His Queen

3. King of All Kings

Damien's POV

"My king," members of the royal council hurriedly stood up and bowed as I came into their view.

I walked across the room and stood at the head of the table. Normally we would meet in the throne room for urgent and public related matters, but this meeting was more private. I was called by the court members to hold an intimate meeting, behind closed doors. The request left me utterly confused.

I sat down, and they all took their seats as well. Some court members looked rather uncomfortable as they shifted their eyes among their peers. Eric stood beside me, and I could tell from his expression that he had no idea what this meeting was about either.

"Well, I don't have all day. Is somebody going to enlighten me as to why this meeting was called upon?" my voices lingered in the quiet room.

I seemed to be losing my temper quite often these days, just as I was about to lose my patience a nobleman named Alec stood up, "my king, I would like to inform you the courts have been in discussion for the past few days regrading an upcoming matter. It relates to the growing fears of the Vampire Hunters among our subjects."

I was already aware of the rebellion caused by the humans living in the Vampire World. They were once brought here as slaves by our ancestors, but they were all set free by my father. He even arranged reparations for them in the form of money and helped them become a functional member of our society. However, over the last few decades there had been growing tensions between the humans and the vampires. I had offered to send them back to the human world but most refused to go back, claiming there is nothing left for them there. Many of these humans were born and raised in the Vampire World, yet they were still treated like dirt by the vampires.

It is not that I hadn't heard their concerns or stepped in whenever possible, I helped them in any way I could when I first became king a hundred years ago. But it was impossible for me to change my people's mindset, their perspective. Although the humans were part of my subjects too, but they became more distant over the years and started to form a disobedient group. They started calling themselves Vampire Hunters and it became their breathing mission to seek revenge from us. Their revenge came in the form of looting vampires and breaking into people's homes and businesses. Their main target was the wealthiest, even some relatives of my court members had experienced their cruelty. They did not hesitate to kill any vampire who stood in their way. Their technology was advancing over the years as they learned how to hide their scent and block their minds so a vampire couldn't read them. They discovered more ways to disguise themselves as regular subjects.

"Yes, I am aware. But I've increased the security in the city, especially near the shopping centers and parts of the town where the wealthiest reside. I have my best men guarding those areas," I said firmly.

"I am afraid that might not be enough, respectfully, sir," Kenia met my gaze. She was a wise woman and probably the oldest member of the court, she was also there during my father's rule.

"The hunters have now shifted their attention to all members of the society, be it rich or poor. People who barely have enough to keep their families fed are now also living in fear of these humans. As if they don't already have enough struggles to face every day, now they must constantly watch their backs. Knowing it is only a matter of time before they too are either robbed or killed. I believe... I think we might be on the brink of a war."

A war?

I controlled my laugh. That was surely an exaggeration. If only it were up to me, these humans would be long dead after I pulled each and every one of their hearts out, right from their chests. Not until I captured and tortured them slowly on the brink of death of course, deviously watching as their life flashes before their eyes. Only that would bring the souls of people they have killed some justice.

If I wasn't abided by the stupid morals and have a "kingly way" of doing things. Because surely there was no competition between a human and a vampire.

"These people are getting out of hand, what do they even want?" I asked instead.

"It is still unclear, your majesty," it was Alec who spoke again, "but I'm afraid that isn't the only issue that is at play here."

"What do you mean?"

"The possibility of a war has shifted the people's attention to you. They are eagerly waiting for your next move as they continue to live in fear."

"My next move?" I raised an eyebrow. It didn't make any sense to me.

"If a war was to take place, the future will hold no certainties. It is a king's responsibility to give their kingdom an heir before-"

"Watch who you are speaking to," I could feel my anger rising, "I know of my responsibilities very well, I don't need you to recite them to me."

"I- I beg your pardon, your majesty," he started.

"As your advisors we have your best interest at heart, my king," Kenia stole my attention again, "We don't mean to intrude your personal life but not having a next-in-line puts your reign at risk. Your subjects want security, knowing that if something was to happen to you, they will have a rightful ruler to turn to. The kings before you were already married before they turned a hundred years old, you are now at a hundred and twenty-six."

I looked at her in disbelief, never being felt so dumbfounded. Since when did this turn from a "war cry" to a "you need to get married" meeting?

"We lost King Isaac tragically too," she went on to explain, "if your father hadn't crowned you his heir and secured the future of the throne, who knows what would've happened."

I blinked a few times to get rid of my father's horrible memories. Although he was a strict and cruel father, he gave up his life for the throne. He was raised to put the kingdom and his duties above everything, even his family. Which is why he wanted someone as powerful as me as his next heir because he thought I could protect it better than Valentino.

I was starting to see her point. I know it was unusual for a king to rule this long without a queen or a family of his own. Even our neighboring kingdoms had both a king and a queen to bring their nation to greater heights. It seemed remarkable, having someone rule by your side and share your burdens. Working like a team for a common goal or purpose, even splitting the tasks to accomplish more together.

But I was the king of all kings. I was the most powerful vampire king; I never felt the need to have someone share my responsibilities. I was more than capable of handling them myself.

"My king?" she brought me out of my thoughts.

"Must we find suitors for you?"

Wait, what?

"That won't be necessary. I will not be getting married, nor will I be bearing children anytime soon. It is time for me to enjoy my bachelorhood," Did I just say that?

There wasn't a woman in this world who I could commit to. I tried to a while ago but that didn't turn out in my favor. So, I've given up on that thought. I will not be getting married, ever.

"I'm sorry, your majesty," Alec said, "I don't think you understand. This is not a proposal, the court has decided that moving forward this would be best for the kingdom, and you must find someone to settle down with."

"I haven't read a single rule book where it says I have to get married before a certain age," I scowled at them.

"Perhaps not, but we hold the power to decide what is in our nation's best interest. You must find us a queen before this season ends or hand over your crown to Valentino, since he does have a mate to start a family with. He would be the next rightful heir and then his children."

Were they being serious? I looked around shooting daggers through my eyes towards every single person present in the room. I hadn't even seen Valentino since he disappeared last time. My blood still boiled remembering what he did to Aliya during my birthday party. He has much to pay for, there is no way I will let him have the throne so easily. Grant him the only thing he has ever wanted. Hell no.

I didn't realize I had stood up during the conversation until my legs started to feel shaky, suddenly giving up. I slouched down into my chair, trying to process everything. The weakness that I had felt over the past few weeks washed over me again. My head started to feel heavy; all I remember hearing was shuffling of chairs and people calling out their king before the darkness welcomed me with its open arms.