The Descendent

Chapter 4

THIRD PERSON POV

Cara walks through the hallway and stops in front of a door. She sighs before pushed the door open and entered. She closed the door behind her before clapping her hands. The huge hall suddenly lighted up and Cara looks up to Soleria's golden statue. 

Cara walks towards the statue and sit on the floor facing the statue. 

“I miss you Sole." Cara was into her own world to ignore what is happening around her.

"What are you doing here?" Cara was speechless when she heard a familiar voice. Cara turned and her eyes landed on Soleria. 

“Sole..." Soleria smiled. 

“Hey, Cara,” Cara went to hug Soleria. Because she embraced her with so much love, Soleria absent let her tears flow down her cheek.

“Cara..." She breathes out. They both pulled away and gazing to each other's eyes. 

“I miss you..." Cara caressed both Soleria's cheek. Soleria kissed Cara's hand and smiles softly at her. 

"Did you find peace?" Soleria's question caught Cara off guard. 

“No." 

“You will Cara." Cara looked at Soleria and realised what she meant. 

“Voltaria is not the one. It's you." Cara heard Soleria chuckled. 

“Cara. She will be yours forever." Cara shakes her head. 

“No. You are." Soleria chuckled. 

"I'm dead." 

“When will you tell me about our baby?" Cara asked Soleria. 

“You knew?" 

“Selene told me about it. Why didn't you tell me?" 

“I wanted to surprise you. Our wedding will be in a few days and I thought it’ll be a great gift for you." By now Cara can't contain her tears. She rested her head on her knee and cry. 

"I could be a parent. I could be holding that baby now." Cara sobbed. Soleria touched Cara's shoulder and rested her head on hers. 

“It's okay love... You will have that feeling when you marry her. Please. Don't make yourself suffer because of me." Soleria kissed Cara's shoulder. 

“Remember... Protect her as you did to me." 

Cara opened her eyes and realised its all a dream. She felt her cheeks wet from the tears. 

"Another dream?" Cara heard her grandmothers voice. Cara stood up and looks up at the statue. 

"She was about to tell me about the baby after our wedding." Cara's voice cracks. Kharis and Kora went to their granddaughter's side. 

"We know Cara..." Kora said. Kharis eyes widen at her wife. Kora stopped her with her gaze. 

“You knew?" Cara sobbed. 

“And you didn't even tell me?!" Cara asked. She can't believe her own grandmothers didn't even bother to tell her. She has to hear it from the family's trusted advisor, Sephora. 

"We don't want you to blame yourself." Kora reason. 

“Well, where did that leave us?" Kharis rubbed Cara's back. 

“We're sorry Cara. It's the only way to protect you from any more sadness. Losing Soleria was hard enough." Cara turned to Kora. 

“Why do you want me to marry Voltaria?" Kora sighed. 

“I want you to move on. The future queen doesn't mourn forever." Again Kharis glared at her wife. 

"What your grandma Kora meant was, maybe it's time for you, to find your love again. We know Soleria. And I'm sure she wants you to be happy. At least be happy for her, us and your parents. We want to see you like before Cara. I miss that old Cara." Kharis kissed Cara's forehead. 

She wiped her granddaughter's wet cheek and looked at her orbs. Kharis smiled. 

“I miss that Cara who put mud on my expensive shoes. I miss that Cara who will jump on our beds and screamed ‘wake up’." Kora chuckled. 

“And I miss that Cara who escape every Royal gathering. That Cara thought she could run away from us but then we noticed her little tush climbing the walls." Kora added. 

"We miss you, Cara." Kharis hugged Cara's side. 

"We miss you so much." Cara took a deep breath and sigh.

“Well... I will have a wedding soon." Kharis's smile widen. 

“So you're going to marry princess Voltaria of Amador?" Cara nod.

“I have to admit. Violeta's is one hell of a vampire." Kharis chuckled. 

"I wonder who's the father."

“Me too," Kora said and stand. 

“Come on. Let's find someplace to train. Your parents invited her to the palace this evening. Before that, let's kill each other, shall we? I missed beating you up." Cara giggled. 

