Katerina has no idea whom was to be presenting themselves to Prince Ezra but she did not want to make matters worse for herself by disobeying his demands. Best behavior? She thought. All her life she has been the most compa.s.sionate, helpful and trustworthy individual in her village. Now she has been held prisoner against her will to a treacherous, m.a.s.o.c.h.i.s.tic monster that calls himself a prince.
She felt humiliated, violated and degraded within just the two days of her capture and purchase. She attempted to figure out why she deserved this, praying to G.o.d that he would spare her and free her of this never ending nightmare.
Ezra had changed his clothing while she was being washed by the menacing maids. Her eyes glanced over his attire this time. He was wearing a satin black suit with a white shirt underneath that b.u.t.toned up until it was about six inches from his neck region. A navy blue was tie tucked underneath the suit jacket. The cuff links at the end of his jacket sleeves looked like they may have been a family crest symbol.
"Your eyes are wandering, Katerina." He was grinning at her, still enjoying the fact that he pressured her to anger.
She quickly looked away and stood there. After he chuckled, the man from before guided the group of vampires into the entrance of the study.
"Prince Ezra, they have arrived." He bowed to Ezra then left the room.
Ezra welcomed them with a smile and proceeded to walk over to them when a young woman nudged her way to the front.
"It"s good to see you once again Ezra." She curtsied, lifting up her crimson red gown as she did. It was largely puffy and the corset top was lined with black st.i.tching. She had completely blackened hair that was pulled up into curls.
"Likewise, Astrid." He took her hand that was reached out and kissed it softly, allowing his lips to linger there and stare at her reaction.
Fl.u.s.tered, she fanned herself and stepped back for Ezra to shake hands with the other three vampires.
"Parris it is good to see you again along side your sister Astrid." He then turned to the other two.
"You two are quite the pair as always Zurie and Zen." He kissed the cheeks of the two young vampire twins. "Lilith will be delighted to see you two."
Astrid and Parris were the children of a family of pure blood vampires, but they were not royalty and it showed with their non red eyes and no white hair. Pure bloods were a little bit hard to distinguish from half breeds unless you were royalty. However, all pure bloods contained a mark just above their fangs in the gum area that showed they were not turned vampires but born vampires.
Zurie and Zen were also pure bloods but they were a bit different as they had the telepathic abilities. Most likely because they were born vampire twins and it was dangerous to have two in the womb.
Astrid gazed at Ezra and he did the same as if they were reading each other"s thoughts about getting into bed together later. Her eyes shifted to the girl behind him near the corner and she tilted her head.
"Did you bring me a gift, Ezra?" She smiled politely.
Ezra chuckled and raised his hand to signal Katerina to walk over to him.
"This is my newest pet." He raised his brows in excitement, proud to show off the type he had.
Parris blinked his eyes several times before speaking, "Pet? How did you get such a specimen? I thought they were extinct.." his voice trailed off.
"Indeed. But she was found and certainly perfect for a royal member." Ezra leaned over to caress her cheek.
She instinctively pulled away and Astrid laughed. "It seems she is not fond of you dear Ezra."
"She is in training." His eyes deepened while looking at Katerina as if he was annoyed with her defiance.
"I think she is lovely. She"s beautiful too." Astrid stepped up to the girl but Ezra watched her, possessively hoping she wouldn"t touch her.
"She"s even got the eyes of it. I cannot believe you stumbled upon such a legend of a mortal." She glanced her up and down, "I bet she tastes marvelous. I heard that her kind sends you into a constant euphoric state." Her eyes brightened in their yellow color. "Will you share her with me? Perhaps when we are in bed?"
Katerina widened her eyes and looked up at Ezra who was staring at Astrid.
"Maybe another time." He forced a smile upon his face.
Parris spoke this time, "Astrid do leave the mans belongings alone. If he wanted to share her then he would."
Before Astrid could protest, Ezra"s royal family finally entered the room.
"Look who we have here." Elisabeta smiled at the four vampires while Lilith ran to the twins.
"I"m so glad you"re here!" She exclaimed.
"Parris." Victoria nodded politely to him.
"My dear sweet Astrid." His mother opened her arms to hug her. "I"m so glad you could come today."
Katerina stared at the vampire filled room, knowing good and well that they all could kill her in an instant. Her heart picked up its pace which everyone in the room could hear. Her blood and pulse coursed through her body so strongly that each ones eye color, besides Ezra, intensified and turned their heads to stare at her.
"What do we have here Ezra?" His mother"s lips curled into a smile as she stepped around the crowd to look at Katerina.