Hearts Betray

Chapter 2- Where Worlds Collide

Esmeray's POV

Vampires had funny laws since the beginning of time. Upon reaching adulthood, or in some cases, reaching the status of a fully trained vampire, we were required to register with what we called a 'Vampiric Society'. The different Societies available to every vampire were endless. You could choose to be a hunter for a close vampire group to you. Or simply one you felt was vulnerable enough to be needing your help with providing them with a meal regularly. Or you could have the honours of becoming a Royal warrior or guard; fighting for the Prince and his family whenever needed. If you wanted to be a part of a less strenuous Society, you could always decide to be a teacher of our vampire ways to the younglings in your area. Or even choose to teach and train the freshly turned vampires on how to survive while being dead. The list went on really.

I once came across the term "Lone Vampire" on that very list. It had been explained to me when I was younger, that Lone Vampires were simply ones that did not wish to be bound with any existing Society and burdened with responsibilities they did not wish to undertake. They were independent vampires who never owed anything to anyone and had no one owe them anything in return. They had full rights to follow their own desired paths in life. I believe that the equivalent term in a Werewolf Kingdom would be a "Rogue" wolf.

They were, of course, expected to still abide by the Premium Vampire Laws. Those were the rules set in stone by the very first Vampires in existence many centuries ago. The ancestors of our ancestors' ancestors.

I was more than okay with following the required laws of my kind. Every creature and race had their own set of rules. What I didn't particularly enjoy the idea of on the other hand, was the thought of mixing in with unknown vampires each day in order to fulfil my expectations and responsibilities. I knew from day one that I would end up being a Lone Vampire as an adult. I was fully permitted to do so after all.

Ever since the massive, golden gates of the Palace had shut behind us, Sol had entered a state of silence. Her tension only detectable by me because I knew her like the back of my hand. Her attitude remained calm and upfront though. She emanated a clear aura of fearlessness, wisdom and strength. I knew that her pride would never allow her to cower in front of any other Supernatural race. I admired her for that, to be honest. We approached the Palace in an uncomfortable silence.

The silence was deafening and it so happened that it triggered my mind to go on its own rollercoaster. What was I doing in the heart of the Vampire Kingdom? This wasn't my family.
I began wondering what sort of penalty I would have to face for avoiding the law for over 6 years now. The Vampire age of adulthood wasn't much different than the human races' one. Theirs was 18, ours 20. The expected age of experience as a vampire in order to be eligible for a higher status was over the age of 100, sometimes even 110 depending on the vampire. That information didn't apply to me of course, and I knew that very well. But nevertheless, the fact remained that I was 26 years old and not yet registered with any Vampiric Society. My anxiety skyrocketed when my feet stepped onto the marble flooring of the front palace hall. The Prince was going to have my head on a silver platter for this.

As soon as my eyes landed on the interior of the palace, though, every thought that had been clouding my mind flew out of the massive Gothic Style windows.
"Sacred cow! Mr. Charming really doesn't refrain from being the most extravagant creature of this Kingdom I see." Sol whispered loud enough for my ears to catch. I kept my eyes glued to the shining staircases all around us, decorated in what seemed like the most expensive items of our planet. I was not able to reply to Sol in my newfound trance.

"Miss Esmeray Croí of the Green Witch Clan. May you please enter the first room to your right. A representative of the High Vampire Council will be with you shortly" a loud voice echoed through the giant hallway.
That seemed to bring me back down to planet Earth. "As long as I can avoid Theodore de Krew until I'm officially registered, I should be fine." I thought to myself, trying to force some confidence back into myself in doing so.

"Miss Sol Croí of the Green Witch Clan. You are very welcome to find a seat in the guest waiting room. The duration of your sister's meeting shouldn't be long." That same voice from just a couple of seconds back chimed in again. It took me a moment to register that the voice belonged to a female. And a powerful female at that.

I saw Sol inclining her head slightly in my direction, wishing me a silent "good luck" before she departed in the opposite direction of where I was supposed to be heading.

I decided to waste no time. I wanted to get out of that place as soon as it was possible. I followed the woman's instructions and walked towards the grand oak doors to my right. Upon opening them, I found that they didn't even make the slightest of noises. "Of course they wouldn't. Not in a place like this" I silently laughed to myself. My determination to get out of the Palace and restart my hunt for dinner was enough to overpower my anxiety about the poor and uncomfortable situation I have gotten myself into.

Right as I entered the fancy room, I was quick to notice that nobody had been occupying the desk at the far end. I thought that to be odd; I was expecting vampires to be overly punctual- what with the formalities and all else. I didn't pay much attention to that for long though. The room, just like the rest of the Palace was over-decorated with items that I believed weren't of actual use to anyone. I chose to admire the view outside the grand window to kill some time while I waited for the unknown vampire to join me.

Eventually, I got lost in my admiration for that very scenery ahead of me; the Autumn colours of the forests that stretched out in never-ending rows, with their bare trees standing tall and proud. I even followed a large flock of birds with my eyes as they were flying through the greyish-blue sky, until they all collectively disappeared from my line of vision. I had entered a world of magic so familiar to me, yet so odd and unrealistic at the same time.

That was until five, maybe ten, minutes later a voice had startled me and my bubble of peace and magic had been undoubtedly burst.

"I would like to apologise for the mix-up in regard to your meeting today, Miss Croí, but the attendant that was supposed to oversee your registration process had to leave to take care of an emergency situation. I have been called down to see you instead." stated that deep voice, quite unexpectedly. The shuffling of heavy boots on the marble floor followed right after that sentence.

There had been no malice or evil intentions in that voice but a slight coldness could be heard. I, of course, knew instantly who it was. I froze right where I had been standing.

"Shit, Fuck, Shit." was all that my mind could scream out at me. Theodore de Krew was standing at the door right behind me.

All the memories of my previous encounters with the Prince in the past, flooded my mind and I longed for an escape from the room I was standing in. If I had a beating heart right then and there, it would have surely jumped right out of my chest.

Without looking forward to doing so, I slowly turned around to face the man who was the head of a race I feared and wanted to avoid at all costs. The man who had the power to ruin my entire future with just a few words.

My need to get out of that Palace suddenly grew stronger and I longed for the comforting shelter of the dark forests I had been so encompassed in just a few seconds ago.

***

Hi guys!
So we get to come across the ruthless Vamp Prince hehe ;) What do you think he will be like towards Esme? Comment any possible ideas of what you think might happen next if you want!
Don't forget to show some love to the story if you're able, and if you're somewhat enjoying it so far. Love y'all!