Rejected and forgotten.

The misunderstanding.

Six months ago.

Clare woke up in the cell that was supposed to be her home from now on. It was dark, but that was not a problem for her as she could see without issues since she was a vampire. The cell was wet and stuffy like the fresh air could not find its way here.

Clare noticed she was not alone there; someone was lying on the floor before her. Her eyes widened in shock when she recognized her father's clothes. The girl stood up, still dizzy from the hit she received. She came closer to check on her father, praying to the gods for his life. Clare kneeled next to his body and shook it gently. She relaxed when the groan could be heard.

- Daddy, are you alright? - She whispered-yelled.

- What happened? - Sir Damon lifted himself from the ground, and Clare noticed blood on his forehead.

- I was attacked by someone when I returned to my room, what about you? - The girl explained.

- The same; they got me from the back in one of the halls. - Damon replied and hissed when he touched his head.

Clare sat next to the wall, on the driest part of the floor.

- What is this place? - She looked at her father.

- This can be anything else that coven's dungeons. - The man decided after taking a closer look.

- Why are we here? What is the meaning of all of this? - Clare couldn't stop but to ask questions.

- I have no idea, but I am sure we will be released anytime now.- Damon said with confidence. He was a high- rank vampire and no one would dare to go against him.

- I hope so. - Clare mumbled. This was supposed to be the adventure of her life, but it turned into a nightmare.

- Don't worry, my dear, I am sure it is just a misunderstanding, and soon we will laugh at it. - Clare's father tried to cheer her up, but the girl could not imagine herself that.

They spend at least a few hours in this cell, surrounded by complete silence. Clare felt exhausted, so she rested her head on her father's arm and fell asleep.

The girl woke up immediately at the sound of steps. Here they sounded like a rumble of thunder.

More than one person was getting closer.

Soon the door to their cell opened with a loud grind, suggesting this place was not used too often.

The tall figure entered the cell with a torch in hand, forcing them to avert their eyes until they would adhere to the light.

- I see you are awake already. - Clare gasped at the sound of the voice. She raised her head to confirm her suspicions.

She was right, the future Queen, Susan, was standing before her.

- Your Majesty, thank gods it is you. We have been attacked and dragged in here. - Sir Damon shot to his feet, bowing profoundly, and Clare followed him.- I was sure someone would come to rescue us, but I was not expecting such an honor.

Susan listened to his words and busted into laughter, sending shivers down Clare's back. The girl raised her head slowly while the woman before her still laughed. Even her father seemed confused by her actions.

- Why would I come to rescue you if you were locked here at my order? - Future Queen looked at them coldly.

- Apologies, You Majesty, but why would you do that? - Damon questioned her.

- Because that is how we treat traitors. - Susan replied with a grin on her face. Clare could not believe her ears. What was she talking about?

- I do not understand, Your Majesty. I was always loyal to... - Damon spoke but was quickly interrupted.

- I don't want to listen to this. We have the information you were seen with one of the people plotting against the Crown. So spare me your loyalty talks.

Sir Damon gasped at those words. His loyalty always belonged to the King, and he would never go against him. Someone was trying to frame him.

- I assure you...- He tried to speak again, and again Susan cut him off.

- I did not come here to listen to your excuses. You will listen to me. - She said.

- Of course, Your Majesty. - Damon obeyed immediately.

- You will leave those lands and never set your feet here again. If you will, it will be a death sentence to you. - Susan spoke slowly, allowing every word to sink in.

- If that is your wish.- Clare's father agreed as he wanted to save his daughter. Those accusations could have an impact on her as well.

- That is my wish. To ensure you will never repeat your mistakes, your precious daughter will stay here for a while. - Susan finished overseeing him.

- Your Majesty, she is just a child. Let her go and take me instead. - Sir Damon pleaded.

- You dare to test my patience? - The future Queen glanced at him coldly. - I could kill both of you. But I will give you a choice.

Sir Damon was trembling so much that he fell to his knees. Clare ran to his side, embracing him.

- It is okay, Father. I will stay here, and you should find the person who did it for you. Don't worry about me. - Clare said with tears rolling down her cheeks.

- No, daughter, I can't leave you here.- Damon shook his head.

- You can and you will. I can take care of myself. They will not hurt me. It would help if you cleared your name, and we will be together soon. - Clare held his hands, looking straight into his eyes.

- You should listen to your daughter, as my patience is thin and may change my mind. Then none of you will leave this place. - Susan interrupted them with her cold voice.

- Dad, listen to me; everything is going to be OK. Go, I will be fine. - Clare kissed his cheeks, now salty from tears.

Sir Damon rose to his feet and looked at Susan.

- Your Majesty, if I prove my innocence, do you promise to release my daughter? - He asked, bowing again.

- Of course, if you do it, she will be free to go. - The woman replied.

Damon returned to his daughter and hugged her tightly.

- I am so sorry for dragging you into this. It would be best if you stayed at home. - He whispered.

- Your time is up. It would be best if you left now. - Susan said, and the guards pulled Damon away from his daughter.

- Don't worry, Daddy, I will be OK. - Clare was able to tell him before he was gone for good.

Susan stood before her for a few seconds, overseeing her. Clare offered her a small smile, but the woman's expression remained unchanged. Then she shut the door in the shift move. Clare could hear the key turning in the lock. She was left alone.

An hour later, one of the guards brought her an old mattress, pillow, and blanket. It could not compare with a real bed, but at least she had a place to sit or lay down beside the floor. She was also provided with a meal and a little cup of blood. It was nothing fancy, but she was now a hostage.

Since her father left the cell, she was again surrounded by utter silence.

Clare lay on her mattress, imagining she was back at home. Soon she fell asleep.

Susan was sitting in her chamber. Soon she will share a room with Christopher, but now she was still here.

She still could not believe that this girl could destroy all her plans. She spent years trying to get noticed by Prince, and her whole family used their connections to get her close to him. And now this girl could turn everything into ashes.

Susan immediately noticed the change in Christopher's behavior during their entrance. Prince was never attracted to any woman who tried to get his attention. It seemed like he did not care at all, but his father pressed on that matter.

And she was the lucky one. Of course, because she helped the luck a lot. But finally, she was by his side, and there was no way she would give it up. Everything was settled, and the last evening was supposed to be her triumph.

But then this girl appeared. She stood there in her simple red dress. She was no match for Susan, yet Christopher could not take his eyes off her. He even stopped to greet her.

Susan watched the girl's reaction when their hands touched. She could not be mistaken.

Later, she found Prince scanning the whole ballroom to find her, and he succeeded. Susan had to use her absolute strength to pull him away. After that, he barely talked to Susan. She felt like her whole plan was falling to pieces and she had to act, fast.

There was nothing and no one who could take away what belonged to her.

Not even the Prince destined bride.