The Crown's Obsession (WN)

Lucy's heart was beating loudly in her ears, and she could have only hoped that Theodore wasn't able to notice it over the music that came from the cello. Hearing his words, she frowned and asked,

"Are you addressing me as trouble?"

Had she done something, she was not supposed to do? Did she perhaps trouble him by making him bring the blood to her patio all those times when she was locked in her room? Asked Lucy to herself.

She then heard Theodore reply, "No. I was speaking about myself." Every word that left Theodore's lips fell right on Lucy's skin on her neck like a pearl that broke free and bounced on the floor.

Lucy stopped playing the cello, and she slowly turned to face him, "You didn't do anything. I want to know how you feel towards me."

"You don't understand the consequences, do you, princess," he stressed on the word princess, and she shook her head.

"I want an answer for my question," she stared into his eyes, where she saw her own reflection.

"Does it matter how I feel, Lady Lucy," he whispered the words that sent a shiver down her body. "Few things are meant to be and some are not."

"Yet, you followed me to check on me if I am doing fine. Why?" she demanded an answer.

Theodore stared into the anxious looking eyes, and a faint smile appeared on his lips, "If I do, it would be a sad thing to admit as those feelings would not be used in this lifetime. You are a beautiful girl, princess. I am sure any man would love to have you next to his side."

Lucy got up from her seat, turning to look straight into his eyes.

"What if I said I want to have you next to me," Lucy didn't want to beat around the bush and wait for the right time.

Before Theodore could reply to her, both of them heard some noise right outside the room. Lucy turned gravely worried, and they both stepped outside to see who was listening to them.

"This is why it is troublesome," said Theodore, "The fear that you feel right now is because you know things won't be easy."

"When it's something good, nothing ever is easy," whispered Lucy, watching one of her former maids quickly hurrying down the stairs which was visible to her. Ruby had heard them. Lucy wanted to talk to Theodore, but this was not the time, and she had to speak to Ruby.

"Would you want me to talk to her?" inquired Theodore, and Lucy quickly shook her head.

"No, I will," she replied. Lucy learned that Theodore was remotely attracted to her with what happened today, and he liked her. She didn't want him to talk to Ruby because somewhere, she was worried that he would scare Ruby for no reason.

Quickly running, she followed the elderly maid. Before the governess could arrive in front of the music room, even Theodore had disappeared from there.

By the time Lucy had caught up with Ruby, the woman looked flustered and worried. She didn't turn to look at the young vampiress, but she did bow her head in greeting.

"Nana!" Lucy called Ruby by the nickname she had given to her maid. "Wait, I need to talk to you!"

The elderly maid stopped her feet and met the young vampiress' eyes, "It is not good for me to speak, milady. Your mother has given strict orders to not interact with you and keep my distance."

"It is just for a moment. You can blame it on me. Come!" Lucy caught hold of the woman's hand and tugged her to a room where people didn't often wander upon.

"Lady Lucy," Ruby tried to resist, but Lucy didn't listen. Finally, when they were in the room, Lucy closed the doors, and she turned to face the older woman.

"Please talk to me, Nana," Lucy pleaded with the woman, who appeared to be in shock and unable to meet Lucy's eyes.

The woman bowed her head, "Forgive me for wandering in the corridor. I didn't know what I was doing there," Ruby shook her head. "Maybe I wanted to know how you were doing with the suitors."

Lucy stepped in front of Ruby, catching hold of both her hands, and she looked at the woman's face, "I am not upset that you saw or heard what was spoken."

"I know, dear," whispered the woman, and she then shook her head. "I would have never guessed. I don't think anybody does, but what you both spoke...you I mean...do you like him, Lady Lucy?"

For a moment, Ruby was surprised, and she could only believe that she heard it wrong, but she didn't. The way Lucy looked at the man, it was apparent that she was head over heels when it came to him. And even though now no one knew, eventually people would find out about it, and it would turn ugly. Ugly because Ruby knew the royal family members, their intentions and aspirations.

Lucy knew if someone could understand her, it was this person, and she slowly nodded her head.

"No, milady," whispered Ruby. "Your parents, the Queen, they would never allow it."

Lucy's eyebrows knit together, knowing what Ruby meant, but her heart tugged in pain at the thought of not being able to stand next to Theodore.

"If they were to hear even a word about it, it will not only cause harm to you but also the young man," stated Ruby. "Your mother, she's hoping you will choose the right prospect as quickly as possible to save your father's throne."

Lucy was aware of it. Her eyes closed, and she let out a tired sigh through her lips.

"I have fallen in love with a person with whom I cannot live with," said Lucy softly and her shoulders drooped.

"I am sorry, my dear," and Ruby opened her arms to give Lucy a warm hug. The woman patted her back, "Nothing should ever be like this, but the place we live...it doesn't work on our terms."