Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: The Prince's Claim

The vampire court was a spectacle of gothic grandeur and chilling elegance. Vampires, tall and pale, with eyes that gleamed like embers, filled the vast hall. Their movements were fluid and graceful, their voices soft and hypnotic.Hana was led to the throne room, where the royal family of Yamada awaited her. King Kato Yamada sat on a throne of obsidian, his face a mask of cold indifference. Beside him stood Queen Sakura Yamada, her beauty as sharp and dangerous as a shard of glass.But it was the youngest prince, Kenji Yamada, who captured Hana's attention. He stood slightly apart from his parents, his dark eyes fixed on Hana with an intensity that made her skin crawl. He was strikingly handsome, with raven hair and a sculpted face, but there was a cruel edge to his features, a hint of darkness that promised pain."Welcome, Princess Hana of Akiyama," King Kato said, his voice a low rumble. "We trust your journey was… satisfactory.""It was as expected, Your Majesty," Hana replied, keeping her voice steady."You know why you are here, of course," Queen Sakura said, her eyes raking over Hana like a predator assessing its prey."I do," Hana said, her chin lifting defiantly. "I am here to fulfill the treaty between our kingdoms."A flicker of amusement crossed Kenji's face. "Brave words for a lamb being led to slaughter."Hana ignored him, focusing on the king and queen. "I understand that I am to serve the royal family of Yamada for the next fifty years.""Indeed," King Kato said. "You will be a… companion. A source of… amusement."Hana's heart sank. She had hoped to be assigned to a menial task, something that would allow her to move freely and plan her escape. But it seemed her fate was to be a plaything for the vampires.As the formalities concluded, Kenji stepped forward. "I will take charge of the princess," he announced, his voice leaving no room for argument.King Kato raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure, Kenji? She is… delicate.""I can handle her," Kenji said, his eyes never leaving Hana's. "In fact, I insist."Before Hana could protest, Kenji grasped her arm, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her. "Come, Princess," he said, his voice a silken whisper. "Let me show you to your new… accommodations."He led her through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle, his grip tight and possessive. Hana tried to pull away, but his strength was far superior to hers."Where are you taking me?" she demanded, her voice trembling with fear."To my chambers," he replied, his smile cruel and predatory. "You are my toy now, Princess. And I intend to play with you all night long."Hana's blood ran cold. Her plan was crumbling around her, her hopes of escape fading into the darkness. She was trapped, a prisoner in the hands of a sadistic vampire prince.