The Last Vampire Hunter

Chapter 39

Lord Philip

I hate Council meetings and I hate them more now that I have a mate waiting for me at home. As a member of the Royal Family, I've had to attend my fair share of meetings. Especially during the First War. However, now...all I wanted to do was stroke my mate's hair while I read to her, listen to her play her violin or just hold her close to my body. Tonight, I will actually take her. Tonight, I'd very much like to Mark her. If she let's me. I had hoped our bond would strengthen at a faster rate. I hadn't expected her to resist it. However, given the way I'd treated her and what Alex had done to her, it was understandable that she would be resistant. I would have to be patient. Except, patience was not one of my virtues.

I sighed as we all stood up and began leaving the room. Alexander had managed to once again find the solution to another one of the many problems that have plagued us since the Wars. His discovery of Salam's work, the Vampire gene has breathed a new life and purpose within the Council. Plans for the next Selection were already well on their way with many more of the Originals planning to attend than is usual. I looked over to the man on my right.

Alex walked in silence. I could tell he was brooding. Likely he was already laying plans based on what was discussed in this meeting and preparing for the next one. He was a brilliant diplomat and good ruler. Our Realm has flourished under him and other Kings have looked to him for guidance on how to handle the humans. Though he is my nephew, we've never referred to each other that way. We were friends. I found him interesting.

I'm older, actually I'm closer to Nicholae's age than Alex's. I was Mated to his aunt, his father's sister. When we sealed our union, I became a part of the Basarab family. When I met Alex he was a teenager, immersed in books and fascinated by humans. I've saved his life twice and stood by his side more times than I can count. I often supported his challenges to the Council with my vote. I believed many of his ideas were sound, even if they were a bit unorthodox.

I am a Prince myself, though as the youngest of the males, I am well down the line of heirs. My lineage can be traced to the Medici House in Italy, those of us who were Originals, went down into the caves leaving behind Half Bloods and full humans to rule in Italy during the late fifteenth century. When we emerged from the Imprisonment, most of the family line in Italy disappeared. My family, led by my father, emigrated to the United States to form the Dorato Realm.

I am Prince Filippo Giovanni de' Medici, Prince of the Dorato Realm. However, when we emerged from the caves, I stayed behind in the Crimson Realm and my dear friends, Nicholae and his son Alexandru. In this Realm I've been given various titles including Duke. However, like most nobles who have acquired royal titles in our lifetime, most refer to us as "Lord" unless a formal introduction was made. Nicholae shortened my name from Filippo the Anglican Philip. I have not been "across the pond" as they say, to visit my family in New York where their Kingdom lies for over a century. I have very little of a familial bond to my brothers, nieces and nephews. I am much closer to Nicholae and Alexandru and have been with them since coming to England in the 1500s.

My parents had seven sons and nine daughters. This was made possible thanks to my father's inability to remain faithful to my mother. Eventually he gave his favorite flings the title of Consort and made my mother Consort Queen, to acknowledge her hierarchy in the rank of women lovers. I was the last born, born of the Consort Queen, though it didn't really make a difference. All my sisters died during the First War with my mother and the other Consorts. I also lost two older brothers. My brothers had all had sons or daughters. I'd had a son that I lost in my Mate's womb and I have my daughter Francesca, who is acknowledged as a Royal in the Dorato Realm because she is of my blood but could never hold a position of power because she is not an Original.