Chapter 24 Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Four
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Zeke
Over the years, I lessened my intake of blood. Mainly because of its intoxication, and addiction. I relaxed into my swivel chair, watching the starry night through the open ceiling. This place was my little alcove; hidden from the rest of the castle. It was where I could always unwind, and get away from the pressuring life of royalty. Glass after glass of blood, and I found myself becoming tipsy. I couldn't think. I couldn't feel.
All I could see was…her. Everything in my room reminded me of her. When she'd moved out of my room the first time, she left her clothes in the closet. Even her perfumes were still intact. And now that she was finally gone, they were still there. My wedding with Darcel was in two weeks. And Lord knew I wasn't looking forward to it.
“Loosen up, Zeke. Twisting your face like that would only scare women away from you.” A familiar voice tore through my self-wallowing. I turned my chair around to face the man who was leaning against the entrance.
Short hair. Slanted eyes. Black cheek mole. Qyle George.
“I didn't think you'd visit before a year expired.” I went back to looking at the sky. My best friend crossed over the space that separated us, and made himself comfortable on a chair beside mine.
“I had to. It's been a while since I saw you. You owe me one.” He shrugged. Only my unsmiling faced arrogant friend would turn such a situation to his advantage. He was my childhood friend. Born to a human and vampire- at the time when frolicking with humans was still allowed, Qyle possessed the genes of humans more than vampire. He was the owner of a successful business conglomerate, and had the heart of ice. If you thought I didn't believe in love, Qyle was worse. The definition of heartless.
“So, what's happening with you?” He held on to the hem of our conversation.
“Well, aside from my wedding that's scheduled to take place in two weeks time, nothing much.” I twirled my glass, absentmindedly.
“You are drinking blood in your secret alcove. What's wrong?” He asked, breaking the silence that followed my response.
I heaved a sigh. “I brought a human back here,” I began.
“You did what? What did King Elliott say?” He frowned.
“You know I don't care.” I retorted, but it felt like I was lying to myself.
Up until a week ago, I didn't care what my father thought about my actions. Until he threatened me with my position. I hated losing. And I'd rather swallow a liter of blood, than take orders from Alex. The thought of it left a dull ache at the back of my head.
“I see. Where's she now?” Qyle asked in a disinterested tone. He hated talking about women, and I doubted if this man would ever fall in love.
I downed the contents of my glass. “She left.” I simply replied.
“Oh. And let me guess, that's the reason you're in this state?” He asked, amusement lacing his tone.
“I don't know.” I sighed.
“Your wedding is in a few weeks, and while I don't envy you, I think that'd be enough to pull your mind away from her- whoever she is.” Qyle quipped, crossing his legs over the other.
I spared him a brief glance. When his father died years ago, he left the vampire kingdom. He went back to his human mother, who was the incumbent CEO of a company. Single Handedly, he'd taken the small corporation, and expanded it into a conglomerate. He changed his surname to her family's name, and only came back to the vampire kingdom annually.
“Yeah, I guess.” I shook my head.
His mirth was gone in an instant, and his eyes gleamed. “Since that's settled, are you down for playing chess?” He asked.
Since childhood, chess was the only game that the both of us- with different interests, shared. No one ever won, though. We were always evenly matched, and no one could defeat the other.
“Grab the board, and watch as you get your ass whooped.” I bragged, placing my glass on the oak table that separated our chairs.
“Says someone who is attracted to a woman.” He retorted.
Again, only Qyle George could make something like that sound like an offense.
“Just wait till you find someone you like.” I winked.
He gave me a weird look. “Not in this lifetime.”
“In the next, then.” I chuckled.
“Are you perhaps-” he set the chess board on the table. “-stalling? Don't worry, I'll go easy on you.”
A cold smile tugged at my lips, “I should be the one saying that.” He moved a chess piece, and the game began. Two hours later, it ended on a 0-0 level.
“You've honed up your skills.” He remarked, stroking his jaw.
“Admitting that I'm better than you?” I chuckled.
He simply shook his head in response.
“I think something's about to happen,” My casual attitude disappeared.
Sensing the seriousness beneath my tone, he adjusted on his seat. “Did you put it before the Circle?” He asked, and I replied in negative.
“You know the Circle works with evidence. They'd brush off my instincts in a beat.” I explained.
“You are the next king.” He argued.
“I don't have proof.” I ruffled my hair.
“I hate how all these work. I can handle countless deals, but some old vampires? Take my place.” A constipated look covered his face.
His father was an important member of the Circle. After his death, his position was offered to Qyle who'd declined without hesitation.
“The Circle has its benefits.” I protested.
We sat in silence for a while, before he rode to his feet. “Duty calls.” He muttered.
“Will you attend the wedding?” I called out, as he walked towards the exit.
“Ditch attending and miss out the look on your face, as you get imprisoned for life? I wouldn't miss it, for anything in this world.” He laughed, and left the alcove.