(Vera) I cursed the Sun God, for making this so hard on me. A mate, who had all the money in the world, for someone who had to steal to live? How the hell would that work out? I had had the pleasure of meeting rich assholes, and- I had learnt my lessons. When I was fifteen, I went back to school. A good school, too. It was where rich kids go. Hegen made me go, even when I didn't want to. I got a scholarship, because I was- I was smart, in more ways than one. My memory is photographic, and I remembered things, weird things no one could remember, so it wasn't hard for me to get a scholarship. I was happy, even when I frowned and stomped and told Hegen that I didn't like school, I did. I liked knowing answers to every question, I liked being the smart one. Everyone was always asking me about things. Teachers always called me when they wanted answers. And I had all the answers. It was fun. And I became friends with some girls, especially one. Liya. Liya and I became friends. I mean,

“I hunger for your sleek laugh and your hands the color of a furious harvest. I want to eat the sunbeams flaring in your beauty.” ― Pablo Neruda ---- (Vera) I scanned him up and down and I watched as his throat worked up and down. I knew he saw the lustful look in my eyes. Of course, he did. He looked around, looking nervous as hell. His eyes finally met mine and I gave him a salacious wink. The prince coughed and cleared his throat and turned away from me, glaring at his brother. "Blaine, you idi0t, what the hell are you-" "I mean, we know why you are so frustrated? It is all the pentup sex.ual tension for V-" So Blaine knew me. I didn't know why it sent a shock of immense pleasure through me to know that Mateo had been talking about me. Because... I didn't want that, did I?! I wanted my freedom. Only that. To live and do as I please. To never give anyone the kind of power to destroy me. Once bitten, a million times shy! "Blaine. Mateo. Amyra. For the love of Freyr, you guy

(Vera) I could feel the prince's eyes on me as I talked with the queen about what she wanted and what she could get for the royals attending the ball. She knew her art, and I liked that she was not pompous enough to admit it when she didn't know something.She finally bought and paid for eight paintings for the eight royals that would be attending the Dragon Ball from other realms to Draconià. She was easy to talk to, and it surprised me."Thank you, Miss. Rhys. You have been very helpful," she said with a smile, before she opened her bag and pulled out a familiar-looking card. My eyes narrowed as I stared at the black embellished card as she handed it to me. "If you could come to the dragon ball, I would be delighted to show you around the palace.""A personal invite from my mom?! Only a few have the pleasure of that! My mom is picky," Blaine said as he looked at me with an impressed look."Thank you, Your Majesty. I might take you up on your offer," I said without looking at Mateo,

(Mateo)My whole body felt like it was burning. Shade was clawing from the inside, and I knew he wanted to break free and claim what was his, consequences be damned, and I almost, almost wanted to let him loose. But I knew I couldn’t force this on her. I was not brought up like that.It felt too real, the pain, the heartbreak. So definite.I wasn’t done fighting for her, not yet, but for now, tonight, I didn’t want to be here alone with her. I was worried that I might do something that would change our lives completely.“I-” she hesitated, and I closed my eyes tight. Seeing her face, filled with worry and guilt, wasn’t helping me. She should feel the guilt, but somehow it was not a good feeling to see that look in her eyes.“GO,” my voice came out in a loud growl and then I stiffened when I could smell her. Closer than before. What the f*ck was she still doing here? Why the f*ck wouldn’t she just go away?“I don’t want to hurt you, Prince Mateo.”Prince Mateo. I f*cking hated it.“And

“Love in its essence is spiritual fire.” — Seneca ---- (Vera) End of the world... I sighed softly as I stared into his glinting eyes. The way he was looking at me, so tender, so loving... it twisted my heart, and it made me feel edgy. My skin prickled in awareness. I wanted to flee and hide and- It was the year-old fear of letting a person in. I knew, even now, that Mateo would be more than what my heart could handle. He already was. "But he will also be everything your heart desires! The way he talks to you...” Yes. The way he talked to me... I had never thought I was someone who would love to hear such blatant admission on how much he already liked me. I would have made a puking face if Ezra had ever said it, but when Mateo said that, I felt like I wanted to hear him say things like that, forever, but it was also alarming, the feeling of utter helplessness and neediness. I had never needed anyone much in my life, and I preferred it that way. And yes, it immediately made me