Siting on a chair, with Silas on my lap, I stare at Katherine, waiting. Servants and butler surround us, mostly lining the walls, awaiting any order their master will give.
"Mistress Katherine, your drink is ready," the butler states, placing the drink down.
Turning towards me, he asks," Is there anything you would like, sir?"
"Silas, what would you like," i ask, looking down at the child in my lap.
"Apple juice, please."
"Can I have apple juice and water, please," i respond to the butler, looking him in the eye.
"As you wish, Sir," he bows.
"Thank you, Mr. Ward," Katherine smiles.
"It is a team effort, Mistress."
When he steps back, disappearing for a moment, Katherine turns to me," I know you have many questions, however let me give you a overview of the vampire world."
I nod my head, implying her to contiune.
"As you know, the world we live in is surrounded by the supernatural, especially since several specices have an alliance/ treaty with the humans. We, the noble vampires, have within our own society, have a hierarchy, mostly a matriarchy. However, that can change if a man takes the throne."
" . . . Okay, that makes sense."
"There are 13 noble families, each have their own specific rules, however, we all stand under these major ones:
1. Secrecy is of most importance
2. Your children are in your care/ responsibility
3.No killing of a mate
4. No human killing
There are many more, however rules outside of these will most likely be taken to the matriarch and elders for them to decide."
"Does that mean, Silas and I wil-"
"I will protect you, Dear, so worry not. Now in makiing a newborn, there are two ways of going about it," she states. "The first is through a bite. This bite filled with venom, will pass through the victims body. through their 'master's' will they can be turned into a servant, rogue, family, or significant other. In your case, you made a family member, a son."
"What's the other way?"
"The second options is through a magic contract. When a master makes a contract through magic to make a new vampire, it's also an exchange of souls as well. Most exchanges will be the Contract of Equals, and like it's name says, the two parties will be allianced and equal in power. This is our case. . ."
She admits, but it seems like she's holding something back. I don't push her on it, since she'll tell me when she feels that it's important. I hope.
"That's our case. Now not all vampires can do that because not all vampires are able to use magic. Blood servants, which sre the lowest vampire, can not use magic, although some can use something we call the blood arts, which is special to each vampire. Then there's the Vampires. They are able to use magic to an extent, however its weak, and even if they grow in power, it'll take longer than a nobles'.
Lastly, you have a Noble. We are the highest in power, however that does range. It's like we all start on the same playing field, but if you dont work hard, then you'll fall behind. That in mind, the matriarch is the most powerful vampire right now to rule, and the new ruler shall be even stronger. We all fall under the class 'Immortals' however, it's more common to say vampires. "
"So this whole vampire society is power hungry?"
"Not exactly, but some can be. Those who want to take over, are named heirs-in-training, who have to go through many trials to show their power and will."
i take it all in, leaning back. Silas looks at me, worried.
"Dad, are you sick," he frets, a frown prominate on his face.
"I'm fine, son," i respond, a small smile blooms on his face, a blush showing on his cheeks.
"Where do we fit in this?"
"You are my husband, Dear, and as a heir-in-training, it's only fair that you also go through it with me," she smirks. "I've been waiting for a long time to make you mines."
"Ugh," Silas groans, hiding his face within my chest. "Just nasty."
i chuckle," You'll understand when you're older."
"So will you stand by my side,Dear?"
"I don't know you and to be your husband just becuase, it feels wrong."
" . . .Then I will drop my title as heir-in-training, and we can start over somewhere, anywhere. But no harm will fall upon you, I swear."
The moment the words leave her mouth, the servants and butler uproar.
"But Mistr-"
"If my Dear isn't to stay with me, then I shall follow him."
"Your grandmother, the matriarch, she-
"She won't let-
"Rethink this, M-
Several people talk at once, giving me a headache. Silas peaks out of my chest, then jerks back in me, covering his ears. Seeing the fear, feeling his breathing start to escalate, I hold him tight, and bellow," Everyone! Shut the fuck up, now!"
Everyone's head whips to me, seeing my fuming face.
In a low voice, i glare," Your scaring my son, so shut your mouths."
If only Rowan could hear everyone's inner thoughts:
What about us, dammit?! We're about to shit ourselves!
"Now, Katherine, It seems like these people don't want you to stop being a heir-in-training, on top of the fact that your grandmother, the matriarch, won't be happy that you left," I inquire. "I have no problem being a husband to a pretty lady like yourself, however I don't love you. That doesn't mean I can't grow to love you."
Katherine's wholes demeanor changes, and the frown turns into a beaming smile.
"I'll make you fall in love with me, Dear," she confessed. "Just as have fallen for you."
The servants and butler all take a breath of relief, getting back into their position along the walls of the room. Silas' breathing regulates, as I rub his back, hopefully soothing him. He snuggles more into me. Katherine smiles," Make yourself at home, Dear."
Looking at Mr.ward,"Show him to our room, please," she commands.
"This way sir," Mr.Ward bows, ushering me to a door, and down a hall. Up the many stairs we go and do many more hall, we go, until we arrive to huge double doors.
"This is your room," Mr.Ward confirms my suspions, opening the door for me.
Stepping inside the room, Silas and I stare around in amazement, taking everything in. The room like fit for a King, with such space. A oversized bed stands against the wall, ceiling high windows along the wall in front of the door. The bathroom is divided by a sliding door, with a huge tub--more like a pool-- with the mirror ceiling the whole showerhead. The toliet and is on the other side with a big sink in between the two, with a long counter top on each side, a big mirror behind the faucet. By the bed is night tables on each side. A couch is to my left side, along the wall, with a tall standing lamp and table in front of the couch with a reclinable chair to the left of the couch along the same wall as the bed. The black aesthetic shows all around the room, with beautiful paintings along the wall.
"This will be our new home, Silas," I say, gently.
"I'm fine as long as daddy is with me," SIlas smiles.
I smile back, ruffling his head, softly. "Then we'll make the most of it, the two of us."