Royal Blood

Arms crossed over his chest, Raven´s eyes flutter open as the sound of breathing and footsteps fills his ears. He can hear a loud heartbeat, and the breathing is heavy. The heart beats quickly in a small chest cavity. The scent of her is really what gives her identity away and helps him to regain control over his hunting instincts. He jumps into a crouching position and leaps toward the entrance not unlike a panther prowling in the night. He lurks in the shadows, waiting for her to enter his lair.

     Embers remain in the fireplace nearby his resting place on a bed of fur and straw. The light plays across the walls, casting deep shadows and fiery orangish red tongues of color across the cave. Some kindling, small thin branches near the entrance to the cave snap underfoot and she curses.

    She looks around nervously and not seeing him she peers into the dim light toward his resting place.

   Raven smiles, revealing long sharp canines. 

   He leaps out from the shadows and pounces on her.

   She cries out and slaps him in the face.

   Raven leaps back, grinning.

   ¨You fiend, don´t play games with me or I will feed you to the wolves!¨

   Raven laughs.

   Suddenly, with a blur of quickly moving limbs he is once again in a crouching position, but now by the fire place.

   The woman sighs. Raven notices how her wrinkles seem deeper in this lighting. In truth he would lose track of time without his guardians. Though it is sad to admit  the signs of aging upon the faces of his guardians help him to keep track of the years.

   ¨You certainly have a lot of energy for a three hundred and fifty year old.¨

   Raven shrugs, ¨And I don´t have a gray hair on my head. Imagine that.¨

   ¨Imagine this.¨ The woman says and takes out a hare from her sack and throws it at him. It lands just next to the fire.

   He looks at it with disdain.

   ¨Eat it. Or suck it dry. Do whatever you will, but let it be your next victim, and not me.¨

   He sighs and pokes at it.

   ¨How long has it been dead?¨

   ¨Only a half hour at most.¨

   He looks disgusted but picks it up and sinks his teeth into it.

   The poor deceased creature all but shrinks away into oblivion.

   He flings the skeletal thing, a sad excuse for what was once a healthy living rabbit.

   It lands in the corner of the cave in a pile of other discarded animal carcasses.

   The woman starts retching as she draws near.

   ¨What is that vile smell?¨

   Raven shrugs.

   Upon closer inspection the woman sees the pile in the shadows of the corner of the cave.

   ¨Ugh!¨

   Taking out a small glass container from her pocket she throws it on the ground in front of the pile. It shatters and emits a smoke that quickly expands and dissipates.

   After it clears the pile remains but now there´s an herbal scent in the air instead. 

   Raven smiles, ¨How kind of you, Catia.¨

   Catia frowns, ¨You´re lucky to have me do your housekeeping.¨

   Raven stands up and he is a few feet taller than Catia, who is a short, petite woman.

   ¨What is it this time? Stories about the villagers and the problems the peasants face? There´s another famine in the town? Or let me guess, the shepard lost his sheep again?¨

   Catia laughs, ¨Well at least you have been listening.¨

   She gestures for him to sit.

   ¨Today, Raven, I will tell you about your kingdom you are to rule.¨

   Raven puts his head in his hands.

   ¨I was afraid this day would come.¨

   ¨Are you afraid to enter the world of man?¨

   ¨I´m afraid the world of man is not ready for me.¨

.............

¨Come on Raven, step into the light.¨

¨Are you trying to kill me? Maybe you are, so you don´t have to deal with the responsibility of training me as my guardian anymore.¨

Catia laughs.

Raven decides Catia probably wouldn´t laugh if this were her plan, but still.

¨Of course not, the purpose of my entire life is to guarantee your success and the longevity of the kingdom. Come on, you´re possibly the worst ruler I have ever heard of. Now did you drink the potion or not?¨

¨Yes I drank your stupid little drink, but I don´t see how that could possibly keep me alive.¨

Catia´s familiar frustrated voice is back.

¨How will you know if you are to live or not if you don´t just trust me and try it out?¨

Raven sighs and finally leaves the entrance to the cave and walks into the sunlight for, well, the first time in his entire life.

¨If your potion doesn´t work I promise you´re going down with me.¨

She does her best to keep her composure as her master enters the light for the first time, but she is so excited to see if the potion does in fact work that her heart is racing.

