The Taste of Seduction

"What aren't you telling me?" Her voice edged

on panic as his expression grew more and more

solemn.

His throat bobbed. "Your parentsthey passed away."

Her face turned ashen with grief as hot tears welled behind her eyes. Anguish stabbed her like a knife. It was strange, feeling grief for people she had never known. But she felt it, all the same. The fact that she never got to meet them crushed her.

"I'm sorry." Elvin muttered.

"Their passing we're mourned all over the land . They were heroes who sacrificed themselves for the city of Arkaans to regain freedom."

Meredith bit her lips as he continued.

"Your father was King Luscious Belmont of Arkaans the first original hybrid and your mother was Queen Kate Belmont of Arkaans the most powerful witch to ever exist" He gazed into her eyes.

"And you're Meredith Belmont of Arkaans, the last remaining bloodline of the royal family and heir to the throne."

Meredith blinked once.

Twice

Thrice.

She knew this but why was she sweating? Her heart pounded in her chest and she swallowed the lump in her throat.

Parents dead. Princess. Heir to the throne. Last remaining bloodline of the royal family.

Suddenly she stood up and her chair fell over,

slamming noisily to the floor behind her. Nerves fluttered in her stomach and the severity of the matter tightened her throat further.

She shook her head hysterically.

"Nono" she mumbled incoherently.

She thought her parents were sick or missing or just looking for their daughter. But this huge responsibility? How-

How could this be?! She didn't want this kind of responsibility! She couldn't possibly be

suited for something like this!

She could barely perform her job as a mere secretary and they want her to rule a country full of powerful supernatural beings? This might be some sick joke.

The tears that she had been holding in sprang free and began to run down her cheeks in streams.

She felt warm hands on her shoulders and she looked up. Elvin was in front of her holding both her shoulders.

An expression of worry and pity marred on his face as he stared at her.

"My lady-" he began but Meredith pulled away from him.

"I can't-find someone else-another person." Meredith whispered.

"Princess, listen to me."

He said softly. "I know this is a lot to digest, and a huge change in your ordinary life.... But listen to me.. You are not alone. So many people have been waiting for years for your return. You're their hope."

Meredith felt fresh tears roll down her cheeks as he spoke.

He gently used the pads of his thumbs to wipe her tears away.

"I will not let you go through this alone. I will always be by your side each step you take.And, believe it

or not, there are a lot of people who cannot wait to

meet you.

People who will stand by you, who will

help guide you, just as I will. You will be such a great queen and ruler like your parents."

Meredith shifted her gaze back and forth between his ocean blue eyes and saw his dedication and sincerity shimmering in it.

She let out a small sob, relieved and terrified all at once by his comforting words.

He pulled her into his chest and hugged her tightly. Meredith buried my face in his chest and let out her tears flow. All her emotions broke loose and he let her cry for a few minutes, just holding her.

Finally she calmed down and pulled away from him.

"Sit down and I will answer any questions you have left."

Meredith nodded and sat down. She swallowed the lump in her throat and took a deep breath.

"H-how did they die?" She asked, her voice breaking up.

"They died during the Great War with the dragons.

Dragons are treasure hoarders. Many years ago, they used to invade the Vampires and werewolves territories and kidnapped the witches to work for them. They killed when necessary, and stole their jewels, riches, and anything else of value that they could get their paws on.

The vampires, werewolves and witches created an alliance during the first war and were able to defeat the dragons. Your mom's ancestors locked them in another dimension since they were difficult to kill.Centuries after the portal weakened, that's how your father went to search for your mom and she sealed the portal and gave the crystals to open it to the council.

But we had a traitor. Someone stole the crystals and opened the portal.

The dragons came unexpectedly. Your mom had just given birth to you and she was still weak.We were unprepared and the dragons were also well prepared.

Someone had told them our weaknesses and how to conquer us. We suffered mass casualties.

They used silver and wolfsbane on the werewolves and stake to pierce the hearts of the vampires.

Your mom sacrificed herself to seal the dragons and your dad died trying to protect while she was performing the spell."

Meredith's heart thundered in her chest. She fidgeted with her fingers

"So how do I fit in all of this equation?I'm just one and I have no idea how to rule a country why not choose someone more deserving?" Meredith whispered.

"No one is more deserving than you!" Elvin growled.

Meredith gasped, surprise at his tone.

"Sorry. You're not looking at the bigger picture, Princess. Your return will lift the spirits of every single magical being who lays eyes on you. You will breed hope."

Meredith swallowed.

"You will strengthen our people and we can form our alliance with the vampires again. Due to the war we lost some of our best warriors and huge number of people. Only by forming an alliance again can we be stronger in case of any threat.

And with the proper training and knowledge you can lead us to a better future. Children will feel safe in their homes and can go out to play without any fear of being bullied by someone stronger."

Meredith considered that a moment. He was right. But it still terrified her.

She had no idea how to be a princess, let alone rule a country. All she knew was reading her books and fantasizing about men who did not exist.

She cringed imagining herself in a pink gown and a tiara crown with people bowing to her.

"It's that all I should know or something else is expected from me?"

Meredith saw his jaw flexed but he shook his head.

"No. Not really. If anything pops up, I will let you know."

Meredith raised her brows. She knew there was something he wasn't telling her. But she decided to trust him.

"Alright."

"Remember you're not alone in this."

Meredith gave a small smile and nodded.

"That.is there a way I could communicate with someone on earth? My family you promised me"

Elvin nodded, "Yes.tomorrow when we reach the palace I will give you a communication device. It can communicate with anyone at any part of the globe."

Meredith's eyes lit up. She couldn't wait to contact Atlas and tell him everything. She knew he must be worried sick right now.

'Hold on Atlas.. You will hear from me soon.'