Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
⚓️⚓️⚓️
Zeke
I was…bored.
“Get straight to the point, Master Damien. We don't have all night.” Master Vignar interrupted gently.
Master Damien nodded, and continued. “Nights ago, I stumbled on a human. We all know how rejuvenating a human blood is to us-” He paused for effect, turning to face the others.
“But then, Prince Zeke intercepted me, and claimed the human was his woman.” He finished off.
Gasps and murmurs followed his words, and the others simultaneously turned their heads towards me. I didn't flinch.
A momentary silence reigned, as Master Damien took his seat again.
Master Killian cleared his throat, and turned towards me. “Prince Zeke, do you have anything to say for yourself?”
“I believe I don't have to explain my actions to anyone.” I simply replied, flashing Master Damien a provocative smile.
I hadn't expected him to stoop so low as to twist what'd happened to his advantage. By explaining it in that manner, he was indirectly claiming that I stopped him from taking what was actually his.
The sleazy bastard.
“Prince Zeke, you should watch the words you say.” Master Vignar said disapprovingly.
I didn't respond, and he continued.
“The foundation of The Prestigious Royal Circle is built on peace. We strive to maintain order amongst vampires in this kingdom. And we'd do well to lead by example-” He paused, and turned to me.
“Apologize to Master Damien, Prince Zeke.” He requested. The others nodded in silent acquiescence.
My brows wrinkled, and I felt a heavy weight on my chest. I'd never.
The triumphant look on Damien's face graduated to a sly laugh.
“Order, Master Damien.” Master Killian chided.
Master Damien recoiled with his hands raised up in mock surrender. I snickered, and rose to my feet.
I placed both hands on the table, and leaned down. Tension mounted, while the others waited. I scanned each of them, letting my gaze land briefly on Master Ragnarok, before finally settling on Master Damien.
“I can't apologize for what I didn't do.” Another bout of head turns followed suit.
“Elaborate please.” Someone said.
“The human in question is-” I paused and turned to Master Damien. I couldn't say Mirah was my woman. Doing so would ignite Master Ragnarok's fury. He knew it, and I hated the fact. A triumphant look remained glued on his face.
I pushed back my anger, and straightened. “I brought her here.” I said instead.
“Do you realize the implication of your actions, Prince Zeke? Bringing a human to this kingdom isn't allowed.” Master Vignar put in quietly.
Even with the air-conditioned hall, I felt hot. My throat flexed.
“I'm ready to shoulder the responsibility.” I retorted with a calm look.
“But-” Master Damien began saying, when Master Ragnarok cut him off.
“If he says it's fine, then it's fine.” He hadn't said a word since the meeting started, but I'd felt his stare on me all along.
Master Damien backed down. The hall was quiet for a moment, as Master Vignar turned to Master Killian who was sitting beside him. I wouldn't hear them, even if I tried. Enhanced hearing didn't work on vampires above a millennium years old.
When they finally faced me again, I subconsciously swallowed.
“We'll cast a vote. Those in favor of removing ten points from Prince Zeke's merits should reply with an Aye. And those who don't support it, should reply with a Nay.” Master Vignar ordered.
I went still. Merits went a long way in crowning a king. I was ahead of Alex, and if a single point was removed-
Ten points? That'd put my position at risk.
The Prestigious Royal Circle consisted of twenty members. The vote ended with 15 members supporting, and the remaining five unsupportive.
A knot tightened in my chest, and I held back the urge to punch off the provocative smirk from Master Damien's ugly face.
“It has been decided, then. Ten points would be removed from your merits, Prince Zeke.” Master Vignar announced. He was among the five that hadn't been in support.
He continued, “Considering your former contributions to the Circle, it'd end there. But if you're found wanting again, I'm sorry, but we'd have to strip off your candidacy. The only reason why you weren't removed entirely is because the voting period is fast approaching.
I exhaled sharply. Left with no other choice which annoyed me to no end, I replied quietly. “I understand.”
He nodded. “Good. And now, let us begin.”
I walked slowly, till I was the only one along the corridor. Or so I thought.
“Getting ahead of yourself, aren't you?” A voice sliced through my thoughts about Mirah.
I didn't need to turn to know who it was. “Master Ragnarok.” I managed a smile, and turned to face the black-eyed vampire.
He approached with stealth.
“Depends on what you mean.” I chuckled in response to his earlier question.
I watched him closely. Considering the cordial way he regarded me, I assumed Darcel hadn't told him about what'd happened at the bar.
Yet.
He moved closer to me, but I didn't back away. “The only reason I voted in your favor is because of my daughter. Our alliance. Jeopardize the marriage, and face my wrath.”
Although I didn't do well with threats, I remained calm. “I believe that's not the only reason you intercepted me, Master Ragnarok.” I cocked my head to the side.
The casual look on his face transgressed into a cold smile. “I wouldn't mince words, then. Stop gambling with your position as the king-to-be.” He said, and I faced him with an icy smile of my own.
It was my turn to move closer to him. I paused right at his front, and patted his shoulder gently. “Don't act like you care, Master Ragnarok. Once Alex becomes the king in my stead, I know you'd call off the marriage with your daughter.”
His face alternated between red and blue, and back to blue. He recovered quickly. Characteristic Master Ragnarok.
“We are both smart men.” He gave a laugh without mirth. I didn't budge.