The room became quiet again followed by numerous sighs. I scanned the whole room, it is actually quite plain and boring but that's not of importance since its only purpose was to hold a meeting between the royalties and the elders. In the center of the room was a rectangular wooden table with twelve seats, two for the King and the prince while the rest belongs to the King's ten elders.
My eyes trained to the man a sitting at the head of the table. The Mage King Armann's face looked more troubled than it is yesterday. The cause of it was because of a certain someone, specifically named, Vicente Romero, the first dark mage in history. That man was raising havoc in the neighboring state. Searching for his allies whether be vampires or werewolves and kidnapping mages he could find then turning them like him.
Mages were kind and good in nature but a rare case like Vicente is the opposite of what truly a mage is. One of the possibility was he might be a fruit of a forbidden union of mage and demon that's why he got corrupted by the demon's nature. Vicente rose to power fifteen years ago but recently he became more active with his activities. That's why we're currently in this situation.
We're actually on our monthly report here at the castle but there's also another reason for this gathering. King Armann announced a while ago that the vampire clan already made the first move of inviting the werewolf and mage royalties, elders and their respective families in about one week from now. Werewolves, vampires and mages maintained a mutual agreement long time ago which resulted to demons not having a chance to attack in a large scale.
"The rest of this discussion will proceed at the gathering. We'll meet again one week later. That's all for today. Thank you. Dismissed." Armann said nodding his head. I stood up ready to walked out of this room then making eye contact at Xavier whose eyes already locked onto mine.
"Xavier and Gabriel."
Xavier and I paused, then seated back at our own chairs. After the last elder was out of the room, I turned my gaze at the King knowing that he has our full attention. He gave us strained smile, "I expect your full attention at the upcoming gathering and be on your best behavior. Especially you, Xavier, since your coronation will be coming soon and I expected that you act accordingly. And you, Gabriel, as the newly appointed Highest Elder and the right hand of the King, I have high expectation at your first major mission."
"Yes, Father."
"Of course, Your Highness."
"I hope you guys already arranged the security when we leave to the gathering. This gathering was a risky move but that's all we can do for now. With the royalties and elders leaving, the castle and our people will be on a vulnerable state and I don't want to risk an attack but I'll doubt Vicente will target us too soon. We'll be taking extra precaution. Understood?" Armann spoke.
Xavier and I stood up fisting our right hand, placed it above our chest, then bowing our heads, "Yes, Your Highness. We'll do our very best."
"Good. That's all for both of you. Now, out." We nodded and within a minute we're out of the meeting room.
Breaking the silence, Xavier lightly punched my shoulder. His brown eyes widen with excitement and a grin was on his face. "So, new guy. How about we celebrate on your promotion, yeah?" He said while making our way to the ground floor of the castle.
"I don't think it's the right time to celebrate. We got lot of things to do." I answered with a frown.
Xavier laughed, "Ah, always the uptight guy. How about we finished our work for today since its only three o'clock right now. We'll be done within four hours, then we'll go out."
I sighed. It's not like I'll be able to turn down him soon. "Okay. Work first."
"Then maybe you could invite your sis-"
"Oh shut up. Stop pushing your luck, man."
Friday came after a busy day, we are now currently preparing our things to go to our destination which was the Vampire Kingdom several miles away from ours. The gathering will last up to three days which will give us enough time to discuss and come up with different scenarios and probably definite solution. The first day will probably for introduction and interaction among us. A ball will be held every night to maybe give time to rethink all the situation and release the stress. But I think some will see it as an excuse to load up alcohol into their bodies.
The gathering was also an opportunity to all species to find their other half since the people that will be attending will just be royalties and elders and the rarity of pairing between royalties is something that will be looking forward to. The union of two royalties is something that is a blessing since it will strengthen the union of species. And one of the reasons was it's been about four decades since the last gathering was called up which was hosted by us. It was when the news of birth of a forbidden union spread. And the irony was the tomorrow's gathering was because of the same person.
