I fell into silence as I processed what he just said. Next queen? Should I really live up to this identity? Shaking my head, I nodded and watched the green view turned colorful, the peacefulness replaced with different noise from a crowded area.

“It’s the Prince!” a man shouted as if on cue, the roars of the whole crowd vanished, all of them bowing and stopping on their work. My lips slowly parted, just how powerful Hades can get? Just his name can make the whole world stop!

The blocked road of the chaotic market suddenly turned clean as everyone is lined up neatly. I saw some girls giggling with their red faces as they watches Hades get off from Halim. I shrieked when the horse wiggled a bit but he was fast to placed his hand on my back for support while the other held the rope.

Since Hades is tall, even if I am sitting, he’s head is on level with my waist. He walked followed by Halim, every eye watching our very move.

“This is Princess Azalea from Crimson Kingdom, I want you all to respect her as much as you respect me.” his voice sounding very firm and strong. The way the other vampires nodded after his order only proved me that he is indeed one of the most powerful creature here. “Continue your business,”

Like a video game, everyone stood up, bowing once and resuming all their paused works.

“Wow,” I turned to Hades with amusement. How can he control them with just his words? “You are amazing you can easily control them,”

He turned to me making our eyes met before he scoffed and starts walking with me on top of Halim on his side.

“I didn’t control them. It is their discipline developed by my father.” he bluntly said with his mouth but his eyes sparking of passion.

I can’t take my eyes off his passionate yet mysterious eyes. The way he speaks of his father is something...rare. Like he is very proud and grateful he was his son. I suddenly wants to meet his father, the King.

He continued touring me on the market, each of the vampires giving their deepest respect.

“Wait here,” he said after we stopped in front of a flower cart, the old man most likely the vendor, giving us his warm smile. I looked down and returned his smile as Hades busily search on the bunch of flowers.

After a minute of searching, he handed an unknown flower and asked for a bunch of it before paying.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he nodded and looked at the beautiful flowers he bought. My eyes remained on the object he is holding.

He turned to me before skillfully lifting his self up again to sit on Halim. Again, I will never get used with that move so I kind of scream catching the vampires attention.

Hades chuckled before crouching a bit. “Can you hold these for me?” he asked before handing me the bouquet of flowers. I blushed because everyone is watching us like we are some sort of romantic drama.

“S-Sure.” stuttering as I held on the flowers. He then place both of his hands and let out a command making Halim go fast again.

I bit my lips and kind of wiggle. Damn! It is so fast, I felt like falling!

“Lean on me, Azalea.” Hades grunted when I leaned in to his hard and warm chest whilst my hand held on to his arms tightly, the other one holding the flowers.

“Why are we so fast?” I asked between my heavy breathing and closed eyes, the cold sharp wind slapping my pace. “Hades!”

“I have something to do,” he plainly said. I bit my lips and screamed again when Halim went faster.

“Ah! You jerk!”

A cold shiver run down my spine when I felt his minty breath fanning the back of my ear, his chuckle echoing on my mind and I didn’t realize I already opened my eyes, the slapping of the wind stopped and Halim halted in front of the stairs going to the inside of the palace.

I was pulled out of the dazed when he get off and swiftly landed me with his arms on the ground.

“Go inside,” he shortly said while getting the flowers on my hand and getting on Halim’s back again. Before I could asks him, I already saw his figure turning smaller and smaller from where I am standing.

Jaw dropping, I hissed and clenched my teeth in irritation. Did he just shut me up? I looked around and thank goodness there’s no one watching me. Stomping my feet, I marched towards the big door and saw Linda waiting for me with her head bowed down.

“Linda,” I called her attention. Immediately, she lifted her gaze and gave me a warm smile.

“Princess!” she said.

“I am hungry, where is the kitchen?” I pouted and she was quick to lead me the way.

We reached their spacious kitchen, each maids doing their task but was interrupted when I set my foot on their carpeted marble floor.

“Princess Azalea!” they gasped and bow. I pouted at their response and hissed.

“Oh come on!” I lamented while looking at them still bowing. “Can you all just call me Azalea?”

“Your majesty, it was rude for us to just call you without respect.” an old lady said. Wow! I can not believe that I am talking to bunch of vampire who can bite and drink all my blood anytime!

“Tss.” shaking my head, I roamed the whole kitchen, each counter full of raw food. “Woah! Are you gonna cook grilled scallops?”

“Yes, your Majesty.” I giggled as I observed them continuing their work. I stood there, busy watching their skillful hands do the work and when they realized it will take me time to leave the kitchen, they gave me a chair and let me sit there as I throw them questions.

“By the way, it is still nine in the morning, why are you all so eager to prepare foods for dinner? Are we gonna skip lunch?” my innocent voice resounded on the whole room.

I felt them froze as I heard Linda’s whispered on my ear.

“The King is joining your dinner for today,”