Chapter 103

Chapter 103
A/N Happy New Year!!!!
Noah 
“Aw Shit! I don’t feel like dealing with Rolland right now.” Growled Jerold. “But Equestos is fucking right… even if they don’t have anything to do with this, they will know who is.”
He snorted as we got in the car with our paperwork. The threat of a warrant was in our hands to try and scare them into talking.
“Hopefully, he’ll just give up the information.” I complained with him.
“He won’t.\[Ass\].” He snorted. “Beck told me that the lords, including the Lord who turned him will be entertained there tonight. You’d think that would make him fess up what he knows, but I know that flea. He’ll draw it out because it makes him feel like a big man.”
“And Beck can’t deal with the higher lords. They’d compel him to eat goose poop.” I joked and Jerold laughed.
“I still can’t believe he didn’t get outright at least suspended a couple days for that!” he boomed a laugh, a little cheered up from his otherwise sour mood. But who could blame him?
We all know the moment a real warrant is approved, that the vampire den will be under violation, and that’s the issue. To bust them would leave their population without a home. They need human blood to live, and a base of operation. So shutting their den down would just scatter them across town.
If we try to bust them, they will leave and find another place yes, but while they look, the fledglings will run rampant. They will likely scatter to shady hotels, bars, alleys, and their private homes, which will also make issues…
At least in one place, they live either in or near one part of town, not everywhere. Rolland knows this…. Rolland isn’t stupid.
While Beck worked with the goblins, we were to go back to the vampires. It was nice seeing them open the gates without any resistance this time. They still sneered and looked down on me, but it wasn’t so out in the open anymore. 
Well, the sneers and side remarks were minimal. I could tell as I passed, they were too cowardly to do it to my face with Jerold around. 
Now that everyone knew I was a king, they had to show respect. I didn’t even care about that though. What actually irritated me was how snobbish the vampires are. It’s insufferable. Regardless, all the human servants were kneeling when we went up the stairs to Rolland’s office.
I still haven’t met Lucian. Not once has the ‘Crown Prince’ been seen doing his job.
Everyone who was here, even their blood slaves wore formal clothes, with their kitchens being busy, and the smell of food was unmistakable….
…. I can’t read Vampiric… but I know food when I smell it… I know soda when I see it…. The banquet had to be laid out for at least 100 people…
They’re going to feast tonight.
Chances are, I figured the vampire lord would brag about whatever he had planned for his human guests…
Up the stairs, nothing was lavish, so I assumed that they were going to have their party outside or something, or possibly their basement. Food was on trays being moved around when I was downstairs, but wherever they do it…. It’ll be legal.
They were too proud to show that shit off.
And it was Rolland who sat in Lucian’s padded chair, with Lucian’s girlfriend standing next to him. She looked at me, but couldn’t look me in the eyes. I could never blame her for what they do. I could tell that she has her own power, but not enough to stop the Vampire Prince, or his covetous lacky who’s stealing everything from his master.
I wonder does Lucian even know about his own party? The RSVP for this party might even include their king, but I wouldn’t know.
“Welcome back, Battle Bull, and young King Noah.” Rolland smiled. “Why have you come? Would you like to attend our ball tonight?” He said that in a way that invited us, but you could hear he didn’t actually want us to come.
“Will Lucian be there?” I asked with a grin, and his stupid smile left his face.
“No, but we’re serving a feast for the slaves. The Blood Ball was my idea.” He said, glaring at me.
“Isn’t that a little archaic, and flashy?” Asked Jerold. 
Rolland said something in Vampiric, and Jerold looked surprised.
“My lord, that is too lash-tongue to say to a King. Do not overstep.” warned Anuli. “Battle Bull, if you so choose to attend, it will increase Lord Rolland’s influence.”
“Then I wouldn’t be caught dead there.” Said Jerold, breathing steam out his nose…. That was… kind of rude, but I had no idea what Rolland called Jerold.
“It is my attachment to you that allows you in this room.” Rolland warned. “Do not make me change my mind.”
“Of course, sir.” She said through gritted teeth. “It is Lord Lucian’s will that you rule in his stead… and attend the Blood Ball as his voice.”
….What was the Vampire Prince doing though? I thought he at least came here sometimes… It seems he’s never here, and never does his job.
