Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 92

**Valentin**

*A Year Prior to the Great Wart*

The two figures moved in silence, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls as they made their way down the dimly lit corridor of the castle. Aveline’s long, manicured nails pressed against Valentin’s exposed skin, sending a shiver down his spine. It was a subtle yet unmistakable warning, a reminder that any misstep could lead to dire consequences. He took it to heart, the weight of her grip heavy with unspoken threats.

“So,” Aveline finally broke the silence, her voice smooth yet sharp, as if she were wielding a dagger rather than merely conversing. “I noticed how Zahara reacted to you. I think it’s safe to say she harbors feelings for you.”

Valentin felt a lump form in his throat, swallowing hard as he processed her words. “She may have them,” he managed to stammer, the words escaping him like a reluctant confession. “But you know as well as I do that this castle isn’t a haven for wolves who dare to show interest in one another.”

Aveline nodded, her expression thoughtful, a flicker of something like sympathy crossing her features. “True, it’s not,” she conceded. “However, I believe Renatus might be persuaded to consider pairing you two together. You know, for the sake of procreation laws.”

He grimaced at the thought. Those laws were twisted and cruel, dictating that females were bound by duty to bear children for the vampires, and only by the male of their choosing. The wolves’ desires were never taken into account; it was a systematic method to breed more slaves, tightening the vampires’ grip on their kind. Outside of this grim reality, wolves were strictly forbidden to mate within the castle’s walls.

A flicker of doubt crossed his mind. Was Aveline truly sincere? Could she actually convince Renatus to make an exception for him? After all, he had never been granted such leniency before. Yet, he reminded himself, he had never been blessed with a servant as devoted as he was to Aveline.

“Perhaps,” he murmured as they reached the grand dining room, a cavernous space filled with the scent of lavish feasts. As they entered, Aveline relaxed her grip on his arm, finally releasing him entirely. She glided across the polished floor, her movements graceful as she took her place at the head of the table.

Valentin quickly pulled out her chair, and she settled into it like a delicate flower finding its place in the sun. He bowed deeply, a gesture of respect, before turning to leave and return to his post at the castle entrance. But before he could step away, her hand shot out, fingers wrapping around his wrist with surprising force. He felt her nails graze his skin, a soft but firm reminder of her presence. He looked down, anxiety knotting in his stomach as he awaited her next words.

“Do stay for the service,” she purred, her voice a sweet melody that belied the danger beneath.

“I—I have to ensure the gates are secure,” Valentin stuttered, his heart racing. “It’s my duty, and I—”

“Hush, hush,” Aveline interrupted, her tone soothing yet commanding. “I’m sure they’ll manage without you. I would love for you to stay.”

With no other option but to acquiesce, he nodded, though a passerby might have interpreted her words as an invitation to join the table. Valentin understood, however, the unspoken truth—he was to remain as a silent observer, standing against the wall beside another wolf, a figure he thought was named Thanatos, though he couldn’t be entirely sure.

As they stood side by side, the tension in the air thickened, both of them facing the table as the voices of their Master and his guest grew louder, echoing through the room like distant thunder.

Renatus and Francois entered the dining hall, their hushed whispers fading into excitement as they spotted Aveline. Francois immediately opened his arms wide, a broad smile lighting up his face.

“Aveline, mon cherie!” he exclaimed, his voice a mix of joy and warmth. “Ça va?”

Aveline laughed, the sound like tinkling bells, and pressed a kiss to both of his cheeks. “Ça va bien, Francois,” she replied, her tone playful. “Et tu? Ton voyage, c’est bien?”

“Oui, cherie,” Francois responded, his eyes sparkling with delight. “Come, come! Your mate has prepared us an excellent feast.”

Valentin inhaled slowly, steeling himself as they all took their seats. He knew what was to come next, and a sense of dread settled in his stomach. His heart raced, thudding loudly in his chest as the first girl was brought forth. She was not a wolf but a young human, her bright blue eyes and honey-colored hair a stark contrast to the darkness that surrounded them. Her expression was blank, almost devoid of life, as she approached Renatus.

Valentin squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself as Renatus’s hand curled around the girl’s throat, drawing her closer. He could hear the sharp intake of breath as Renatus sank his fangs into the side of her neck. The girl whimpered softly, and Valentin felt a wave of nausea wash over him as he imagined the blood flowing into the chalices that awaited.

When he finally opened his eyes, he caught sight of Renatus licking a line up the girl’s neck, collecting the blood that spilled forth. The girl stood there, dazed and unsteady, as Renatus gave her a gentle tap on the hip, sending her back the way she came.

With a flick of his wrist, two of the chalices spun toward Aveline and Francois. “It’s a young blood,” Renatus remarked casually. “Aged fourteen years. Full-bodied. Hints of honey. Pure, just as you like them, Francois.”

Francois raised his glass in a toast, tipping it toward Renatus before bringing it to his lips. Valentin’s stomach churned as he watched the thick red liquid disappear down Francois’s throat, a drop escaping to trail down the side of his neck. He fought the urge to retch, his insides twisting with disgust.

Throughout the rest of the dinner, Valentin forced himself to listen to their conversation, though vampire politics bored him to tears. He made a mental note of any weaknesses he could identify, hoping that one day he might use them against the vampires who held him captive. But as long as he remained a slave, those thoughts would remain locked away, buried deep within his mind.

Francois slammed his empty chalice onto the table, signaling the end of his meal. Valentin rushed forward to collect it, his heart pounding as he observed the wolf beside him gather Renatus and Aveline’s glasses. Renatus then waved his hand, a sly grin spreading across his face as he turned to Francois.

“How about some dessert, Francois?”

Francois mirrored his expression, glancing at Aveline. “Only if the lady doesn’t mind.”

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