Lady Dhampir
Chapter 295

For a while, they all kept discussing the details of that plan, checking one by one every step of it, tryin There were too many unknowns in her plans, parts where they literally had to move almost blind agai prevent her from running into the unknown White One, it was more logical that her ancestor was the chances for him to be the target of that White One...

"Will your secret passage land her close enough to the cells?" Rayan asked Briseis.

"Definitely. It starts from the Royal Archives, which are already quite close, just a few floors above the "...If Raelius can teleport, why doesn't he go there?" Frowned Lucian.

"I thought about it," sighed Raelius. "And I tried. It did not go well, I landed far off each time, even into chances of getting lost or teleporting myself into a wall than anything. I'd be literally jumping blind. T teleported into the sky to get a look inside before getting in. Underground areas are not great for me. impaled before I can figure out directions."

"It's alright," sighed Milena. "I know the Castle better, I can make it to the cells." "That's if you can make it into the Castle first," frowned Lucian.

"We have two specialists at sneaking into places here," retorted his sister, a smile on her lips. "And the on downtown to distract the Castle security....and I'll have Blanche with me too."

On her lap, the silver-white cat happily stretched with a satisfied expression and rotated her curled u showing it the best way she knew.

"Even if we work out a plan for you to do all this... Are you in the state to, Lady Milena?" Asked Philom Milena hesitated for a second. Was she? The truth was, she still felt pretty weak, and tired; It was abso stand up on her own. On her lap, Rayan gently squeezed her hand with a smile.

"We still have a bit of time," he said. "Milena will rest until we put the plan in motion."

d the best way to optimize it, and replaceing a solution ahead of any problem that might arise. And Milena had no doubt there would be some, perhaps many. enemy. Moreover, Raelius would be highly solicited to help communicate from one group to another. As she had chosen to keep Blanche by her side to quickly relay messages. His speed was impossible to match, and since chances were low their enemies already knew of his revival, there would be lesser

Cells."

once. There was no underground floor back when I lived in that Castle, all the prisons were located outside the Castle grounds. If I go there, I'd have more places I did manage to land had changed too much already. With the tower they locked my darling in, I could get in because that place had a window. I first ver, the Royal Castle is more heavily guarded than ever right now. I cannot land anywhere safely with so many guards running around, I'd be spotted and

many possible entrances to the Castle, we'll come up with something. Plus, Bella will be posing as me downtown, and we will have more than enough going on ninety degrees before resuming her happy purring. They didn't need to exchange any words, Milena knew Blanche was happy to have her back, and

orried.

annoying to feel powerless at such a time. Here came the final battle, yet she felt crippled, not being able to fight at her full strength, still barely able to

"That's right," nodded Henry. "We all agreed to launch the plan this evening. Would your Highness be alright with that?"

Although he was visibly asking her, Milena noticed how the Duke couldn't help but keep nervously glancing in her husband's direction. She hadn't noticed before, but Henry was visibly wary of her husband... Was he really intimidated by the Vampire Prince? Rayan himself didn't even glance at the Duke once, his eyes on his wife, visibly waiting for her to confirm as well. She knew he probably was worried, but knew to trust her with her own body.

"I'll be alright," she simply said.

It was the truth. Although she would definitely not be at one hundred percent by the evening, Milena had no doubt she'd be well enough to move around and do what was needed of her. With Blanche by her side as well, she knew she'd reduce the risks of getting into a troublesome situation, and that her friend would step in if needed.

Next to her, Rayan faintly nodded, although his expression still made it clear he wasn't any less worried about his wife. On the other side, Lucian patted her knee with a big smile.

"Then we should let you rest, Millie! No offense, but you kind of still look like crap, Sis. And you lost way too much weight, you're all bones!"

"I agree with that," said Rayan. "You need to eat more."

Before Milena could protest, servants were ordered to bring more food for her and, instead of putting her in a dining room, they simply set it all on the coffee table. There was a full plate for her, but also all sorts of little snacks and pastries for everyone gathered around the table to eat along. As if to encourage her, Philomenie grabbed one of the pastries with a little smile. Lucian of course was next to grab one of the little sandwiches.