He is looking down at her now, his pale face eclipsing the sun, brighter than the sun itself and more brilliant and beautiful than anything in this world. Like the living god he is he is radiating light and his skin and all his features are as flawless as a marble statue, not unlike what she believes the Greeks must have imagined their gods from Mount Olympus would have been like.

His jet black hair is deep and bountiful like the night sky. Long, elegant eyebrows frame steely blue pools for eyes, fathomless depths that tell the story of the many generations of human lives he has already lived. He has a generous mouth, a large and contagious smile which imprisons those who dare to look at the glory of his features. The long canines warn any living being that they are being encountered by a great hunter. The strong jawline confirms it as well as the unnatural yet striking shade of alabaster white of his skin. 

Though he six feet four and this is a height that a human may grow to his height alone feels immeasurable, like he is looking at you from the top of a tower of the greatest fortress in the sky.

Catia realizes she is mesmerized, falling under his spell. It is part of his nature, and is something that neither she nor any human can control. It is what draws her and all other humans to him. A natural curiosity that develops into an obsession, a nagging in your mind and body, making you look around every corner and through every moment in your dreams for him.

One’s body naturally picks up on their presence even if they cannot be seen,  demanding answers and an understanding of him. These urges can never be satisfied unless you see them face to face. Then, when a human does see a vampire in the light it is unbearable and yet one cannot force themselves to look away. 

Just like looking into the sun up close, like Icarus, such a feat costs both a human’s life and sanity just to get a glimpse of glory.

Catia struggles to be in his presence, she feels as if she is being blown away in a howling hurricane. She feels naturally drawn toward him. It´s an inner struggle which is a normal first reaction to being in the presence of a vampire, especially during the day. It truly is against the laws of nature to be in the presence of a vampire, and so creates a feeling she can only describe as being sucked into a vortex into another world. She remembers her own training and focuses all her energy on staying grounded. Finally the incredible feelings subside a bit, long enough for her to take her own potion.

At last she can look at him, really look at him without feeling blinded and disoriented.

¨You´re going to have to work on that.¨ He gripes.

¨Work on what?”

¨The spell, it is still too strong, despite the potion. I hope others with less experience should be able to recover much sooner,¨ He says.

¨You´re right. They´ll know you’re a vampire right away unless I give you a stronger potion. Otherwise other humans will fall mercilessly under your spell.¨

He leaps into the air, one leg bent before him and the other trailing behind him. His arms drift by his side. He elevates into the tree tops of a great pine.

She looks up at him with a worried face. Seeing her concern he reaches out his arm toward her and she can feel herself being lifted into the air, seemingly light as a feather. She drifts until she is in the tree beside him. She plants her feet on the branches of the tree and puts one arm on his shoulder. He feels cold as ice, his skin hard as stone.

Catia slips and with lightning fast reflexes his reaches around her waist just as she begins to fall. Her chest feels like it might cave underneath his grasp when he catches her, which feels like the weight of several boulders over her chest. She gasps and the cold air pierces her lungs.  

He loosens his grip, ¨Sorry.¨

She shakes it off and clings to his shoulder again and they look over the landscape together.

¨It´s okay, all these things are normal when you try to touch fire. You get burned,¨ his guardian laughs.

She was so mesmerized by the vampire earlier that she forgot that it´s the dead of winter and that this is the first time Raven will be seeing snow by day.

Raven is staring from his perch in the tree, looking over the vast snowscape, sheets of snow can be seen in the air. A snowflake lands on his hand and leaves an imprint on his skin, like when snowflakes and snow cast designs on stone and other objects. Catia finds this fascinating.

Beyond there is the family fortress, blanketed in white, sprawling from the vast open fields just past the mountain range to the cliffs by the bitterly cold sea. The walls of the fortress expand over the grounds of the property, covering at least twenty acres. From here it is hard to tell exactly how big the castle is. It appears to her as if it were a brick serpent that once was alive and after sprawling over and across the varied landscape finally came to rest to surround it´s nest egg, the village and the occupants within. There are many turrets around the outer walls of the fortress, serving as posts where guards can spot dangerous intruders as they approach.

Within the walls of the citadel there are many streets and passageways, homes with straw roofing, and fences extending from the buildings where livestock are kept.

At the center of all these wooden houses is the castle, towering above them all by several stories, reaching for the heavens. Small beams of light can be seen shining out from the windows of the castle and the homes that surround.

