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The Queen in Crimson

Summary:

The Queen dressed in Crimson, her dress flowing like the blood in your veins. Pulling you toward her uncontrollably. Were you worthy to stand next to her?

Chapter 1: Prologue

Chapter Text

TW: Violence and Death

 

The Queen stood before the fireplace in the main hall of Castle Dimitrescu, reading the letter sent to her from the battlefront. The letter portraying how her consort was killed in action along with her battalion of soldiers. Smiling as she finished reading, the Queen flung the letter into the fire. Allowing it to burn and become ash as she would want her dead consort to become.

No longer would her girls and unborn child be plagued by her arranged marriage to such a foul alpha. They were her world, no matter where they came from, and she would do anything to protect them. She would no longer live in such a malignant environment with her beautiful children. She looked down at her swollen stomach, cradling it with care as she tried to get her child to calm down.

"Please calm down, my dear. They are long gone. No longer can they hurt us..." Queen Alcina Dimitrescu said as she smiled.

The child did not listen, instead, they continued to kick at their mother.

"Darling, you are going to keep Mother awake all night. What has you riled up all of a sudden?" She questioned as if the child would answer.

She hoped that her other two children did not awaken, dealing with them all at once was taxing on her already fatigued body. Now that her inferior consort was gone, the Queen would have extra work to do. Not that it mattered. The consort was always away, fighting in some unnecessary war. Only coming back to see the birth of their next child and the Queen's next cycle to breed her again unless the war prevailed more. Nine ungodly years she suffered through.

Although she hated them, she still needed to perform a ceremony for their death. But she was not burying her in her family's crypt. Rather, the ashes would be sent back to the consort's family. Far away from her village and castle. To where she would never have to worry about that wretched Klo again. It disgusted her that she carried the name of her house, Klo Dimitrescu. Others would be disgusted to still continue to carry the children of the ones they hate, but the Queen was different. All knowing in the sense that a child should not be punished based on a reason they cannot control. It was not her choice to be married to the consort. It was her parents, without even the approval of the Empress. They married her off like it was nothing before they met their untimely demise as a wave of sickness ran through the village and castle.

Within a week, her parents were both dead. She was to become the Queen, with a lowly excuse of a partner. Her parents begged and pleaded with her to continue their noble bloodline, even at the expense of their daughter. Thus, they got their wish and more added on. Alcina Dimitrescu was crowned Queen as she was pregnant with her firstborn, Bela. Fearing what would happen as the woman she was stuck marrying gained even more power. But they never used that power in the village, rather, they took it and ran off to fight in many unnecessary wars. Their own wish to never be responsible was fulfilled at a price they had to pay. A payment that the Queen was quite pleased with.

The Queen was relishing in delight at the thoughts that went through her mind. She would be able to have her child in peace, not worrying about whether her consort would come back to torment her. She wondered if all of this excitement was what was keeping her growing baby awake. Thus, she closed the doors to the fireplace and made her way to her chambers to finally rest.

As she entered her bedroom, the sight before her made her heart melt. Laying already on her bed were her two daughters, Bela and Cassandra. Sleeping soundly in her bed, wrapped up under the covers. The only parts of them she could see were their heads, blonde, and brunette, as they shared one of her large pillows. Not wanting to wake her sleeping children up, the Queen entered her ensuite bathroom and undressed. She quickly put on one of her nightgowns before returning to the room. Stepping quietly, she slid her way into her own side of the bed, encircling her two daughters in her arms. As if it were an instinct, her daughters moved in their sleep and wrapped their tiny arms around their mother. The Queen moved over to the middle of her bed to allow both Bela and Cassandra to lay their heads on her chest. Her whole world was tucked safely within her arms and body. Away from the harmful outside world that she hoped to spare them from for as long as possible.

Bela, her oldest, started to stir awake and opened her eyes to look at her mother. Her golden eyes glowed in the dark like her mother.

“Mommy? Where were you?” Bela said.

“Not far, my dear. Mommy was only finishing up her reading in the main hall.” Alcina said.

