New Chapter for the Highest Tier (June 2021)

***********************

Vampire King Apollyon

***********************

Princess Ourania had changed into a long, white gown, and it draped loosely from her neck then to her shoulders as it flowed to down her limbs.

It covered her entire frame except for her head and her long, slender hands.

Her clothes made Apollyon frown. Didn't she wear a scarlet gown earlier, when she was at the royal infirmary as she argued with Sapphire, Luna, and him?

This was strange.

Precious emerald beads hang at the hem of her large butterfly sleeves, edged with gold laces.

Her white skirts appeared like they were made of mountain lilies trailing behind her as she walked with her fiance, Sir Tristan, who still walked around the Summer Palace wearing that god-damned helm over his head in public.

Apollyon was certain nobody in the Summer Courts had seen how that knight from the Fall Courts looked like except for his mother.

But why would they keep his identity hidden until now?

This was suspicious.

It was his mother who was eager to marry the Fae.

She should be proud of Sir Tristan by revealing his features to the rest of the Summer Fair folk so that they would know who was twisted enough to marry such a beautiful princess despite the nasty attitude towards her children and the people who were close to them.

Yes.

Her treatment between her own children and other people had a sheer contrast with each other.

Still, Apollyon observed the princess' and the knight's arms linking together as they walked through the corridors, and it made him scowl.

His mother must like being someone's trophy wife.

At least, she would have someone to worship her—someone that could fit into her agenda. Nevertheless, he didn't like this pair at all.

Apollyon, of all people, knew that if both individuals didn't have the same social status in a relationship, both parties would struggle for power and control.

In his opinion, Princess Ourania didn't want a husband.

Instead, she desired a love slave.

Well, if that was what his mother wanted, he will stay out of it as long as she stayed out with his business.

Something was even more suspicious.

No Luna was trailing after the engaged couple on their return to the royal infirmary.

At that moment, Apollyon's fear felt like a heavy rock had settled at the bottom of his stomach.

Apollyon's eyes darted around their vicinity, like twin guns honing on to his target, trying to catch a glimpse of her Empress.

Yet, Luna was nowhere to be found.

His paranoia wasn't a cold hand caressing up and down his spine, sending shivers all over his body.

More of a lightning bolt charged with panic striking him in the brain and sending adrenaline through his bloodstreams.

The latter urged him to move towards them and demand where his wife was. His body tensed in anticipation.

Apollyon couldn't live if he found out that his wife got hurt anywhere because of his mother.

He should remove all threats and keep her safe and if that included his mother, then let it be.

When the Faerie Sentinels helped him stand up when he suddenly lost his power, Apollyon recalled the vision he had of Luna falling while she was bathed in her own blood.

That strengthened his resolve.

It made him blink once and materialize right in front of them without thought.

Princess Ourania was too engrossed with talking to her fiance that she didn't notice Apollyon was there. Not until she bumped into his chest.

Even Sir Tristan couldn't prevent Princess Ourania from the mild collision despite clutching her forearm.

Sir Tristan pulled his fiance towards him and shook his head, and he didn't know what that gesture meant.

"Where is my wife, Princess Ourania?" Apollyon towered over his mother like a dark mountain of menace as he glowered down at her.

Princess Ourania slowly turned her head and faced him.

The Knight released her, and Princess Ourania stood up straight, meeting his cold gaze.

"I don't know. After the discussion, your wife and I separated ways because she hated being seen with me." His mother shrugged innocently as she looked down and peered at him beneath her lashes. "I could say that the feeling is mutual, so her wish is my command."

"No. You are dodging my question." As his hands curled into fists, Apollyon replied with contempt. "Where. Is. My. Wife?"

"As I said, I don't know where she was. I do not care about her. So why are you asking me, Apollyon? You should be asking her." Princess Ourania jeered mockingly in her virginal gown as she crossed her arms over her chest. "You are his mate. So it is impossible that your body couldn't physically detect your wife's whereabouts."

She acted so haughtily and confident as if she could do no wrong.

"You are lying."

"Ah~ I'm not that powerful to tell a bald-faced lie like the rest of the Summer Monarchs. However, I am doing my daughter-in-law a favor by leaving her alone." She gave him a pleasant smile. "It isn't my problem. Use your powers, Apollyon, and don't be lazy." Lifting one hand, she carefully placed it on his shoulder as she brushed a lint of his clothing. "Find her yourself, son. I am not your wife's keeper."

Catching her delicate wrist, Apollyon bared his teeth, and he stepped closer to intimidate her, forcing her to step backward. "Tell me where she is."

"Your mother had spoken, Apollyon." Sir Tristan said as he stepped into view, inserting himself between him and his mother with a bold swagger. "Please listen to her and don't let her repeat her answers more than once."

Apollyon looked at Sir Tristan and gave him a sardonic grin, revealing a set of fangs.

This Knight from the Fall Courts will be another toy of his mother.

She will throw him away like trash after being done with him as she did with the God of Fire.

Then, Apollyon's muscles relaxed as his smirk dropped.

The next thing they knew, Apollyon grabbed Princess Ourania to the side while his other hand lunged for her slender neck and pushed her against the wall.