Without having a wink of rest, dawn came in a blink of an eye and a sudden downpour accompanied by the crackle of thunder filled the sky. The pattering sound replaced the chirping of birds I love to hear during summer, and the warmth of the sun was usurped by the cold winds. It was dark and depressing. I furrowed my brows as I looked at the scene in front of me. How hateful. The weather was on opposite ends of yesterday's warmth. I sighed and called in my maids to help Aris wash up.
"Lady, it seems the heavens are against me to play outside." With sad eyes, he glanced at the window. His dejected face coupled with his pursed lips made me feel guilty. Such pretty face, if I could store him inside a chest I would. The world doesn't deserve this precious gem.
"We can go another time. You still have trouble moving around, it is best that you rest." I promised and offered a warm smile. Aris' face brightened that lit up the entire room. I chuckled softly while Ria brushed my hair.
The bite marks didn't fail to be noticed. The maids looked at each other for a brief moment without saying anything. They tended it with care, afraid that it will be their end if they misstepped. Ria, on the other hand, came forward and whispered near my ear.
"My Lady, this..." She pursed her lips as she tried to passively convey that my feeding needs to be reported to my father. I nodded in agreement. Feeding isn't only drinking away the life force of a source. Knowing my parents worry about my wellbeing to the extreme, all I can do is nod and with a look from Ria, the maid bowed and left.
I really didn't notice that it was time to feed. I got carried away with my extracurricular activities. Ever since we returned to the fief, the quill never left my hand. Since I have no siblings, I can only rely on myself to help restore our family's reputation of having the duty bestowed by the monarch.
The reason why Ria did not bother to remind me to drink was that I used to sneak dozens of boxes when no one is watching into my room. Good thing that Aris wasn't injected with poison.
Before offering one's blood, they are mandated to pass several tests and a confirmation token is bestowed. There were cases in which a subject injects into their bodies a poison that can kill us within seconds. The Grigoris is a type of substance found near the border of Exnor. When ingested by a vampire through feeding, their veins contracts and purge out their own blood as it recognizes that its blood is harmful. A pitiful and stupid way to die.
After a few breaths, the maids silently dismissed themselves excluding Ria, who remained beside me with her head bowed down. Wearing an expressionless gaze, I stared at Aris as he sat down on the couch. Without knowing, my lips tugged upwards. His neck and wrist were bandaged, he looked a cute little mummy.
"Lady, do we have classes today?" I made my way opposite of him and signaled Ria to brew tea.
"None. The sudden rainstorm canceled our usual schedule for today." I sip the tea which refreshed my mood. I despise gloomy days, they remind me of being pitiful.
"Oh..."
Swiftly studying Aris' expression, it showed that sooner or later he was bound to die of boredom. He never sat down with his hands doing nothing nor passing the day by looking at something uninteresting. Ever since he arrived, or more like found, he busied himself with the tutors' assignments. His actions made me guess that he hasn't received a proper education. A strange thing for a noble who is entitled to have the best education.
Oh well, the state of those dogs doesn't concern me. What matters most is Aris having the same thing as I have.
Silence engulfed the entire room as I have no intention to chatter. The rain always robs me of my liveliness, a mystery that ever since I was born I loathed the rain. Although it was also drizzling when I found Aris, I didn't feel heavy. Something inside me that day urged me to take my morning stroll and ignore the rain.
Both of us were lost in our own thoughts while the wind howls. The time ticked away, a knock was heard along with the call that breakfast is served. We went down and was greeted by the scent of fried eggs with bacon, baked beans, and bangers. Toasted bread with butter was placed next to each plate and of course, tea. Aris and I gave our greetings and sat down.
"With the storm today, it is best that you stay indoors."
"Yes mother, I plan to read all day in the library."
My mother raised a brow as it seems that she was waiting for something I have to report. News indeed travels fast, faster than the wyverns of Numens. I pursed my lips, I don't want to be reprimanded first thing in the morning.
"I was informed than something happened last night?" Father's tone went straight to my heart. I avoided his scolding glare as I fiddled with my fingers.
Hiding from everyone's sight, Aris clenched his fists until it turned white and nails dug his palm. It was common knowledge that vampires are sensitive to their offspring's feeding. As many want our existence gone from this world.
"This matter also concerns you. You have a duty to look after her not only being Cailina's 'playmate'. It is a must that you take care of the needs of your master, and yet you failed to do so. Ungrateful thing." Mother's words were harsh and cold. She shot daggers with her piercing amber eyes, "Cailina, it is not safe to feed on a source without verification. What if something worse happens? You are turning seven, it is time to abandon your childish demeanor."
Leaving no room for refutation, we lowered our head. The chilly atmosphere was colder than the temperature outside. All the servants bowed their heads as low as they can, making them nonexistent.
