OSHA
I had finished my usual rounds with Gertie. When I'm not underfoot by the Queen, I am still able to preform kitchen duties. We first delivered a hearty stew with a side of bread to the lower levels. The Vampyrs preferred to call it the "Pig Pen" which is where my people resided. The smell greeting us as we entered was enough to turn my stomach. A profound sense of disgust and shame filled me. The conditions in which they lived was deplorable. Most of them haven't seen a basin of water to cleanse themselves in months. We buried ourself in our work, handing out meals to open hands. An older man who looked to be in his fifties refused to budge, his eyes glued to the ground in front of him. The filthy rags of what made up his clothing were in tatters hanging off his frail body. I took it upon myself to approach him to offer him a bowl and bread. He shook his head in refusal, his eyes still on the ground before him. "I know it's not much but please eat sir, you need your strength." I cooed softly, placing the bowl in his hands. His eyes flew up, his face no longer his impassive. "I don't want this shit! You think some soup is going to make us all strong and better do you?" He shouted, as other onlookers grunted in agreement. He rose to his feet throwing the soup at my chest. The bowl clattered on the ground between us, it's contents splattered across my chest and face, scalding me. "You think you're some God coming down from your perch to feed us? You?? A pampered shit they use for when they're bored! How would you know what we need when you so readily serve your Masters!" This warranted more grunts and shouts of approval. "You think I care if I live? If any of us do? We live, breath and eat SHIT! Death is a sweet release compared to this!" Gertie rushed to my aid, grasping for my hand. "We need to leave before this turns into a mutiny." She whispered sharply. "We will leave everything here for those who wish to eat. Someone will come gather it up later on." She bowed. They seemed to calm in Gertie's presence, probably because she represented them. I, on the other hand represented privilege. I disgusted them more than the Vampyrs they serve because they saw it as a betrayal. I understood that greatly. Still, it gnawed at me.
OSHA
I briefly returned to my chambers to change when I heard the door open and close behind me. I spun myself around in one swift movement to see Misha leaning on the door, his eyebrows furrowed. "Accident." I informed. "Hmmm." He hummed, waiting for further explanation to which I gave him none. "I've got to go back and finish the rounds in the Visitor's Wing." I blurted out. "Not necessary. There was a change of plans. There will be a banquet tonight which we both must attend. I came to tell you." He sighed, annoyance laced in his voice. "The doughy woman in the kitchen will have a uniform for you to wear for this occasion." Doughy woman? Was he talking about Gertie? I stifled a small chuckle. "Gertie, her name is Gertie." He scoffed, "Yes, yes your friend." The old man I tried to give food to, came to mind giving me pause. "What is it?" He sighed again exasperated. "Nothing." I replied all too quickly. I turned from him to hide what I knew my face would give away. He materialized in front of me, only inches away. "I detest it when you lie." His voice slithered around me, catching me in its coils. "Misha.." I caught myself, but only too late. I never addressed him as simply Misha, it was too familiar for his liking. "Master Misha." I corrected meeting his eyes. He didn't appear angry or insulted by my sudden familiarity. Instead he only continued to search my face for what I do not know. Heat rose underneath my skin, making me warm and feverish. In response he rose his hand achingly slow even for a human, to cup the side of my cheek. I was bewildered once again by his strange way of acting. His thumb stroked underneath my eye, his eyes intently focused on my mouth. "I could almost taste you still." He breathed through clenched teeth, his fangs slid down in one uniformed movement. I couldn't move, I dared not to, my loneliness scratched it's way up the entirety of my body. I throbbed with want to the point of it becoming painful. His eyes darkened and he pulled me closer. "Mas-" "Misha." He interrupted. "Just this once." He seemed to say almost to himself. "Misha… what are we…" I trailed off, courage clearly abandoning me. I didn't dare spoil the moment by questioning it, or us, I simply felt the throbbing need of any release. "Do you want me Osha?" His eyes shown back with such sincerity. I swallowed quite audibly under his intense gaze. I grew flushed and embarrassed at the thought of explaining myself. He slid his hand from my cheek to around my neck, licking his protruding fangs. "Answer me." He growled. I gasped and found myself wanting more, of what I do not know but MORE. Don't be fooled again. The little voice inside me spoke, giving me enough of my wits to break away. "Do you find this all amusing? Embarrassing me? Tempting me?" My voice barely audible. He looked as if I slapped him across the face. "Embarrass you?" He questioned. "Yes! Embarrass me! You are a PRINCE." I enunciated. "I am nothing but your servant, a human. I know what you think of me." Moving away from him, I fumbled with my hands trying my hardest not to break under the pressure of the moment. He strode towards me, his face contorted with anger. He pulled me to him, the stew on my dress soiling his clothes. "You think you know me Osha?" He snatched my face up to his, hovering inches away. "You haven't a clue." He lips crashed down on mine, a groan emitting from deep in his throat. I opened my mouth to him, grabbing onto him as if he were the only boat in the middle of the sea. His tongue swirled around mine, his saliva mingling sweetly in my mouth. He never broke his gaze, his eyes alone made me weak. Without warning, the sharp pierce of his fangs bit into my lower lip making me moan. The pain instantaneously subdued morphing to unadulterated pleasure. I moaned in his mouth, silently begging for more. The pull of his suction sending me close to the pinnacle. I could almost touch it, just a little further.