Bela yawned and closed her eyes, succumbing to sleep once again. The Queen hoped to get some rest this night, to finally relax her mind and body before having to deal with everything else. But it seemed as if her unborn child had other intentions. To keep their mother awake until the sun rose again the next day in the sky, shining its light across the land as if it was relinquished from its grayish prison finally. The Queen groaned in annoyance as she tried to fall asleep. Yet, the only thing she could do was stare at the ceiling. Hoping that the night would carry her to sleep…

 

XxxX

 

The village was dark, except for a few lanterns lit by the inn. The moon was hiding when you finally arrived at your destination, far away from the battle you barely survived. Not that you wanted to be killed off like the rest of the people that stupid consort had with them. The consort had kidnapped you, pulled you away from your home with force, and trained you against your will to fight in their battalion. All over some war that you knew was unnecessary even to start or fight in. She had taken one look at you, as you worked in the fields that surrounded your family's castle, and ripped you away from your loved ones. Trampling and burning your family’s farm and castle along with its inhabitants. Stating that it was by the Black God’s will that they died, the will of the Black God to have such a commanding alpha in her ranks.

You could even smell the disrespectful mindset of that consort only by the way they talked. But there was another scent you recognized and were drawn to like it was an intoxicating drink. You relished in that until it began to fade as the consort moved around the country. But, when the consort died, there was a little note that still carried that scent. Written on it in graceful handwriting was Castle Dimitrescu. You hoped that the place the note listed was the origin of that intoxicating scent. Thus, you traveled until you reached your destination.

Nestled in the mountains above the village, a grand castle lay. There was no doubt in your mind that the castle was Castle Dimitrescu as if the building itself pulled your body towards it. But, your morals and respect stopped you from going closer to the castle. Wanting to wait until daytime to approach who inhabited the place. Thus, you used the already dwindling amount of money you had to stay in the village inn.

From what you heard during your time in the consort’s battalion, she was married to a woman who lived away from the war. Safely away from any violence that may come. You did not enjoy listening to the snide comments the consort made about their Queen, acting as if she was only a breeding toy. It disgusted you when you heard how the consort wanted her to have only alphas and that any other children would be disposed of. The consort barely talked about her own children, only stating that their names were Bela and Cassandra. Stating that there was another little alpha wreaking havoc on their mother while she was away at war. Yet, you knew in your heart that the Queen the consort spoke of, was nothing like what she said in her words.

In the morning, you would venture to the castle to speak with the Queen about a possible place of employment under her and a place to live. Letting sleep overcome you…

 

XxxX

 

After waking up, you spoke with a few of the villagers regarding employment at Castle Dimitrescu. Yet, you were met with coldness even daring to look at any of the villagers. Their dislike of outsiders with unfamiliar voices ran rampant. Shooting death glares at you as you walked closer to the castle, the tall structure looming over the small village that surrounded it. Soon, you hoped, you wouldn’t have to deal with them anymore. Serving the Queen instead of dealing with the prejudiced villagers.

Slowly, you approached the guard in front of the gate of the castle. She did not stare at you the way the villagers did, but she did keep her eyes on you carefully. Her hand resting on her weapon, ready to use it at any moment against you to protect the castle and its inhabitants.

“State your purpose, peasant!” the guard said.

Your anger rose, a fire being stoked and accelerated in you. How dare they call you a peasant! You weren’t from this village and you weren’t some unsavory idiot.

“I am no peasant, you simpleton! I am a soldier from the Dragon battalion, ripped from my home to serve in it! Now, I have come to this castle for a home as the battalion destroyed mine!” you yelled in anger.

The guard narrowed their eyes at you, annoyed at your voice. Trying to figure out if you were lying.

“The Dragon battalion, along with the consort, were all killed in action. How did you survive?”

“I barely did and I don’t have to share my horrors with a person like you! I am only here to speak with the Queen for a place to live and employment!”

