"What are we humans now?...."
You know the feeling when you are startled to face the world, but there is always one person standing by your side holding your hand, and no matter how worse the situation will go on, that person refuses to leave your side. The one who fights with you to have some faith in yourself. 'Believe me, you got this.'
If you have one, then consider yourself lucky. For me, Celia was my rock.
Once chaotic dining room turned into a grave, silent zone. All eyes were zoned to both sides of the table as the north and south poles.
The red eyes of the fiery brown head vampire were ready to burn down the world. Air encircled around turned thick to breathe in.
Everyone held their breath as they waited for the scene to unfold.
People who followed my orders blindly got the courage to raise their voices against me, questioning my allegiance.
I knew this was coming, from the very moment I proposed that deal a week ago. And this was just the start.
***
*Flashback*
"Letting a member of the enemy clan walk past our doors? What were you thinking?"
"Have you forgotten how much of a risk it involved?"
"What are we going to do if those mutts come here to rescue their own!?"
"Are you intending to start a war!?"
"War? You can't be serious."
"Who is going to take responsibility here? Are you ready for this?"
"For god's sake, there are thousands of vampires living in solitude. How could you risk their lives just like that?"
"....."
Funny, right? These people wouldn't need a matchstick to start a fire. The fury in their gazes and rage-filled voices were enough to do the deed.
The meeting room was crackling with delirium. The entire space was empty except for the center of the room, which contained a single table big enough for twelve people to sit around and discuss the world's fate.
Out of twelve, Eleven seats were taken.
Vampires from ten different clans lived under my protection. They have bound ties with us royals to ensure their survival since the beginning of the dark ages in return for uttermost devotion towards the royal family.
Every member present in this room was representing their clan, coming from 10 different ancient bloodlines, and by that I mean they were a real pain in the ass.
I bet by now you have figured it out on your own. Great.
Now you can understand my pain. These old hounds were ready to have a piece of me. From their faces and way of dressing, you might have misunderstood them as youngsters, but don't forget we are vampires and we do not age like others. I am over 1000 years old. Still, I was the younger one in the room, leaving the maths for you.
The council was formed by my late father, King Harold, in his time. Unfortunately, we never got the chance to replace any of them because none of these oldies were ready to rest in their graves.
You guess it right, all the members in the council were the original members since it was formed, of course, except me. I took over after my father not so long ago.
Oh, let's get back to the business, shall we?
I don't think I had to explain what was the hot topic of today's meeting. You all are well aware of the tragedy which hit my life recently. I had never been in such a dire situation before when I look back at the long life I lived. And by that, I mean a very long one.
Yeah, I never got a mate. A werewolf one, over that.
Right now, sitting in the middle of Chaos. Bullets of questions kept firing on me. These oldies have no mercy. Never had.
Well, considering the limit I went to this time, I expected no less from them. I knew all the facts stated were valid. I put myself and others in a dire situation. However, it was not my intention. Though this didn't give me a reason to escape my mistake.
"What's done is done. We can't change it. It would be great if, despite pointing fingers at one another, we think of a way to solve it. Don't you think, gentlemen?" Among the bunch of accusations, a voice pushes through, making all the others sit back in their chairs.
A man dressed in a three-piece suit, sitting silently in his chair, playing with a big blue jewel attached to a ring he was wearing since the meeting started.
I smiled softly when looking at all the other faces turned pale. Just a word from the man was enough to shut these old goons. That's the power of Valentine Morgenster. The badass vampire in the history of the dark ages. My one and only savior in the bunch of hungry old geezers. My dear uncle ( Not by blood ) and mentor.
I sent a silent look his way, meeting his stern gaze which could scare away demons but to me, it spreads warmth.
Since the Uncle cleared the floor, it was my turn to hold the fort. "I agree with the elder Morgenster. What's done is done. There's no use in digging the dirt. The Best we could do now is think of a way to turn the situation in our favor."
"What do you propose, his Highness?" Elder Aldertree, one of the ten elders, asked.
"Peace," I whispered.
"Peace? Ridiculous." Elder Hellmann spats in disgust.
"How about a chance to live a boring life, stroll in the park, among humans, under the sun sounds to you?" That's right. I knew what they wanted and how to play it in my favor.
For a moment, the room goes quiet before Elder Morgenster points.
"The sacrifice must be willing, not forced for that to happen." Not that I was not aware of this significant detail.
"That's right."
Again, all eyes focused on me.
"That's what I was talking about. That's why I need everyone's support." I smiled mischievously as I thought about my next step.
*End of Flashback*
***
"I suggest you choose your words wisely, Ms. Celestine." I kept my voice stern, to let everyone see how serious I was with my words.
However, looking at the woman standing stubbornly against me, I felt terrible saying those words.
Why did it have to be her? I was ready to teach a lesson to whoever stood against my decision, but her.
I knew I was at fault here. I should have discussed my plan with her beforehand. Maybe I thought if not anyone she understands me better. Guess not.
The hurt look in her eyes was crushing my heart, but I dare not let it show in front of everyone.
"... if anyone feels like going against my orders, feel free to leave." I glanced over at every vampire in the room.
A wave of shock traveled through the room before everyone turned their gazes toward the floor in submission except for one.
"Very well then, His highness." With that, Celia stomped her foot and left the room.
'I will explain everything to her later. I know she will understand me. She always does.'