I walked around the gardens, the flowers were stunningly beautiful, even in the dim light of the dawn they shon so brightly, the colours bringing the garden to life even in the dim lighting, my favourite though amongst all of the beautiful blooming bright flowers was the blood red rose, it held something regal something so strong, although the petals were really very delicate.

I had been unable to sleep, today was the night of the full moon, and thinking of how my next night would be spent had kept me up at night, in just one night I would have to sleep wrapped in the arms of the beast, the man all feared, and respected, some even despised.

"Couldn't sleep?" A velvety voice called softly, and I turned around to see Alaricus standing right behind me, he was close enough for me to notice the way his eyes glowed brighter, the deeper red of his parted lips.

"Y-yeah." I said, his proximity making me uncomfortable, I tried to discreetly take a step forward but he was right behind me, and this time he got even closer, he was nearly pressed up against my back, the hard muscles on his torso pressed against my back, muscles I could feel through his fitted dress shirt.

He was always dressed very neatly, wearing dress shirts, or even suits, but even through those his large muscled build was evident, I wondered when he ever worked out.

Although I wanted to create distance between us I couldn't, I was now right against the rose bushes, and he right against me. I maneuvered the bush so that I could examine of the roses closer, it was so beautiful it seemed to be the deepest red, I held it in my hands, studying it, as I felt Alaricus staring intensely at me, studying every movement.

"Beautiful isn't it?" He whispered, making his warm breath blow into my ear, making a shiver rake down me, as I tried to come up with ways to get away from him, he was too close.

"Yes it is." I replied.

"I-I should get some sleep." I say trying to tuck the rose back into the bush, but accidentally pricking my finger on its thorns.

A drop of blood formed on my ring finger, but before I could even let out a sound Alaricus was in front of me, gently grasping my hand in his, examining my finger, he looked up into my eyes, staring into my startled ones with his deep scorching eyes, he slowly brought my finger upto his lips, sucking it into his mouth gently. I gasped as he raked his tongue over the wound soothing the sting, making my cheeks burn a deep red.

A smile comes onto his face, and he lets my finger go, keeping his hold on my hand, using his other hand he trails his calloused fingers over my warmed reddened cheeks, his eyes filled with adoration.

"So beautiful." He mumbles under his breath, making my breath hitch, and I stumble back from his affections,

"I-I should go." I said turning away from him, trying my hardest not to run.

"Wait." He calls out to me, and I turn around dread filling me.

"Love will you spend the day with me?" He asks gently and I look at him, wanting nothing more then to refuse, but the gentle look in his eyes made me feel as if I had a choice, as if nothing would make him happier then my accepting his request, so without thinking I find myself nodding, making a boyish grin appear on his beautiful face, looking younger then usual, more happy as he nods slightly at me.

"I'll come to get you from your room in a few hours love." He says, and I turn around walking away leaving him in the gardens.

I showered leisurely, rubbing the raspberry scented shampoo into my long thick tresses, and as the shampoo touched my finger I hissed, looking at the wound, remembering how Alarcis had wrapped his lips around it, sucking it gently. Alaricus was so affectionate but it was only dawn at the time, I couldn't imagine what the night would be like, his touch was so soft and delicate, the way he treated me, as if I was the most precious most treasured thing he had ever seen, it was the type of thing I had always dreamed of, but only read about, if he kept treating me so, very soon I wouldn't be able to deny liking it.

I walked into my closet, towel drying my hair, letting it dry into its natural slightly wavy state, I picked out a light blue dress, with a beige cardigan overtop and put it on, I had always enjoyed wearing dresses, and today I was in the mood to wear one. It seemed Alaricus had added things to my existing wardrobe, but it felt wrong to wear those things, I didn't want to be the Kings freeloader.

Making my way to the library, I decided to drop into the kitchen to grab something to snack on.

Marcel smiled at me as I walked in, and I smiled back greeting him softly, he slid a glass of orange juice to me, with a plate ladened with buttery croissants and other pastries.

I bit into one of the pastries nearly giggling with glee when the delicious tangy flavour of the strawberry filling inside touched my tastebuds, making Marcel squeeze my cheek affectionately as I walked out, I giggled thanking him. Although I missed my own home more then I could say, the palace was beginning to feel more like home each and every day.