Blood Oath

CHAPTER 3

HENRI'S P.O.V

Prince Theophilus has become very inflexible towards Her Majesty. I'm not certain why. I don't need to know, however, I'm worried it will have a harsh effect on the Queen. I'm glad Richard is gone. I am very sure he will never return. Disgraceful thing thought he could dismiss me; humorous.

Queen Ophelia's siblings do nothing but feed off her. Princess Emilia wants a ball because she is returning to Argo–entitled. Queen Ophelia has more important things to worry about. Alas, who am I to oppose anything?

Night had already fallen and the courtyard was lit and music was in the air. It was filled with guests. All of which were citizens of Argo. It was not in my interest to greet or acknowledge anybody except for one man--His grace, Lord Jean Sang.

"My Lord," I said as I bowed my head to him. He responded with an embrace.

"Henri, my boy." He patted my back and broke the embrace. "How are you?"

"I am well." I replied. Lord Jean Sang, the man who raised and protected me. He is the reason I am where I am today. How can I ever repay him?

"Shouldn't you be with the queen?"He asked

"Yes, but I was asked to supervise. She'll arrive soon."

"Oh."

"How are the others?" It has been over a decade since I last visited the Vampire Court. My whole life has been in the palace of Argo.

"They are fine. They wanted to come but they are yet to control their blood lust properly. The other night, Fredrick almost killed somebody. I made it in time."

"HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS EMILIA."

The princess has arrived. Does her majesty know? I must inform her. I left Lord Jean Sang to go tell the queen of her sister's arrival.

"Your Majesty." I knocked on the door of the queen's room. She did not respond at first. "Your majesty." I knocked again.

"Enter."

I entered the room and Her Majesty's appearance struck me. Her elegant yet simple couture gown. Her Scarlet gem necklace matched her bejeweled crown. I am in awe.

"What is it, Henri?"

She caught me looking. "Y-Your sister has arrived." Did I just stutter?

"Then let us join them at the courtyard." The queen said as she walked past me. I follow behind. Queen Ophelia is the most gracious human I have ever met. She carries so much elegance and charm. How does she do it? It is indeed a shame no man has caught her attention. I don't expect any less from her majesty, from my Queen.

"HER MAJESTY, THE QUEEN, OPHELIA OF ARGO." It is always a pleasure to announce the queen's arrival. The music and all mindless chatter seized as Queen Ophelia gracefully revealed herself.

Everybody was speechless as she ambled. I followed behind her. Every person she walked past showed respect as they should. She walked to her sister who did not care to show any respect.

"Ophelia, long time no see. Henri, it's been a while."

"Your royal highness." I lowered my head at Princess Emilia.

"Emilia, how was your travel?" Ophelia politely asked.

"Where's Theophilus?" She dared to leave the queen's kind gesture unanswered.

"I am right here." Prince Theophilus came forth and I lowered my head.

"Theophilus." Emilia rushed to embrace Theophilus.

"Emilia, how are you?"

"I am in good health. We are in good health."

"We?" Queen Ophelia asked in confusion. "Speaking of which, where is your husband?" Queen Ophelia was ignored again. Princess...no. Emilia walked to the center of the courtyard. She carried the playful expression of a child.

"I have news. Come, all of you. Listen here."

I had no interest in whatever Emilia had to say. Queen Ophelia did not look happy. The whole guests all gave ear to Emilia.

“I have come with the most remarkable news. I would’ve had my husband say it together with me but he is unavailable.”

It will be favorable for all of us if she spared the introduction.

“My sister, the queen does her best to keep this kingdom at its peak and status. It is only unfortunate that we do not have heirs. However, the story has changed for I am with child.”

There was a collective expression of excitement followed by people going to congratulate Emilia on her child-bearing. Queen Ophelia particularly seemed happy. I, for one, was overjoyed. This means Prince Theophilus will no longer be on Her Majesty's neck and she can rule comfortably. What a blessing Emilia has brought.

The queen's mood changed in a way I have never seen before. Her smile faded and her eyes went dim. “Your majesty?”

“Come, Henri, let’s go.” An unusual mood for her majesty. What has happened? I followed her majesty as she quietly exits.

“Excuse me, your majesty?” A very unfamiliar voice from behind had us at a stop. We turned to see who it was; it was another human man. He bowed in respect.

“Rise.” The queen commanded and he did so. “Why have you called me?”

“I am Prince Darius of Titan, Nephew of King Augustus, ruler of Titan. I was wondering if I could have a dance with you.”

Another one of them. It is high time I start sweeping them away. “Her Majesty is unavailable for the eve—"

“It would be my pleasure.” The Queen accepted his proposal to dance. Queen Ophelia just said yes to a man. What has happened?

Her majesty walker to this Darius…with a smile on her face. He held her hands in his elbows.

“Henri, I’ll be fine. Go enjoy your evening.”

She caught my worried expression.

What has gotten into Queen Ophelia?

This…Darius, I do not trust him. Something about him disturbs me. I don’t like his smile or his face. Then again, her majesty seems to enjoy his company. He'll be gone by morning, I hope.

“Henri, my boy.” Lord Jean Sang approached me. “I brought something for you.” Lord Sang put his hand in his coat and brought out a miniature glass vial. “Take this.” I collected it. It had tiny red pills in it.

“What is it?”

“They are blood pills. I made them myself. You haven’t fed in a while, I can see it in your eyes. One of it should keep you up for at least three days but be warned: it can be addictive and your blood lust can burst out without control.”

Lord Sang's warning, I took to heart. The music ended and the guests all cheered. It seems like Darius and her majesty have finished their dance. They look too happy. What is Darius up to?