They wandered through that darkest chamber, to a location which was lit by several tube lights. The sun's rays and evening light entered through the narrow long window, glistening the further paths.
The fireflies retreated when both Sophia and Eddie were a few steps away from the Pegasus. Sophia's orbs switched to the flies, going back to the chamber, following each other in an organized line.
Sophia kept looking at those tiny insects eagerly, with lips turned upwards and eyes wrinkling when the vampire cleared his throat and spoke in a guttural narrow-toned voice ." Sophia, concentrate ahead. We have come to see the pegasus and not the flies."
Sophia gave out a blushing smile, pacing back and bumping her back to a nearby wall, which was imperfectly designed. She was visible to the vampire in that brightened corner." They were cute. I can not get over these hardworking fellows. They obeyed your orders. But you didn't appreciate their labour."
The vampire walked closer to Sophia, raised his right hand and pinched her cheek." So it seems like someone is in love with those fireflies. You can pet one out of them, I will separate one apart from the group. And I have lived with them for hundred years. Making them stay here is itself an appreciation for them." Vampire spoke gently, placing his palm on the wall beside Sophia.
As they walked further, the ceiling completely vanished and they were standing in a wide open space, which thrived with weeds and wild plants. They were below the earth, which Sophia failed to sense in the beginning.
The yells of the outraged pegasus penetrated Sophia's ears. She was not used to hearing such high-pitched, hoarse sounds. The ground below her began to shake as the Pegasus slammed its hoofs continuously on it, hoisting its legs in the air and slamming them.
It began to wiggle its torso as its body was manacled with three long broad chains, attached to a huge stone. She knew she couldn't free herself from these dominant iron fasteners, that challenged her valour for several years.
She was as white as snow, with grey hairs on her head till her back, and a tail, supported by fever hairs. She continued to grab the chain with her mouth, pulling it harder, failing at every attempt. Then kneeling, it gave out an innocent look through her black shining orbs.
Seeing her condition invoked pity in Sophia's heart. She pressed her hands against each other, her orb dropping a tear, which was rubbed out by Prince Eddie as his attention switched to her countenance.
" Sophia, I know she is quite dismal in those hardbound chains. But to be honest, it is for her benefit only. She is 122 years old against a lifespan of 150 years. She is old and acts abnormally periodically. If she is not tamed, she would injure the nearby people." When the vampire was finished with his discussion, Sophia inhaled a deep breath.
" I want to glimpse it closer, can I?" she asked innocently.
The vampire gave out a stunning expression hearing her words." No, you can't. You have already seen her manners. Are you not scared?" he asked, raising both his palms.
" Yes, I know." Sophia gently moved over to the vampire, passing by him only to have a look at the pegasus.
" Are you mad, what if she hurt you?" the vampire's harsh words hardly reached her ears.
She leapt the fences, that confined the pegasus and stood beside her. She slowly raised her hand to caress the outraged pegasus's head, while the vampire continued to look upwards," Girl, what are you doing?" he murmured.
As she stroked her soft palms on the pegasus's head, the fire of anger slowed its flames. Her wild actions switched to some calm gentle feeling. She generated a simple "neigh" from her parted muzzle, licking Sophia's head, while Sophia continued to fondle the pegasus's cheeks.
" Sophia, I am shocked that it didn't harm you." Eddie came forward with bulging eyes and a stunned expression. " It always avoided the company of ordinary people. It injured several men during the 122 years, except me and my parents. It only allowed the touching of the royal family."
After gaining friendship with the Pegasus, Sophia moved her gaze to Eddie and asked" Does it fly, Prince Eddie?"
" Yes, it does. But only when it wants to. I don't know if she would tolerate you on her back. No doubt, she enjoyed your touch but I am still suspicious about a pegasus ride. I don't know if she tosses you to the ground." Eddie spoke in a serious toned voice. He acted as an instructor when he elucidated about the Pegasus.
Sophia treaded to the Pegasus's back. " let's give it a try." saying that, she caressed the Pegasus's back. The Pegasus didn't move, it stood still like a statue carved out of sandstone and erected in that place.
" I am not responsible for consequences, Sophia, if she kills you? beware." Vampire clarified.
Without uttering any word, Sophia grabbed its back and gently bent it down. It obeyed like a domestic creature. Then placing both her palms on its back, she lifted herself and pushed herself gently on the Pegasus's back.
The pegasus's eyes jutted open. It tilted its head to look at Sophia, who was gleaming harder. Sophia's entire body gleamed up, her brown orbs brightened and her body gripping loosely the reins of pegasus in her hand.
The Pegasus again shouted in excitement, hoisted its legs in the air but didn't slam them wildly. It appeared like she admired Sophia on her back. " What's its name, Prince Edward."
The vampire came forward, lifting his head to peek at Sophia. She was crouching at a height of 11 feet, the combined length of both her and the Pegasus.
" Its name is Ariel. Ariel has been serving in this palace for 122 years. She tolerated no one except me, on her back and in terms of hugging or caressing." the vampire spoke in an emotional tone as he caressed Pegasus's neck."She has been acting as a companion and a great defender for me and my family. It's because of her that I am alive today. I can't leave her, though, old age acts on her senses periodically."
Sophia got down from the Pegasus, staring curiously at Prince Edward." Your facial expression itself hints that there were harsh times. The times that I can hardly imagine. I hope I can act as a supporter for you." She grabbed Eddie's hand and pressed it gently.
Suddenly, a shuffling voice alarmed Sophia's ears. Her gaze moved to the bush, from where the voice arouse. Her body jerked and her heart pounded, while the noise continued to occur in the same fashion. From the hollows of that bush, a black figure was visible.
"There's something over there," Sophia clarified with suspicion.
Eddie strolled towards the bush. A man with white-blond hair, a blond beard and moustaches, a ginger skin tone, and a wrinkled face. He was attired in a white shirt, supported by doublets and pants, covering his thighs till shin, bowed in front of Eddie.
" Why were you hidden, William?" Eddie asked with creased brows.
" What? you know him?" Sophia asked.
Eddie turned his body at Sophia and said," Yes, I know him. He is my butler. He has been serving this palace for 150 years without any deception. He is a wise man whose advice assists in urgent matters. His name is Max and he is a vampire too." Eddie stretched his arm, opening his palm to introduce the old-aged vampire, standing behind him.
" So, you both live here?" Sophia asked.
" Not just two, Sophia, there are more of us. You will see." saying so, the vampire smirked and tilted his head towards Sophia.
" Your highness, I hide under the bushes because Ariel was out of control. She was going to injure me with her hoofs. She couldn't be controlled." Then shifting his eyes at Sophia, Max asked," Your highness, who is she? Is she a fairy or a vampire like us?" He began to scratch his head.
" No, I am not a fairy or a vampire, I am a human, sir." Sophia giggled.