Raven smiles. ¨It seems your potion has worked well enough for me at least. How long does the effect last?¨

¨You can drink it everyday in the morning and it will last until nightfall.¨

¨What is the status of my brother, now? How is he?¨

Catia´s face darkens. ¨He is not doing well, Raven. They say that from drinking so much ale over the years, his lack of concern for exercise, and the stress of ruling the kingdom has cost him his health. The doctors say that his liver will stop working soon. Then it will be time for you to step in.¨

¨He´s always been so focused on work and tends to never leave the throne room. He is obsessed with duty, the poor bastard dedicates his life to others and suffers for it, and misses out on life itself. Do they know he is going to die soon?¨ Raven asks sadly.

¨Yes. I have informed the court that his long lost brother from the faraway kingdom of Sedonia will be there within a week, or less if his health worsens and it seems like he will pass away sooner. I told them of your dark, quiet nature, and to not be alarmed, and said you are quite friendly and personable when they get to know you.¨

He looks at her and shakes his head. ¨Once they meet me they will realize they have been tricked.¨

She shrugs, ¨It does not matter. When they see you they will fall under your spell and even if they fear you they will admire you and the charm you possess, even if you evolved this way only to lure them in and feast upon them. Just remember to ignore your natural instincts. The potion also will benefit you by allowing you to eat the same food as humans. It will curb your thirst for blood during the day though it won´t take it away entirely. You´ll still need to drink blood at night.¨

Raven thinks on this and runs his hands through his hair, ¨Do you think Riveth will want to see me? Now that he is on his death bed?¨

Catia thinks a moment. ¨I think he has always enjoyed your company. It´s just that you never visited and for so long that a rift has formed between you two. He will be very happy to see you, especially with that as his confirmation that his kingdom will be cared for.¨

Raven sighs, ¨And as long as I take this potion in the morning no one will suspect me for what I am then?¨ 

Catia nods. ¨It works on others who do not have a trained eye like myself to detect supernatural creatures.¨

He smiles, ¨So I´m just a creature to you then?¨

¨A handsome creature at that, I told them.¨

¨Who?¨ Raven looks confused.

¨The court and the queen of course. She wanted to know what kind of husband she might have.¨

He rolls his eyes. Raven, like all vampires has always been reluctant to form the natural bond of love that humans share with one another. Vampires have feelings for one another, but they have a more difficult time showing it, especially in ways that humans would understand. Raven is still young enough to be interested in love but old enough to question it and wonder if it is worth his time.

Catia looks at his flawless face, his lean muscles and alabaster skin. He is glowing. He will always look this way and it will draw women to him in droves. She truly feels sorry for them.

¨Raven, she is quite beautiful. She has flaxen hair, and she braids it in the most beautiful ways, with flowers woven into it. In the throne room she is a force to be reckoned with, she is able to command armies and sink enemy vessels without the blink of an eye or a switch of her mouth. She is like a statue when she sends her trusted men out to defend the kingdom, unafraid to sacrifice all for her nation.¨

The vampire rubs a temple on the side of his head and says sarcastically. ¨She sounds splendid.¨

Catia shrugs, ¨You´re going to have to get to know her, and at least respect her, even if you do not become attracted to her.¨

¨I will regard the mortal woman however I like. There´s nothing that she can do to rival my power, supernatural and immortal or no.¨

The guardian nods and smiles, ¨Well then, Raven you are ready then.¨

¨How can that possibly be an even remotely accurate statement?¨

¨Because you are arrogant and confident in temperment, knowledgeable and calculated when it comes to making life and death decisions. And extremely handsome. You are just as any king should be.¨

¨Great. Let´s get this over with shall we?¨

.........

   It has been a long time since Raven had been to the family fortress and he is not looking forward to seeing what he has missed after all these years. Raven never chose to leave, either, and his transformation to becoming a vampire was also anything but voluntary or desirable; but at the same time there is always something about the fortress that made him feel trapped. It is after all a citadel tucked away behind walls of brick and one must have permission to come and go, and so it would seem natural that some people may find life within its walls to be confining.

   Nevertheless he and Catia stand before the great gates of Axelgard, a citadel founded nearly eight hundred years ago, long before even Raven was born. It was settled long ago by fair skinned tribespeople from a land even farther north of the region, Scadonya, which legend has it is a place with little to offer. It is known for its icy tundra and vast stretches of land with nothing to see in any direction. People there live within the shelter of cave systems within their largest mountain range. If there was any place Raven desired to be less it likely was Scadonya, which was often referred to simply as ¨Scad,¨ which really has an awful ring to it. 

