I looked at my breakfast tray almost blankly. I couldn't be sitting in my own bed, being served food. The  castle I was bound to take over soon enough. There stood my servants and my room was still intact. The sun still shone and the clouds moved in front of the sun to block it's strength. And Katelyn wasn't with me when I woke up. 

This was the feeling of loss. I ate a little and stood, dismissing my servants. I swept aside my comforter and showered. I saw her land somewhere within the trees. She could have been scarred or dead... which was my fault. If my father sent them and saw me coming he knew I wouldn't be stupid enough to leave her. I bought into his stupid game. He had won but only for now.

 I wouldn't stop until I got Katelyn back. I knew the grounds better than anyone else, approximately hundreds of acres in each direction. The water brought me back to my senses. I would look for her when I went out to hunt or my father would be suspicious. Thinking about what could've happened to Katie made me beyond livid. At myself, more than anyone else.

 I thought of her skin. soft, warm and supple. Her anger that she only used to stop herself from getting too attached or her secret softness that I'd seen and personally adored. She was sweet and secretly the kindest person ever. She would beat me senseless if I said that out loud. But blows to my arms and midsection were better than feeling nothing at all. Just water. Nothing was okay if she was still missing. That was for certain.

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Cherry walked to my side, talking non-stop about the meeting on meetings on meetings I had to attend and I had a welcoming party. She stopped and I turned to look at her " Cher, why did you stop?" She rolled her eyes and glared at me " Because you weren't listening. You forget that I can tell as clear as day."

 I sighed, understanding " Look, I just haven't been myself lately. What's up?" Her face softened and nodded. " You have a meeting soon with your counselor,  the advisor and Garnet because of the new vampire witch alliance. You're meeting with your father and his new spouse-"  

I raised my hand to quickly stop her " My dad is getting remarried?" Cherry nodded affirmatively. My mom had died not a year ago. What was it with him? Was he doing this to spite me? He said he had my best interests at heart but he could move on quicker than it seemed. I let it go and walked ahead. I didn't expect any less or anymore from him.

 I gasped at Cherry's movement. She had grabbed my arm to get my attention. She let go and confronted me " Look, I get that it's not okay but you have to also have to see your mother's grave tonight. So we can't go-" a guard passed by and she waited " Find Katelyn. I heard some commotion last night, so we can either go graveyard or go tomorrow." She whispered. I nodded, agreeing 

" Graveyard." I whispered. She left to tend to Iris and I walked up to the next floor. My plain white shirt and black jeans would probably make it less likely that anyone would recognize me very well. I had to put on my family's black single-shoulder armour or else some vampires would genuinely see me as a commoner, which wasn't all that bad in a sense.

 My mom was the best and far more affectionate than my father had ever been even when I was a young child. He was and is toxic and I would've rather never existed than for my mother to marry a man that cared nothing for her or her children. I remembered her sweet sun kissed complexion and smile that was as gorgeous as it was ethereal. Now she was gone and my father hadn't changed at all. I was falling apart and effortlessly at that. I accidentally bumped into someone I wasn't paying attention to. She was kitchen staff. " Sorry." I murmured she nodded and rushed off. Everyone was much quieter than usual and all I heard was whispers and silence. I looked around a little and I saw nobody. I continued on to the next floor. I could run but I didn't feel like it. Same old towering pillars and large doors that were older than my ancestors... and Katelyn's put together. Of course they were repaired and polished but things were getting a bit drab to say the least. 

I opened the conference door and everyone rose to their feet. They probably didn't expect me this early which is why they seemed a little disgruntled. Except Garnet of course, who was calm more than 98% of the time. She stood and bowed out of respect. My counselor and my father's advisor bowed but kept studying me. I delicately kissed Garnet's hand and pushed her in. Her face was hot and clearly didn't know that it was customary to do so. Her heart shaped face and honey brown eyes were as beautiful as they were sweet. Not to mention her adorable bobbed hair. She looked like a young princess. She smiled brightly at me and I cordially  smiled back at her. 

" I'm Garnet and happy to make your acquaintance."

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I couldn't believe my counselor truly thought we were flirting. If so, his definition definitely needed some revisions. I was being a little on edge but nothing ever serious. But he was unaware  that I was already in a serious relationship, so if I said I had no need to flirt he would know something was up that I was letting in on. He was stern and clearly his knowledge was outdated by almost a millenia so I wasn't surprised at his reaction. " What do you think you're doing? You're here to establish your allegiance, not flirt with the head coven's daughter! Besides, you're engaged to Duchess. If she catches-" 

" She won't catch anything if no one tells her, right Julius?" I whispered, threateningly. He stepped back and nodded. His gently peppered hair and smile made you think that he was maybe in his late 20's but he was older than the castle its self. He was my father's counselor and his father and before and he's seen a lot so his judgement was necessary when making decisions but not when I was making acquaintances with other important people. Julius was tall and clearly ripped wearing all black and his usual dress shirt and robe. His golden eyes never batted an eyelash after that. I lifted my hand in dismissal. Garnet had been excused and I was getting bored just being here. I dismissed the two of them and took myself back to my bedroom. I avoided everyone for the time  being and stayed pretty much out of view.

I lounged on  my couch, probably looking slightly lazy. I was wary of being bitter and manipulative. I already was one of those things. I turned over and closed my eyes. The way Katelyn hugged me made me less senseless and less angry at my situation. A knock on the door and a melodic voice accompanied it

Now, Duchess was a sweet girl with a heart as big as she could have in her body. She was obedient and would do anything I asked of her. And those were the same reasons I never loved her more than a friend with benefits. I'd use her as my... pawn. At least I was kinda sorry. 

But not really to be honest. I wished I wasn't taking advantage of such an amazing person but someone had to help me nobody was as gullible as her. But I overall hated that narrative and needed to make up my mind on what I would do about her. I could tell her now or keep it from her. 

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" Come in, Dutch."