The Devil's Bride

Love is not always there when you want it. It is not always rainbows and butterflies, not always going to be convenient, or easy, or practical. But when you find it, you have to fight for it, because if you don't you risk losing everything.

When Count Vladimir announced her name, Princess Kathleen felt that her world crumbled to pieces. Her mind that keep on replaying the time when she met Prince Kael in the garden and their midnight talk for the whole week, and now she finally realize that she has fall in love with the mysterious prince.

But it's too late for her now, she will soon marry the devil, she didn't even get the chance to tell him about her feelings. Kathleen wanted to cry for her fate, but she know very well that it won't change anything, it has been decided. Her love story has ended before it even get a chance to bloom.

Kathleen take a deep sigh, calming herself and trying to be brave for the people she love and for the kingdom. She look around to see everyone's faces, some if them look shocked, some were sad, her family especially her grandmother has started to cry again. Her sisters were embracing her tightly as if they don't want to let her go.

The king and queen were look pale, they couldn't even uttered a word. King Lionel was still in shocked, he couldn't find a word for his daughter Princess Kathleen. He knew that one of his daughters will be chosen but it still surprised him. His daughter Kathleen is the prettiest amongst the princesses, as well as well verse in knowledge and etiquette. He wanted to let Kathleen marry to a crown prince of a strong kingdom, and that will be Prince Henry as he has made a verbal promise to the young prince. But now, King Lionel was speechless with the situation.

"Count Vladimir, please reconsider the choice, my daughter Kathleen is now engaged with another prince, it would be rude for me to take back my words" begging the king to the vampire Count.

"oh my, don't you think you will be rude to my young master by taking back your words from our agreement, King Lionel?" the Count answered with a question.

"I'm very sorry, but a verbal words were made a fews days ago, and only today your side decided to make my daughter Kathleen's as thr bride" said King Lionel.

"I guess that the verbal agreement between you and the other prince were made after the banquet celebration since that is the only time the prince and princess can see eye to eye, did I guess it right?" the Count asked again.

"That is correct Count Vladimir. Which mean Princess Kathleen is no more eligible to be the bride's candidate the next day after the celebration" said the king. King Lionel hopes that the bride can be change for he couldn't afford to offend such a strong kingdom as the Volkenshire Kingdom. Though sending off one of his daughter for the devil sadden him, he don't want to add more trouble by offending Prince Henry.

"I'm afraid I can't help you with your problem, your majesty. You see, my master has made his choice on the day of the banquet, and your lovely daughter has accepted it" the Count said it while turning his malice gaze to Princess Kathleen.

"I didn't remember receiving any proposal, far from accepting anything from the devil" said Kathleen confused.

"Allow me to enlighten you, princess. Do still remember the black rose in your bedroom? That was the Devil's mark" smiling slyly, the Count look straight to her eyes.

"The bride has been decided way earlier than any proposal from another prince" added the Count.

King Lionel lose his words. Princess Kathleen couldn't believe her ears. All this time, she thought the mysterious black roses were from Prince Kael because the first black rose she received was on the night of when Prince Kael visit her. Thinking that it was a special gift from the prince, Kathleen was blooming with happiness for the whole week that she looks forward to receive a rose every night.

But when she think about it, she didn't see the prince left the roses personally, and she didn't even see Prince Kael after that one night. Kathleen scolded herself for being so stupid by growing her foolish hope of love for the prince.

"Now, enough with the talk and tears, we don't want to let my master wait any longer. Shall we, princess?" said Count Vladimir raising his hand inviting the young princess to escort her out of the palace.

Devastated, Princess Kathleen raise her hand and hold on to the Count's. His presence was intimidating that she was sweated cold sweats. Count Vladimir lead her to the main door of the palace.

Her family and all the people in the palace send her with tears and wish for her safety. Kathleen walks with heavy heart, she was never ready to let go her life, but this has to be done. She smile sadly and wave everyone goodbye. Kathleen bowed respectfully to her parents and grandmother, and then to her sister.

Count Vladimir on the other hand, rolled his eyes to the scene surrounded them. "It seems like they were sending you out as if you were dying, princess". Kathleen could not rebuts to his remarks. Her feelings right now really as if she was dying.

She took a small steps in a slow pace hoping to drag more time but the man who was escorting her keep his steady pace that forcing her to fastens her pace. The double main door look closer in every steps.

'Once I step inside the carriage, it will be the end of me' she said to herself. Her beautiful wedding gown and the diamond tiara on top of her hair couldn't give any help in making her feel better. Instead, she feel miserable and sad to her own life.

"Don't make yourself cry Princess Kathleen, or your will scare away your future husband" snickered Count Vladimir right when she lift her left leg to step inside the carriage. She rolled her eyes when she hears his words.

"I wonder if there is anything in this world that can make the devil scare, I would love to try" she replied, trying to be brave. Moreover, what else can she lose now? her whole life will soon be in the devil's hand.

Count Vladimir chuckled to her replied.

"You are one very interesting daredevil person, princess" he said while stepping inside the carriage and closed the door.

"I don't know whether to be flattered or offended" said Kathleen to the Count's words.

"Let's just go with flattered" he said while giving off his signature smile.

They stop talking when the carriage started to move. Kathleen couldn't see clearly outside for the carriage glass windows were in dark shade, but she still wave her hand to her family hoping that they could see her.

The carriage was large in full black color, pulled by two huge strong werewolves. Another two were guarding from each side of the carriage, while another two behind. Even if Kathleen want try to escape, she will be caught back in a second.

They drove passed the town and straight to the Dark Forest. Once they entered the forest, a group of 6 werewolves joined the procession with a loud howls, as if informing the whole forest about their arrival.

"Scare?" asked the Count who had been sitting silently in front of her.

Nodding her head, she asked "why did another group came and why did they howls nonstop like that?"

"Of course it is because they were celebrating this happy occasion, it will be very rude of us if we didn't welcome you properly, your highness"

"They didn't sound happy to me"

"What, do you prefer trumpets and drums instead?"

"No"

"Get used to it, princess"

She looked outside and she saw the Black Castle standing tall not far from where they were right now. 'My life will be over soon' she said inside.

Hundreds of red eyes can be seen outside, in the darkness of the forest and it scares her, she close the curtain and fixed her eyes to her fingers, counting for how much longer she will be alive in this world.

Remembering to what had been discussed by her father and the ministers, that the bride can only give birth to one child only, she hope that she can beg the devil to let her go once she successfully give the devil a child.

Bracing herself, she inhale a deep breath and let go when the carriage stop moving. Count Vladimir help her out of the carriage carefully, not to trip on her dress.

The Count bowed and followed by a group of people who had lined up in two line, making a way on the red carpet to the main entrance of the palace, when he said,

"Welcome to the Black Palace, Princess Kathleen"