“If you have your permit or not, Hunters serve no law, nor church.” Said Jerold.
“Yes, Yes, they serve themselves, unlike you. What have you come for on such a delicate night?” he asked pissed at us.
I have no desire to play pretend that I like some of these rude ass people. The only one who tried was Anuli.
“No thank you.” Jerold said trying to be cordial… but his horns came out as a warning. He took off his hat…. And his eyes were ruby red. “Heard of any magical mishaps while I was gone?”
“Oh, that’s what you lot came for. I’d say I felt sorry for the elves, but I don’t feel anything.” Rolland chuckled, and his lackies did as well, likely just to kiss ass. “We have nothing to do with the comings and goings of magic.” He said firmly.
“But I’m sure you know who does.” Said Jerold, leaning back a little bit. I can’t show affection or support here. It will make him look weak. I wanted to put my hand on his, but I settled for Rolland’s bitter expression. Jerold hit a nerve.
It was then that Rolland’s lips pressed together in distaste. He looked as if he’d sucked a lemon for a second, before adjusting his tie.
“I cannot divulge my contacts so easily.” Said Rolland. “I’ve sworn blood.”
“Then we’ll be back with a warrant.” Said Jerold.
The two of them glared at each other for a while, and in the tense silence quite a few vampires curiously came up to see if he’d actually tell Jerold or not. To be fair, the way the clock ticked on the wall, being the only sound besides me and Jerold’s breathing.
“I gave my word Battle Bull. I cannot just give this out.” Rolland said finally.
“Then I won’t make you a liar. I’ll be back with a warrant.” Said Jerold standing.
There was a hush of panic, but Rolland raised his hand for them to be quiet.
“I can’t have that either,” Rolland said, pretty pissed at himself. He must have made too many promises to too many people.
“Well, I need answers.” Said Jerold. 
“And I need to protect my people too.” Rolland hissed. 
“We’ll be on our way if you tell us where the stones are being kept.” I said casually. “By fae rules, you’re not saying anything about the who, just where.”
“This is bigger than whatever lover’s quarrel you have with Lord Lucian, or whatever personal high horse you choose to ride this century your highness. ” He hissed, looking only at Jerold. “I know you like what you do as much as I do.”
“You will respect my partner.” Jerold sneered. I don’t think I’d ever seen him look down on someone… Gods he may as well have glared at shit.
“I forgot he was here.” Said Rolland casually. “So you never attended our balls?” 
“Rolland, you should listen to Anuli,” Jerold growled, then cleared his throat.
“Such passionate heartbeats, my lord. Do you hunger for flesh?” Rolland grinned. A servant poured him blood from a small wooden cask. He swirled it around like fine wine, and sipped it. “How are you supposed to protect the mortals when you need their meat on a more frequent schedule than us?”
“Again, stop trying to change the subject.” I said waving my hand casually gesturing the room. One of the servants took it as a sign that I also wanted a cup of blood…
As soon as they did it, I passed it to Jerold. He looked surprised, as he couldn’t read my mind by the looks of it. Everyone thought this scene was carefully put in place by me… but in reality, it was serendipity, and I was running with it.
“That should tide you over until lunch.” I said casually. “My mate’s man consumption is legal and responsibly managed. Bringing it up to try and create a diversion or tension between us is childish. Now someone spill the beans on who’s making the stones, where they can be found, or we’re coming back and shoving the warrant up your ass.” I hissed.
Jerold smiled as he sipped the blood in the wine glass.
“…Come back with a warrant.” He hissed.
“Go to the Gold Lion Bar in Lezington.” Said Lucian’s girlfriend, Anuli. 
“What have you done, you silly woman?!” Rolland yelled, slamming his hand on Lucian’s desk, making a mess instantly. A small black notebook kind of shuffled my way… He’d actually cracked his desk, making papers fall on the floor at my feet.
That notebook may or may not have accidentally fallen into my pocket while everyone was watching Anuli and Rolland get into it. Vampires see emotion as weakness… so that he was red in the face told me that she means…. something to him, if only a pet he’s a little too attached to.
Gods, I hate that that’s how they see and treat people… like pets and toys. No one means anything to them… not truly, just the idea of it.