Chapter 62
“Child, the sovereign lord ordered me to take you to the kitchen. You are in need of sustenance.” My new guardian muttered, flinging the door open with a thundering crack; the lock snapping.
I yelped, my head snapping towards him as he shook his head in annoyance, my pulse increasing. Jumping to my feet, I pushed back into the corner, locking eyes with the vampire as he stormed towards where I cowered; his misty black eyes furious. I silently scolded myself for believing that the door would protect me against the impossibly strong creatures, knowing that they could destroy everything in their paths. - How could I be so foolish? - I would never be safe when in their presence, never have a moment with my thoughts, or be given a choice of my own.
“Come, child.” Maric uttered, gripping my arm as he took a step towards me.
“Wait! I ... I need to dress first.” I stuttered fearful, glancing down at the black robe as my guardian dragged me towards the door, believing it to be distasteful for me to leave the chamber in only nightwear.
He sighed, stopping abruptly as he began to speak; his tone uncaring and bland. “Fine, with speed; child.”
I nodded in response, carelessly rushing towards the wardrobe as he shook his head in annoyance; clearly unable to grasp why it was so important for me to dress. I scanned through the dresses, smiling when I saw a plain black gown with a high neckline, the transparent material around the waist of the other dress not seeming to appear on the one I held in my hands. I turned back towards my guardian, avoiding his misty black eyes as I stepped into the washroom, pushing the door as far shut as it would go. I removed my nightwear quickly, slipping into the black gown as it buttoned from the front, the last one sitting at the base of my neck. The dress had three thick layers of skirts, causing it to widen around my waist, the silky material reaching past my feet. Stepping in front of the floor-to-ceiling vanity mirror, I glanced at my reflection; barely recognising the woman that stared back. The dark material of the gown clung to my frame, bringing out the bright blue of my eyes. My skin was pale and dull, the soft brown fleckless more visible as I leaned forward; frowning at the dark circles below my eyes. I turned away from my reflection suddenly, unable to glance at the traitor that I saw within. Tucking the loose strands of coppery hair behind my ears, I glided back into my chamber. Waiting for the immortal creature’s next orders.
“Have you finished, child?” Maric questioned, raising an eyebrow as he took a step towards me.
“Yes guardian.” I whispered, recoiling back as he gripped my arm, tugging me towards the chamber door.
My new guardian bobbed his head, quickly opening the door as he spoke; his tone uncaring and gravelly. “You look hungry, child. We have a suitable banquet fit for an individual of your standing.”
I failed to respond as he began leading me down the winding hallways of the castle, my steps faulting when he increased his pace. I watched as both immortals and mortals alike trailed past us, neither taking any notice of me or my guardian. Launching me forward a few feet when I began trailing behind, Maric growled lightly, producing his fangs as his irritation with me only rose; reaching dangerous limits. I whimpered slightly when he propelled me through a wooden door, slamming it as he entered.
I watched him with wide eyes as his towering frame loomed over me, showing no ounce of compassion as he shoved me towards a large rectangular table; forcing me to take a seat to the right. My small frame smashed into the chair when I attempted to resist, the vampire shaking his head in further anger. He took the seat beside me, growling as he inhaled, seeming to once more bask in the scent of my blood.
Turning my attention away from the eternal beast, I glanced around the vast dining area, remembering the room well. It was a long room with a table large enough to occupy almost fourteen people, the red velvet drapes seeing many a banquet or family meal. My father had always seated himself at the opposite end of the table to where I now perched, tears forming in my eyes as I thought back to when he was alive; to when the castle was filled with his throaty laughs and harsh commands. Though he was never known for his brutality or cruelty towards the people.
My father and my sovereign king was a true and honourable man, something I suspected the vampires would never understand. I folded my hands across my lap, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall as my guardian adjusted in his chair, turning only when the kitchen door opened; revealing three work hands. Watching, I remained unmoving as the staff shuffled towards the table, their eyes lowered to the ground in a show of obedience as they placed three trays before me on the table and another close to Maric. They were piled with various ranges of food, the vast meats and fruits causing my stomach to groan in hunger, the dried meats I had eaten a few days ago barely sustaining me as they should.
My eyes widened when I noticed what sat upon Maric’s tray, the dark red liquid leathery and thick, I shifted my eyes towards the tray in front of me as I held back a light gasp; knowing that the jug before my guardian was filled with blood. The blood of some poor and unfortunate citizen that the immortals ripped from the city. The staff exited the room quickly, scurrying away in fear of the vampire beside me; their eyes sympathetic as they glanced towards me. I turned to look down at the mass of food before me when they disappeared back into the kitchen, leaving me alone with my guardian. I reached out, shakily grabbing a small glass of milk; the smooth liquid soothing my throat as I stared blankly at the food; unsure whether I should consume it.
“Eat, child.” Maric commanded, glaring at me before he gripped the large jug, pouring some of the contents into a small glass.