The Vampire Prince's Pet

A cage for the slave girl

Elias POV

"How are you feeling?" I ask further. I see her fear, but I can't feel it. She swallows and tilts her head down a little further. Her brown hair completely covers her face and doesn't allow me to see her features, although I would love to see her eyes again. It's almost as if only her eyes allow a glimpse into her emotional world.

"Good," she replies, holding her breath. I can't say whether she does it consciously or unconsciously, but apparently it has something to do with her fear. She doesn't know me personally, but seems to have heard of my reputation.

"Look at me Lyn," I command her. But she just shakes her head.

"It's extremely rude not to look at your conversation partner," I tell her matter-of-factly.

Again she shakes her head and remains silent. I slowly reach out and gently touch her chin. She winces violently in surprise, but doesn't flinch. I lift her chin slightly with my index finger. With my other hand, I brush back her hair so I can finally see her face, her eyes still fixed on the floor.

"Look at me," I ask once more and finally she looks up, our eyes only meet for a brief moment. Her lifeless blue eyes stare into mine. They are empty, as if her soul does not exist. There is no fear, no disgust, no hope in them. Nothing, as if she had already given up on herself. As if she doesn't care what happens to her. What happened to this girl? Who took her hope in life away?

It infuriates me to have such a skinny and defenseless person in front of me and to know that even I wouldn't be able to give her what she deserves. I wouldn't be able to give her any hope. Those soulless eyes burn in my brain long after she lowers her gaze again.

"I'm sorry," she whispers. At first I don't understand what she's talking about, but apparently she noticed my reaction to her look and now assumes she's done something wrong.

"Lyn, I'm sorry," I reply, putting into my words all that I'm sorry about, more than just my reaction to her. I apologize to her in advance for anything I will do to her, even if it doesn't make it any better.

I flee from her and the situation faster than she can see. Hardly a moment later I have closed the room door behind me and sit in my office.

Why did I just do that? Why am I suddenly changing my principles like that? Just because she resembles Louise doesn't mean I should develop any protective instincts for her. She is a slave and as good as dead if I recall the way Jaromir looks. He would have liked to drink der empty right there and then, until not a drop was left, and throw der empty shell at my feet. However, I cannot allow that. I can't show any weakness, I have to secure my power and now this girl got caught in the middle of a fight that is not hers to fight. I feel sorry for her, but there is no other way. From now on she will always stay close to me, which will also mean that she will have to adapt to being a slave to the most ruthless Vampire Prince as quickly as possible.

I work in my office until the evening, just before I can make my way back to my chambers, Jaromir walks into my room. Without knocking, of course. Disrespectful as always. "What do you want," I growl.

"I thought, now that your little slave is awake, I'll bring you an apology gift. No one could suspect that she was going to kill herself. If only I had known that beforehand," he says with dramatic exaggeration, "so I thought I'd get you a proper cage so you don't have to keep an eye on her all the time."

I just raise my eyebrows in boredom even though I'm boiling with anger inside. First he gives me a human that looks like Louise and then I'm supposed to keep her in a cage too? What's wrong with this guy?

"I had the cage put in front of your room."

"Thanks, brother," I choke out without showing any emotion. I sense that it annoys him that I don't allow myself to be tempted by his open provocation. Jaromir bows mockingly and disappears out the door without closing it behind him.

On the way to my room I stop one of the servants and orders her to get some soup and clean clothes that would fit a skinny girl. My determined look triggers such fear in her that I walk on contentedly. At least there is one person here, that shows me the proper respect.