"Don't worry about us," said Henry, noticing her conflicted expression. "We all know the little bit of time you have until this evening is precious."

In other words, while she was awake, they needed to stay together and keep discussing their plan, even if Milena was in the midst of eating. The rest of the food had probably been brought so she wouldn't feel too odd having her plate served while everyone watched her eat. Their war council had somehow turned into an unorthodox tea party, with the servants making sure everyone was at least drinking something while the Grand Princess ate. Milena sighed, but as awkward as she still felt, she couldn't lie to her famished stomach. Putting her pride aside, Milena agreed to eat again, taking the fork to eat elegantly. Rayan smiled.

"Good girl," he whispered.

No one else heard that, but that didn't keep Milena from helplessly blushing. Around the room, the other guests resumed talking about the Plan, trying to shift the topic away from the Grand Princess' condition. Because she was busy eating, Milena spoke less, but Rayan filled in for her. She was a bit happy each time he said aloud her exact thoughts and opinions. She was happy to see their minds were still so in sync, and he could understand all of her thoughts without having to exchange a word with her. Milena smiled without even thinking. It truly felt like her other half was back...

She kept eating slowly, even past filling her hunger. She knew she was going to need all the strength she could get later that night, she didn't have to hold herself back. Her stomach had probably become quite small and unsettled by the previous experience, and she was determined to get all of her body to its prior health. At least, she had graduated from soup, to now being offered mashed potatoes and even a bit of meat. She even shared Rayan's cup of blood with him, not waiting to ask the maids to pour her one. The De Boreal staff visibly wasn't used to accommodating vampire guests, but they were even more confused about the Dhampir Princess. Some watched her drink blood, forgetting to hide their emotions. Milena realized this was the effect of her never staying outside of her usual residences, and only being taken care of by her own maids, who knew exactly her tastes and what to do. The blood in Rayan's cup didn't taste as good as the male blood she was used to, but she still managed to drink female blood, focusing on how nutritious it was to her body. At least, she didn't reject it completely like Raphael would have....

The conversation went on, talking about the tactics the Royal Castle was using against them. It was strange how everyone in the room identified their enemies as "the Royal Castle" instead of naming the King or the Church itself; It was as if they were rising against an invisible enemy no one dared to put a name or face to. Still, whoever was at the head of the enemy, was currently hiding in the Royal Castle and sending out orders in the King's name. Although Milena's people were all well aware that, for the past few days, the King had had very little to do with all the actions taken against them. p********a seemed to be their main weapon in trying to turn around the public opinion... Despite everyone in the room trying to be mindful of her, Milena realized there were probably nastier rumors going around about her than what they let on. Not only about herself, but about Philomenie too. Strangely, her sister-in-law was getting harder and harder to read as she had matured. She was the most quiet of all during the conversation, unless she really had a piece of information they all ought to hear. Otherwise, the Saint was mostly speaking in her stead, while Philomenie remained quiet, but listening, not letting any emotion show. These two definitely had a similar dynamic to Blanche and Milena, and she realized they were truly bonded, somehow. There was nothing romantic between them, the Saint felt almost like a watchdog guarding, protecting its master. Milena glanced towards Raelius. Her ancestor was also standing behind her, hands on the back of the couch she was on, involved in the conversation but very clearly protective of her. She already had a feeling, but the White Ones seemed definitely strangely able to attach themselves to another person, somehow... Just like Raphael had followed her around like a little duckling after his transformation. Milena glanced towards Philomenie and the Saint again. If her theory was right, what was the rule? She felt like she was missing something. "All done?"

She glanced up at Rayan who was gently taking her empty plate away from her. Milena nodded. She was done indeed, so full she felt like she couldn't swallow another bite, or she'd be sick. She strangely felt a lot better though. As a lady, she had always watched her diet, so letting go completely for once was probably what she needed to get better, in many ways. The conversation had been slowing down too, now going in headless circles. Lucian looked bored, still eating cake with a tired expression, and Henry seemed to struggle to stay awake as well.

"How about you all get some rest?" Finally suggested Philomenie. "You will need your strength for tonight, and the Saint and I can stay awake and let you know if anything happens."

"I will be here as well," said Prudence, turning to Milena with a proud smile. "My Lady may rest well, I'll take care of everything!"

