The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

- KATALEYA -

The sound of arguing makes me stir.

'Kiss of darkness...

Those words echo in my mind, making me feel extremely uneasy. I need to find out what they meant. Truly meant - because that kiss had weakened me... was it literally that? A kiss of darkness?

The chill that lingers envelopes me like an illness that no matter how much I try to shake off, it just isn't leaving.

Enrique and Jose... Finally, the voices are recognisable.

"That boy is long dead."

I frown slightly, forcing my eyes open and realise what he means, and I sit up. "No, he isn't," I say in unison with Jose. Enrique turns, and that's when I notice the dents in the wall and the cracks that reach the ceiling behind Jose. "Are you alright?" I ask Jose with concern as I stand up worriedly.

"I am, and I'm glad that you are well too," he replies politely.

I smile and Enrique scoffs.

"Looks like things got a little rough, oh dear." I murmur, turning my gaze on the cracks in the wall..

"Do you really think so?" he responds sarcastically.

He scoffs, fishing in his pocket and takes out a packet of cigarettes, slipping one between his lips.

The kiss from earlier... my gaze lingers on his lips. Something really was strange... kiss of darkness...

My heart skips a beat, a wave of unease washing through me. The darkness is growing, and I need to figure out what it is. That's why I wanted to talk to Jose... what do we do next? We can't sit and wait for the answers to come to us. We need to find them. "And why did you faint?" Enrique asks me coldly.

"I don't really know what happened. I didn't choose to faint, but I'm ok though," I answer with a smile.

"I wasn't worried."

My smile grows, but I duck my head to hide it. "I didn't say you were," I whisper, making him growl.

Jose coughs, although it sounds suspiciously like a snicker whilst I don't dare look at Enrique.

"Leave us!" he commands Jose sharply.

Jose looks at me with concern and I give him a reassuring smile before he leaves, closing the door behind him.

"I'm not sure I'm ready for a round two," I whisper nervously the moment he takes hold of my chin, my heart racing.

"Regarding Maria, I'll tell her about our arrangement soon, but until I do you need to keep these pretty lips shut," he warns me coldly, his gaze dipping to my lips. The urge to correct him on her name is on the tip of my tongue but I hold back. I don't think now is the right time to rile him up all over again.

"Ok," I answer softly, turning away from him.

"Oh, and the Alpha summit in Alaska, I've decided I'm going to attend and you're going with me." My heart races as I stare at him.

The Alpha Summit! The fact he wants to go makes me happy, but... is he going there for the summit or...

"Sounds like a plan. I think it'll prove useful to you," I say, my heart racing at the fact that I'll be going with him... Dad's going to be there too. I blush just thinking, what will Dad think about us going together? I told him I wanted to go give him the prosthetic, but... Ok, it should be fine! As long as Kike's gaze stays away from the boobies!

"I will be the one to decide if it's useful or not," he sneers, tightening his hold on my chin.

He's searching my face for something and frowns deeply, his eyes flashing liquid gold.

My gaze dips to his lips and I wonder if I kissed him again, what would happen? Would it be like our first kiss or the second... my heart is racing and the urge to kiss him almost consumes me. His frown deepens, turning his head slightly. "Also... What I... never mind. I'll see you at dinner."

He turns abruptly, letting go of me and, without even a second glance, leaves the room; banging the door shut behind him. Leaving me feeling rather confused.

Shaking my head, I decide to head to the kitchens, but before then... I need to have a quick word with Valentina... getting my phone I simply send her a 'Hi how are you? knowing she'll get into mind-linking range. I'll wait for you, Valentina.

It's a short while later and I'm in the kitchen, with the kitchen staff. All five are here.

Sofia is in charge, but more than being the boss, she gives more of a motherly vibe. I am already growing fond of her.

Then there's Pascal, Neva, Bianca and Juana. Juana is the youngest at nineteen and although she is more quiet to start with, she's opening up; although I can tell she and Bianca both have major crushes on Enrique.

"Marie Perez is here. I'm surprised the Alpha is going through with this engagement," Neva remarks, glancing sideways at me.

"I know... I thought now that Princesa Kataleya was here..." Bianca sighs.

