Something Sweet, Something Sinister; The War Begins (A Vampire Novel)

Chapter 12

I stayed in the same clothes that I had borrowed before when we left to grab breakfast, knowing we would soon get new ones and then I would shower and change into those later. Pierce on the other hand, had changed into his formal attire like he was about to attend an important meeting.

Breakfast was a very special thing to the royal family, and I felt nervous approaching the dining hall.  The tables were stocked with bountiful amounts of food, and there was a goblet of blood next to every chair. At least, I felt like it was safe to assume it was blood since I was in a vampire castle.

Most of the chairs were already occupied and I felt myself looking towards Pierce for comfort. He seemed just as nervous as I was to go inside, and we both walked at the slowest pace we could manage without looking stupid.

To my disappointment, Pierce took a seat next to his brother. I went to sit down with him when his stern voice startled me and I froze.

"Not there, Calla. You will stand."

Cyrus seemed to be enjoying himself, watching as I took a sharp breath and stayed standing.

I knew that it was all for appearances, but there was no way I would get used to hearing this version of him. 

"Son," A deep voice boomed across the table. 

I kept my eyes low, trying not to bring myself any unwanted attention.

"Father," Pierce responded. There was no emotion in his reply. He obviously wasn't in a very forgiving mood after what happened.

"I see you decided to bring your pet to the table. Calla, was it? Has she been vaccinated yet? I would hate to have to confiscate her because of your negligence."

Pierce visibly stiffened, and I felt my shoulders tighten. What the hell was he talking about?

"All of her appointments are scheduled, father. We have one later today, where she will get the first one. I may not have purchased a pet before, but I am not an abusive owner."

I raised my head to try and find Pierce's gaze, wondering what he could possibly mean. He didn't give me any kind of sign that he even noticed.

"Good. If I find out that you ever miss an appointment, I will have no choice but to revoke your ownership."

"Yes, father."

His mother never spoke a word during their conversation, and when they were done, no one said anything else for the remainder of the meal.

I stood in the same spot the entire time, watching as Pierce and the rest of his family ate most of the food. The smells from various meats and cheeses flooded my nose, making my mouth water. As the meal persisted, I felt my stomach rumble in frustration. 

There were no other pets with their masters, and it made me feel even worse about my own presence. It felt like I shouldn't be in the dining hall while they ate breakfast, but I knew that Pierce wouldn't have brought me if that was the case. He wouldn't have even suggested it.

The table was practically wiped clean by the time everyone was done. They left the room in silence, except for me and Pierce. We waited for the room to be empty before he grabbed at some of the leftover items and put them on a plate. Only then did both of us let ourselves relax.

He looked around to make sure that no one was eavesdropping on us before he said something.

"We can sit here so that you can eat, or we can bring it with us. Now that they're gone, you are allowed to sit at the table."

"I would rather not bring it with us," I muttered. Standing there while everyone got to eat except for me was enough of an embarassment. I didn't need to be the only idiot carrying around a plate.