TODAY

19 deads

Carter walked into the dimly lit room of Prince Richard the deep red and dark walnut furniture added to the depressed (or should I say oppressed) feeling of the room. Seated within the room where three other vampires other than Richard who was seated furthest from the door in a grand chair befitting of a king showing his true position in the world.

Prince Richard's eyes bore into Carter he was not please with Carter of lately due to Carter not following his instructions to the tee. Richard smiled pleasantly to Carter, who instinctively knew that day events would not turn out in his favor.

'Good evening Carter my boy.' Prince Richard purred waving his hand to the chair on the right of him. Carter knew this play of words pleased Richard "My boy" for Carter knew it was in reference to being his legitimate son but also the demeaning term to put him in his place of being small and beneath Richard, which is how all the others took the statement.

Carter stood in front of Prince Richard knelt on one knee sweeping his arm in front bowing greatly in a dramatic style. 'Prince Richard, My Protector I am but a flash in your eye therefore respectfully your will is my command.'

Carter rose then moved aside taking the chair to the right Carter then turned his eyes to the others within the room. Carter leaned back his elbows rested on the arms of the chair allowing him to create a pyramid with his fingertips. The three vampires glared at the position that Carter was offered as they where twice his age and still not in best favor with the Prince for they all held seats that face the Prince.

'Now that Carter has returned with the great news that the up rising that occurred on your land Lord Nelson has being dealt with he assures me that he personally handled the two in command of the situation.' He paused. 'Brian and his new turned son he was close to Chloe yes Lord Nelson.' Prince Richard said as his and Carter's eyes pinned him to his seat.

The great Lord Nelson soon to be fallen Lord Nelson. Carter's mind worked overtime trying to work out how to work this to his advantage. For Carter was quite well aware that it was Chloe's idea for power and her father foolishness to go along with her plans.

Carter found out that Lord Nelson was in great need of money and did not wish for this to be known allowing him to be manipulated by his daughter with talks of great wealth and power with the loss of Prince Richard. Carter smiled not likely Prince Richard had many spies at work for him.

'Yes Chloe and Brian's son Erik where friends, Brian was employed by me for many years, I am greatly shocked by the loss and betrayal of him. Chloe is besides herself with the news.' Lord Nelson claimed but not to confidently.

'Ar do not worry yourself lord Nelson you where not to know of the deceits that was occurring on your land. Please lets drop the matter.' Prince Richard said all eyes watched Lord Nelson squirm in his seat all now aware that Lord Nelson was behind the attack.

'Let us all enjoy a lighter note that I and Lord Nelson's daughter have talked just this evening over drinks.' Prince Richard smiled ever so slightly making his cheeks fuller. 'I'm sadden that Chloe was dinning alone as she is still single, unable to find her true mate but I have assured her that such a fair beauty like her could not be over looked. So I have great delight to announce that Carter will be taking her hand in marriage, ensuring and strengthens the bonds of our Lords.'

As if on queue Chloe walked in placing herself at Carter's feet her back resting on his knee's the grin on her face conveying all that she did indeed just win the lottery.

Carter smiled tightly leaned forward his hand inching round to grip her chin forcing her chin up Carter quickly kissed her lips.

'Go wait for me in my apartment.' He briefly gripped her chin hard before releasing her as the flicker of apprehension passed her eyes. Carter smiled evilly the plan formulated in his mind.

Lord Collin stood approached Lord Carter shaking his hand by gripping his elbow Carter returned the same gesture holding his elbow firm. This shake showed all that they were close, also that they fought along side each other making them allies. Lords Collins reined the land between Carter's and Prince Richards a vast amount of land originally there was another Lord, a one Lord David but together they had killed and sieged his land.

Carter gave his portion to Lord Collins in securing his hand and friendship making Lord Collins the large land bearer other than the Prince Richard.

'Congratulations on the new arrangement, I hope that you have a successful time.' Lord Collins eyes twinkled knowing that Carter had plan on taking over Lord Nelsons land many years ago with the hand of Chloe but had failed due to him loving her then being betrayed by her.

'Thank you my friend I shall enjoy this joining.' Carter smiled smugly. Both laugh heartily.

'I shall bid you adieu as I believe you have much to handle tonight thou I will be waiting for the call to celebrate.' With that Lord Collins in his finely cut black tuxedo and black hair disappeared from the room.

Lord Vincent bowed to Carter 'Congratulation to you Lord Carter may your new wife bear you many sons.' He said in a formal manner Lord Vincent was old school holding the land to the other side of Prince Richard, being also Richards's childhood friend was his right hand man.

Carter bowed 'Thank you Lord Vincent I will assure you that I shall enjoy my wife bearing my children.'

Carter stated as he was thinking of Alice.

Lord Vincent bow again as a slight frown appeared if Carter had not known the vampire well he would not of seen it. Carter grinned to Lord Vincent showing that he did indeed catch his play on word.

Carter loved the subtleties' of the vampire world that was small choices of words movements and games that pleased him greatly the ability to climb the ladder so to speak. Was in knowing these differences and exploiting them to your benefit. (But note none of these games where harmful to friend's only those who did not know you.)

Carter turned to Lord Nelson. 'So my good man I am so pleased to have the hand of your daughter, I shall do my best by her.' Carter extended his hand for Lord Nelson to shake.

Lord Nelson hesitantly placed his hand in Carter, he had seen the quick flash of shock on his face at the announcement so both where only aware of arranged marriage just now, so Lord Nelson was hesitant to agree but how could he not he's own daughter had once again placed him in a position he was not comfortable.

'I am pleased that a honorable man as such as yourself with be there to provide for Chloe.' Lord Nelson said quite pleased that now Carter would be footing the bills that his daughter raked up. Lord Nelson was unable to say no to her after her mother died and was at a loss with out his wife. Sadly he wished for her to appear by his side but once again she did not appear. Lord Nelson felt as crumpled as his outdated clothes the red jacket and black pants where very fetching many years back when his wife bought his clothes but he still wore then until they wore out.

'So Lord Nelson shall we get down to business.' Jerking Lord Nelson out of his memories, launching him into reality he was broke and he was meant to provide a dowry for his daughters hand, he glopped.

Mean while quit some distance away Alice stumbled of the train the street light lit up the train station as people milled around trying to get to there destination. Alice eyed the train station then spied across the busy road a hotel. Taking that deep breath she started to push her way thought the crowd holding her bags tight to her.

As she stepped up off the road the short distant to the door of the brightly lit hotel lobby felt like miles. Alice whipped he head around soundly feeling like some one was watching her surely he's not here she though. Inside the hotel she felt safe again quickly giving a fake name paying in cash for one night.

Inside the room free of everything Alice collapsed on the shower floor flooding it with her tears that mingled with the hot water that eased her aches.

Inside the bed Alice still didn't know if they were tears of relief or sorrow at the loss of Cater now that she had paused to sleep.