“Oh, grandma... You know I'm better than you." Kora smirked. 

"Let's see about that... Little troublemaker..." Kora turned and walks out of the golden hall with Kharis. Cara turned and smiled at Soleria's statue. 

“In time, I will introduce you to her. But before that, I have to make sure she's not angry or hate me for whatever reason." Cara smiled and wave a little.

"You will always be in my heart, sole......"

***

VOLTARIA'S POV

"Violeta we need to leave now or we will be late." Violeta came running up to me. 

“Will Cara be there?" She asked me while looking hopeful. 

“Yes, she will be there," I answered with a heavy sigh. 

“YAY!" Violeta yelled. She is getting more attached to Cara every time we see her. 

It annoys me but at the same time if I am forced to marry her. I guess its a good thing that one of us likes her. 

“Now Violeta remember how you should act while we are there." Violeta nod but not really listening. Thana and Essence invited us to Akeldama Castle to meet their people.

It is not top on my list of things to do but I guess I cant avoid it. We step out and we are greeted and ushered inside. Once inside I can hear Cara’s voice. 

I turn and saw Cara with her sword. Its clear she had been training. Her shirt is off leaving her flawless stomach exposed. I can see the top of her breast heaving and she began to swing the sword again. 

She had yet to notice us but as soon as Violeta saw Cara she immediately ran to her. Cara's back was to us. She didn't see Violeta running up behind her. I panic and yell. 

“VIOLETA WATCH OUT!" Cara turned swinging the sword right at Violeta's head. There was nothing I could do but watch. 

Just before sword made contact with Violeta, Cara redirected the sword and released it. Sending it in the opposite direction. It flew across the room and stuck to the wall nearly hitting Raelia in the process. In the same motion, Cara picked Violeta up and swung her around. 

She never scolds or yells at the fact that Violeta shouldn't have run at her while she was swinging the sword. She just let it go. In fact, she looked just as excited to see Violeta. 

“Hey, where did you come from?" Cara asked hugging her. 

“From over there," Violeta said while shrugging. 

I just stood there, watching their interaction. I turned when someone touched my shoulder. It’s Essence who was also watching Cara and Violeta. 

"Would you mind coming with me for a minute Voltaria?" Essence asked me. 

“Of course." I followed Essence into her study and she offered me a seat.

"Voltaria I know the stress that comes with an arranged marriage. I know its hard to be told you have to spend the rest of your life with someone you don't really know. I am not trying to make it sound like you are being unreasonable because you aren't but Cara has been so badly hurt in the past over losing Soleria and I never want her to go through that again. She has not only opened her heart to you but also to Violeta.” I know where this is going.

“Violeta has returned the love. Anyone with eyes can see how much they mean to each other. They both want you to be part of their love. We all want you to be happy with them." Essence paused. 

She just watched me but before I spoke she continued. 

“I did not ask you in here to guilt you or to force you into this marriage. I am here to ask you to marry my daughter. I am asking you to open your heart to her. I am asking you to give her a chance because I know if you do, you will find happiness and love. So will Cara and Violeta." With that said I looked up at Essence and for the first time since this all started, I was ready to marry her. "Yes, I will marry Cara."

Essence smiled and took my hands. She squeezed with both hands. This is a sign of approval. 

“Thank you...." I smiled back. She leads us out of the study and towards the throne room. I must say, this is one hell of a room. The marble flooring, huge marble columns, the most extravagant drawings of the Akeldama's portrait. 

"Wow. This is the most magnificent throne room I have ever seen in my undead life." I breathe out. 

"Well since you're in the early process of getting to know Cara, we haven't ordered a throne for you yet. So for now, you and Violeta will stand next to Cara." I looked at the altar and I saw Violeta was sitting on a throne. 

I'm guessing that's Cara's. 

“Look, momma... I'm a queen." I chuckled at my princess. 

“You’re a queen alright." Essence smiled at her and went to her throne. Minutes later, Thana graces us with her superior aura and smile at us. 

"Hello..." She turned to look at Violeta who is wearing Cara's crown. 

“Violeta... That crown is too big for you." She turned to a woman, I'm guessing her advisor. 

