Stolen Fate

Chapter One - Riley

Chapter One

Riley

“Do you know for certain she will be there?” Riley asked for what seemed like the hundredth time. Typically he is not so concerned and rather self absorbed, but this is no ordinary circumstance. And he was nervous.

The old man sighed. “Son, you need to find your nerve and relax. It is in your fate and hers to meet, she will be there. Now, take a breath and clear your worries.”

Riley did as his father told and it seemed to help a little. The two of them had been in chambers for over an hour in preparation and now the time was closing near. Riley couldn’t help but feel anxious as his destiny was about to be fulfilled; his soul completed. He had, like every other being within his father’s Kingdom, been promised a life mate and had been waiting impatiently for nearly two hundred years for her to arrive. One couldn’t blame him for being so nervous in the details being perfect.

This was, after all, a life changing day for him and the Kingdom in which he served. Being the sole heir to his father’s royal estate meant his meeting his life mate and her accepting his hand would seal his royal place. He would finally be able to retire his father and take the throne. Something he had dreamt about since a child. Something the entire Kingdom had been waiting for.

The young human servant finished fussing with his tie just in time; rising to her feet and bowing in respect before turning away. Riley hardly noticed the servants at all, except when he needed something or they annoyed him and this girl was testing his patience and walking a thin line. Though he couldn’t bring himself to discipline. In a way, he felt sorry for the pathetic girl. She was merely human after all, hardly worth the food to which she was fed and bed to which she slept as far as he was concerned.

It wasn’t that Riley hated humans. They were, after all, a food source for him and his kind. So on some level he housed respect for them. But that didn’t mean he had to like them. In all of his life he had never met one worthy enough for his to even consider liking.

Unlike his father, whom was known to be kind and caring to all creatures, including humans. It is his kind heart that allowed such creatures to walk the halls of the castle at all. Once Riley was King he envisioned some changes taking place.

“Now, you will be in the grand hall in half an hour. Your carriage will be prepped and waiting and you will not be late.” The King said as he rose to his shaky feet, cane in hand, and strolled over to his son one wobbly step at a time.

Riley rolled his eyes. With the churning in his stomach, the last thing he would think of doing is be late for his own meeting.

When Riley didn’t respond right away the King whacked him on the back of the head with his cane. Something he tended to do when demanding respect. He was, above all else, the King after all. And respect was a demand not an option. Even for stubborn loyals from the same blood.

Wincing from the sudden contact and painful shock, Riley rubbed his head and answered a robotic ‘yes father’. Satisfied, the King then retreated and Riley was yet again alone with the servant girl.

She was refilling his glass in silence. He kept an eye on her, watching closely as she placed the glass back on the chest and sealed the pitcher before placing it besides the glass. An expressionless look upon her face. He pretended to busy himself within his wardrobe, preparing his luggage for the trip, when in reality he was timing his next moves accordingly.

Riley came off as mean and heartless to some; a reputation of lashing out and acting selfish while remaining completely and utterly respected. Most feared him and his unpredictable ways while few knew better. Truth was, he was very much full of heart but opted to keep it hidden. He despised how his fathers true colors were worn on his sleeve. It opened the King up for so much dismay that Riley refused to follow along. He much would rather people come to their own conclusions. It typically guaranteed him being left alone, much as he preferred it to be.

But in being opposite as he appeared didn’t mean he wasn’t allowed a little fun once in a while; if not for appearances sake than simply for his own amusement. And one of his favorite past times was to play with weaker species who would in other circumstances be more like prey to his kind.

Counting steadily in his head … one, thump thump, two, thump thump … using his keen hearing to monitor the servants heart beats he continued until the timing was just right for the ultimate chance of surprise.

Any good hunter knows the power of surprise works only on your side when used correctly. Sure, they prey might be aware of your presence, but if they feel you no threat they will not hide. Though a good game of cat and mouse is always a crowd pleaser, Riley was also keen on not breaking a sweat.

Especially when wearing the most expensive of attire with limited time supply.

The girl moved along unknowingly as she continued with her chores. Dusting this and that, straightening the draperies, flattening the beddings, fluffing the pillows … and just before she turned past the doorway Riley leaped from his standing with a feral hiss and scared the poor girl to shriek, sending the pile of perfectly folded linens she was holding high in the air as she flung herself backwards, landing on the floor with a thud.

Riley couldn’t resist as he broke out in hysterics at the girls face. White as if seeing a ghost, with a heart beat so erratic one would swear she was heading towards an attack.

Realizing the game, the girl gathered composure and quickly rose to her feet all too eager to scurry from the room, which only made Riley belt out louder as tears threatened to trickle.

The girl hastily disappeared from the room just as the door opened before her, unveiling a familiar guest.

Sir Marcus watched with no expression as the girl continued to scurry down the hall and around the corner towards the stairwell. Looking back at the hysterical Riley, he shook his head. Waiting for the booming laughter to subside, he then cleared his throat to announce his presence.

“Teasing the help again I see. Your father will not be happy if you sicken another one and you know what he promised if you do.” He spoke matter-of-factly with a pointed look at Riley. He wasn’t much older than Riley, just a decade or so, but it was enough to raise his maturity level in the grandest of scales. Marcus understood the rules of the kingdom set forth by the elders and he respected them enough to follow them. Unlike the childish, fun seeking Riley, Marcus was not willing to risk his place within the Kingdom for a moment of laughter. Even if it looked worth while at the time. In some ways, he envied Riley’s nonchalant way of life. Though he would never admit it.

Riley composed himself down to a smile before speaking. “Oh Markie, when will you loosen up and have a little fun?” He teased while wrapping an arm around his old buddies shoulders.

“With all due respect, you know I hate when you call me that Your Majesty” Marcus replied with a frown as Riley’s arm dropped and he brushed his suit back wrinkle free.

“As I the formalities” Riley replied with a humph as he turned to gather his jacket, placing it in the crook of his arm before turning back towards his old friend. “I imagine they sent you to gather me then?” He said in a much more stern tone. The very tone expected of him when speaking to others.

Marcus nodded.

“Very well then.” Riley gestured to the exit, turning to lock the door before continuing down to the grand hall where his father was undoubting waiting for him.

Being the rebel son that he was, he already had a plan of his own in mind that went against his fathers wishes. Purposely falling behind in stance, Riley quickly lost his escort and successfully slipped into an unused office where he then made his way through a series of closed doors out to the back yard towards the garages. Climbing into his beloved red and black Bugatti Veyron, a smile quickly spread across his face as he revved the engine and peeled out towards the gates.