Into Darkness

Prelude II

Helencia Castle, Lysithea

Cerberus paced back and forth anxiously, palms clasped in contemplation. His mind had been restless all day as he thumbed through various court propositions. The bottle of Sanguis that once was full beside him was now nearly empty.

"Your majesty" Aspen intercepted as he stepped into the royal study, "I have the immigration reports from the border". Cerberus nodded, holding out a gloved hand. He toyed with the edge of the thick parchment, carefully eyeing the contents.

It was very rare to have immigrants arrive in Lysithea. The immigration process for humans was extremely timely and costly. As for vampyr, Lysithea served as a place of asylum and safety, where one could avoid being hunted. Cerberus traced his finger over the names printed on the parchment. No vampiyr immigrants this quarter, Cerberus noted. However, there was a young human couple moving to Asteaia. Lady Ophelia Faustus of Svvixx and Lord Madrid Faustus of Babalon. Placing the reports to his right, Cerberus busied himself in his work.

Several hours later, and well into the evening he rose, pleased with the current status of the country. Lysithea was prospering as a nation, and King Cerberus was extremely proud to see it. He glanced, very relieved at the pile of finished paperwork. Pulling out his ornate pocket watch, he balked at the time. Why, he had been holed up in his study for twelve hours.

Strolling into the hall, he asked a nearby maid to send supper for him and Aristogeiton in his chambers. Thanking her, he continued towards the palace's music room. Hearing the beautiful sounds of the viola, he smiled.

Stepped into the room, ensuring he was quiet. He watched his dear friend finish the beautiful sonata they was playing, then turn around.

"Fancy a late evening meal, your grace?" Aristogeiton asked as Cerberus smiled. Tossing an arm over their shoulder once the vampyr had placed their viola down, he laughed. "Mon ami, you know me as well as I know my right hand" he whispered as Aristogeiton burst into laughter, gently shoving his arm off them.

"Cerberus, you have the foulest mouth" Aristogeiton taunted as Cerberus rolled his eyes. "Says the one with the mouth of a sailor" he answered, tugging the vampyr out the door. Aristogeiton rolled their eyes and pouted. Cerberus grinned, bemused at their little game. It had grown over the years, and evolved into a complex charade that never failed to perplex everyone around them. Ari never desired any courtship of any sort, yet was more than happy to pursue their carnal desires. On the other hand, he had no desire for courtship, nor intimacy of a sexual nature.

"I am capable of walking, you know? You don't have to drag me down the corridor" Aristogeiton huffed. Cerberus chuckled lowly. "If I didn't then I'd be locked in the study, listening to your prattle". Aristogeiton glared at him, before marching into Cerberus's chambers.

As the two sat down at the table, Cerberus uncorked the bottle of sanguis, pouring them each a glass. Aristogeiton clucked their tongue, disapproving. "It's frightful how much of that you drink" they muttered as Cerberus laughed. "Mon ami, one drinking sanguis is hardly scandalous. After all, sang is the essence of the soul, is it not?"

Aristogeiton nodded but shot Cerberus an exasperated look. Cerberus grinned knowingly, making a kiss noise as Ari grimaced. They made a lewd gesture with their hand in response as Cerberus rolled his eyes, uncovering the food before them as a delectable smell wanted through the air. Fresh baked lamb, with mint sauce permeated the air, carrying with it the gamey scent of meat. Roasted vegetables covered in a balsamic reduction sat adjacent to the meat, accompanied by a fresh baguette, and squash soup. The scent of the food mixed together, swirling to create a delectable aroma in the air.

The corner of King Cerberus's mouth upturned as he watched Aristogeiton pour themself a generous helping of soup. The cooks knew to prepare it with their evening meal, despite the fact Cerberus secretly found squash soup distasteful. The two always ate together after all, and the servers gradually stopped setting out a soup bowl for the King. If Aristogeiton ever noticed, they didn't say anything. Placing several slices of lamb into his plate, Cerberus glanced up only to see Aristogeiton staring at their soup. Odd.

"What ever is the matter mon ami?" Cerberus asked, confused at how his friend's demeanour changed so quickly. Aristogeiton glanced up at him, lips pursed together in avid discontentment. "It's about Asteaia, Cerberus. As you know, I accompanied Cyan and Damian several afternoons ago to deliver supplies to the orphanage. I noticed firsthand the lack of respect for the Crown, and how isolated the human sector is from the rest of the nation. The sector truly functions as a different society."

King Cerberus rubbed his temples in frustration. "Asteaia has always been problematic and burdensome. As the human sector, they are disconnected from the rest of society. Unfortunately that is the only way our country can prosper and thrive. I have tried to ameliorate this dilemma for decades, with no results" he answered.

Aristogeiton nodded, obviously frustrated. "I understand your plight, but it is creating a divide within the vampyr sectors. Asteaia doesn't provide resources or materials to the rest of the kingdom, yet consumes the majority of Lysithea's charitable resources."

Cerberus nodded. "It is a problem that shall not be easily solved, I'm afraid. Many of Asteaia's problems result from the worst parts of human nature. That is why it is best to keep the humans separate from the rest of Lysithea. It is safer for everyone that way. You know how imperative the charitable resources are in Asteaia. Without then, the human sector would be on the precise of disaster. Take the orphanage for instance. Human children whom are orphans would starve without the financial resources we've allocated".

Aristogeiton sighed. "I am aware of the need for the resources, but the humans are so foolish and misuse them. Under your reign, you've funded a library, orphanage and educational institution and the Asteaians have let it all fall to ruin. Worst of all, we cannot intervene in their politics without causing a revolution. C'est une catastrophe!"

Cerberus listened, his mind becoming clouded with stress. His chair scraped across the marble floor, making a loud vile sound as he stood. He needed to get some air, and quickly. Wiping his hands on a ruby napkin, Cerberus straightened his alabaster robes. "If you'll excuse me for a moment Ari, I'd like to get some air in the gardens"

Cerberus strode outside, pacing impatiently in the manicured gardens. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. It was hardly a surprise that the human sector needed more funds, and he had an heir to find, council meetings to attend, laws to review, plus the negotiations with Mycion. King Cerberus sighed heavily, hoping that his stroll outside the castle walls would ameliorate some of the stress.

Hopefully, he could find a solution for the kingdom's countless problems. It seemed like there was constantly things to change and do. C'est la vie, après tout. Cerberus was determined to do what was best for the kingdom - he just has to think about what that meant in a leader. No ruler was without flaw, but the flaw defined the ruler.

He must find them eventually. The one to lead the future, and better Lysithea in a way that they kingdom couldn't imagine. A pampered noble perhaps wouldn't be the best choice, many kingdoms had surely learned that lesson. What Lysithea needed, was a ruler with heart and hopes, whom was also realistic and just.

King Cerberus reached his hand towards the ground, drawing it along the lush, green bush of the forest floor as he went. Stretching his neck upwards, he peered at the night sky and the stars. The stars seem to twinkle almost as if they were a promise of life in the darkness, a sense of warmth from the cold.
The King inhaled deeply, smelling the soft scent of pine compliment the sharpness of the crisp cold winter's air. Cerberus's eyes smiled as he thought of the faraway stars and how they'd return, night after night when the shadows blended into the dark.

Cerberus was determined. Even if it took him to his dying breath - he would select the next king or queen, the true heir to Lysithea.