Melisande's eyes blazed with anger as she gazed down upon the incompetent fool before her.
"You assured me that the venom would be lethal and he would meet his end."
Shhhsshhhhhhsh~
Malachi gasped for breath as his hands clawed at the blood rope around his neck which was making sizzling sounds. Scorch marks had appeared all around his neck.
"Ple-ase... ~kurr kurr~ ... Yo-ur Majesty," he pleaded with a choked voice. "I will make it up to you. I swear it."
For a moment, Melisande seemed ready to end his life, but then she unexpectedly released the blazing blood rope, letting it dissipate into the air. Malachi collapsed while coughing and clutching his throat.
"The crown prince must die," Melisande said coldly. "My son, Magnus, is the one who deserves the title. He is strong, talented, hardworking, and destined to rule."
Malachi nodded fervently while gasping for air. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will ensure that it is done."
"See that you do," she replied, turning back to the mirror. "For your sake, Malachi, do not fail me again."
...
...
...
In a different part of the palace, a young vampire trained in a luxurious training area that was the envy of many.
The space was expansive, filled with various training equipment made of the finest materials. The walls were adorned with banners and weapons, each meticulously maintained.
Guards were stationed at intervals. Their watchful eyes ensured the young vampire's safety and the sanctity of his training.
The young vampire was a tall and muscular striking figure with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. One wouldn't even be able to tell that he was a teenager.
His hair was a dark, rich brown, kept short and neat.
His eyes were a deep, intense red, a clear sign of his powerful vampiric lineage. He wore fitted training clothes that allowed for maximum movement, the fabric clinging to his well-defined physique.
Magnus moved with fluidity and controlled motion. As he trained, he demonstrated good use of his vampiric powers, effortlessly shifting between physical combat and supernatural abilities.
He struck at a series of training dummies with blinding speed with blurry fists, feet, and even a sword, occasionally.
With a focused thought, he summoned a dark mist that enveloped the dummies, causing them to sink into the darkness of the surroundings almost instantly.
"Excellent form, Master Magnus," one of the guards commented with a tone of respect. "Your control over the dark essence is truly remarkable."
Magnus smirked, not breaking his stride. "Of course it is," he replied, his tone dripping with confidence. "I am the future of this kingdom."
As he continued his training, another guard approached, bowing slightly. "Master Magnus, your mother wishes to see you once you have finished."
Magnus nodded, delivering a final, powerful strike that shattered the last training dummy. "Very well. I'll see her shortly."
He wiped the sweat from his brow as his eyes lit up with ambition. He knew that his mother had great plans for him, plans that required the removal of any obstacles that may stand in his way. He was ready to follow whatever instructions she had for him.
Magnus strode confidently through the palace halls as maids, guards, and other dignitaries bowed in respect whenever they crossed his path.
He soon arrived at an imperial room where his mother awaited. The guards at the door stepped aside, allowing him entry.
"Mother," Magnus greeted, bowing his head slightly. "You wished to see me?"
Melisande turned from the mirror as a proud smile appeared on her lips. "Magnus, my dear, your training is progressing splendidly. I have no doubt you will be ready when the time comes."
Magnus straightened himself with a determined look. "Thank you, Mother. I am ready now. The crown prince's existence is an insult to our bloodline. Father should have never laid with a human. The crown prince is weak, and I am strong."
"Patience, my son," Melisande counseled, her voice calm and measured. "The time will come soon enough. We must ensure that whatever happens won't be linked to us in any way. Edmund's days are numbered. Once he is gone, you will take your rightful place."
Magnus's smile was predatory as he responded; "I look forward to it. The kingdom will finally have a future ruler worthy of its power."
...
...
...
The first light of dawn crept through the thick velvet curtains of Edmund's chamber, casting a soft, golden glow on his exotic furnishings. The chamber was shrouded in the quiet calm of morning as Edmund lay sprawled across the massive bed.
He was lost in a rare peaceful slumber.