Then he broke away, leaving me breathless and panting for air. For him. "Get ready." He softly talking order before leaving me in a wake of need.
MISHA
Something had to be done about the increasing need to over take Osha. I struggled for the first time in my life with restraint. I knew I could have my pick of any ladies of the court yet they held no sway to me. They were more of the same, all too glad to serve at my feet. Osha was different, aside from being human, she held something within herself that put all the rest of the women here to shame. She was genuine, kind and considerate. I almost felt bad for behaving the way I did but to be perfectly frank, I didn't. She was mine, whether she knew it or not. My Vampyr enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, which in this instance, she was prey. I found myself in an endless battle to conceal myself and my arousal. I needed the chase, to hear her erratic breathing as she fled from me. How mouth watering her blood would smell pumping violently through her veins. How I would hold myself back just enough to give her room to escape only to snatch the reality of fleeing away from her. I'd catch her in one swift motion, feel her struggle and writhe against me. I felt the fibered cage of my clothing smother my arousal as I bit through my lip. If I dwelt too much on it, I knew I would seek her out. I wouldn't care who saw or heard, I'd take her with little to no regard for her safety. All to make her mine. I'd make her scream my name and beg for me in my absence. She'd only exist for me, only love me, only be devoted to me. She'd lie in my bed, rubbing her scent on my sheets, anxiously waiting for me to return. "Fuck." I sighed heavily. I rounded the corner and entered my chambers to prepare for the banquet, not before relieving myself with thoughts of her.
OSHA
Gertie assisted in buttoning up the back of my uniform. The dress was simple and gray accompanied by a black bodice to cinch in the waist. The fibers were itchy and scratched my skin, thank the heavens I only had to wear this for a short while. "Remember you serve the guests by rank, the seating is pretty self explanatory. The closer they are to the King and Queen, the higher the rank. Just work your way down. Oh! And do not speak unless spoken to nor do you meet their gaze, eyes only on your task." She rushed. I nodded, stepping away to gather what was left of the golden chalices. Vampyrs usually do not require food, however very seldom, on occasion, they will eat, depending on the company of course.
I loaded the chalices onto the cart and followed Gertie's lead towards the main dining hall.