    As a teenager Riveth would joke that if Raven angered his parents that they would send him there. Raven and Riveth got along well when Riveth was younger and they used to see one another, that is when they were not trying to outsmart each other in some kind of contest. Like all his siblings and relatives though, they have hard time coming to terms with his immortality at some point, usually in their younger twenties when they start to know the way of the world and think this means that they know everything. And according to everything that any human knows, even his own family, vampires are monsters not to be trusted.

   Among other difficulties, it also has been a long time since Raven has ridden a horse. As the gates rise with the loud sound of clogs clanking and guards grunting as they manually turn the wheel that raises the gate, Raven finds himself moving from side to side in his saddle uncomfortably. The beast regards him with one eye as if to say ẗhat it does not trust him fully and has to keep one eye on him at all times. Raven does not blame the horse for feeling that way.

    There´s a lot of time to think. The gates seem to take forever to rise. Raven thinks again on what others may think of him. When it comes to being trusted, he also does not blame people for not trusting him. That includes his siblings though it does make him feel rather alone and always has.

    His ¨siblings¨ are actually called ¨bloodlings¨ by his kind, which are actually great nieces and great nephews of his deceased mortal siblings. The fact that they are bloodlings is disturbing to them, and that alone creates tense family ties. It is hard for them to accept that they are to treat their great uncle of three generations past like a brother, and it gets harder with each generation. But Raven more or less got over the issue of his distant relatives long ago.

    In truth the biggest issue does not have to do with his lack of being closely related to his bloodlings, but instead because of his infamous reputation. Long ago Raven was a mortal prince, in his youth, at age twenty years. He lived in his own chateau in the mountains and ruled over the village that lived near by, not but miles away from his home in the cave over the cliffs by the sea. 

   Raven was brave and courageous and protected his village, and always successful in any battles to be won against invaders from other Northerners, from regions nearby Scad or anywhere else undesirable to live. There was a reason however that Raven was sent to live in his own chateau away from court, and it was because of his fiercely independent nature and tendency to act rash and irrationally, which usually happened when he was angered or humiliated.

What his family disliked most of all about Raven though was his dark moods; he also had a tendency to frequent unsavory places from brothels, gambling houses, forbidden ruins where druids were known to live, and even upon vessels at sea. His family did not like that he was unpredictable and would go ¨galavanting to who knows where,¨ as his mother would say. One day he received bad news while nursing a hangover in a local brothel after spending several hours at a gambling house the night before; he had dwindled away a substantial share of his royal riches.

    The night Raven had been gone his village had been sacked and burned to the ground. He returned upon his Arabian, its beautiful gray neck held high in all its glory, snow-white mane blowing in the wind. Raven himself in stark contrast looked quite ragged and unregal atop his steed. His mother and father turned to face him, the ruins of his village in the backdrop, with disappointment written across their faces. His father had verbally torn him apart, stripped him of his chateau, land and village and banished him from Axelgard. ¨I don´t care where you go, but you have nothing more than the clothes on your back and the horse you ride on. And be gone quick or I´m taking your horse too, you bloody fool.¨

    How ironic to have been called a ¨bloody fool,¨ Raven thinks. Is that technically what I am now?

    The story of Raven´s rebirth as an immortal happened soon after that day, and in fact is what saved his life. Eventually his family allowed him back into their kingdom, it was his father´s last dying wish to finally allow Raven back into their lives. His father died and never learned Raven had become a vampire. His mother was determined to see that Raven could have a future, and enacted a secret law which determined that their immortal son be protected despite his no longer being human. 

    Nobles swore their allegiance to the crown and Raven out of fear of him and the monarchy as much as out of bribery. The queen sacked several villages beyond their borders and looted their coffers to secure the pact and pay off the nobility; in order to prevent the nobles from harming or driving Raven out of the citadel.

    Throughout the years as a young vampire Raven conquered and pillaged as many foreign lands beyond their borders as he could after his mother´s death to keep the nobles on his good side. Eventually after many meetings and executive orders which overrode his brother Ariath the king´s command to keep Raven safe and within the court failed. At the end of the day the nobles controlled the crown, though the monarchy filled the crown itself. Raven was driven outside of the citadel once again, his lands, the chateau and village were never to be his again it was declared. 

