Kiss Me Not

Due to her own words, Kimmy found herself getting busy arranging for the special gathering at the Derhan Palace. Getting a lavish dinner ready in a short amount of time was a tasking thing. She said it was gonna be a simple family celebration for the good news about Brione's pregnancy, but she had already told Cain and Cedric that they'd stage the latter's appearance as a surprise to complete the said gathering.

Currently, she was busy instructing the chef about which meals to prepare. She made sure that everything was up to snuff, especially for Cedric. She grew up with him, even considering him as a brother. As such, she knew all about his favorite dishes.

By the sidelines, Cain shrugged as he watched Kimmy work.

'If only she knew that you can't have any other meal now except for blood,' he unconsciously thought out while thinking about Cedric. A part of him wondered if Cedric would somehow receive his thoughts, but when a reply didn't come, he could only assume that their telepathic communication was limited to eye contact.

After a few more minutes of watching, Cain could no longer help himself. Intrepidly, he interrupted Kimmy, "How about a dish with blood in it? He'd probably like it."

"What?!" Kimmy burst out. Both she and the chef had their stares leveled at him as they waited for some kind of explanation.

Cain gulped at the attention. "You see, it'll be good for the Prince's condition. Just trust me, his taste isn't any different, and he'll probably eat more food with it.

"Like blood tofu?" the chef asked with knitted brows. "Animal blood then? From cow, duck, or pig?"

Cain chuckled, "Yeah. Any animal will do as long as its blood, Chef."

'He would even prefer it raw!' Cain wanted to voice out but of course, he would not dare even joke around Kimmy about it when it was nothing but a reality.

Seeing that the subject already resolved itself, Kimmy didn't ask for any further details and simply left as soon as she was finished talking with the chef. Cain then quietly walked out with her, grabbing her hand as he locked his fingers with hers.

"I'm really sorry I had to lie like that. You see, Cedric wants his privacy, and even Gavin kept his presence in the castle under wraps since it's his wish," Cain apologetically explained himself. "Even Lucas and your mother aren't aware of it."

It was painful. He truly felt bad that he had to lie to Kimmy like this again. But then, the existence of supernatural beings must be kept secret. He probably wouldn't even know of it if it wasn't for the fact that Cedric shared his blood with him to save his life.

"It's fine. I understand. I grew up with Cedric, so I know how much of a recluse he is," Kimmy chuckled. "Still, that doesn't mean he can keep hiding. It's high time that he showed himself, especially to Uncle Lucas. The man's been worried about him for so long," she lamented, gently squeezing Cain's hand in reassurance.

*****

Hours passed, and as Kimmy was busy arranging everything, the Royal Family gathered in the dining hall together with their close friends to have a small celebration. Brione was happy to receive warm wishes and congratulations from everyone. Things were proceeding as normal…

Then suddenly, the atmosphere came even more alive when a voice was heard.

"I hope I'm not too late to celebrate with everyone."

All eyes went to the man who suddenly appeared at the entrance. With a wide smile on his face, The man sauntered in. Lucas froze, slowly looking at Gavin who simply nodded with a smile and whispered, "Cedric is back, Father. To stay with us for good."

At that instant, Lucas got up from his chair and hugged his son, tears rolling down his cheek as he gasped. "Oh God… You're finally back, my son."

It felt like a miracle. Lucas felt so blissful that his two sons were finally with him like this. To think that they were finally reunited after everything that had happened… Giving him one more look, he gently pushed at Cedric and cupped his face as he whispered, "Look at you… So pale… Why is your skin so cold?"

Looking at his son now, Lucas noticed something different with him. He didn't ponder too much on them, however. He was just grateful that Cedric was finally back with them.

"Oh? I've just been staying indoors all this time, Father," Cedric cooly replied. "I'm fine. This is just my normal temperature these days. You can even ask Cain about it. He'll assure you that I'm in good health."

Seeing the new addition in the room, Leila stood up from her chair and hugged Cedric warmly, "Welcome home, my nephew!"

"Thanks, Aunt Leila," Cedric warmly greeted in kind. "Hmm, I heard that we have something to celebrate tonight, so I brought something for my sister-in-law, seeing as I'll be meeting her for the first time tonight…"

Gavin chuckled at the prince's words and promptly introduced Brione to him.

"It's nice to finally meet you," Cedric commented with a bow. He also kissed Brione's knuckles who had gracefully offered her hand for a handshake.

"Oh my God… You and Cedric definitely look alike," Brione whispered out. Though the two had different hair colors and hairstyles, they were pretty much the same. Cedric's hair was a black color compared to Gavin's golden hair and Cedric's eyes seemed gray? But other than that, their facial features were so alike.

"Of course, sweetheart… We're identical twins!" Gavin mirthfully commented, making Brione bashfully smile and nod.

Cedric then offered her his gift, which gracefully accepted before returning to her duties. Eventually, other guests who were considered family to the Wilhelms like Sean, who was Will's son, and Daniel, who was Cain's father, also greeted and welcomed Cedric back.

Will and Cain, on the other hand, exchanged meaningful gazes. The former had a questioning look on him. He wasn't aware that Cedric would appear like this, to which Cain simply answered with a shrug.

Meanwhile, Gavin was just glad that his brother finally decided to show himself like this, especially to their family who was already getting worried sick about him. Although he already gave them his reassurances that Cedric was fine, it was still better to see the man in person alive and well like this.

"Hmm, since everyone's already present, we can all go and start eating dinner," Kimmy pointed out with a smile. "I'm sure everyone's starving."

"Ah, I missed my cousin! She's actually the one who dragged me out and show myself like this," Cedric teasingly mused out loud. "You totally ruined my plan for a more grand appearance… Something more planned out than being put on the spot like this…" he complained with a pout.

"We should all thank Kimmy then that she dragged you out," Lucas snorted. "You would've kept us waiting, brat…"

Cedric found himself massaging his nape at hearing his father's hurt tone. But then, it wasn't like he had anything to hide. It wasn't easy for him to control himself… especially when it came to his hunger for fresh human blood.

****************

Author's Note (April 29, 2022): This book will end hopefully this May 2022 but I will keep it open since I'm still not decided if I should continue with Cedric's story here or open a new book for him in the future. Cedric's story will be a dark romance in the sense of mature or explicit r18 content only and since you all know that Cedric is a vampire. NO rape coz I don't write ML's like that. I would like to see your comment below on your opinion if you will be interested in Cedric's story or not. It will be different since it will start with a new timeline not connected with previous books' timelines so it's more about the future though you might read familiar characters like Will or Gavin since they are his family.

Also, I will join the WSA 2022 probably with a fantasy book on my Patreon entitled The Crown's Entrapment (fantasy romance), or maybe another book with a working title of The Tycoon's Obsession (contemporary romance). I'm still not decided but I will announce the final decision soon at the end chapter of this book. Hopefully I still have you guys around... Thank you so much for staying with me all the way. I'm always grateful for all your love and support...