The King's Pet

Chapter 2

ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ྐ❤︎ 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 ´ཀ'

After a while, Lucas emerged from the bathroom, the steam a ghostly trail behind him. The maids had done their job well, and he was now clad in silk that clung to his form, outlining the muscular build and olive skin that made him look like a deity of old. His blonde hair, damp from the wash, fell carelessly over eyes that glowed red.

As Lucas approached, Bruce extinguished the cigar against the ashtray, the scent of tobacco lingering in the air. He rose, slowly, the weight of Bruce's own world settling on his shoulders. The night was still young and there was much to teach the young vampire on what it was like to live as royalty.

With a crook of his finger, Bruce beckoned Lucas over to which Lucas complied. His movements held a fluid grace to it, his steps almost silent as he steps forward. Yet, for all his physical prowess, there is an obedience in his steps, a lack of instinctual defiance that should have been Lucas's birthright as a creature of the night.

The auction house has done its work well, turning a being of power into a docile pet, responsive to the whims of his new owner.

It was a waste, Bruce thought, for someone of his stature to lack the survival instincts that his kind was known for.

It's a tragedy, one that stirs a rare flicker of something akin to regret within Bruce. But he pushed those thoughts aside and waited for Lucas to stand before him.

Once Lucas was close enough, Bruce placed a firm hand on his shoulder, meeting the vampire's gaze head-on.

"There" Bruce said, his voice slightly gruff. "Now you look every bit of royalty..."

A flicker of curiosity crossed Bruce's face and he took a firm, yet gentle hold of Lucas's chin, his large hand wrapping around Lucas's jaw, his thumb slightly grazing Lucas's lower lip. The intimacy of the moment was suffocating, as Bruce leaned down and gently probed his mouth open.

"You have fangs," Bruce mused aloud, eyes fixed on Lucas's mouth."How very intriguing," He added, as he used his thumb to press against the tip of one. Bruce's eyes flicked back up to Lucas's and Bruce allowed himself a small smile.

"Do you bite, pet?"

Lucas's eyes widen, it was clear that he was taken aback by the question and just when he was about to respond, his mouth opening to give a reply, Bruce's sharp cackle cut him off.

"What am I saying?" Bruce said, "You're a vampire!"

"Of course you bite!"

His hand dropped to his side and once more he gave Lucas that look again that was becoming all too familiar now.

"You do bite, don't you pet?"

A moment passed and for a moment, Bruce thought the vampire wouldn't respond and when he finally did, Bruce wished he hadn't.

"No, sir" Lucas replied, his voice meek.

Bruce sighed inwardly.

It was starting to get on Bruce's nerves, how this "vampire" was nothing more than just a pretty thing to look at. He wanted something powerful, something that will ensure Bruce's rein over Eldrid for decades to come.

Bruce pinched his nosebridge, suppressing the urge to backhand the boy.

"Must I continously remind you that you are a vampire, Lucas?" Bruce muttered under his breath.

He waved his hand dismissively, "Nevermind that, we have more...pressing matters to deal with. Now come."

As Bruce walked down the grand corridor, his stick resting behind his back, he could sense the vampire's amazement and this wasn't out of the ordinary. The grandeur of his mansion never failed to impress, even if Bruce rarely allowed himself to appreciate it.

The maids stood on high stools, meticulously cleaning the paintings and walls, their delicate hands moving with precision. They glanced down as Bruce passed, their faces lighting up with bright smiles that was almost painful to see..they quickly bowed their heads in greeting. "Good morning, Master Bruce," they shouted in unison, their voices joyful and enthusiastic to fit Bruce's standards.

The male servants were a flurry of activity, rushing about with purpose. Some carried trays laden with silverware, while others polished the already gleaming surfaces of the furniture. Despite their busyness, they all paused to acknowledge Bruce's presence, bowing deeply and offering respectful greetings. "Master Bruce," they said, their voices tinged with a hint of trepidation.

Wow.

Lucas thought, marveling at his surroundings, too engrossed in the beauty of it all to notice a servant that was heading his way. With a loud cluttering noise, the tray laden with silverware, fell onto the ground.

Bruce, didn't turn around however and continued walking. "Keep up" Bruce commanded, his voice cold and stern. Lucas quickly bent down and helped the poor man out and apologized sincerely for his actions before rejoining Bruce's side once more. This did not go unnoticed by Bruce and this only seemed to deepen Bruce's irritation with him.

Lucas was kind, a bit too kind, to everyone he encountered. That would have to change. Bruce thought as he stopped infront of the grand doors to the dining room. He tapped the floor with his walking stick, indicating to the guards that flanked either side of the door to open up. They did as they were told and opened the door revealing a large room with marble floors that gleamed under the crystal chandeliers. The velvet drapes framed the tall windows, their rich burgundy hue matching the upholstery of the dining chairs.

Lucas's gaze lingered on the intricately carved dining table-an antique piece that had been in Bruce's family for generations. Seeing Lucas's wonder brought a strange feeling in Bruce's chest but he refused to acknowledge it and instead sat down at the head of the table.

"Sit," Bruce grunted, gesturing to one of the velvet chairs.

Lucas hesitated, then lowered himself onto the plush cushion.

"Food will be served shortly," Bruce said, his voice stern. "Eat what's given to you. No complaints."

Lucas nodded, his eyes still wide. He was hungry, Bruce could tell-the way Lucas licked his lips, the subtle growing of his fangs. But he'd learn to control himself. Bruce wouldn't tolerate weakness, not even from a vampire as beautiful as him.

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