Chapter 203: Coronation day
The morning started with a warmer than normal atmosphere around the castle courtyard as Damien, adorned in a majestic blue robe, emerged from the towering gates of his fortress. His attire, a symbol of his noble lineage, billowed gently behind him as he strode with purpose, his hand held regally behind his back.
As Damien passed by, the commoners and knights of his castle bowed their heads in reverence, greeting him with murmured words of respect and admiration. Their gazes shimmered with excitement, for this was no ordinary day. Today marked a momentous occasion – the induction of their esteemed lord and ruler, Damien of the Durello house, into the prestigious council of elder vampires.
The castle courtyard buzzed with anticipation, the air electric with anticipation. Servants scurried about, putting the finishing touches on the decorations, while guards stood tall and vigilant, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble.
Amidst the bustling activity, snippets of conversation floated through the air like whispers on the wind. "Have you heard? Damien is to join the council," one knight exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "It's about time," another replied, nodding in agreement. "Our lord is destined for greatness."
As he continued to make his way through the castle courtyard, the prideful gleam in his eyes matched the radiant morning sun. With each murmured word and whispered accolade that reached his ears, his chest swelled with a sense of accomplishment. His posture was regal, his demeanor poised, as he absorbed the adulation of his subjects.
As Damien made his way through the throng, the pride and excitement of his subjects were palpable. "Long live Lord Damien!" they cried out, their voices ringing with fervor. Each step he took was met with cheers and applause, a testament to the deep respect and admiration he commanded.
And amidst it all, Damien remained composed and dignified, his gaze steady and unwavering. Today was a day of celebration, but it was also a day of immense responsibility. As he prepared to take his place among the council of elder vampires, he knew that the future of his house and his people rested squarely on his shoulders.
But with determination in his heart and the support of his loyal subjects, Damien was ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.
With purposeful strides, Damien passed through the gates of his castle, his gaze fixed ahead as he made his way towards the Draconis castle, a neighboring stronghold of considerable power and influence. As he walked, the buzz of excitement surrounding his impending induction into the Council of Elders seemed to intensify, fueling his determination.
The Draconis castle loomed large before him, its imposing structure a testament to the might of its inhabitants. Yet, Damien showed no hesitation as he strode past its gates, his gaze unwavering as he continued on his path.
Leaving the Draconis castle behind, Damien's steps quickened as he headed towards his next destination: the Shelly castle. It was there that he hoped to find Rose.
With a look of joy etched on his features, Damien reached the gates of the Shelly castle. Ignoring the knights stationed there, he made his way directly to the Knight's quarters, where he hoped to find Rose.
Damien's jaw clenched with frustration as he stood outside Rose's room, his gaze sweeping over the dimly lit corridor of the Knight's quarters. The atmosphere here was a stark contrast to the opulence of his own castle, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at being in such surroundings.
Despite his disdain for the Knight's quarters, Damien knew he had to put aside his pride for the sake of finding Rose. Her mother's cruel treatment of her had sparked a deep-seated anger within him, and he was determined to confront Rose about it, to offer her a way out of the suffocating grip of her family's control.
But as he stood outside her door, Damien's frustration only grew. He hated the fact that he had to resort to seeking her out in this manner, that she hadn't come to him of her own accord. And yet, he couldn't deny the truth of their situation – Rose was stubborn and fiercely independent, qualities he both admired and found infuriating.
With a heavy sigh, Damien raised his hand to knock on the door, his mind racing with thoughts of what he would say to Rose once she answered.
Damien knocked firmly on the door, and after a moment, Rose opened it, her expression guarded. His frown deepened as he took in her appearance, noting her disheveled hair and the faint lines of exhaustion around her eyes.
"Why aren't you dressed yet?" Damien demanded, his tone sharp with irritation. "You know how important today is."
Rose sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I... I'm having trouble finding something to wear," she admitted, avoiding his gaze. "I don't want to draw attention to... to..." Her voice trailed off, and she gestured awkwardly to her abdomen.
Damien's frustration flared into anger. "You need to figure it out, and quickly," he snapped, his voice low and threatening. "We can't afford any delays today."
Rose nodded, her expression resigned. "I know," she murmured, stepping back into her room to continue her search for an appropriate outfit.
Damien watched her go, his jaw clenched with frustration. He hated seeing her like this – vulnerable and uncertain. But he couldn't let his emotions get the better of him. Today was too important, and they had a duty to fulfill.
With a final glance at Rose's closed door, Damien turned on his heel and strode away, his mind already racing ahead to the events that lay ahead.
Damien stood outside the castle, the tension from his encounter with Rose still lingering in the air around him. As he waited, Gladys approached, her steps purposeful and her smile sharp.
"Congratulations, Damien," she said, her voice dripping with thinly veiled insincerity. "Today is a momentous day for the Durello house."
Damien inclined his head in acknowledgment, but he could sense the tension beneath Gladys's facade. "Thank you, Gladys," he replied evenly.
Gladys tilted her head, her gaze shrewd. "And what, may I ask, are you waiting for?" she inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.
Damien's jaw tensed slightly, but he kept his expression neutral. "I'm waiting for my wife, Rose" he replied, his voice firm.
Gladys's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Your wife, hmm?" she mused, her tone betraying a hint of skepticism.
Damien met her gaze evenly, refusing to show any sign of weakness. "Yes, my wife," he affirmed, his voice unwavering.
With a final, lingering look, Gladys turned and walked away, leaving Damien alone with his thoughts. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Gladys's words than met the eye, but he pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. Today was a day of celebration and triumph – nothing would dampen his spirits.