The blood-red velvet curtains had been drawn, blocking the pleasant natural light from the outside. The pine coloured walls created a sense of being in a mystical forest for Nikolus. One wall was covered in old books, their withered spines showcasing their age. A portrait of the crown prince of Night's Blood kingdom hung from the opposing wall. With a quick scan, he assured himself there were no threats planted for him. Yet.

High Lord held Prince Lyonaurd's gaze from across the office as they walked further in. Prince Lyonaurd, seated behind a monstrous mahogany desk, leaning into his leather chair. His light brown hair neatly combed back, his porcelain skin slightly tinted pink, a sign had recently drunk blood. The black coat he wore, hugged his muscular form perfectly. A silver crescent moon embroidered on his chest, with a drop of blood in between. The Night's Blood sigil. His dark grey shirt's first two buttons were undone, Nikolus was certain if the king saw him like that, he will surely scold him for it.

The doors closed with a thud. The two Lords stopped before the desk. Pyriom bowed while Lord Nikolus glanced at the armchair. Without sparing a thought, he sent a flicker of his power and it got pulled back by his magic. He seated him in front of the prince, still maintaining his glare.

Lord Nikolus broke the staring competition and spared a glance at Lord Melckom positioned on the Prince's right. His dark grey suit complimented his well-built body, the buttons of his suit jacket fastened, his hands clasped in front of him. He inclined his head, his black hair shone under the fluorescent light, a smug smile twisted his mouth, displaying the tips of his sharp fangs.

Prince Lyonaurd nodded, and Lord Pyriom rose to his feet and sat on the chair in Nikolus' right side.

"Give me a valid reason for wasting my time and dragging me here. Trust me, I won't forget your pathetic face if I go a day without seeing you. You've made sure of that. With hanging these portraits and pictures of yourself in every corner." He peeked at the portrayed and turned to the prince. "But I do sometimes wonder, have you stuck one to your arse too?" Nikolus questioned with mock curiosity.

Melckom frowned and Lyonaurd stiffened. A satisfied smirk curled Nikolus's lips.

"Watch your language, Nik," The prince warned. His blue eyes flashing crimson, and the Lord knew he had struck a nerve. With complacency, he leaned into his chair and crossed his legs, pushing his shoulders backwards while holding the Prince's death stare with ease.

"This behaviour of yours will make a paved path to a cell in royal dungeon Lord Nikolus," Prince Lyonaurd coldly stated. The Lord's expression shifted into amusement.

In a vain attempt to defuse the tension, Lord Pyriom spoke, "Your majesty, to what do we owe the honour of being summoned? We are at your service,"

"Where is my Celestiana!" Lyonaurd's voice boomed.

Nikolus barely kept himself from rolling his eyes. The constant scrutinising of Lord Melckom, treading on the thin ice of his patience, was enough to cause him to lash out. He ignored the vampire and settled his attention on the Prince. He couldn't deny himself the pleasure of annoying Lyonaurd under any circumstances.

"Across the globe, all the territories under Night's Blood kingdom have been searched and are being patrolled every second by our best lords and guards. And yet, no sign of our mighty Prince's betrothed, Lady Celestiana Aine Anderson?" Lord Melckom questioned, narrowing his black orbs on Lord Nikolus. He pushed back his shoulders and stood taller. "I'm getting suspicious a person from our palace is helping her. A powerful individual..." his voice trailed down. The points of his fangs visible as his mouth curled into a wicked smile.

Lord Nikolus sighed, fixing his glowing emerald eyes on the prince, observing him and noting every minuscule change in his features.

"Are you accusing me, Lord Melckom?" he asked after a long silence, sounding cold and almost bored.

"I said someone powerful," he replied.

"Someone powerful?" the green-eyed lord echoed. A beat later he continued, "We have King Casius, Queen Melisande, Princess Oriell, and me. You aren't that stupid to accuse a royal, therefore, you're accusing me. It is true?" as the last word left his mouth, his gaze landed on the lord. His scent of fear filled the area, tickling the Lord's nostrils. Melckom's irregular heartbeat was another proof of how deeply even he feared the High Lord.

"He is voicing out his assumptions. There are no other justified reasons for our lack of success in finding my Celest," prince Lyonaurd clarified, rescuing his cousin.

"Lord Melckom," the High Lord began, ignoring the prince. "Do you know what you just did? High treason. Accusing your High Lord and Prime minister of having a hand in Lady Primous' sudden flee. Are you aware that by all rights and laws I can end your life at this very moment? Have you forgotten disrespecting a lord stationed higher than you is not forgivable? Be careful, one day this irrational choice of words of yours will cost you your neck," he asserted.

The place fell silent. The other men's heartbeat and different emotions' scents wafted into the air. He was pleased by the reaction he had received from the two men before him.

Finally, Prince Lyonaurd cleared his throat and spoke, "The tension in the East is rising, humans and werewolves are rebelling again, killing hundreds of vampires and opposing mortals. We must take care of that as well. Especially when my dear Celest is out there somewhere, they might harm her."

"I'll send a team under Lord Pyriom's command this instance," Lord Nikolus announced and glanced at his friend, sitting next to him.

He rose to his feet, "I believe I should begin preparing to depart. I'll update you, my Lord." Lord Pyriom bowed his head. With a nod from the High Lord, he sped out of the room.

As the door closed with another thud, marking the Lord's departure, Prince Lyonaurd leaned forward, placing his both hands on the desk, the arrogance dissipating. "Nik, please find my Cel, you're the only one who is able to do it," he pleaded.

For a mere second, Lord Nikolus pitied the Prince as he noted the worry in his tone and face. The helplessness that had led him to plead in front of his Lord.

But then Celestiana's hazel eyes that had turned grey, with tears threatening to fall, resurfaced in his mind. Tears that Lyonaurd had caused.

The pity gave its place to anger.

"Melckom has sent his own searching team, but I know you're the only one who can locate her," Prince finished with desperation, hoping the lord would comply.