Chapter 66 Chapter Sixty-Six
Chapter Sixty-Six
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Zeke
A world I'd never known about, in my entire existence as a vampire.
We soon halted before a circle-shaped door, and Master Killian turned to me.
“No negotiations, Ezekiel. You have to come alone. The others would die if they accompanied you.” His tone held a hint of authority which irritated me.
I'd already parted my lips to refuse, when Natasha butted in.
“That's fine, we can wait.” Her tone was calm, and I deduced that she'd probably seen it from the future.
I turned to him. “I'll head in alone.”
I didn't turn back, as we moved through the door. I looked ahead, and observed carefully. This place was similar to our usual meeting place. Just that, it had an unusual eeriness to it, and the chairs were arranged in a weird sequence.
It was empty and vast, but I knew better than to assume there was no one there.
“Take your seat, young prince.” A vibrant voice said, piercing straight through my soul. I jolted.
This person was powerful.
As I took my seat, figures began materializing from the wall. They weren't cloaked like the others.
I could recognize some of them. All of them still retained their middle-age appearance, as vampires stopped aging at the age of fifty.
I spotted my grandfather, and my great-grandfather. One of them might have been the one who'd spoken.
Since our family was recognized as the royal bloodline, it meant that every king must come from our family. So, my great-grandfather, and grandfather were kings in their time.
It'd also make sense that they were the superiors here. I confirmed my suspicion in the next moment, when my great-grandfather spoke up. He sat at the head of the table.
This was the first time since generations, that I was setting my eyes on him. The same went for my grandfather.
“You are soiling the name of our kingdom, young prince.” My great-grandfather said.
I almost scoffed at the formal way he addressed me.
Young prince, not great-grandson.
I've heard a lot about how dictatorial his reign had been.
King Tyler.
I ignored how his voice had jolted my soul, and met his gaze without fear. He regarded me with interest.
“I need answers. The kingdom is in danger.”
“You aren't a king, young prince. You've also been stripped off your position as a member of The Prestigious Royal Circle. What makes you think we'd listen to whatever you have to say?” He asked slyly.
“You all granted me an audience. You wouldn't have done so, if you didn't believe that my information was of essence.” I said boldly.
He was silent for a moment, as if pondering over my words. And then he laughed loudly.
“Interesting. What answers do you seek, young prince?” He asked, reverting to his usual formal tone.
“The war between the vampires and other kingdoms,” I said, noting the cold gleam that crossed his eyes. “The Dark realm has nine pillars. All of a sudden, the Rogue-brids were removed as one of the pillars. I want to know what actually happened.”
“Audacious!” My grandfather slammed his hand on the table. I didn't flinch, as I held his gaze.
“You're already in danger, by bringing a human, and a See-brid to Mt Glacier. You're very much aware of the rule that doesn't allow women here. You ignored the rules, and you're demanding for answers?” He flared up.
I made a show of crossing my legs. “I'm being respectful enough by seeking answers directly from you guys, rather than going directly to dig out answers by myself. You can start talking now.” I said, leaning back on my chair, and making myself comfortable.
King Tyler didn't flare up like I expected, which made me a little bit uncomfortable.
I brushed off the feeling, though.
“What exactly do you want to know?” He asked.
“Were the Rogue-brids innocent?” I asked him, not breaking off eye contact with him.
“The war happened generations-generations ago. It happened in my reign.” He said.
I nodded slowly. “I'm well aware of that.”
He ignored my words, and continued. “The Rogue-brids were slowly becoming a threat to the Dark realm. They had to be exterminated.” He said without an ounce of emotion.
“And how were they becoming a threat? Did you perhaps fear that they'd become more powerful than you? Was that why you instigated a war with the See-brids?” I asked.
I felt I'd definitely pushed a button, because his lips curled up in a cold smile. His hitherto black eyes blazed a more darker shade of black.
“Mind the words you say, young prince.” Beneath his words lay his fury.
I faced him with a cold smile of my own.
“What? Did I finally hit a nerve?” I provoked.
“Enough! I've tolerated your insolence, only because of the fact that you come from my lineage. Any more of your arrogant words, and you'd regret it.” He warned.
I went silent, not because I was afraid of his threat, but because I was observing the layout of this room.
It might seem like an ordinary room, aside the eeriness. But I could see through the cloaking spells that masked the real appearance of this place.
From the brief meeting with these people, I came to a conclusion.
There was more to the war that happened years ago, than they let on.
“What is this danger you speak of?” King Tyler asked. Gone was the furious look on his face, and in its place was the normal leader look.
I smirked. “I'm afraid I'm unsatisfied with the response I've received. As such, I can't let you on into this important piece of information.” I said, rising to my feet.
“And do you think we'd let you leave just like that?” My grandfather; King Natchez said.
“Of course. I know how sly you guys are. But tell you what, you're going to allow me leave, and you're going to do it peacefully.” I leaned down, placing both hands on the table.
“Are you threatening us, young prince?” King Tyler asked.
“It depends on whatever way you chose to look at it. But threat is such a crude word. I'd like to call it negotiation.” I could tell that my great-grandfather was about to erupt in anger.
But I didn't care. This power-hungry vampire was the reason we were about to go to war.
Bastard.
“Bind him, and lock him up in the dungeon.” King Tyler ordered.