My father coughed and broke the silence, "It is all in the past. Cailina, you need to be more careful." He raised his hand, and the butler came closer, "Place Cailina's boxes inside her room. Well then, let's eat. The meal has turned cold."
The soft clattering of tablewares was heard, drowning the uncomfortable silence. My mother placed down her cutlery and landed her eyes on me, "The Ears have heard our activities." I stopped eating and focused my full attention on what my mother has to say. Father followed suit and placed down his cutlery, and cleared his throat.
"Aris can you leave us for a moment." Hearing my father's command, the servants hasten their pace and cleaned the table. The three of us stood up and headed towards my father's study. Aris was ushered out by Ria. The temperature around us turned colder. All the servants were dismissed leaving us privacy to discuss the Sovereign's letter.
Father was seated on the head seat with his mother on his right side and I sat opposite of him. I lowered my gaze because I feel that this was my fault. What if we are indeed fell out of favor? I just can't leave a poor puppy outside and let it die.
I jumped out of my train of thoughts when my father spoke, "Are you aware that the toy you brought home increased the Emperor's suspicions?" I switched my eyes back and forth on the floor and on my father's unfazed expression. As my father read the contents of the letter, I was trembling like I was showered by a bucket of freezing water.
The letter stated that our family needs to think twice before placing our step on the ground, and that many are admiring us. The face of the monarch must be untainted. It was a blatant threat that we will lose our heads if we failed to do so and a passive implication that we are having more control with the commons than the royals.
My mother asked again if I was set on keeping Aris, and I only held my words back.
"Cailina, have you lost your ability to talk?"
Being prisoned by their scolding stares, I pursed my lips instead of answering. My action made their mood worse. I twisted and turned my ring, hiding my nervousness by lowering my head.
"Do you really wish to keep your toy?"
I gulped and looked my father in the eye with certainty, "Yes."
While my father sighed in defeat, mother placed her hand on her heart and closed her eyes. I really don't understand why keeping Aris will result in angering the Emperor. He is a puppy, what harm can he do?
"Alright, I will inform His Majesty."
My mother held his hand and looked with anxiety, "We cannot continue keeping your pet Cailina."
"But mo-"
"No. He will be the death of us!"
How? Why? I don't understand at all!
Waves of emotions flooded my heart, I felt my chest tightened in despair and annoyance. My eyes were filled with rejection making my parents' heart sink.
"You may not realize this but..."
Before my mother can finish her explanation, my father patted my mother's back. He landed his warm gaze and smiled, "To soften the heart of His Majesty, when we return to the capital you will be betrothed to His Highness, the Crown Prince."
Another revelation that is beyond my control. Weighing the advantages of it, it is beneficial for both parties. Marrying out of love was never given for a noble. It is our responsibility to strengthen or suppressed ties. I reluctantly nodded, if I can keep Aris for a few months then it's okay.
"You can go now." I curtseyed and hurriedly walked out of the room.
—
I buried my head within the pages of the book and Aris was playing with the quill as he focused on his writing. After being dismissed, I pulled Aris to the library and we stayed here for almost four hours.
Although my eyes were glued on the script in front of me, my mind was still thinking of the reason why they refused to let Aris stay.
It really doesn't make sense! Aris has no relation to the Lycaonian spy. It doesn't mean that the spy was a wolf, every wolf is now a traitor. The Emperor is being a paranoid chicken, we never failed to show our sincere loyalty. Why would he doubt us?
Reassessing the thoughts of mine which lead to the realization that I knew less about Aris. During the days he was with me, asking about him flies away from my mind. I glanced over his presence, seeing that he blankly stares outside I called his name.
"Hey Aris, why did you end up wounded in the forest near the garden?"
He flinched and sheepishly smiled, "Lady~"
I narrowed my eyes on Aris' pouting face. This face is never tiring to look at, "Yes? What is it?"
"I... I want to get some snacks."
Looking at the untouched snacks on the table, I wonder why would he want more.
"Why would you bother with that? Let the maids fetch some for you." I closed my book and was about to signal one of my maids.
"N-no. I... I forgot the name of the snacks I want so..."
"What are you fussing about, describe what it tastes and they will immediately know." I tilted my head, failing to understand what was Aris nervous about. I sighed, "Fine, do what you want."
A stuttering voice annoys me to death, and yet when it comes to this lone wolf, I find it comical.
He hastily left accompanied by several maids and attendants. I indulged with my reading for a while and was startled by a clapped of thunder, its shattering cry that made the glass panels shake. How unpleasant, why is the sky so angry.
Unaware of the time, Aris has yet to return but I guessed he had trouble choosing his snacks. I stared at the endless drops of rain, losing myself with the lullaby they carry. When I came to reality, I looked around and found myself in an unfamiliar room.