Fallen Royals

Chapter 9

Petra was able to make the lecture's preparation for the next day during the school breaks. She was eager to return to the rehearsal site and now she was free immediately after the classes. She found Toma in his office and next to him a girl with platinum hair worked behind a desk. What a fake.

"Snow, you're here. Come in!" - He looked handsome in dark blue jeans and dark blue button up.

"Snow? I'm Petra." - Petra checked the girl. She was deep in her thoughts, working on papers.

Toma approached Petra and gave her a million-dollar smile.

"But beautiful as Snow White."

Petra blushed again, she could feel the compliment. This wasn't one of Mr. Dans bleak comments.

"So, I have a degree in chemistry and could help you to make a better fog."

"Oh, yes. This way to the workshop." - Toma directed them.

They entered a medium sized room, it had several desks with different projects in the making.

One of the desks could be called "a chemistry desk", different liquids, vials and machines used for mixing were on top of it.

"I'm so glad you could come. I'm busy negotiating where we'll hold our play. So far schools have turned us down as they say it's too 18+. All purists around us, as if we're back a thousand years ago."

They moved to the chemistry desk.

"This is all we got but if you need anything specific, you can tell me and I'll provide it for you. I need to go to the town. Will you be fine alone?"

"Yes, of course, I know what I'm doing. Will you come later or should I tell someone else when I'm done? - Petra couldn't hide her disappointment. Besides helping the acting troupe, this will be a perfect opportunity to find more about vampires. She knew everything from history books, romance books and movies. She wanted to know more from the next best thing to a vampire.

"I'll come as soon as I'm done. Shouldn't be that long. There are others working today but I'd prefer we discuss what you've created."

"Of course. Good luck with negotiation!"

"Thank you. Bye!"

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A couple hours later Petra has created her first version of the improved stage fog. She was cleaning the desk while waiting for Toma to come back.

He walked in in a bad mood. He seemed frustrated. He took off his coat, his button up half buttoned, his pectorals showing off. He rolled up his sleeves and sat next to Petra.

"I suppose it didn't go well."

"Nope. And I'm this close to using my vampiric abilities." - he almost connected his thumb and index finger.

"Can I help you about it?"

"No, no. Show me what you've created in my absence." - He was leaning to her side, his minty breath beckoning her to his lips. She blushed.

"Ok, watch this." - She let her fog spread over the table, it was thicker but still see-through.

"Wow, this looks much better. You're so smart."

He was looking into her eyes, his smile charming his way into her heart. She blushed again. She felt young and alive.

"Thank you. I can create more or try to improve it."

He brought his hand closer to her face, silently asking her if he could touch it. She nodded and he slowly stroked her cheek with his thumb. She was in heaven.