blood.
Instantly, his eyes flashed—once again reflecting that strange fusion of golden light and crimson fury.
Eira froze in surprise at his sudden approach. But then she caught sight of his eyes.
When did vampires have golden eyes? she wondered.
But more importantly—
"Can he let go of my hand already?" Eira thought, frowning.