The hot springs had been delightful, and the soaps smelled wonderful. That girl, Rosaline, couldn’t be a monster. I mean, she shape-shifted into a dragon, but apparently I caused earthquakes and vortexes.

I still couldn’t get over that. It was like all of my emotions transformed into something that poured out into my soul. I wish I had been able to do that every time a man hurt me.

I dressed back in my riding gown, then climbed up the stairs to find Rosaline waiting. She was elegant, with straight, white-blonde hair that reached to her waist, and her eyes were the most gorgeous shade of blue, like the ocean on a beautiful day. Her body was covered in a supple leather suit and a long black cloak, which made her look like a dashing prince, and she held herself like royalty as well.

“How were the hot springs?” she asked, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

“Fine, thank you. This whole place is yours?” I responded, gesturing generally at the castle.

“It was my family’s, but it’s been mine for a long time. Come, I have your things,” Rosaline said, turning and heading toward another staircase.

I followed silently, taking in the castle as I went. It was made entirely of black stone, something that shined in the lamp light. Our footsteps echoed, and it gave me the chills to think we were the only ones in this huge place.

After we crested the stairwell, we went down the hall until we arrived at a dark wooden door. Rosaline pushed open the door, and I let out a little gasp. The room was decorated in a theme of lilac. And on top of the bed…

“My chest! How did you get it?” I asked, running over and opening the lid. My mother’s journal and sword were still in there, along with my clothes, shoes, and makeup.

“I snuck back after dropping you off at the hot springs. I also got this back,” Rosaline said, and I turned to see her pull my necklace out of her shirt.

“But the soldier had it,” I replied, staring at the sparkling red stone.

“About that...I hope you don’t mind, but he said some rude things about you and he had your necklace, so I, um...well, he's not alive anymore,” Rosaline responded, ducking her head.

I watched Rosaline as she brought her head back up and blushed, then held the necklace out for me to take. There was something about her that caught my attention. I just couldn't place my finger on it.

I lifted the hair from my neck. “Will you put it on for me?”

Rosaline blushed, but easily unclasped the necklace and laid it around my neck, gently. Her fingers barely brushed my collarbone, but the small touch made me shiver. She stepped away, and I turned back around to face her. Rosaline truly was one of the most beautiful women I had ever met.

“The soldiers said you were a monster. I get that you shift, but why are they so scared?” I asked, reaching out and touching her arm.

“I’ll be straight with you. I’m a vampire,” Rosaline said, pulling herself away like she was afraid that I’d react badly.

“So? You don’t make it a habit of draining people, do you?” I questioned, moving closer to her.

“No...I feed off of cured deer in the ice room downstairs. And I only feed on people who give permission, and it’s never enough to kill. With the exception of that soldier a few minutes ago,” she stammered, eyes widening as I came to stand right in front of her.

“Then I don’t see the problem,” I murmured, aiming my breath at her neck.

I saw her shiver and close her eyes. “I don’t either, but they do,” she said.

“I think you’re a hero,” I said softly, feeling my nether regions tingle for the first time in a long time. Tilting my head back, I looked into her beautiful eyes. Maybe just one kiss...a thank you for my chest and my necklace. What could it hurt?

I grabbed her face gently and brought my lips to hers. They were soft and tasted a bit like iron, but it was an intoxicating taste. I heard her suck in a breath, and then her hands were on my hips, pulling me up so that my legs were wrapped around her waist.

Then she was kissing me back, opening her mouth to me and pressing herself close to me.

I ground against her, moaning from the desire coursing through my veins. How long had it been since I had wanted someone?

Then, all of a sudden, she stopped.

“I...I can’t. If we...if we go farther...that would mean I claimed you as my mate...I’m sure you don’t want that…” Rosaline panted, holding me in place, but keeping her lips from mine.

“You’re the one who seems scared,” I whispered, dragging a hand down her arm.

She shivered. “It...wouldn’t be fair to you…”

Her words struck me. How could I be so dumb? I didn’t want to force her into anything.

I came back to myself and unwrapped my legs. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to jump you like that. I just wanted to give you a kiss as a thank you for getting my stuff.”

“It’s alright,” she said, blushing. Then she quickly straightened and regained some composure. “Are you hungry?”

As soon as she asked, my stomach growled. I laughed, and after a moment, she laughed with me.

“I guess I am. What do you have?” I asked, smiling at her.

At that, she grimaced. “Deer meat. And probably not much else, unfortunately. I’m sorry, I’ve been living alone for so long that I don’t have human food.”

Inwardly I smiled. She was adorable. Not to mention cute. I had always heard stories about vampires, rumors of how terrifying and bloodthirsty they were, but Rosaline was literally a cute, awkward woman who just happened to drink blood.

“Deer meat works for today. I may have to find some vegetables tomorrow though,” I said, tilting my head and giving her a broad smile.

“Come with me then, Lady Ember,” she said respectfully, smiling in return and gallantly offering me her arm.

I took it and felt like an absolute princess as she guided me out of the room and down to the kitchen.