   Raven has not been back to the citadel since his banishment. That was over three hundred years ago.

    ¨Do not worry Raven. We are almost to the castle now. Do not dwell on the past. You must look sharp for Queen Izabella, she does not favor those who are moody or appear downtrodden. Can you do that for me?¨

   Raven looks in a store window as he passes by and notices his hair is smashed down on one side. He attempts to fix it, but it just seems to stick out every which way. He sighs. 

    ¨It is rather unfortunate that your abilities as a seer grace you with the abilities to read my thoughts.¨

    Catia shrugs, ¨Sorry. I was just trying to make you feel better.¨

    Two great turrets of the castle loom before them. A long row of people, hired help from the looks of it, stand on either side of a cobbled pathway that stretches out from the wooden doors of the castle to where they are standing. There are two pillars before them, with an iron gate in between, separating them from the castle staff and the gardens in the courtyard that surround them at the entrance to the castle. A guard stands at the entrance. His eyes widen when they approach.

    ¨Catia, Prince Raven, we have been awaiting your arrival. Welcome home, Prince Raven.¨ The man bows to him and Raven feels a bit more at ease to be welcomed so kindly back to the castle.

    Catia jumps off her horse and begins to walk through the gate; the guard holds open the gate for them. She and the guard look at him expectantly.

    ¨Raven, it´s okay. You´re home now.¨

   Raven jumps off his horse, Nazareth, and walks through and enters the courtyard. He sighs and pretends to be enthusiastic. ¨Home sweet home, it´s been far too long.¨

    Catia cocks an eyebrow at him, apparently surprised that he is even trying to be optimistic.

   She is encouraged by this nonetheless and smiles. ¨Good, Raven. It is time.¨

    Suddenly the doors of the castle open loudly, banging against the brick, startling the help. Some of them jump in response.

    ¨My brother-in-law, or shall I say future king, welcome! Dear Raven, Riveth has told me so many wonderful stories about you.¨ Izabella walks down the cobbled pathway, a vision of royal elegance and grace. Strings of pearls adorn her neck and bountiful bosoms that appear to threaten to escape from her corset. Her dainty hands wave around as she talks, causing the gems on her rings and bracelets to glint brilliantly in the light.

Her hair is not just flaxen but very pale, almost white in color. Raven is not sure what to think of this, because it is in fact unusual. Most of their people have dark hair, the only folk with hair more rare are those with auburn hair. The queen’s blanched locks reminds him of the cold snow. Flowers are woven into complicated braids that are her hair. They float about in snow drifts that pass by. In truth she is quite overwhelming to look at. He sighs and runs his hands through his hair.

   ¨Come, please, Raven. We must go inside quickly, or we might catch cold out here.¨ She kisses him on the cheek and grabs his arm, steering him down the pathway. Raven nods and keeps a straight face. He is not sure how he is supposed to act around a queen, much less his bloodling brother´s wife. He feels like he is in fact snatching his wife.

Perhaps in the days before he was a vampire and he was a lustful young prince he would have actually liked that idea, but in truth now it just sounds tiring. He has been living by himself for over three hundred years with no one but the women guardians that come to guide him through the years, preparing him for this very moment to take over and rule the kingdom should there be no heir to do the job. 

    Putting up with Catia is difficult, but this woman is clearly a very proud and regal creature and so far he likes her far less than Catia. He looks longingly over shoulder at his horse. ¨And Nazareth?¨ In truth he and the horse have been friends for years though he rarely rode him. Still, he does not want to be separated from the horse, as he feels he has no other friend in the world.

    Izabella claps her hands loudly and to his ultra-sensitive ears it sounds like thunder claps. He nearly jumps out of his skin and even hisses. He bares his fangs instinctively. All the help in the gardens spin to stare at them both, their jaws slackened.

   ¨Take his horse to the stables, groom! See to it the animal is watered and fed!¨ Izabella all but yells.

    She is clearly unaware of the peasants´ reaction to Raven. She was also oddly unaware of Raven´s reaction to her loud clapping and demanding voice.

