Milos looked very wary and surprised by this statement, and clearly expected me to explain further.

- My King, did something happen that influenced your decision? Not that I disapprove or try to challenge, but... This has always been our trump card. In any war we have participated in, night is the best companion for our soldiers. They will need more time to rebuild their regime. And of course, this will reduce their productivity. - he was alarmed, although he tried to hide it behind a stern facade of his face.

- I completely understand your indignation, Nils. I leave the soldiers to your discretion, choose a schedule that suits them. The army must remain combat-ready at any time of the day. But now it’s more about the internal order of the castle – servants, guests and even you. I need you all during the day, as I also plan to... In general, why talk in vain, do you understand everything. – Count Milos did not argue anymore and obediently accepted the order for execution.

- Will you keep me company? - A long, heavy steel sword with a blood–red core along the entire length of the blade materialized in my hand.

- It is a great honor for me, Your Majesty! - The count perked up and enthusiastically raised his weapon to meet me.

Then we both disappeared from our seats and the sounds of steel strikes and sparks from the power of these contacts began to sound chaotically everywhere. The columns served as an obstacle for me, while Milos maneuvered perfectly between them, hiding and attacking again. But he wasn’t as good as me and the next moment I pushed him away like a rag doll.

Hitting one of the columns, a thick crack went along it, right along its entire length. But the general immediately got up and took a fighting stance, accepting and repelling my next frenzied attack, now he was more collected and alert.

The ground was shaking under us, but few people cared, we were both too keen on our duel. There was no doubt that Milos had become more serious and accepted me now as a real opponent, as if we were not in the native walls of the castle, but in enemy territory on different sides.

His punches became more frantic and aggressive, but still he continued to be on the defensive, while I systematically attacked and advanced, forcing him to retreat further and further. With the next attack, I knocked the sword out of his hands, catching him off guard for a second.

But when I saw the malevolent predatory look, I realized that he did not intend to give up yet and threw aside his sword, instantly grappling with the count in hand-to-hand combat.

He had a lot of strength, daily hard training affected him, which bore fruit. He even managed to touch my chin with his sharp claws once. But it was the maximum that I allowed him to win, because the next moment I grabbed him by the neck, lifted him high into the air and forcefully pinned him to the ground, in which a considerable dent was formed.

- It seems you’re dead, Count! - I gloated, assessing his general condition. There were bruises on his face, an eyebrow was cut, blood oozed from his mouth, confirming the fact of damage to internal organs from numerous blows.

I got off him and gave him my hand, helping him up. It was a great fight that stirred up my muscles and cheered up my mind, exactly what I so desperately needed.

The count will need some time to regenerate, but his face expressed the same pleasure from the duel, despite the defeat. It’s kind of a great combat practice with a stronger opponent.

- It’s been a long time since we sparred, you gave me a great beating, Your Majesty! -The count laughed, wiping the blood oozing from the corner of his lips with the edge of his sleeve.

- You’re not losing your touch, Milos. Still as good. – I praised his skills.

- Well, perhaps now I will definitely have to switch to daytime mode, because now my whole body is aching and asking to lie down on a soft bed like a log. - he chuckled.

- Come on, come on, go. I will wait for the earliest results in our question.

But quickly coming to my senses, I stopped him by asking a question that had been spinning in my head for a long time.

- Wait. What’s up with the investigation, about this wolf that came from nowhere? - the memories of that day settled in me again with an unpleasant sediment.

- The matter is not yet fully settled, my King. There were some difficulties. We found a servant who was indirectly involved. He had a witchcraft portal artifact, with which he was able to drag the wolf into the castle grounds. - The count reported.

- Witches again. - I hissed in disgust. – Where is the servant now?

- As you ordered, I executed him as soon as he became useless in finding information. I managed to find out that there were witches in the castle, but he didn’t know their names and had never seen their faces. They managed to hide their identity perfectly, without betraying their witchy nature. Someone gave him this artifact and ordered him to kill the princess. It was very clever to use the beast, since we can’t take an exact trail now. My guess is that there is not one person, but a group operating here. - Milos reported.

- My people continue to work on this case, but it is already known that the news of the prophecy has leaked further than it was necessary and many see the princess as a threat. Fortunately, no one knows about her origin yet, otherwise we would have to face the enemy in the face of the whole of Riliya. – the general finished his report.

- It’s only a matter of time. – outwardly I was calm and unperturbed, but inside I had a fire of anticipation from a close meeting with Horel and Marquis Stonberg. The latter especially strongly aroused in me a thirst for blood.

The very thought that this vile old man would touch my Thea, kiss her delicate satin skin and sweet lips with his dry lips, caused me a fit of rage. And even though he didn’t even have time to do anything to her, I still successfully fantasized the right picture in my head, and she actively supported the raging flame of destruction in me.

Everything is unfolding too strangely around, the witches have become more active with the appearance of the princess, why would they try to kill her? Wouldn’t it be better to have her in your hands if, as Tethys claims, she is the most powerful witch from the prophecy? 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

What’s so special about you, princess? I guess this is just the beginning...

Milos left, and I stayed for some time looking at the dark, impenetrable sky, enjoying the light of the full moon and the cool August breeze. It will start to get cold very soon. I don’t like this time of year.

My thoughts went back to my dear prisoner. I grinned to myself, realizing that I was following her lead. And now the whole castle will live according to the time frame of ordinary ordinary people, if only the Riliya princess would feel good and comfortable. Just not to see her exhausted face with bruises under her beautiful blue eyes anymore.

Vampires are hardier than humans, it will be easier for us to get used to and survive the difficulties of rebuilding the schedule than for her not to sleep at night.

This girl makes me too soft-hearted, I don’t like it. But I can’t help myself, she seems to pull out of me with forceps this feeling of care that has been resting in the deepest depths of my dark soul for so long.