MISHA
Gweneth and her sorry excuse for a husband refused to tell me why we were suddenly throwing a banquet for our guests. With the revolving door of supposed supporters, it begs the question, why was tonight any different? Of course we lavished our guests with the finest wine, blood, a finger snap away and their pick of anyone from the pits to play with. One would think that was enough, so what or WHO is important enough to warrant a banquet? I smoothed down the silk sapphire shirt that tucked into my black leather pants, the color reminding me of Pasha's room. I tied my hair back, letting it fall in one smooth thick strand. My leather boots shone to perfection and I took one final look at myself. Presentation was key, especially now. Uneasiness swept through me, I didn't appreciate being ill prepared. Aside from Pasha, I didn't trust. That's how one gets careless, having too much faith in someone else to keep you safe. I approached the door entering the great hall. There were guards stationed on either side of the double doors. With a quick nod they pushed on the doors. They creaked and groaned as they cracked open, revealing a large oak table centered in the middle of the hall under the great chandelier. Gweneth was conversing with a tall blonde whom's sight line was blocked. The "King" was gorging himself on wine whilst speaking to a Vampyr around the same age as him. "-humans are absolutely useless on their own, that is until we give them a purpose. You see Petro, we would have the humans at our disposal. There would be no starvation for we would already have them enslaved." I resisted the urge to throttle him right there. Yes I hated the animals myself but after living alongside Osha, I cannot help but associate her to her people. I knew in that moment that it was my weakness for her and that petrified me. I could not have any weaknesses, not if we were to live. "Misha!" Gweneth clapped as if I were one of her servants. "I would like for you to meet someone." I walked over to the pair, forcing my power into each stride. The woman curtsied low, her breasts in full view to me, which I knew was her intention. "Prince Misha." She whispered, trying her best to feign modesty. "You remember Lydia? The young woman who disappeared not far from here?" Gweneth chimed in, her eyes alone telling me that she knew. That old motherfucker must've told her, thus bringing me back around to my earlier point, trust no one. "This is her sister, Anya." Gwen finished. "Ah yes, a terrible circumstance indeed, any findings?" I asked turning to Anya. She lowered her eyes to the ground, I could detect the slightest hint of sadness. "Sadly no, we've almost lost all hope. I came here as a last effort to find out what happened to her." "I see, if I can of any assistance please let me know." I bowed deeply, causing Anya to flush. She was a beautiful woman yes but stirred nothing within me. Only Osha seemed to have that power over me. Before we could exchange any other words, the rest of our guests began to fill the hall.
OSHA
Gertie and I waited in the wings outside the great hall. The hum of idle chatter filled the room just behind the doors, I couldn't help but fidget with my hands in anxiousness. A tiny bell from within the hall rung, permitting us entry. We entered quietly as if we were to be unnoticed by all inside. The hall glowed with warmth from the candlelight. "Ah the refreshments! Dear honored guests please gather round!" The King boomed, giving Gwen a knowing sidelong glance. We made quick work of filling the chalices and began serving them to the guests. My wandering eyes caught Misha on the other side of the gargantuan table in the middle of the hall. Next to him, sat an extraordinarily beautiful Vampyr. She had the perfect heart shaped face and the petit features to match. Her mouth had a full sensuous pout, her canines gleaming as she laughed at something Misha said. My stomach dropped, agitation slithering its way around me. Eyes on your work Osha! I scolded. I was at odds with myself, my eyes betrayed me, taking another peek at him through my lashes. He must've picked up on it because his eyes were already on me when I did. I made myself turn from him, breaking away from whatever he was trying to convey to me.
I motioned with a slight nod to Gertie for her to serve him. I couldn't allow myself to show what I felt, not now, I had to focus. "Hurry up you damn dogs!" The King barked at us. As quickly as I could I met the King's Chalice with the flask of blood prepared for him. His stare did not leave me whilst I filled his cup. It bored into me in such a way that I felt almost suffocated. I kept my eyes toward the ground and backed away slowly, my head bowed. He turned to address the room once more. "In light of recent events, we've come together with the charge to unite against the rebels who threaten our way of life!" He motioned for a man to approach, he appeared to be in close age with the King however for a human it's quite difficult to tell their exact age for various reasons. The man stood beside the King and Queen, a smile splayed across her stupid face. Gertie and I retreated to the far wall, making ourselves invisible until needed. "Lord Baranov came to us with a request, after much debate we decided to grant it. Now more than ever, do we need bonds, loyalty, and community. If we want our way of life to survive and we ourselves must ensure it." Gwen spoke. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes into the back of my head. Bonds? Community? Who in their right mind would believe that? "Anya dear, come forth." Baranov motioned. She rose regally from her place next to Misha and greeted her father. "I am aware our house is not a prominent one. However, in light of what I can offer, I ask that my daughter Anya be presented to Prince Misha, for the prospect of marriage. So that our houses-…." My eyes flew to Misha, whatever Baranov was saying fell on deaf ears as I watched Misha try to school his surprised expression. His gaze briefly landed on me, for a fraction of a second I could have sworn I detected…. fear.