To be King...

Chpt 1: Home Again

5 years later

"It's good to have you home Darci, even in these circumstances." His father speaks, a warmth coloring his tone and his blue eyes.

"It's good to be home father." he speaks, a smile glinting in his blue eyes even as his face remains passive. His voice, though kept low, echoes in the chamber of the Royal Council. Several sets of ears twitch at the sound, the Council members. His father sits high up, level with his shoulders, along with Vlad Dracula, Amos Vitali and James Aleo. They are all the original members of the Council, turned by Vlad himself, and they all were here to hear a report from his overseas search.

"I take it there was no luck to be had in Europe?" Amos asks, actual regret in his tone.

"No." For this Darci feels almost ashamed. He's reaching the age of maturity, an age where he will join Council as well, only a step beneath his father, and yet he does not have the one thing he needs to join. The other Council members have their children already at their side, but he was still held back from the position for something he cannot control.

"So you still haven't found your mate yet? It's a pity, it's best to get familiar with the Council as young as possible." James speaks up, voice smug and arrogant. Darci feels anger rise in him. It isn't as if he asked to join, it isn't as if it's his fault they will not train him, it's not his fault that... that he still can't find his mate while his younger brother already feels the pull.

He stands there in silence, waiting for his next question. It's custom to not speak unless spoken to, and though James asked him a question, he chooses to ignore it knowing it's another point against his favor.

"I truly am sorry for you Darci, I don't remember the pull myself, but my son says it's like coming home. Maybe you could speak to him about it, he'll be at the Council shortly now." James' voice is like nails scraping against glass, it almost physically hurts him to listen to his daggered words about his person.

"Enough James, the boy just got home, let him rest." Amos chides, hitting the man's chest with a mocha skinned hand and a reproachful gaze.

"We all know what this means Amos, the boy-" Vlad's voice booms above those of Aleo and Vitali, his annoyance palpable.

"It is indeed a shame you were unable to locate your mate, as we all know you cannot become a full member of the Council without the other. You are still young, and there is plenty of time for you to feel the pull, for now... due to your family circumstances you may start your rudimentary training here once a week. Amos will oversee your education in the archives." Amos sits taller in his high backed chair and gives Darci an encouraging smile, excitement lighting his brown eyes. James, on the other hand, seems nearly enraged, and the bitterest part of Darci is happy for that.

"Thank you, this means a lot to me and to my family." Darci says nodding his head low to Vlad, eyes fixed on the podium in front of Vlad.

"You still must look for your mate, search inside yourself for the pull." His father, Sevro Cabot, tells him softly, confirming the obvious.

"The Council joins again for a ball in Mid- June, by then we can only hope you feel the pull, if not... you'll have to wait half a century before joining again." The room goes silent at Vlad's decree.

"Maybe try the local schools, the humans there will be of similar age..." Amos is cut off by a vicious green eyed glare from James.

"You may go." Vlad dismisses, "And Darci? It's good to have you back." With this, the young man walks out of the Chamber, footsteps echoing even when he's left.