Fangless: The Alpha's Vampire Mate
Chapter 34: Misery Loves Company

Chapter 34: Misery Loves Company

"Stop making a fool of yourself! This is why she’s so full of herself. Because your constant losses boost her confidence."

Lisbeth clenched her fists behind her back and refused to look away even though her father’s gaze was horrifying. "This time, I’m confident that I will win. I will prove it to you. It’s just... you need to be there."

Yes, King Valentin was Lisbeth’s trump card, as well as her only chance at a winning shot. The vampire king was a lot of people’s Achilles’s heel, including Riona and herself.

She knew that bringing the king into the arena would not only significantly diminish Riona’s power, but also her own. However, knowing that King Valentin was on her side in this spar might help her loosen up.

But victory was yet to be hers, as King Valentin’s expression darkened. He was certainly not thrilled with the idea of being used by his daughter.

Lisbeth couldn’t let him waver. His silence could only mean that a part of him agreed with her suggestion, no matter how small.

"Father, does he know about it–Riona’s true self?"

The king did not open his mouth, and Lisbeth took it as a yes.

She continued, "Even if the Alpha chooses me, there’s no telling when he’ll change his mind again. We need security to protect our interests."

King Valentin grunted and remained silent for a long time before finally sighing.

"Do not fail me."

***

But she did.

Winning was her only shot, even if it took forever. She believed she was close to victory when Riona was trapped in her ice prison, and yet, the fangless suddenly turned into a flame.

Lisbeth’s power alone had almost frozen the royal palace, and Riona’s subsequent fire could bring everything to ashes, just like the Umbra Grounds.

Fortunately, King Valentin stopped the calamity before it happened. Unfortunately, he was not pleased with the result.

Although Lisbeth was practically the last one standing, she knew she was losing, and losing badly.

As her father descended from the throne, anger radiated from him, especially through his deadly glare. Struggling to find words, she said softly, "Father–"

Even from a distance, Lisbeth felt the weight of his gaze like a physical blow.

Summoning what little courage remained, her words faltered, "I... I don’t know what to say, but please... it’s not over... it’s... I..."

She was overwhelmed with desperation, trying to salvage the match to earn his approval. Lisbeth refused to surrender, clinging to the dwindling hope that she still had enough strength to keep going.

"You failed me," he groaned, turning on his heels. His cape billowed, creating a more dramatic effect befitting a vampire king.

Lisbeth crumbled. More agonizing than her injuries or scorched skin was the disappointment in her father’s eyes.

She’d always been nothing but a tool to him–she knew that. She also understood that asking to be loved by King Valentin was a far-fetched idea that she didn’t dare dream of.

But, at least, she wanted to fulfill his expectations. How many failures would it take to become a stronger and more valuable daughter?

Just as she was lamenting about her pitiful state of relationship with her father, she caught sight of Thorin in the vicinity. She was surprised to even see him there when everyone had escaped this place.

For a fleeting moment, she bore a slight hope he’d come for her, to ask about her wounds. But, of course, he didn’t.

Thorin didn’t glance her way and went straight to her cousin, who lay motionless on the ground. He slipped his hand behind her neck, and another hand behind her knees, and lifted her like she was a wounded bird.

She lost the match, and she lost the guy.

It was over for her.

***

Lisbeth broke down in her chamber. She refused to let anyone in, including her servants. Curling up in the corner, she hugged her knees and sobbed.

The image of her father’s disappointment hung in the biggest frame in the hall of her memory.

"Your Highness, Lady Maris is here to see you," a servant announced from outside.

"I don’t want to see anyone," Lisbeth replied. Her voice was hoarse.

"Darling, would you please let me in?" It was her mother’s voice, and she couldn’t help but rush towards the door and open it.

Lisbeth jumped into her embrace, wrapping her arms around her mother’s waist, and burying her face in her mother’s shoulder. "Mother!"

Lady Maris patted her back, stroking her head gently. When Lisbeth managed to compose herself, Lady Maris guided her daughter to the sofa. She checked Lisbeth’s tear-streaked face and wiped her cheeks.

"Oh, Darling..."

"Does he hate me now?"

Her mother shook her head, creasing her forehead as if she were in deep pain. "It’s impossible. You are his precious child."

Precious. Lady Maris was the only vampire on the continent who thought Lisbeth was treasured by King Valentin. Everyone else knew that she was treated more like a subordinate or a disciple than a daughter.

"But I have failed him, Mother. I couldn’t keep my promise. I didn’t meet his expectations. I let him down."

Speaking those words out loud renewed her pain, and her mother saw through it. Lady Maris pulled Lisbeth’s head to her shoulder.

"I will talk with him about this. He will forgive you, just give him some time until his anger subsides. He can’t resent you forever, can he?"

"Yes, he can."

"No, if he still wants me around," Lady Maris said firmly.

Her mother had always been on her side. She had been the only reason why Lisbeth could remain as the princess.

If King Valentin had not loved Lady Maris so much, Lisbeth might have been treated like Riona by now. He chose Lisbeth as the heir solely because he didn’t want to take any woman as a queen.

It never had anything to do with Lisbeth’s accomplishments.

"What should I do now, Mother? I doubt that I could get Thorin to choose me. What if he still wants Fangless? What will happen to this kingdom?"

Lady Maris kissed Lisbeth’s forehead and said, "We’ll find a way, Darling. As long as I’m here, you won’t be forsaken."

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