The Watchmaker

3 - Luis

I walked down a long staircase and was met by a grand open space that led to seven different doors and openings.

Confused as to where I would go I stopped and looked around, my breath caught in my throat by the beauty of it all. White marble, red velvet and gold. Paintings of family members, old and perhaps some new, hung on the walls. There was freshly picked flowers in elegant vases and other luxuries I had only dreamt of owning. This was truly the home of a prince.

My vampire hearing suddenly picked up the sound of discussing voices, and I took a few steps towards the open door. I had been invited to dinner, but I still hesitated, how many lived here? And what would they think of me?

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. So many rambling thoughts, my dear." A voice snickered behind me, which made me freeze on the last step of the staircase, my hand still on the railing. I sensed the vampire walk down towards me, finally standing on the step above mine.

A masculine, yet delicate hand gently caressed mine and I studied the dark red painted nails for a brief second as it traveled up my arm and lay to rest on my neck. "Turn around." He whispered and I couldn't help myself, the power in his voice told me I had to obey him.

As I turned I was met by two dark green eyes and I instantly knew this was a powerful creature, just like the Prince himself. The one who stood before me was old, very old and full of grace and beauty.

"It is rude to stare." He sniggered and caressed my cheek. "But I guess you haven't adapted to your new life yet, have you child?"

I swallowed hard and shook my head slightly. "I'm sorry monsieur, I was surprised, that is all."

The lean vampire tilted his head to the side and his dark locks fell off his shoulder. "Surprised by my beauty and my charming presence?" He giggled and walked past me. "Come on my dear, let's not keep my brother waiting, he is a very restless night creature and we don't want to annoy him without significant reason."

"Your brother?" I asked, finally finding a pinch of courage within.

"Yes, we share the same father." He peered back at me and winked at me. "Much like you and Lumiere."

So Anthony was his brother, and he was clearly the head of the house. But the vampire infront of me ozed of power much like my creator, and his appearance intrigued me. "In that case you are a prince as well, my Lord? Or should I say your highness?"

My words made the vampire laugh with delight and turned to grope my cheeks in his hands. "Oh, what a beauty you are! Hopefully my brother will let me keep you around for company." He thought out loud and his eyes wandered to the ceiling ash he pondered the thought. "And to answer your question, dear. Yes, I am a prince, much like he is. But I never liked the formalities, so you may call me Luis on private occasions. And My Prince if you feel the need to be formal." He said but waved it off like he really did not care if I ever did. But something told me that his brother would scold me if I didn't treat them both with proper respect.

I walked close behind the young prince and we soon entered the dining hall where everyone was waiting for us. Anthony by the head of the table and Lumiere at his left side. There were also a few other male vampires who I had never seen before and all eyes were turned to me as we entered the room.

"I found the lost puppy wandering our halls, brother." Luis said with a wide smile and slipped his hand in mine to lead me to my seat, which was next to him and opposite Lumiere. The hand was cold, but smooth and surprisingly pleasant as it held mine firmly.

"Good, thank you for bringing him Little brother." Anthony greeted and gave him a nod, before he raised his glass in a toast to formally let everyone know the feast had started.