Kidnapped ~A Prinxiety Story~

Chapter 29: Backstory

Warning: mention of death

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<Roughly 300 years ago>

"Hello there." Romulus says, sitting up on a rock by the river. Vanessa looks at him. "Hello?" she says. "Forgive me, where are my manners? My name is Romulus." he says with a nod.
"Vanessa. It's a pleasure to meet you, Romulus." Vanessa says, smiling. "Are you alright?" Romulus asks. "Why wouldn't I be? It's a lovely day." Vanessa says. "Indeed, but something tells me you've been hurt." Romulus says, hopping off the rock.

"What, this? It's just a scratch; I get them all the time when I swim. But how'd you know?" Vanessa asks, tilting her head. "I wouldn't want to scare you off by telling you, now would I?" Romulus responds, smiling.
"You won't scare me." Vanessa tells him, crossing her arms. "Maybe that's true, maybe it's not. But I'll tell you; I smelled your blood, that's what drew me over." Romulus says. "Smelled my blood? Why, that's impossible unless you're an animal, Mr. Romulus."

"Ah, you're wrong there. All it takes is a keen nose. Though, I suppose humankind wasn't gifted with that ability, were they?" Romulus says. "You speak of humanity as though you're not a part of it. Why is that?" Vanessa asks.
"What if I told you that's because I'm not? Would you believe me?" Romulus asks her. Vanessa laughed quietly. "Obviously not, you look human to me." she says. "Looks can be deceiving, though, can't they? Why don't you have a bit of a closer look at me, and tell me if I still look human to you?"

Vanessa tilts her head and walked up to him. "Don't be shy." Romulus says, looking her in the eyes. "Your eyes.. I assumed it was the sun's doing, but they really are red, aren't they?" Vanessa asks. "Indeed they are."
"So.. If you could smell my blood.. With that eye color... Are- this is going to sound so very silly, but... Are you a vampire, by chance?" she asks. Romulus nods in response. "Of course, if you don't believe me, you can go ahead and touch my fangs if you so please. I promise I won't bite." he says, giving a small happy smirk.

"But, if you are a vampire, doesn't that mean you survive by drinking the blood of humans? Why should I trust you not to bite me?" Vanessa asks cautiously. "Believe me, if I really wished to bite you, I'd've done it already." Romulus says, letting her touch his fangs.

"They're real.." she whispered, a bit in awe. "And sharp, be careful. They are specifically designed to pierce through flesh, you know." Romulus tells her.

"So.. How old are you, exactly? If you're a vampire..?" Vanessa asks. "I'm 234 years old." Romulus tells her. "234?! I'm 16, you're much older than me!" she says. "Chronologically, yes. Though, I'm still in early teenage years for vampires, while you're in the middle teenage years for humans. So technically, were I a human like you, you'd be older." Romulus says.

"What would be considered a mid teen for you, then?" Vanessa asks. "Anywhere from 300-400 years of age. In other words, I'm currently roughly the equivalent of a 14 year old human boy." Romulus answers.
"I see.. Well, it's starting to get late; I really must get going.. Meet me here tomorrow?" Vanessa says. Romulus nods. "I'll see you, then. It was a pleasure meeting you." he says.

"Likewise."

~~~

"What are you doing?" Romulus asks one day, standing behind Vanessa. "I'm trying to find an herb for my mother." Vanessa tells him. "Which one? I'm quite familiar with plant life." Romulus says.
"Chamomile; she's been having a hard time getting to bed at night, and she said that herb is supposed to help.." Vanessa says. "Chamomile? The soil is too wet for it to grow here. I do, however, happen to know where some grows, if you'll follow me?"