Queen and King of the Darkside

11

Antanasia

I look at Saasha, and smile to myself. At last I have gotten her to break free from her shell. And Min seems to enjoy her company, as well.

A shower of popcorn bombards the side of my head. "Hello, earth to Jessica! You're missing the best part, the Zombies are about to be re-introduced with death."

I roll my eyes, " You and your zombie movies are gross, just saying." I laugh as she gives me a mock pouting face.

"At least I didn't like those old Nosferatu black and white movies," she says in a nonchalant tone.

"Have you seen the council members? At least Nosferatu was more realistic than your love affair with 'sparkly vampires'." She throws more popcorn at me and squeaks a bit.

"Oh a low blow, I am truly hurt... How was I suppose to know that we weren't meant to be fabulous... Let alone that vampires truly exist?" She winks and tosses her hair over her shoulder.

"Ah, ignorance is bliss, or was wasn't it? I didn't have to worry about anyone taking my life.... But this life's pros far out way it's cons." Saasha, who has been quiet throughout this little "argument", pipes in.

" You are very lucky, to be surrounded by all this love..." She looks down at the floor, "My father once told me that love is the most powerful thing that has ever been... I mean look at what it did to that husband of yours. He went from vicious war dog, to a lovesick puppy," she laughs.

"Tru-" the sound of screams cut me off... I look at Mindy and nod. She grabs Saasha's and runs for the tapestry hanging at the other end of the room.

"Just incase it's someone after you, we need to get you somewhere safe," Mindy says, "It simply wouldn't do to have a royal guest dying on us... Follow this tunnel all the way down until it comes to a split, take a left and you'll come out where Lucius should be with Jasper. Now go ,we'll be fine!" Mindy pushes her into the tunnel. She had just got the tapestry settled back when there was a loud crash outside the door.

"Please, just be clumsy servants and some Halloween pranks. I am not in the mood for bullshit tonight..." Was the last thing I heard before the door flew off the hinges and exploding against the wall beside us

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Saasha

My heartbeat and my own foot falls, is the only noise I can hear. My hand glides along the walls smooth surface feeling for the split, because in this kind of total darkness it's difficult for even my vampire eyes to see.

I stop for a sec. "Shit! Why didn't I think of this earlier.." 'Lucius? Can you hear me?' I call out with my mind

'Saasha, what is it? He finally replys

'Someone is in the castle, we heard screaming. Melinda and Antanasia think it's the people after me-'

'What? Is she okay? Wait where are you?' He cuts across me

'I'm coming to you through the tunnels... They sent me to find you, I suppose I am to look after the child' I can feel rage and fear bubble through our mental connection before he withdrew.

I take off running again with new energy... Even though me and Lucius have called a truce, I would still rather avoid the wrath of a Vladescu who feels like he's got something precious to protect.

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Lucius

No sooner Saasha burst into the room I head for the tunnel as fast as my feet could carry me. 'Harm my son in anyway... You'll beg for destruction' I cast my thoughts at Saasha. I am still uneasy of her presence in our home.

'He is of my own blood. I would sooner run into your stake, than cause intentional harm to a Dragomir' she scoffs at me. At least there's that. 'Lets hope you are still as fast and deadly as in our youth, I just heard more screams and an awful lot of other noises'.

I'm almost to the end of the tunnel when I hear a heavy accent.

"Where is the Duchess? No? No matter.. We'll have you instead."

"Like hell! No one touches my bestfriend!" Melinda yells and I assume she attacks the mystery man, for there's a slight commotion.

I burst through the tapestry in time to see Melinda get thrown and the attacker lunge toward the only woman I love. A growl escapes me as I throw myself at him. I catch him off guard just enough to drive my stake into his chest, but not deep enough to kill him. He had seen me at the last second and pushed back before I could possibly peirce his heart.

He staggers for a moment before throwing himself out the window. "Mindy!" Antanasia runs to where her friend slumps against the wall.

"I'm fine. The bastard hits like a girl... I'm surprised he could even lift me," she jokes which meant she wasn't hurt to bad.

I grab my wife and wrap my arms around her, as my mind went back to the intruders. Feeling her hand touch the side of my face, I look down at hers.

"Don't do it, Lucius. I know what you are thinking, even without mental connection. You can't destroy everyone." I sigh knowing she's right, I'd only cause more harm than good.

"I'll call Ronnie, he needs to be here..." Melinda growls

"I'm sure he'll be none too pleased to hear about someone put their hands on you."

She looks over her shoulder at me, and smiles. "If he's not dead he will be."

I look back down at Antanasia as Melinda walks out of the room. "How did she do against the would be assassin?"

"Raniero, would be proud. She almost had him, but he got a hand free... But enough of this lets go get Jasper, get some rest."

"Agreed."

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