I sighed and hoisted my backpack, grabbed my small luggage and made my way downstairs where I find my younger brother and my parents. Dad was seated beside Mom on the couch talking casually while on the opposite side, my brother was on his earphones, tapping his foot with the beat. I raised my eyebrow, we're missing one person. I walked towards them and placed my things next to theirs and settled on the love seat across. I cleared my throat and asked, "Where's Alexia?"
I immediately got three responses, my Dad chuckled, my Mom sighed, and my brother just smirked. Finally, Mom spoke up, "Your sister was taking forever. She just started packing awhile ago. That kid forgot we'll leaving today. She freaked out then went to pack her things, and that was two hours ago."
"Gavin, go and tell your sister to hurry up or else we'll be leaving without her." Dad told Landon, which he sighed and went to his sister's room. Few minutes later both of them were already making their way towards us with Gavin carrying Alexia's bag.
"Okay boys, load up all the bags into the car. Then we'll go, we're already behind schedule."
After a gruesome six hours trip, we finally reached the castle and it was already night. We are then appointed to our room and told that our dinner will be sent up and we can just rest for the rest of the night.
"I'm excited to explore the castle tomorrow!" Alexia exclaimed. I admit the place was beautiful at night giving it an amazing glow. I, too, wondered what does it look like at the morning.
"You'll get enough of it tomorrow, dear." Mom said with a smile. I guess she like it here too.
"You guys will be free to roam outside the castle tomorrow until afternoon since you'll be preparing for the ball later tonight. I'll be staying here and will be checking out the castle." I said as I look around my family. They nodded and we decided to retire for the night.
First day came into a buzz since people were adjusting to the environment. The whole afternoon my family decided to check out the castle and then went to the mall nearby while I just randomly roamed the castle. Just as I expected the castle was beautiful and as the vampire had the longest history, this was the proof of their long history. My family came back a little later and started to get ready for the upcoming ball.
I was the last one to shower while the women began their long process of dressing up. Coming out of the bathroom I made my way to the closet room where I picked up my suit and shoes. Few minutes later I was already standing in front of the mirror with my navy jacket suit and silver tie, my gray eyes were on the mirror looking for anything that is out of place, when I found none, I nodded my head, pleased with myself. I went to the living room where I found my siblings and parents where they were standing patiently.
"Finally! Come on let's go." Mom said.
We then made our way to the ball room, we passed many people, castle staff, getting ready for the first night. We went inside the big room where the rest were already waiting for the vampire royals. King Armann spotted us and we made our way to them.
"Greetings, Your Highness." Dad greeted while we bow our heads.
"Hello. I hope you guys settled in well." Armann said with a smile. Mom and her sister Queen Arian drifted away talking sofly at each other. While I went beside Xavier.
"Hey, new guy. Quite boring do you think?" Xavier dramatically sighed. If Xavier wasn't my childhood friend and cousin, not to mention our Prince too, I would have already lectured him on being rude.
"Well, nothing yet started. So, I can't really say anything." I shrugged. Xavier was about to say something but the arrival of the vampire royals was announced. We immediately went to our designated table.
"Please welcome, King Chrysander Raeyan De Luca. Queen Lizbeth Evans - De Luca. Crowned Prince Nathaniel De Luca."
The royal family paraded and went to the front stage where the throne was located. This is the second time I've seen the King, the first was when he was just a Prince then visiting our land. He faced us with a smile, his black and red eyes shined with excitement.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you here on my castle, it is our greatest honor commencing this gathering. Please enjoy the night and leave the serious matters tomorrow. Let the feast begin."
Half an hour past since the party started, everyone was having fun, enjoying their dinner. My gaze went to the front where the vampire royals were seated. Few seconds later I saw a butler approached the Vampire King and whispered in his ears, I saw his eyes widened followed by few people who stilled at their places. I assume there's some news since the vampires and werewolves have an advanced hearing that we, mages, don't share that same trait, they probably heard the news too. The Vampire King composed himself, stood up and dashed to the door on their left with a big smile on his face.
Well that's a sign it's good news.