*Selena*
Damon smirked as he strode toward me, his eyes locked onto mine as I furrowed my brow at his unexpected presence. Wasn’t he supposed to be working? How did he appear here so suddenly? Glancing at Harper, understanding dawned on me. Perhaps she had sent him a message, and he had teleported himself here.
“So, it was all true. Arabella does exist,” I concluded, turning to look at the picture once more.
No one could find a difference between us. Even I couldn’t distinguish. The picture looked very old, and the attire she had in that picture looked like it belonged to some ancient era. The art was a masterpiece, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the artist in my mind. He had truly defined the beauty of the lady in the picture, and I found it even more beautiful than reality-or maybe she was more beautiful than me.
But I still couldn’t believe that it was true and that Arabella did exist. Because when Damon first told me about Arabella, I thought he was merely flirting with me, using his popular story to impress a girl. But here I was, staring at the picture of Arabella before me.
“I always told you the truth, Selena, but alas, you never believed me,” he clicked his tongue, sounding disappointed.
But my mind was racing with other thoughts and possibilities. Was Arabella that missing piece of the puzzle I was looking for?!
“Okay, I understand that Arabella looks exactly like me,” I said, looking at him quizzically. “Was she also your mate, and how can it be a coincidence that I am also your mate?”
“Arabella was my queen, mate, and the love of my life in a previous life, and it’s destiny that now you’re my mate,” he explained in his cold tone.
“Am I related to Arabella in any way? I mean, was I Arabella in my previous life?” I asked curiously.
His intense gaze pierced through me as if trying to read my mind.
“Does it matter to you?” He asked back.
“Of course, it does. I have the right to know everything about her if she is connected to me,” I insisted.
“It’s just a coincidence that you look like her. There is no connection between you and Arabella,” he dismissed, turning to look at the picture with the same adoration he directed at me.
“Is that so?” I challenged, and Damon’s gaze turned skeptical. I felt there was more.
“Yes. You need to start trusting me,” he emphasized.
I nodded, deciding to let go of this topic for now. Persisting could create more suspicion.
“By the way, what are you doing here in my room? Did you make up your mind and want to move in?” he asked, taking me off guard.
“Umm… no!” I mumbled, receiving a raised eyebrow reaction from him. “I was bored, so I thought of taking a tour of your castle. I hope I didn’t offend you, Vampire King,” I said, giving him an innocent look.
“Of course, you can roam around the castle. It’s your castle as well, my mate,” he asserted.
“That’s very kind of you, Vampire King, but we’re not yet bound in matrimony, so I cannot officially assume the title of your queen,” I countered, my voice laced with a hint of resistance.
“We can rectify that tomorrow and get married if you consent,” he replied, a mischievous smirk dancing upon his lips.
I turned away, rolling my eyes.
“You’re incredibly impatient,” I muttered under my breath.
“Guilty as charged, my mate,” he conceded, his presence now closer, his hands finding their place on my waist. A shiver traversed my spine as his touch sent tingles through me. “I can hardly contain my eagerness, Selena,” he murmured, leaning in to press a tender kiss against the nape of my neck. My heart quickened, besieged by an onslaught of unfamiliar emotions.
“Um, I know, Damon, but I still need some time,” I said, turning to face him and taking a step back to create some distance.
“I understand, baby,” he replied, his voice turning low and husky.
“So, what’s Arabella and your story?” I asked eagerly.
Damon stared at me for a long minute before speaking. “I’ll tell you later. Right now, I want to take you somewhere.”
“Huh!” I was dumbfounded when he grabbed my hand and led me to God knows where. He led me to a room resembling a conference room, where many people, adorned in expensive suits, were gathered around a large table. I looked at Damon in puzzlement. He smiled before addressing the people there.
“Gentlemen, allow me to introduce my mate and queen, Selena. I want each of you to detail the arrangements for the upcoming celebration and accommodate any adjustments she may desire,” Damon proclaimed with authority.
“Damon, you’re moving too swiftly in our relationship. Please, slow down,” I murmured, a tinge of irritation flickering in his eyes for the briefest of moments.
“My dear subjects eagerly anticipate the grand celebration in your honor, Selena,” he continued in his composed but distant manner. I nodded, casting a glance around at the assembled courtiers.
“Thank you all sincerely, but there’s truly no need for such extravagance,” I replied graciously.
“My Queen,” Silas, one of Damon’s trusted ministers as I remembered him, spoke up, “it is our utmost pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you within our kingdom.”
I nodded, smiling. “Okay, tell me, how can I help?” I asked, trying to blend in with them.
Their faces lit up with enthusiasm as they eagerly shared their plans, painting vivid pictures with their words. I absorbed every detail they divulged, offering my insights and suggestions where I saw fit. It was gratifying to see Damon’s expression light up with satisfaction at my active participation.
Yet, amidst the flurry of conversation and excitement, my mind kept circling back to Arabella. She was the missing puzzle piece, the key to unraveling the truth behind it all. I needed to uncover her secrets, her connection to the real story. To do that, I knew I had to earn their trust, particularly Damon’s.