    ¨Well what are all of you gaping at? The rest of you kitchen staff go to the kitchens and finish the preparations for the feast, I want that duck well done but not overcooked you fools, last time I nearly choked on the roasted duck after you burnt it. And ready a warm bath for our Prince, he is as cold as an icicle.¨

    She puts a concerned hand to his cheek and he sees goosebumps erupt across her delicate pale skin. He can see blue veins in certain parts of her hand and arm. He fights back the urge to bite her hand, and pushes down the desire for fresh blood.

   He does not know if she detects his yearning for blood and mistakes it for attraction, but she seems to like him. A little too much, though he knows they are supposed to be matched soon enough. Raven instinctively does not want to trust this grating woman.

   ¨Poor thing,¨ she whispers in his ear. ¨Your so cold, I´ll warm you up soon enough.¨

   Izabella spins and addresses the servants, standing like ornaments on two grand staircases, between the entrance to the right and left wings of the castle. All stand ready to be commanded in the halls and upon the stairwells.

   ¨I will be off to my husband´s bed chambers. My prince, follow me when you are bathed, dressed, and have had refreshments.¨

    Before she leaves she says one last thing, ¨Be prepared, Raven. Your brother Riveth draws his final breaths. He needs to council you. I thank you for returning from your journeys from afar.¨

    She looks sad before she leaves.

    Raven is swimming with confusion, not understanding the strange mix of emotions thrown his way by the strong-minded queen. He rubs his temples.

   A concerned face, Catia´s of course, is studying him.

   ¨Follow the servants. They will tell you where your bedchambers are. I will be in the East Wing, it´s through the hall to the right. When it opens on the other side that is the East Wing, which includes some rooms for guests, the kitchens, and dinner room.¨

   Two young female peasants appear as if they are struggling not to giggle as they stare at him.

   “Do I have to follow them?¨

    ¨It´s your charisma. They like you. Youŕe going to have to get used to it. Humans naturally can barely contain themselves around vampires, they want to amuse them, impress them. They do not realize they are doing this. Just ignore it, but try and be nice to them.¨

   Raven shakes his head. Catia says before she leaves, ¨At least the queen likes you.¨

    He walks up the staircase with the two peasants girls in the lead, whispering and stealing glances at him over their back.

..........

     Upon reaching his bedchambers Raven starts to feel a little bit better, to his surprise. He begins by telling the servant girls to go away and don’t come back, which is a good start. As strange as the surroundings may be, as well as the circumstances, it is actually a relief for him to be alone and enclosed in this space. It is good to know that should anyone want to come and bother them they at least have to knock first and announce themselves. It is a luxury one does not have while living in a musty cave in the wilderness.

     Raven retreats to the bathing room and starts to draw himself a bath. He grabs a brick that is sitting in the fireplace, ready to use, and picks it up with his bare hands. His hands glow as the heat attempts to burn through his hand, but of course because of his ability to withstand great temperatures among other numerous benefits of being an immortal being, it does him no harm. He does make a mental note though to remind himself to not scare any of the help in the castle by doing things that he is in fact considered to be incapable of doing, such as picking up a hot brick. He mulls on this thinking, I suppose there will be times when I should give in and allow the servants to help from time to time so that I can avoid accidentally slipping up and doing something that humans are not supposed to be able to do.

      He places the heated brick in a compartment underneath the bath. 

      Raven removes layers of clothes, feeling somewhat frustrated with the layers of unnecessary clothes; he could walk around in the snow completely naked if he so chose and it would not affect him.

      He steps into the wooden tub, which looks to like giant barrel cut in half, and relaxes completely for the first time in probably hundreds of years.

     Could it really have been that long since I've taken a real bath? Raven wonders. He lays his head back on the rim of the tub and closes his eyes. This sure beats bathing in a river any day. And I have taken a lot of baths in rivers.

     Time passes for a while and Raven does not bother to keep track.

     Eventually though he opens his eyes and sighs, reminding himself that he has to face his brother, and soon.

     Wrapped in a towel Raven looks through the chest at the end of his bed, which has four posts and an extravagant set of pillows and blankets.

     On top of the pile of clothes inside the chest is a deep blue coat with golden braided fringe which matches the row of fasteners and buttons on the coat and the collar in design. There are matching golden shoulder pads with the gold braids hanging down sort of like tassels. A little too fancy for him.

He puts on the jacket, it hangs almost down to his knees. He is not sure if he likes the collar, which sticks up and reaches to just an inch or so underneath his ears. The fringe is on the edges of the sleeves as well, which hang somewhat over his hands.

