The Vampire's Throne

9th Bite

The vampire guard took me to the back door and told me the way out, then he went back inside, locking the door behind him. I stood there, looking like a complete fool. I still couldn't believe what had happened. My head was a mess. Seth actually told me to leave, he wasn't playing a joke on me, he was dead serious. I knew it was all too good to be true, but still, I wanted to believe that someone like him, powerful, smart, perfect, could love someone like me, a simple country girl, with no parents, no possessions, not even status. I was a nobody, yet I wanted to conquer the world. How foolish of me. Well, there was nothing left for me to do at the palace, so I left. I followed the path the guard had told me about, and ended up in the town. My only desire at the moment was to be alone. I didn't have the courage to go back home and face my grandparents, they would be so disappointed in me, they're only grandchild was not only a failure in life but in love as well. No! I needed to cool my head down and move on with my life. I couldn't let something like an unrequited love put me down, it didn't make sense, after all, I was fine without a boyfriend before, so why wouldn't I be now? It's true Seth was my first in every possible experience I could think of, but so what?! That only means that I am ready for new love, for someone who wouldn't leave me because he felt ashamed of me! All these thoughts crossed my mind. My sadness turned into anger, but no matter how I put it, I still longed for him. This man, who had been so kind to me, who had spoken words of true affection and care, was now just a piece of my memory. His bright smile, his gentle touch and his sweet voice, I would never be able to presence those again. Tears started to flow down my cheeks again. I simply couldn't stop loving him, and that was the ultimate truth. I had become his, body and soul, even though he did not mark me, I had already promised to devote my whole being to him. I must really be stupid…So be it! If being smart means that I have to let go of the sweet memories we made together, then I shall remain a fool my entire life!

Today was indeed a bad day for me. As I walked through the town, I could only focus my attention on the couples that were there. Around eight couples were sitting on the benches, being all lovey-dovey. As expected, they reminded me of how Seth and I used to cuddle at every opportunity we got, be it in bed, at breakfast or even when he was working. I sat on a bench as well. The air was cold today, it calmed me down a bit. I was so tired I didn't want to do anything. I didn't want to move, to talk, not even to breathe. My life purpose was taken away from me, so I was left empty inside. Then an old woman sat beside me.

-Are you alright young lady? You seem to be in deep sadness

I really didn't want to answer her, why was she bothering me anyway? If she noticed I was sad, she shouldn't have come to nag my mind!

-I am going to be alright, thank you for asking

Hopefully that would make her stop talking to me and leave me alone.

-I see, so your sorrow is that deep

Of course she wouldn't leave so easily. I wasn't in the mood to reply to her, so I just remained silent.

-I understand you do not want to speak…Then can I please ask you to listen to me?

I turned to look at the woman. Her eyes were so similar to mine. She was holding a great deal of sorrow as well. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to listen to what she had to say.

-Yeah sure

-Thank you!…You see, a long time ago I had made a promise to my son, I told him the two of us would travel around the world…But at the time we didn't have much money, so I threw myself into work…I spent day and night working…Then one night, my son asked me if we would start our travels soon…It broke my heart to tell him no…A few years later, when I had finally saved up enough money, my son left me…He said that since I wasn't serious about the promise I made, he would make it come true himself…It broke my heart to hear his harsh words, but I knew I was to blame, as I left him in the dark…I could have told him that I was just saving up money, but I chose to stay silent

Her story was so sad. She was only trying to surprise her son, what an i***t he is for not seeing her efforts. And then it hit me! Could it be that I was acting like that son? Was Seth trying to make me leave for another reason? Suddenly everything started to make sense. Seth only sent me away after he heard of his siblings' arrival, and he had told me before how cruelly they treated Humans. So if Seth was seen being affectionate to me, his brother or sister might have hurt me! And so Seth tried to make me think he didn't love me anymore, so that I would leave and not come back! How could I not understand this before?! It's all so clear now! I stood up and looked at the woman, this time with a smile on my face:

-Thank you! Thank you so much for telling me this…Your story has made me understand something very important…I do not know where your son is now, but whenever he comes back, you have to tell him that he is a jerk for treating his mother like that! I am sure he will come to understand your efforts one day!

I then started running towards the palace, I had to see Seth and let him know that I understood him, that I knew he lied to me and that I…That I loved him! My lungs started to hurt, I have never ran so fast in my life before, but I couldn't stop now, I felt like my life had come back to me! My sorrow was now all gone.

When I got to the palace, I could feel the tension in the air. Lorelai and Cain were here. I've never seen Seth's siblings, but they certainly had a menacing presence. I knew the risk I would be taking if I went inside…I knew that Seth did not want to put me in danger, but there was no turning back, I didn't care how scary his family was, I loved Seth and Seth loved me! I wasn't going to let him handle this alone anymore, even if I couldn't do anything for him, I would always be by his side! So, without any fear, I got in. I knew exactly where they were. The royal hall, that's where I shall find them! When I got there, I saw Dorothy and Jeanna eavesdropping on them. I wanted to ask them what was going on, but there was no time. I passed them and kept on walking towards the siblings.

-Are you crazy?- whispered Jeanna

-Kristal come back here!- added Dorothy

With every step closer to them I could feel their presence, crushing me like a boulder. Seth finally noticed me. His face changed, it was now full of fear. I knew it! He was really lying about not loving me anymore! Unfortunately, Seth wasn't the only one who had noticed me. His brother and sister turned around to look at me, their gaze was so intimidating. All my senses were screaming at me to run away as fast as I could. But I wouldn't let my fear control me!