There probably wasn't too much for Prudence to take care of during the few hours left of the day, but Milena agreed anyway, since it seemed to make her happy. Then, without saying a word to the others, Rayan offered his hand to help Milena get back up, and Blanche jumped down to Lucian's lap.

Without saying a word, the two of them left the room, and no one dared to say a thing to the Royal Couple either. They simply left in a strange, slightly awkward silence for those who watched their exit.

As soon as they were out of the room and the doors closed behind them, Milena chuckled.

"What is it?"

"I don't know," she muttered. "I just feel... Do you remember when we were just married, how we'd make the staff uncomfortable and they'd just know when best to leave us alone? It felt exactly like that when we left the room a second ago."

"It can't be helped," her husband smiled. "We're a couple that was split apart for months... I honestly have been working so hard to stop myself from jumping on my irresistible wife every minute of the day and night for the past three days or so. I probably feel like a male lion in a rut stuck to his cage to everyone around."

"I don't know if that's supposed to sound sexy or dangerous, but I feel a bit of both," she chuckled. "Glad to see I still excite you, even in this state."

"My ill lioness isn't any less sexy," he sighed. "Which is sad for me, but I won't complain."

They were headed back to her bedroom from before, but walking slowly in the corridor. Milena was able to lean against him, although she was already feeling better after the meal. In fact, she just felt that post-meal sleepiness she wasn't accustomed to, but she could tell her next nap would be much more peaceful and restful. Despite his words, Rayan was acting like the perfect gentleman, supporting her all he could, and gently rubbing her arm all the while. When they finally reached the bedroom, he dismissed the servants who were busy tidying up once again, and personally helped her back to the bed. He helped her lay on the bed, still dressed. Milena assumed she looked terrible, underweight and ill, but no one made her feel so. She could feel her bones even against the soft mattress...

Rayan lay down facing her, his hand immediately caressing her shoulder, but that wasn't enough. Milena moved to kiss his lips gently, but quickly, and then leaned on his chest with a sigh.

"I should be the one sighing, my Lady," he said. "You have a knack for t*****e."

"You already knew that," she smiled.

"...True. I missed our intimate actions together."

"...I'm sorry," she suddenly muttered, her enthusiasm dropping.

"For what?" He frowned.

"For... not being in better health upon your return. This isn't how I had envisioned our reunion."

"Me neither. As long as you're alive though, I won't ask for anything else. I'm mad because of what you went through, Milena. The more I heard about what was going on in the Capital, the more I wanted to come back and b****y murder them all. If... If I had come back and you weren't there, I would have set this whole Kingdom ablaze, Milena. I would have gone beyond madness. I can't even imagine it."

"Don't be silly," she muttered. "You would have still had our twins to take care of. I went through the hardship of giving you a daughter and a son, how can you say you would have burned the whole place..."

"I might be a crappy father," he sighed. "... Alright, maybe I would have considered our babies a bit. But still. I will never forgive my brother, even if he wasn't in his normal state. Tonight we end this, for good." "How do you know? That he was under influence?"

".... caught a glimpse of him," he muttered. "When I was looking for you, I spent more time in the Castle trying to figure my way up to the dungeon, and I saw my brother just before. His face... He's definitely been taking or given strong drugs; I don't know what they truly did to him. Our sister-in-law seems to think it began a while ago, but who knows when his true personality simply got enhanced... Either way, what he did to you can't be forgiven. He shouldn't have crossed that line."

Milena had nothing to add to that. She could tell how angry Rayan was, so she was reluctant to press the matter any further. Moreover, she was feeling sleepy already. She was tired of sleeping, but she still felt compelled to, her eyelids getting heavier and heavier. At least, she was in Rayan's arms, feeling completely safe. Her prince tightened his embrace around her, and kissed her head, gently. If he was mad, he wasn't showing it in his gestures, still as gentle as he could be with his ill wife. She could tell he was worried for her, with each of his movements; He probably would have ordered the assault on the Royal Castle to start this very morning if it wasn't for her need to rest.

She only felt his fingers still combing through her hair, and slowly fell back asleep, hoping that, when she'd wake up, she'd finally be well enough and ready for that final battle.