     There are dark brown leather pants to go with it and black knee high riding boots.

     He finishes getting dressed and walks out the door to search for Izabella and Riveth's quarters.

...............

     It´s as if he has been asleep for so long, walking about in a daydream, feelings all but ignored and endured. Now it´s as if his previous world has come to a screeching halt and he now can feel the weight of responsibility coming crashing down upon his shoulders. Feelings surface that he never thought himself capable of experiencing, worries arise he never anticipated, and in all this he tries not to gag on the smell of death.

   Raven is sick to his stomach with worry, intense sadness, and also overwhelmed by the sickly smell. It really hits home that Riveth does not have much time left on this Earth. It takes all of Raven´s strength not to flee into the mountains and return to the cowardly life of the forsaken monster he is. He is shocked to realize how in reality it was so much easier to turn back on the world that had turned its back on him. The time has come for him to go back and try to fix the mistakes he has made, not just for the sake of his own future but for the sake of his bloodline, and for the people of Axelgard. Okay in truth Raven hardly gives half a piss about the people of Axelgard, but if it makes his family and his brother Riveth happy, then he would at least try to do his job.

   A rather youthful-looking brown-haired girl leads him to Riveth and Izabella´s chambers. Despite her overall appearance of youth it also appears likely she is old enough to have bore children three times over, judging by the slight crows feet of her eyes and smile lines.

    Raven is lingering in the hallway just before the doors of the chambers. He whips his head around to see if anyone is looking and seeing that no one except the girl would, he retreats to the corner and hangs his head. He is trying to keep the world from spinning.

    After a few moments a rough, small hand closes around his. It is extremely warm, almost scalding to him, it startles him.

    He looks over his shoulder. It is the brown-haired girl.

   ¨What?¨ He says glumly.

    ¨It´s okay Prince Raven. It´s not everyday a man has to walk into a room where his dying brother awaits. It is not easy to stomach.¨

    ¨Thanks.¨ He says, willing himself to become settled.

    He eyeballs her, finding her calm and almost monotone voice unusual. She reminds him of the villagers from long ago, before they all burnt to ashes. Always appreciative. Straight forward. Afraid of invaders and wolves. And always chasing sheep.

   She says matter of factly, ¨You will have to go in eventually, your majesty.¨

    ¨Don´t call me that.¨

   ¨Okay.¨

   He looks at her again. She shrugs.

   ¨Can I go now?¨ She asks.

    ¨Go on, then.¨

   She nods. ¨I have a duck to check on. If the stupid kitchen maid lit it on fire the queen will have my head. Excuse me, Prince Raven.¨

    ¨It´s just Raven.¨

    She marches off with an irritated expression on her face. But before she disappears around the corner she says, ¨Just get it over with, Raven. Then you´ll feel better.¨

   He watches her as she turns a corner toward the kitchens. What a strange, yet nice girl.

    He stands up and straightens out his coat and walks inside the room at last.

    Izabella is holding Riveth´s hand, she is on her knees beside him. She is praying.

   Catia is nearby. She rushes to Raven´s side.

    She has tears in her eyes. ¨Go to him, Raven. I must leave. I am not supposed to be here.¨

   Catia runs off in the direction of her room.

    Guards inside the bedchambers close the doors behind him.

   Raven jumps. He is not used to guards closing him into small places.

    ¨Is there a-a visitor?¨

    Izabella raises her head and there are tears in her eyes. ¨It is your brother Raven, my love.¨

    Riveth is laying down but struggles to sit up, grabbing on to Izabella for support.

   ¨Iza, help me.¨

   ¨No no, you must lay down!¨

    He sputters and coughs up blood. A servant beside him wipes his mouth. A doctor mixes something in a cup nearby and tries to get Riveth to drink it.

    Riveth slaps it away and grumbles, ¨No more of that stinkin´ pond water, it tastes like something toads live in and smells like it too. Leave me be!¨

    The doctor sighs and returns to the corner of the room and begins organizing medical tools.

    Raven approaches and looks at the doctor. The doctor looks from him to Riveth and back to Raven. He shakes his head and says under his breath to Raven, ¨It does not look good milord. There´s nothing more I can do for him. I try to give him the drink to alleviate his pain, but he does not want it.¨

    Riveth looks like the veins might pop out of his head as he struggles again to sit up. Iza fluffs his pillows and helps to prop him up. Riveth looks happier at least after all the difficulty of getting comfortable.

