Chapter 255: The One Behind The Crystal
Before coming all the way to see his little lamb in Aragon, Ivan was forced to partake in one of the ceremonies which involved allowing the concubines to entertain him and his guests, as he would no longer be a single man in the coming two days. He was firmly against the idea, as he had no interest in watching other women fawn over him, but when everyone ganged up against him, using the tradition as their click bait! He eventually found himself here.
"The stress..." he sighed softly.
In one of the opulent Chambers situated at the second tower in his Palace, Ivan reclined against the ebony throne, his regal presence undeniable to all who was present to celebrate with him. He casted a glance at the setting sun outside, hoping for the day to grow dark soon so he can be with his little lamb, but as if the world was presently against his timing, Tobias had closed the window using the curtains, oblivious to the young vampire who kept gazing at it for some reassurance that the day will go by quicker.
Before him, in the seductive glow of the candlelight, a group of enchanting concubines swayed to a haunting melody. The concubines, a collection of alluring vampire women, moved with an otherworldly grace that made the court shiver with desire. Their gossamer garments clung to their lithe form as they moved, and their eyes, like molten gold, casted a spell on those who dared to look.
Not much to his surprise, the nobilities, and every other unmarried invitee, including his entourage, watched in rapt fascination. Ivan’s gaze was fixed on the mesmerizing performance, though his thoughts were far from the scene before him. He fiddled with his goblet, the deep crimson of the blood wine resembling the hue of his dark eyes.
"Your Majesty, do you need me to refill your goblet?" Asked one of the concubines who had seductively stirred herself away from her fellow women to drop at Ivan’s feet.
She held the exquisite jug in her dainty hands, her gaze low as she dared not look at Ivan without permission. When he did not complain regarding her advances, a slow smile tugged at her lips, and she refilled his goblet.
"His Majesty must be strained after today’s hassle, I am known for offering the best massage amongst my peers. If his Majesty would like then I can–"
"That won’t be needed." His dismissive tone came out firm and plain. It lacked warmth, whilst ruining the lady’s hope of becoming the luckiest one that he might choose to soothe him tonight. Refusing to give up, she tried to think of another excuse.