-And who is this Human?- asked Cain

His voice wasn't as angry as I expected it to be, he had a joyful tone.

-Oh don't tell me we interrupted your meal Seth dear!- said Lorelai

I have to admit, this woman was gorgeous. Her voice was angelic, her face was perfect too and her figure was slim yet strong. I now understand why men fell for her womanly charms. She was truly like a goddess.

-Seth! I know why you did that…It took me a while to understand your reasons, but I finally got there…You didn't have to do that, I know I am a Human…I am not as strong as a vampire and my life will end much sooner than yours…But even so, I do not want to live that life unless it's with you!

He looked like he was about to cry, I know he has a gentle soul, he was nothing like his siblings. Seth was capable of loving a Human.

Cain burst out laughing, Lorelai followed him. These two didn't understand what Seth and I have.

-Oh I can't believe this…You Humans are hilarious!- said Cain

-This poor little girl…You truly believe Seth dear will allow you into his life?! Did you forget your place? You are mere livestock for him, nothing more, nothing less- added Lorelai

I ignored them. Seth and I had locked our eyes, it's like we could communicate telepathically. His face, warm and joyful, once again, told me everything I had to know. Seth wouldn't push me back again.

-Cain! Lorelai! Stop that right now! This Human is mine, body and soul, so dare not make fun of her

With a quick move, Seth was now beside me, holding my hand tightly.

-She will become my marked one and shall rule these lands with me!

Their jaws dropped. These vampires always saw Humans as nothing more than food, and now they were hearing that a Human would be their ruler. It must've surely been a shock.

-Kristal, forgive my harsh words…I didn't know how I could protect you from them, so I thought maybe…

I kissed him. There was nothing for him to apologize for. All he did was protect me, he needed not excuse himself for that.

-I know, I know…I don't blame you, you have nothing to be sorry for

He hugged me tightly. Ah that warmth, it was all mine again! How great that felt.

-No! I won't accept this- threatened Cain

Before Seth could even react, Cain had grabbed me and pulled my hair down. He was just a few inches from biting me.

-So you want to mark this Human huh? You are a fool, if you had such disgusting wishes you should've bitten her sooner

-Don't you dare hurt her Cain, I am warning you

-You are warning me?! And do you think I am going to tremble in fear with your threat? You are a weakling, ever since we were kids you would never assume a position, you always accepted the beatings and punishments father gave you! You are no Prince, you are a foolish coward who likes to call himself a Prince!

Cain was squeezing my neck so hard, I could barely breathe. I wanted to cry. I was scared…But I couldn't, I knew that no matter what, Seth would protect me, he would never allow me to get hurt.

-A fool you say?! The only fool I see here is you! Cain, you were always jealous and greedy, the more you had the more you wanted…You never appreciated anything anyone did for you! You treat Humans like insects, even though you cannot survive without them…Your desire for killing and power disgusts me. When I look at you, I can only see a child making a tantrum to get his fathers attention!

-There's no hope for you…I care not, after I kill this girl I am coming for you and then, the one who shall rule over these lands will be me!

As he was about to sink his fangs in, Seth kicked him in the head, sending Cain flying away. I was once again in his warm arms.

-I warned you…Are you alright, did he hurt you too much?

He looked so worried. I have to say, it made me feel good that he cared for me so much.

-I am all right…Thank you, Seth

-Whenever you need my love! I shall always protect you from everything and everyone…Now, please give me a second, I have to take out the trash

He stood up and went towards Cain. I stayed on the floor, my legs were shaking so much I wasn't able to stand up. Meanwhile, Lorelai got close to me and was staring me in the eye.

-You're really nothing that special, I wonder why does Seth dear want to mark you?

I quickly covered my neck, I might not be able to move, but I could at least do that much. Lorelai laughed.

-Oh my, you want him to mark you that badly?! Not to worry, I only like to drink men's blood, women aren't quite as tasty

I still wouldn't let my guard down, who knew what this beautiful goddess was plotting.

-Tell me Human, do you actually love my brother?

-I do! I love him with my whole being

She was surprised by my lack of hesitance, but it was the truth. Seth was my first and only love.

-I see, well then, I will not meddle in your affairs…To be honest I care not who becomes the ruler of these lands, as long as I can keep on drinking blood, it is all the same to me

She stood up and just stayed there, beside me, watching as Seth and Cain were talking.

-Thank you, miss Lorelai

-Ohh drop the formalities, Lorelai is fine

I nodded. Suddenly the image I had of her changed, she seemed a bit more friendly to me now, I must've hit my head somewhere on the way here.

-I gotta say, I am impressed…Seth always had the strength to fight back, yet for some reason he never really used it…I myself tried to provoke him multiple times, but it didn't work…I wonder, could you have awakened him?

After she said that, I felt so special. I knew it was a bit childish of me, but I liked to hear that I drove him to show his true potential. However, I didn't get much time to enjoy that feeling, as now Seth and Cain were fighting, and it was getting bloody. Seth had not let Cain get up, not even once. This fight seemed to have only one possible outcome, death. Although I didn't like Cain for what he did to Seth, I did not want Seth to get his hands sullied by his blood. He didn't need that burden on himself. I had to get up and stop him, before it was too late.