You stared at the guard, your fangs bared in anger as they questioned you. The pull from the castle burned through your body as you were denied entry. You couldn’t take it anymore, tired of being treated like mere trash to everyone by choices that you couldn’t control.

“Fine, I’ll allow you through. But take this as a warning, the Queen isn’t forgiving in her current state. You will probably not survive the night, soldier.”

“My name is Elvira…”

“Soreana. Good luck, Elvira.”

 

The guard opened the gate, revealing the lowered drawbridge to the castle. Its grand door pulling you closer. You felt like your feet were moving on their own as if you were in a trance. Your heart clenched in pain as you made your way to the door. A zombie feeling overtook your mind and body as you knocked on the door. The door slowly opened, revealing a small maid who held the door slightly open. Her mouth held agape as she stared at you, sensing that you were an alpha. You were not interested in the small maiden that stood in front of you, as you could tell that she wasn’t what was pulling you.

“I am here to see the Queen for employment and a place to live. I served in the Dragon battalion. I have nowhere else to go.”

The maid did not answer, rather she opened the door more to allow you to pass through. You walked past her, before stopping to ask her a question.

“Where is the Queen?”

“Sh-she is in the Main Hall…through that door and to the right…”

“Thank you.”

You turned away from the maid and walked away. Following what she said, you made your way to the Main Hall. Opening the door as you felt so much pain in your heart…a hand wrapping around your neck, effectively cutting off your breathing. You scrambled to pull the hands off your neck as you stared at who they belonged to. Staring into her deep golden eyes, two pools of never-ending sunsets, you were looking into the eyes of what had pulled you to the castle. The Queen was before you and she was not pleased.

“How dare you enter my house!? Who are you and why are you here!?” Queen Alcina Dimitrescu yelled.

You struggled against her grip, barely being able to utter a word, you said, “I-I am from…”

“From what!?”

“The-the Dragon battalion…”

“No…this cannot be…the whole battalion is dead! You are lying!” the Queen said as she tightened her grip on your neck.

“P-please, the consort…she kidnapped me…my Queen…”

The Queen continued to hold her grip on your neck, your legs dangling in the air. Not daring to swing them for the fear of hitting her in her current state. You were not a monster, knowing that the Queen was expecting. You would never harm a child, even if the consort’s dirty blood flowed through its veins. Never blame a child for their parents’ rights and wrongs.

“I should kill you!”

“No! P-please…”

Suddenly, the Queen’s grip loosened on your neck as she dropped you on the floor into a crumpled heap. The finger marks red on your neck as the Queen tried to regain her strength. Coughing, you looked back at her as she wavered. Her balance became unsteady as her hands quickly held her swollen stomach. Your heart dropped as you watched the Queen fall as you sprinted to catch her in your arms. She landed in your arms, your own body cushioning her fall.

For the first time, the Queen looked into your eyes. Not seeing any ill intent flowing through them. It wasn’t long though, as the Queen succumbed to unconsciousness in your arms. You acted quickly, lifting the Queen up and resting her head on your shoulder. Her raven-black curls rubbed against your face, but there was no time to enjoy her beauty. You only cared about her health and her unborn child’s health.

“Please! Anyone! Help, the Queen has collapsed!” You screamed, for anyone to help you…

Chapter 2: Crimson Eyes

Summary:

When two true mates finally meet, changes start to happen within the vampiric world...

Chapter Text

TW: Blood, Violence, and Death

 

A few of the castle maids rushed in to help you, none of them having the strength to make sure the Queen was moved safely. All of them stared at you like you were some rare treasure that happened to fall into Castle Dimitrescu. You only cared for the Queen’s health and safety, along with her child, ignoring the staring of them all.

“Please, any of you, direct me to the Queen’s chambers so I may help her!” you said, your heart-wrenching in pain at what you caused.

One of the maids snapped out of her stupor, quickly guiding you through the castle as you carried the Queen in your arms. The other maidens of the castle trailing behind you both in almost a straight line like ducks. It was comical even, if you weren’t so focused on something else. You wondered if the maids fantasized after the Consort as well, you hoped those maids stayed far away from the Queen. You could still tell that the Consort’s scent lingered on a few, telling you how unfaithful that damned woman was.