"She's a Rossi. He will never take a Rossi as a mate," Pascal adds, emptying the washed peas into a colander to drain.

They don't care that I'm here, but I simply stay quiet, doing the job that Sofia had left for me.

"What will happen to you now that his betrothed is here?" Juana asks me as she rinses the potatoes.

"You should focus on your job and not on other things. Besides, we know our Alpha well, he will marry Marie and make her his Luna," Gabriela's voice cuts in before I can even reply, making Neva jump as we turn to the entrance where Gabriela is standing with another guard, Griselda.

Both are cousins, but like the majority of the women around here, they have a thing for Enrique, too. However, for them, fear of him is embedded in them.

Gabriela glances at me, but I do not reply. After all, I too don't know what is going through his mind. He is quite a mess to read.

"The room falls silent until the two warriors grab the snacks they came for and leave. I return to my salad cutting when Bianca approaches me.

"So, what will that make you? I mean, we all know you are bedding the Alpha."

"I think Alpha Enrique will handle this and I don't think he'd like anyone to entertain rumours with no proof. I am not bedding him," I answer truthfully. She doesn't believe me but I don't mind, that is her decision to make.

She looks at me curiously but doesn't say anything. She's an omega rank, and they don't tend to be so feisty, but I can tell she wants to argue until Sofia calls to her from the pantry.

"Are you really not with the Alpha? I mean it's every girl's dream, but I would love you as a Luna," Juana says extremely quietly, as if afraid someone might hear her.

"I don't know what we are," I admit the truth softly, giving her a gentle smile.

Only time will tell.

'Kataleya?"

'Valentina!'

'Hey, is everything ok? And do you think I can come inside as your guard? I'd love to be around you. Your cousin is scary, and his questioning is... scarier. He's sent you-know-who here too!

'You know we're mind-linking. You can say his name,' I tease cheekily with a smile, knowing she'll be blushing.

'Oh alright! Li Sheng! Li Sheng's here!' she squeaks.

I'm sure I would be able to get her in, but knowing she gets to spend time with Li Sheng... well, I'm not going to take that from her.

'Li Sheng? Now that is sweet,' I giggle, my smile fading when I think of Leo. 'Oh, Leo didn't need to send anyone, but that must mean he really is worried!

'They are all worried, naturally. Especially after what happened with the Crawlers. Anything again?"All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

'Not really..." I answer, thinking of what happened earlier.

'Are you sure?' she sounds worried.

"Would you like me to bring out the tarts you made?" Sofia asks.

"I'll do it," I answer politely, putting down my knife.

'Yes, I had an odd moment earlier but no run-in with any again. I'll explain when I have a moment. I have to go!

'Ok, I'll be hanging around so anytime you need me I'll be here!

'Thanks, Valentina. I really, really appreciate it. Thank you,' I answer softly. This must be so hard for her too and boring.

'Oh, don't thank me. I'm good,' I smile at her words, hoping Li Sheng keeps her company. I giggle to myself, thinking maybe there might be some naughty playtimes for them in the coming future. Smiling, I make my way over to the trays of the Cherry Bakewell Tarts I had made. I was a bit worried at first, but they turned out great. I just hope he likes my collection of English desserts, too. I set the tarts up on a tray before I go to get the other sugary pastries I've made. Once they're plated, I sprinkle some chocolate over the whipped cream on the trifle bowls.

"You should go. You know everyone will be dressed up for the dinner. You should too," Sofia says as she comes over and examines my work. "My, these look delicious!" "But I needed to just check-"

"No buts mija, now go!"

I hesitate, but I can't upset her, not when she's let me work here whenever I've wanted.

Satisfied with my work for the most part, I decide to do as she says and go get changed for dinner.

I shower, still feeling that slight effect from earlier lingering before I select a dress to wear, I hesitate, staring at it. It's one of the one's he had chosen that day we went shopping. Should I wear it, or is it disrespectful to Marie?

My hand lingers on the dress as I hesitate a little longer before I let go, knowing I will be unable to wear it. I can't do that to her.

Turning away, I choose another one, before I sit down to work on my hair and make up...