Into the Dark
6

Calypso is standing on a beach; her bare toes dig into the sand. A light breeze pushes open her silk robe. She is wearing the outfit she wore for the Hunt minus the sandals. The ocean in front her is clear and inviting but she does not dare draw closer. The things that look the most inviting tend to be the most dangerous.

A horn sounds in the distance and women burst from the trees behind her. Most of them do not make it beyond a few feet before a vampire leaps into the air and tackles them to the ground. Calypso wastes no time to flee the scene.

She spots a cliff in the distance and decides to climb it to get a better vantage point. Darting through the trees, she does not dare to stop and admire the greenery around her though she wishes she could.

Halfway up the cliff, Calypso runs into a clear barrier causing her fall flat on her butt. She quickly jumps up and reaches out a hand in confusion. The invisible barrier feel like glass and glows where her skin makes contact with it.

“Impossible,” she whispers in disbelief.

She whips around at the sound of a twig snapping behind her. The Vampire King materializes behind her slowly prowling through the trees. Calypso has unintentionally trapped herself. With no where to run, her next plan of action is to distract the King enough to make her escape.

He stops a few feet in front of her before he speaks,” You look beautiful, my love.”

Irritation bubbles in Calypso’s chest,” I am not your love.”

“That’s where you are wrong, darling. I may not be your love but that does not mean that you are not mine.”

She steps back as he moves forward,” We do not know each other. I do not even know your name.”

He smiles at this,” If you wish to know my name you need only to ask.”

Calypso could nearly smell the deceit coming off him in waves. However, on the off chance he will really tell her, she could use such information against him.

Straightening her shoulders with confidence Calypso does just that,” Tell me your name, King of Vampires.”

Finally reaching her, the King stops only inches away from her. His breath fans over her face as she waits for his answer. He is toying with her and she is losing her patience.

“Very well, my name is-”

********

A knock at her door wakes her; the sudden interruption nearly as irritating as a cockblock. Calypso barely has time to cover herself with one of the many blankets littered upon her bed before her servants enter.

“Rise and shine, my lady. The King requests your appearance at breakfast,” the oldest servant informs her.

Forfeiting her modesty, Calypso follows her servants to the bath chamber. It is quickly becoming apparent that the Night Kingdom cares little for virtue.

Her servants work in silence which Calypso is grateful for. Due to her childhood, she was not all that fond of conversation. Her father trained her to be a listener. He informed her on numerous occasions that in order for her to complete her mission with as little complications as possible she would need to be observant. Use her knowledge to her advantage. Find the King’s weaknesses and use them against him.

Calypso’s thoughts allowed her to build her confidence back to the appropriate level. She would be damned before she let the King of Vampires intimidate her.

He may haunt her dreams but she would be his living nightmare.

_____

Calypso enters the dining hall with her back straight and her head held tall. She has lost her chance to play he shy dutiful wife; her attitude made sure of that. She now has a different plan of action. Vampires are known to enjoy the cat and mouse game and Calypso assumes that the Vampire King is no different.

There was one lesson her father had required her to take that would help her confirm this suspicion; the art of seduction.

She put a lot of thought into her clothing choice and decides to wear a midnight blue dress and matching heels.

Her husband stands tall at the end of the table waiting for her to reach him. Calypso holds his gaze as she nears her seat unwilling to let him cause her to cower.

She drops herself into a deep curtsy in front of him,” King,” she greets.

He controlled her sleep but she would not let him control her when awake.

" I trust you slept well?” he fails to hide his smirk as he sits knowing fully well what he is referring to.

Calypso sips her wine before answering,” Like a baby. I had the most wonderful dream.”

“Oh?” he leans forward in interest.

She knows he expects her to confront him but she has another plan,” Indeed. I was standing on a beach wearing nothing but black lingerie and all of the sudden Jasper, my father’s head knight, appeared from the forest behind me. And, well, I will spare you the details of what followed.”

She watches her husband’s features morph into jealous anger,” How thoughtful of you.”

She takes another slow sip of wine,” He is very handsome and his smile is quite charming. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Quite,” his voice is clipped as he grips his glass tightly.

She allows herself to assess his features as he eats; his strong jaw clenching as he chews. His short hair is as dark as the night sky. His gray eyes take everything in without letting anything out. Though she would never admit it, he really was the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on. Her husband is quite the puzzle and she knows that his assassination will be no easy task.

" There will be a ball next week during the full moon,” he does not look at her as he eats,” your father’s head knight will be in attendance.”

Calypso hides her smirk behind her glass,” How exciting. Your people really do love balls.”

“Do you recall what I said to you about him last night?”

She tilts her head to the side as if trying to remember,” I can’t say I do. Though I can say that the thought of see him again is quite thrilling.”

" You will stay away from him,” his eyes burn holes into hers.

" Oh? You expect me to listen?” she raises a brow as she says this.

“I do.”

“And if I don’t?”

He stands suddenly,” Ignore my order and you will replace out. I must go but please stay and finish your meal.”

_________

Unedited

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