You gently laid the Queen down in her bed, making sure that her head rested comfortably and that all of her body was supported. The maids all stood behind you, not daring to take another step as they felt the demeanor of another alpha.

“May we please help care for the Queen?” one of them said, leaning slightly forward.

“No, this is my fault. I will take responsibility and care for her. You are not needed right now.” You said, your back still turned to them.

The maids shuffled out of the room, quickly but quietly. You could tell from their elevated heart rates alone that they did not dare to try and test you. Most of them being betas and omegas that you could tell the Queen took in. The only other alphas you could tell were the Queen’s daughters, hiding and sneaking around the castle as you tended to their mother. Leaving you alone with your thoughts.

It was quiet, the castle nestled in a blanket of snow away from the war. The secluded location of the village providing somewhat of a natural protection to its inhabitants and royalty. The only instance of a connection to the rest of the country that you knew of was the Queen’s lucrative vineyards. The Consort often spoke about how rich they were from the Queen’s wine alone, drinking themselves drunk often with Sanguis Virginis. A lavish wine that you only tasted once with your family, as it was impossible to get to your own village. The cost of shipping it alone to another secluded village in the mountains was enough to cut off any chance of tasting it again. While the Consort was able to drink it almost by the barrel load on a weekly basis. Letting it spill as if it were nothing. The Consort probably thought all of her life back home was nothing, except to benefit herself. But, there was no one to benefit the Queen or care for her.

You hoped to at least serve under her, even if she didn’t trust you completely yet. Her intoxicating scent was enough to keep you entranced. The smell of burning pine mixed with a hint of wine. Holding her hand seemed like a miracle come true to you. You held on tightly, but not too much, to her hand as she held it back. It almost felt as if she felt safe with you now. That she was allowing you to protect her at one of her weakest moments. You couldn’t even feel your hunger rise as you sat and protected the Queen. Forgetting that you craved the taste of blood on your tongue, your fangs longing to pierce the neck of your next willing meal. You knew to call the maids back to fetch something for the Queen when she woke up.

Your priority was checking on the Queen’s heart rate every so often as well as her child’s. It didn’t seem as elevated as earlier when the Queen was holding your neck in her grasp as her nails started to pierce your skin. Her protective drive kicking in over her own regard for her own health. You were sure if she didn’t pass out when she did, her fangs were the next thing to penetrate your neck. Enjoying your blood as it leaked out of your neck, your vampiric blood becoming a drug to her. The Queen sucking you dry while you would likely enjoy it. Part of you hoped to see her feed when she was hunting, seeing the macabre display before you. The blood running down her face, a stark contrast to her greyish-blue skin. Escaping into her cleavage as she got rid of the poor thing she had fed from.

You doubted that the Queen had gone hunting in a few months, afraid of putting her unborn child in danger. Rather, she probably fed off another source, possibly her maids, or found another way to get the blood she needed to survive along with her daughters. The Queen was carrying as well, meaning she needed to provide not only sustenance for herself but also for the child growing inside of her. Often, it would be an alpha who would provide what their omega needed to survive when they are in a more weakened state than normal. Yet, the Queen’s Consort did nothing in that matter, as you were aware of as they were always off fighting in some war. You had a gut-awful feeling that they didn’t even care if the Queen survived or if their child would even be born.

You felt your fangs digging into your bottom lip in anger as your mind raced through those vile thoughts. You were repulsed by the Consort and their actions. It made you sick to your stomach how a member of your kind had no regard for another one of their own. Especially the one they are married to and share children with. It was against your own morals to be that unkind to someone unless they deserved it. From the infractions committed by the Consort, they definitely deserved what the world gave to them. Shielding the Queen and her children forever from the Consort’s heartless mind.

