Fatal attractions

“If Draven has such powerful support, don't you think it's a bad idea to want the throne? Especially if your father handed it over himself.”

He stared up, lost in thoughts for a brief moment. He rubbed at his temple, smoothing the edge of his collared shirt.

"You're right, little bird. It is an absolute bad idea. My father did try to keep me hidden. More out of shame and embarrassment than our of love."

“You said he loved your mother.” she quipped hesitantly.

“He did. Once. Her remains in an urn decking his room was enough proof he once loved her.”

Nyx gasped, clasping her hand over her mouth to muffle the sounds that nearly came out as a shriek from surprise. He let them kill her? All to please a goody-two-shoes vampire royalty?!

“I'm so sorry...Did he–”

“–No. Under the queen's command, Draven burned her on a funerary pyre after years of torture. She'd first had to die repeatedly by drowning when she had her wrapped in silver cage and thrown down the lake.” he cackled, his eyes shifti