The door creaked open, and Sasha entered with her usual brisk efficiency. Her arms were laden with cleaning supplies. She was a sight to behold in her maid's uniform.
Her hair was tied back in a no-nonsense bun as she moved about the room tidying the already immaculate space.
As she approached the bed, she noticed Edmund stirring. His eyes fluttered open, and he greeted her with a sleepy smile.
"Good morning, Your Highness," Sasha said, a hint of teasing in her voice. "I must say, the consorts left with rather happy faces last night. Did you finally manage to... get it up?"
Edmund laughed lightly upon hearing this; "Not quite, Sasha. We spent the whole night talking." He voiced while slowly sitting up.
Sasha stopped in her tracks as her eyes widened in disbelief. "Talking? You expect me to believe that you... His Royal Highness... Crown Prince of Darkblorne Kingdom, spent the night chatting with consorts?"
"Believe it or not, that's exactly what happened," Edmund replied, still chuckling. "We talked about their lives, and their dreams, and even shared a few laughs."
"Impossible!" Sasha exclaimed while placing her hands on her hips. "Since when did you become such a conversationalist, Edmund?"
"Since I realized there's more to them than just their looks," he said with a smile. "It was actually quite... enlightening."
Sasha shook her head, laughing. "Well, I never thought I'd see the day. The cruel prince having a heart-to-heart with his consorts. What's next? Are you going to start hosting tea parties?"
Edmund grinned, leaning back against the pillows. "Don't tempt me. I might just surprise you."
They shared a lighthearted moment with a few back and forth. Sasha didn't hesitate to tease him. After all, It was a rare sight to see the once-aloof prince so relaxed and approachable.
As Sasha resumed her cleaning, Edmund's vision was suddenly interrupted by the now-familiar system notification.
[ Goal Incomplete ]
He sighed, deciding it was time to address his next task. "Sasha, I need your help with something."
She looked up with curiosity in her eyes. "What is it?"
"Do you know anything about the silver oak tree?" he asked, his tone serious.
Sasha's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "The silver oak tree? It's no secret, Your Highness. There's only one in the entire kingdom."
"Tell me more about it," Edmund urged, leaning forward.
"It's an ancient tree that has stood for thousands of years," Sasha explained, her voice taking on a reverent tone. "The silver oak signifies the prosperity of the Darkblorn Kingdom. It has supernatural properties hidden to most and is located on the palace grounds."
Edmund's interest was piqued. "Where exactly is it?"
Sasha hesitated before answering. "It's in the sacred garden, Your Highness. Only the Vampire Emperor is allowed to enter."
Edmund was taken aback. "Not even the crown prince has access?"
She shook her head. "No, Your Highness. None of the princes and not even the empress herself can enter. Only the keeper of the garden and the emperor have access."
"This complicates things," Edmund muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I need to obtain a bark fragment from that tree."
Sasha's eyes widened in shock. "Why on earth do you need that?"
Edmund hesitated. "It's for something important. Something I can't explain right now."
"Edmund, you know it's impossible," Sasha said with a look of hopelessness.
She recalled how people have been sentenced to death for just loitering around the sacred garden. It was really a no-go area.
"Unless your father personally gives you access, you won't be able to get in."
"There must be a way," Edmund insisted while thinking of a plan. "What about the keeper of the garden? Who is she?"
Sasha sighed, seeing the determination in his eyes. "The keeper is a mysterious figure, Your Highness. No one knows much about her, except that she's fiercely loyal to the emperor and the protection of the garden."
Edmund's frustration grew. "This is ridiculous. I'm the crown prince, and yet I'm denied access to something within my own palace!"
"Your Highness," Sasha said gently, "I understand your frustration, but I'm sure there is a good reason for it. Your father too must not have had access till he became the emperor."
'If this goal is related to unlocking my essence, does that mean I'll have to wait till I become emperor to gain access? Nah I really have to find a way,' Edmund took a deep breath while trying to calm himself.