You even could hear her daughters sprinting down the hallway, slowing as they passed their mother’s room. Peaking in at the strange person who seemed to be watching their mother. It didn’t bother you, they were curious little things that you knew you might meet someday, the Queen willing. Their tiny forms sprinting back down the hall to scare the next unsuspecting maid that ventured in their way, all in good fun still. You wondered if the girls would even recognize the Consort as their other mother, as they mostly were around the Queen for their whole lives. Their other mother was almost like a distant relative they saw every so often. The love from the Queen was surely enough for them. Being raised properly, instead of being raised by a heartless monster.

It was still deathly quiet in the Queen’s quarters, the odd maid scurrying through the hallway. Not daring to even enter the room, from the fear of another alpha who was even stronger than the Consort. Knowing that if that alpha sensed a threat against someone they cared for, they wouldn’t hold back. The silence was broken, from the sound of blankets being moved and a low groan came from the bed. The Queen moved slightly, pulling her hand to rest on her forehead as she slowly came to. Opening her eyes slightly, the Queen sensed she wasn’t alone. Quickly, she moved to the furthest point on her bed away from you, as she stared.

You quickly stepped back, kneeling before the Queen with your eyes glued to the floor. Not daring to look up at the Queen in any form of disrespect.

“My Queen, I am extremely sorry for intruding on your Castle and causing you so much stress. You have every right to punish me, as I invaded the safe haven for yourself and your children. I beg of you to spare my life and allow me to be in debt to you for that. If you would allow me to serve under your reign as well.”

You heard the Queen move, but you did not dare raise your head to look at her.

“I apologize as well for my behavior. These past few days have been tense for my daughters and me. I would do anything to protect them from anyone I am not familiar with. I was informed last night of the fall of the Dragon Battalion. Thus, I assumed that all of the members of it were deceased, including the Consort.”

“I am not sure if all of them were killed either. I had to fight my way out of the horde of people that were rushing towards me. It was an ambush on the place we were camped. I heard the Consort yell for help, but I didn't dare go near her. As she had already tormented me enough.”

“Although the Consort was my wife, she was not my lover nor someone that I really cared for. A distant thought in my mind that always lingered. Arranged by my parents before they passed away, one last atonement left to me by them. I can pay for what she has done to you, return you to your own home to be with your family.”

“I have no family nor home, as they were both destroyed by the Consort. My family’s castle, the village, and the beautiful fields surrounding it, all are gone. My family burned to ashes as she only wanted me, to use me as a pawn in her games. That is why I came here, in search of a place to call home.”

“As an apology and payment for what the Consort has done to you, loialul meu cavaler, you may serve me in the Castle. Not under me, as an equal, and as my own personal guard. Although the Consort may be dead, I do not know of what other messes she created.”

“Thank you, my Queen. I hope that I do not disturb your peaceful home anymore now that I am here.”

“You won’t, your heart tells the truth. I can hear it beating like you can hear my own heart and my child’s. It seems as if they didn’t like what I was trying to do to you.”

“I believe the child did not want their mother to over-exert themselves and then get hurt, my Queen.”

“You do not have to call me by my royal title, please call me Alcina. I do not know your name, loialul meu cavaler…”

“Alcina…my name is Elvira Ingelram, royal Princess of the Ingelram bloodline.”

“Elvira…you no longer have to bow down to me and stare at the floor. You can raise your head now.”

You slowly looked up, seeing the Queen sitting on the edge of the bed. Her hands rested protectively over her taunt stomach, still feeling the need to protect her child from anything even subconsciously. Your eyes saw her lips, a slight smirk spreading across them as she looked down at you. Not meeting your eyes yet, drinking all of you in as if you were a bottle of fine wine she produced. As your eyes finally descended upon her golden eyes, you felt your chest tighten. The lust for blood started to overtake your mind as your fangs slowly extended into your bottom lip. Piercing it and allowing your blood to flow down your face. Her golden irises quickly changed, into a crimson red, almost like the color of blood. Her fangs grew as well as she opened her mouth to speak to you. Her eyes never taking off from your own. Her heart beating along with yours at a rapid pace.

“My One True…”