The mad king's obsession

Chapter 1 

I sat lazily on the red couch in my father’s study. His father - the king of the vampires sat behind his huge mahogany desk which has a pile of old books arranged on one side and the other a pile of messy papers. The room was surrounded by shelves and books with no space for a window and like the rest of the mansion was warm - very unusual, for vampires are not really affected by temperature except if  the temperature is extremely hot like the sun. 

 If not of their names, they wouldn’t be recognised as father and son. King Christopher Vladimir Ashton's face was older.  Unlike any of his kind, his face has now wrinkles - a sign of poor diet .His coal eyes were transfixed to a book he was reading, I tilted my head to the side and downwards to get a glimpse of the title -  heroes.

‘’ You called. ‘’ I said, just to start the conversation. Kate was waiting outside, probably shivering in cold. She is nothing. Who cares. I thought instantly in my mind to relieve the clenching in my chest.

My father’s eyes snapped to me and I momentarily straightened. Yes, he was old  but no, the aura of authority and danger still surrounded him. I let myself relax. Successfully, I did, but then again, I froze as my ears heard  the wind howling from outside. Kate. 

‘’ May I know why you summoned me father? ‘’ I asked, silently surprised that my voice sounded out calm. But the truth was guilt was eating me inside. Kate..

My father was silent for a little bit as he continue to read and then I watched as he folded the top of the page that he was on. I tightly closed my mouth, not wanting to snap.

‘’That book is very depressing. ‘’ father said after closing the damn book. I forced myself not to frown at him and keep my face inscrutable. I bit my tongue to refrain myself from demanding what he wanted.

‘’ I ordered Charles to get the girl inside the mansion, son.’’ My hands gripped the handle of the armchair I was sitting on. For some reason, a heavy feeling was building up inside me. I don’t know why, but the feeling started when my father said ‘charles’. I knew it was jealousy. But hell will freeze first before I admit it. How dare him do this? She’s mine!

I stood up in my feet and hastily walk with long strides towards the door. I heard before I saw the door locked. Swallowing my sudden rage, I spoke with my back on him. ‘’ I want out father. ‘’ 

‘’ Where would you go? Your mate is safe don’t worry. I ordered Charles to bring her to one of my guestrooms. No one would touch her. My servants have a strong control over themselves. ‘’ My father said lightly as if leaving his mate with the hands of another is nothing.  I balled my hands into fist, trying to put all my frustrations in the action.

 ‘’ Is it about your cousin Charles? He’s a good lad. He’s not going to touch her or take her away from you. ‘’

‘’ What is it that you want? ‘’ I growled out, the past calmness forgotten.

I turned to him as I heard the scraping of his chair against the wooden floor as he got up. No one would ever think that my father was centuries and more old. He looked no younger than a man in his 30’s. Normally, vampires look more younger. Depends on the blood they drink. 

If we drink from young blood, their blood would be sweeter and younger, making us young as well. Kate is young. And fresh. Her blood did not disappoint. And I want to see her now.

“I have a story to tell you”

 “ I am too old for that father “ I said in between my gritted teeth. A story? He’s locking me here for a story? “ I suggest you write a book and I’ll be more than happy to purchase it. “

 I was surprised as father chuckled. “ of course you would. You love reading. “ He paused and for a moment I noticed his eyes turned blank and faraway. I tapped my foot impatiently on the shiny floor and tucked my hands in my pocket - a certain habit of mine. I was about to open my mouth when he beat me into it. 

“Come, son. “ he said and turned to the shelves behind him. Hesitantly, I walked forward.  The earlier he tells his story, the earlier I can go home. I cringed inwardly when I saw her face when I mentioned home. Damn her. She can die for all I care. 

Father had touched a spot on the wooden shelf that towered over us and stretched as far to the ceiling. The shelves just in front of us moved backward and then each went sidewards, making a doorway for us. Inside, were stairs leading the way up. 

There were lights attached on the side of the separated shelves and then continued upwards inside the secret stairs I’ve never been before. I’ve been into secret passages like these and It was not a surprise that this old mansion has one or perhaps there are more somewhere. Following the vampire who made me his son and heir, I couldn’t help but scowl angrily at his back. It was childish. But I couldn’t bother at what the old man wanted to tell. But he’s king. When I am king then the old man wouldn’t be able to order me like a dog! 

When we reached the bottom of the stairs, it felt like we were walking up the stairs forever. I didn’t feel tired but my patience was running out at every second. 

‘’ We’re here. ‘’ Father said. I frowned, curious of the other room in front of us. There was no door but a curtain made of little diamond gems. Father went in and a whiff of lavender and roses hit my nose. It was a familiar scent. 

‘’ What -- ‘’ I trailed off as when I stepped in, a girl’s room was revealed. The walls were light orange while the ceiling was creamy white. There were candles lit on all sides of the room. There were no windows. What shocked me was the girl sleeping or lying on the queen-size bed at the middle of the room. My own feet seemed to have their own mind as I stepped closer with long strides, leaving my father behind me who was rooted on his feet when he entered the room.

Beautiful. Her hair was dark and shiny and was spread onto the pillow like black ink. In contrast, her skin was creamy white and it shone, even under the candlelight. She has the perfect eyebrows and long eyelashes that is the same as the colour of her hair. Her lips was still rich pink. Almost like before, back in the 1800’s.

‘’ M-mother... ‘’ I heard a breathless whisper and ignored the fact the sound was from me. I looked at her, up and down. She was wearing a long sleeved white silk night gown and a sheet covered her lower body. I touched her only to pull back as if electrified. The room was warm but why is she not? 

I turned my head to father as he sat on the bed next to her and gently caressed her cheek and then her hair. ‘’ I want to tell you a story.’’ he said again.

His voice was gentle. His eyes were on her, gazing closely on her face. I watched father as he closed his eyes and pressed his lips on her cheek. Lots of questions were in my mind. I have loads of what, why and how’s.  They can wait.

‘’ Have a seat on the couch behind you, son. ‘’ Still, dumbfounded, I took a few step back until my legs touched the chair behind me and then sat down. 

My father’s black empty eyes lifted and met mine. He offered me a smile - a smile that was like his eyes - EMPTY. He made himself comfortable beside mother. And then used his one elbow to prop himself up sidewards so he was facing me and mother.

‘’ This is a story of a mad king, a young human girl of 18 and his secret obsession of her.... ‘’