"Aurelia... make an arrangement for her crown. I want that little vampire to be recognised as a princess." My eyes widen. 

“Oh, my queen that's not necessary." 

“That is ridiculous. A princess is a princess." Thana determined. 

“But... My parents.." 

“Who I rule." Thana smiled. Just like that she managed to shut me up. 

Her advisor bow and excused herself. Thana went to her throne and sit. I went to grabbed Violeta and let Cara sit on hers. 

“Momma!!!" Violeta struggled in my arms. 

"Violeta... Cara will have to sit. She's the princess." 

“Well, I am too." Violeta pouts and crossed her hands. Cara chuckled. She turned to a woman standing at the back. 

“Aunt Dominika... Do we still keep Soleria's throne?" Soleria? Where did I hear that name before? 

“I think so,” Dominica bows before she too excused herself. 

“But that wouldn’t be the throne symbolising your identity. Is that alright little one?” Thana asked. Violeta nods vigorously. 

“Alright then." Violeta cheered. I hushed her down. I never thought that I actually raising such a demanding princess.

Minutes later Dominika placed a chair next to Cara's. I studied the throne and it is one of the most beautiful thrones I’ve ever laid my eyes on. It is encrusted with the rarest gemstones I have ever seen. 

“I know it's not your birthstone. It’s the only one we have at the moment." Cara smiled. 

“It belongs to my late fiancée. We will build yours when we meet the Royal builders." She really going to build me a throne?

Dominika bow and knelt in front of me. 

“Then you can tell them your birthstone." Cara smiled and offered me to sit. I went to sit and put Violeta on my lap. Dominika stood up and went to stand behind us.

“Where is her crown?" Cara whispered. I leaned in. 

“My parents didn't acknowledge her like a princess. So there's no crown. I want to crown her but I have no authority over the King." Cara put her finger on her chin. 

“I'll think of something." She said and whispered something to her mother, queen Thana. Thana turned to me. 

“I will have a little chat with King Andrei." She smiled and gestured a woman to open the door. 

“Let the trial begin." Thana thundered. 

“A trial?" I breathe out. 

"I thought it's a meet and greets?" I turned to Cara. 

“It should be but... There is some prisoner who needs to be the judge." Kora and Kharis walks in the throne room and went to sit in the box as spectator followed by some of the minister and advisor.

Then my eyes landed on a couple. The power, this smell. It’s Talan and Ardra Morag. One of the mighty werewolves in this realm. Some say Talan is a King himself. 

“BRING HIM IN." Thana thundered. Two guards dragged a man who is clearly haven't eaten for days. His hands, legs and neck were in chains. Not just your normal chain. It is made of silver.

"Prisoner 301... Known as Randolf Volke. Reason of capture, convicted for killing several Royal guards and for treason against Talan Morag." I watched as the guard threw him on the floor. 

I can see he's been badly beaten for days. His face showed how bad it was. His body is even worse. 

“Do you plead guilty?" Thana asked. The prisoner looked at Thana eye to eye. 

“I shall not be punished by some disgusting vampire." The guard was about to beat him again when Thana held up her hand. 

“Why do you say my kind is disgusting?" Thana asked calmly. The guards lifted him by the hair. 

"Vampires has poison Essence's mind!" He yelled. Everyone in the throne room gasped at how rude he is to the royals. 

Thana held her hand to control the spectators. 

"Do you any chance of having some sort of feelings towards my queen?" Thana asked again. The prisoner didn't say anything. 

“Read him his crime." Aurelia nods. 

“Randolf Volke has killed over 20 Royal guards on the palace ground. He was the. caught by one of the advisors, Dominika Drago." Aurelia turns the page to another side. 

“Later when questioning, he was the one who tries to kill the queen's father in law, Talan Morag. He was then convicted as treason. Further investigation, he stole several artefacts from the Morag's collection and Talan has confirmed this claim." Aurelia finished.

"You caught right-handed sir," Thana said. The prisoner spits on the marble floor. 

