— A few hours earlier
"Bryan, I know this must be difficult, but I really need your help. I don't know who's leaking information to the vampire originals," Lucas said.
"So… I'll have to be executed?" Bryan asked.
"Hey no!" Luc cut in. "Why would I kill my brother? It's not going to be that serious. You just have to stick to the original plan."
"You must act like you truly betrayed me. Say something shocking even something we didn't plan. That way all my expressions will be on point."
"Sure. I'll say something you won't expect even if it's true," Bryan replied slyly.
Present Lucas POV
I went to the dark chamber to fetch Blacknight and Snow. I need them. They're part of the plan even if they don't know it yet.
"Your Majesty, are we done with our punishment? We've failed you — we deserve it. We don't deserve your mercy," Blacknight said.
I sighed. "You'll only continue this punishment if you can't complete the task I'm about to give you."
"I need you to inform Ezekiel, commander of the Dragon Shadow Guards — your commander," I told them. "Tell him to send his best soldiers. I have an assignment for them, and it includes you two."
"I'm here, Your Majesty," Ezekiel replied.
"Good. Are you here with your best soldiers?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ezekiel answered.
"Great. Assign them to follow all the high-ranking ministers. Watch their movements — who they meet, how they communicate. We need to fish out the traitor in the court."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Your subject understands," Ezekiel said.
"Before you leave, Ezekiel — Blacknight and Snow must be included. And I want you to personally shadow Minister George. He's young, clever, and I suspect he's hiding something. He may have a connection to the vampire originators. Find out what he's up to — and tell no one. Nobody must know."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ezekiel replied and left black night and snow trailing behind him.
"Commander Ezekiel, which minister are we following?"
"Minister George," he answered in an ominous tone.
"I thought His Majesty assigned you to Minister George?"
"Yes, he did. What I mean is we'll be following him together, in case something happens."
~ The Devil's Land ~
Anna's POV
Something bad happened today. I didn't expect to see KAI in the Devil's Land. Thank God for my disguise otherwise, I would have been exposed. I don't know why or how Sophie was with him. Maybe because they're married? I don't know, and honestly, I don't care. I just wanted them out of my shop.
Yes they were inside my shop.
The shock I felt when I saw Sophie peeking out of the carriage that was passing by… she was admiring a dress outside, and she forced Kai to step down.
The moment Kai's eyes met mine, he looked surprised his brows furrowed like he was trying to remember something. I didn't want him thinking too hard.
They both walked into my shop, observing everything. I politely offered them a seat.
Sophie greeted me politely.
I was shocked. The Sophie I know is not polite. Then I remembered she has no idea this is Anna, the girl who never tried to steal her precious Lucas but was still targeted by a spoiled brat like her. To think we'd meet this early…
"Wow, your gowns are really beautiful. So elegant. Can I have that blue one over there?" Sophie asked, her eyes lighting up.
I replied calmly, "Oh, I'm so sorry, miss. That one has already been bought by the Minister of Finance's daughter. I just displayed it so others could admire the design."
"Oh, that's sad. I was hoping to get it."
Strange.
Why isn't she yelling, "How dare you refuse me?! I'm Princess Sophie of Fortfield wife of Crown Prince Kai of Rydne the strongest empire in the world!"
Why is she acting… calm? Polite? This is unsettling.
She hooked her arm around Kai. "Dear," she said sweetly.
I froze.
Sophie never wanted to be seen close to Kai. And she just called him "dear"? In public?
Judging by Kai's stunned expression I wasn't the only one confused.
Sophie ignored him and continued, "Can we stay here for a few days? I really want this gown to take back to Rydne. She can just make another one for me." She turned to me. "Can you make it within four days? Please I truly want it."
If I said no, I'd be asking for trouble. Honestly, I wish she wouldn't patronize me at all but of course, she wants my designs.
If she knew these gowns were made by her arch nemesis she'd explode. Just imagining her face makes me want to laugh.
"So what do you say, miss? What's your name?"
I gave her my signature innocent smile. "Jasmine."
"Anna," Kai suddenly said.
My blood froze.
"You smiled like her."
"Like who?" I asked calmly, pretending not to understand.
Sophie clicked her tongue in annoyance. "That girl again? Can you stop talking about her already?"
Before Kai could respond, one of his subordinates entered with a report.
"Your Highness, HIM sent the portrait… of the last surviving daughter of Wintermore." he whispered.
But I heard it. I heard it clearly. Even Sophie didn't.
Wait the portrait? MY PORTRAIT?!
No. No. No.
Kai opened the portrait.
His eyes widened. He went pale.
He knew.