    ¨My brother, is it really you?¨

    Raven drops down on one knee beside him and takes his hands in his, ¨Riveth, my dear brother. It´s been so long. I am so sorry to only see you now, it’s been too long.¨

    ¨Indeed, brother, far too long!¨

    Riveth smiles and it warms Raven´s heart.

    ¨Why you are cold as ice. I guess that should not surprise me.¨

   Iza gives him an odd look.

    Riveth says to Iza, ¨Let me have a moment with my brother, Iza.”

    She nods and leaves.

    ¨You, get out of here.¨ He says to the doctor. The doctor bows, packs his things and quickly scurries away.

    The guards and servant remain.

    ¨You two, get out. And the servant, too.”

        The servant scampers off quickly, appearing happy to leave.

   The guards linger a moment, surprised, but finally leave.

    Riveth sighs and looks at Raven a long time.

    Raven wants to look away but does not.

    ¨Izabella does not know of your true nature.¨

   Raven is surprised, ¨You mean she does not know I am a vampire?¨

    Riveth shakes his head, ¨That woman could never understand what that would mean, and never could understand how hard it has been to try and placate the nobles so that I could bring you back to court. I finally have swayed my Privy Council, but it was not easy. I had to give away a few villages and a few duchys mind you. I am so exhausted from all the politics of paving the path for you to come home.¨

    Raven frowns, ¨I truly am so sorry for all the trouble I have caused you. I know I have caused so many problems, even when I am far away.¨

    Riveth waves his hand, ¨I am too old and too sick to worry about that now. In truth things will be better now that you’re back.¨   

   ¨Please forgive me, I need to hear you say it.¨

    ¨I do forgive you. A million times over. But let me speak as I do not have the energy to talk for long and when I stop talking I must rest.¨

   Raven nods.

    ¨First of all, do not ever admit to my wife you are a vampire. She is the spiritual leader of our kingdom and will not tolerate infidels. I am so sorry you have to deal with her. Reject her if you must for the sake of you sanity, but do your best to do as she commands. If you do not do what she asks let it be behind closed doors and without a shred of evidence. You do not want to get on her bad side. Also she is clearly barren, so if you want children you must find someone else to procreate and produce an heir with.

   Raven is unsure how to deal with wives much less queens and does not see the need for children. In fact he is unsure if he can procreate at all, being what he is. He simply nods, though.

    ¨Second, always do what the nobles tell you to do, even if it seems wrong. You are not in a position to challenge them. They protect us from invaders and we need that protection.”

   ¨Third, listen to the peasants. Their voices matter because they uphold the kingdom. You do not need to actually give them all that they ask, but you must welcome them into the throne room from time to time and allow them to give their grievances. This will prevent uprisings.

    ¨And finally, take my signet ring.¨

    Tears begin to well up in Raven´s eyes and he embraces Riveth. Riveth´s eyes are watery too. But he does not falter nor cry.

¨Raven, you will be a good king. How fortunate for Axelgard that they have a man who lives until the end of time to protect them. Iza would say you´re a curse upon this land, but I truly believe you are our savior.¨

    Raven shakes his head, ¨No, that is ridiculous. She is right. I am just a sack of horse crap.¨

    Riveth coughs up more blood. ¨That´s nonsense. Now take the ring.¨

    He shakes as he takes it off and hands it to Raven. Raven kisses his brother´s head and takes the ring.

   ¨I do not deserve this.¨

   ¨Great power is best when given to those who do not actively seek it. Wise men do not seek power, but instead take on great responsibility and power to protect those they love. I know that in your heart you are this person. A good person who will do the right thing for his people.¨

   Raven is crying. ¨I am not ready.¨

   Riveth lays back and closes his eyes. ¨Put on the ring, brother. Then go, and let this tired old man rest.¨

   ¨What am I supposed to do now?¨

   ¨Put on the ring, Raven.¨

   He puts it on. ¨Okay, I put it on.¨

    ¨Good. Now go. And if I do not speak to you again it is because I am dead.¨

    Raven hugs him and gives him one last kiss on his head.

    ¨I love you, Riveth. You are the best brother and friend a man could ever have.¨

    Riveth grips Raven´s tightly a moment before letting go. He is already asleep.

    Raven backs away and walks out of the chamber doors, quietly closing the doors behind him.