“YOU ALL WILL DIE! ALL OF YOU!" He screams. Violeta flinched and turned to my chest. The guards shut him up by punching his face. He fell facedown. Again Thana held her hand up. The guards grabbed him and let him face the queen. 

"For your crimes against the Royal court and Talan Morag, you will be imprisoned for life. No chance of seeing the free world, no chance of seeing your loved one. You will be placed in the Strigoi Prison!" Thana thundered. 

The prisoner looked at her with rage.  

“Soon you will know how damn well DEATH IS!" He screams while the guards dragged him away. Violate holds on me gets tighter. 

“It's okay honey..." I coo her. She nods her little head. 

“NEXT CASE!" Thana gestured for her advisors. The door opened again and this time it's a woman. She looks rather beautiful than a prisoner. She's a vampire, I'm sure. A beautiful one indeed. The only thing the guard's chain was her hands. 

"Prisoner 407... Vasilisa from Necrosis Wings clan. Reason capture obliterated a village filled with the people of Faun and Satyr." The creatures begin to whisper to each other. 

I studied her features. Long dark hair, piercing reddish eyes, her calm expression. I'm guessing she's been in this situation for as long as she remembers. She suddenly turned to me and gave a very grim chesire grin. 

"Do you plead guilty?" Thana asked. 

“I am guilty. Those fauns and satyr deserved to die in very excruciating pain." She even laughed. A satyr stood of its seat and was about to attack when the guards hold him down. 

"Come and attack me, you filthy creature! Your kind deserve to die! DIE!" She screams. Well so much for a beautiful face. She has a very evil heart. 

"SILENCE!" Thana thundered. Every creature flinched at her loud voice. 

“You killed thousands of innocent life! You shattered hundreds of family because of your clan's doing. Because they all died, you will carry their burden. You will be stripped off from your wealth and power." Thana glared. 

"Imprison for life in Strigoi prison. No chance of seeing the free world. TORTURE FOR LIFE AND FOREVER!" Thana thundered and the guards dragged her away. 

Thana sigh and pinches the bridge of her nose. 

"The royal court... Now close." Aurelia announced. Everyone left but not Kora and Kharis and two other creatures. 

One look a lot like Essence. The other looks a lot like Raelia. Maybe her parents? 

“Good job Thana." Kora smiled. I stand and carry Violeta. She struggling and I bet she wants to sit on the throne again. 

“Do you like that little Violeta?" Cara asked. 

"Love it!" She’s struggling to get off my hold. And when I did let her go, she leans to kiss Cara's cheek. My eyes widen. She never kisses strangers before this! Not even her own father! 

"Aww... Thank you for the kiss princess Violeta." Violeta blushed. 

“Come on Violeta. We have to go home." Violeta pout. 

“I want to stay here. People nice." I smiled. 

“We have to honey. Or grandpa will be mad at us." 

"Grandpa bad." I knelt in front of her. 

“So you think momma bad too?" She shakes her head. 

“Momma nice." I smiled. 

“So let's go home... Momma will protect you." She looks down and nods in defeat. 

“I can send you both." Cara turned to Dominika. 

"May I use the car?" She nods. 

“You may Cara." She handed a key. 

"Let’s go home shall we? You will follow momma now right?” Violeta nods while giggling. 

“Up!" She held her hands up to Cara. Cara lifted her up and walks out. 

Come on Voltaria." She said and I bid my goodbyes to everyone in the throne room. Just when did my daughter even have time to bond with her? I followed Cara to the palace basement.

She stops in front of a black car and opens the door for Violeta. We both get inside and I sit shotgun. 

“Bentley...." She suddenly said. The car system suddenly lighted up. 

“Engine... Start." The engine starts and Cara smiled at me. She started to drive towards Amador. While on our way, I can’t help but to thought if something. 

Maybe it's time for me to see him in his own house. I want to make sure of something myself. Is he really two-timing me? And if Selene was right, I am his mistress. 

I made up my mind and I turned to Cara. 

“Can we stop at a nearby village for a minute? I want to make sure of something myself." Cara nod without asking me anything.

“Which village?" She asked. 

"The Krug Slopes Village." She gave me a little nod before takes another road. I want to make sure of it. I just have to.