Talking to someone who understood the diplomatic world without being part of the palace machinery was refreshing. "It's isolating," I said, shocked at my truthfulness.
"I imagine it is. To be 'on,' never being able to just... be yourself." His voice was warm, sympathetic. "When I saw you at university, you seemed much more relaxed. More genuine."
It had been two long years since I had allowed myself to be vulnerable to anyone. After Pierre—my first genuine love, who'd left for medical school in America without saying goodbye—I'd been cautious. Then there was Frederick, my ex-boyfriend, whose possessiveness had developed into something moresinister, requiring palace security to intervene. I told myself not to dwell on the past, but perhaps I should have listened to those warning signs.
I wasn't sure if James was following me — the garden path had too many twists and turns—but part of me hoped he was, despite my earlier desire for privacy. His twenty-five-minute deadline was approaching fast, and I knew he'd be looking for me.
We stopped near some flowering bushes, and he turned to face me. "You know what I find fascinating about you, Evangeline? You have all this power and status, and yet, veterinary medicine. Most people in our position would go for something more politically advantageous."
"I've always loved animals," I said, touched that he'd noticed and understood. "They don't care about titles or protocols."
"Exactly. Animals see who you really are." He stepped slightly closer, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "I'd like to see who you really are too, away from all the formality and expectations."
His hand reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, the gesture gentle but possessive. Something in his touch made me want to step back, but his words had been so understanding...
"Vlad, I think we should head back," I whispered.
"In a moment," he said, his hand resting on my neck, thumb tracing along my jawline. "You know, most girls throw themselves at me because of who my father is and what connections I can provide. But you... you're... intriguing." His grip on my neck became tighter as I attempted to turn away. .
"It must be refreshing to be the one someone wants to pursue, rather than chased for political gain." I said carefully, my instincts beginning to prickle.
"Vlad, I think?—"
"Shhh" he said, his thumb pressing against my lips. "You don't have to think so much out here. No one's watching, no one's judging. Just us”.
He tightened his grip as I tried to turn my head. From moments before, the understanding sympathetic man was gone, replaced by something calculating and cold.
"You know what your problem is, princess?" His voice was still calm, controlled, but there was steel underneath. "You're so used to people asking permission for everything that you've forgotten how things work in the real world."
"Let go of me, Vlad," I said firmly, trying to push against his chest.
"See, that's exactly what I mean. I'm used to being the one giving the orders." His hands tightened, one on my waist, one on my neck. "But out here, you're just another girl who came into the garden with a man. And girls who do that know what's expected of them."
"Let go of me. Now." Despite my racing heart, I kept my voice steady, channeling every bit of royal command I could muster.
His mask finally dropped completely, revealing the entitled predator beneath. "Shut up, princess, and get on your knees. My cock needs to be sucked."
I froze in shock at his sudden transformation. Where was the charming, understanding man I'd been talking to? This calculating predator confirmed what my instincts had been trying to tell me—I'd made a grave mistake coming out here alone.
Chapter Seven
James
Iknew I'd made a mistake. I shouldn't have said yes, but she had done something to me. She had charmed me with her intoxicating scent, and I'd lost my mind. This had never happened to me before, and now I couldn't find her. She had been standing on the garden's edge, then she was gone, and panic activated like a switch being flipped.
I rushed to where I had last seen her, cursing because I realised there was a path down to quite a large garden. What kind of friends would leave her alone at a party? This was ridiculous, and after this, she was going to stay where I could see her.
I scanned the grounds methodically, checking the darkened corners and hidden alcoves, my training kicking in despite my rising concern. I followed the garden path, my heart hammering as precious seconds ticked by. The music from the house grew fainter as I moved deeper into the grounds, checking behind every bush, every shadowy corner. Then I heard voices—male laughter that made my blood run cold. After circling for at least a minute, I heard Evangeline's voice.
"Get the hell off me, you psycho!"
Her voice—desperate, terrified—cut through the night like a blade. I crashed through the bushes and froze. Vlad pinned Evangeline beneath him, and she pushed her delicate hands frantically against his chest while he groped at her dress, yanking the fabric up her thighs. She thrashed beneath him; her face twisted in fear and disgust, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
White-hot rage exploded behind my eyes. Every muscle in my body coiled tight, a roar building in my chest. She was helpless and terrified whilst this piece of shit violated her.
I moved without thinking, my vision tunnelling to a single point: destroy. My hands found Vlad's shoulders, and I hauled him off her with such force that he flew backwards, crashing into the garden wall.
"Don't you understand when a lady says no?" I growled, tossing him aside and fighting the urge to end him right there. My vision narrowed to a pinpoint, rage pulsing through me with each heartbeat.
