Promised To The King

Oh How The Mighty Fall

One month later

SILAS' POV:

    Today...today was supposed to be the day. The day I reunited with my queen. MY Blakely. I feel like I haven't left the bed in weeks. Probably because, in all reality, I haven't. My parents have tried to make me move, but I don't have the energy. Her face haunts my dreams. Her voice haunts the silence in this palace. And frankly, that is all I want to hear. The letters from her stopped coming. They stopped when the marriage was canceled. I had never been allowed to date other women, so heartbreak was such a new concept for me. And I have to admit, it was a feeling I would not wish on my worst enemy. My chest hurt, it was hard to breathe, my sanity felt like it was slowly slipping away. Was it even possible for emotional turmoil to cause such physical pain? 

I gripped the last letter she wrote to me tightly. I had reread it so many times, not to remember the words, no, I already knew those as if they were lines from a play I rehearsed. But to hear her angelic voice. Her hauntingly beautiful purple eyes were all I could think about. I slammed around in my bed as I tossed and turned. Why? How can one human have this much of a hold on me? When will the pain end? Every meeting flashed through my head like some old Shakespearian play.

    "Silas. My darling. You have to get out of this bed at some point." Mom said walking into the bedroom and rushing to my bedside, playing with my hair.

    "No. I don't." I mumbled turning away from her. 

    She sighs and watches me. I can feel her eyes burning into my back. Something seemed off about her energy. Something seemed wrong. But, the pain I felt, seemed to override my senses. So I wasn't going to pay it any mind. "Go horseback riding. Something. Just for a few hours to get out of the palace." 

    To that, I didn't respond. Why? Why would I want to do such an activity on the worst day of my life?

When I didn't answer, she got up quietly leaving the room. Thank god. I really was getting sick and tired of people trying to force me out of my bed. Then my door opened yet again. 

    I sighed in frustration. "UGH! Do you people ever knock?" 

    "Boy. I am the KING. If anyone should knock, it is you. Now drop that attitude when speaking to your mother and I. You need to go out for a while. Get some fresh air into those lungs." Father ordered. 

I immediately regretted the attitude I had and sit up. "No. I do not want to." I said watching his movements.

    "You will and you will like it. I am no longer speaking as your dad but as your king. Do as I say. NOW." His voice boomed in my room. 

    I actually flinched back this time. Could it be parental worry as to why they are acting this way? Or is it something underlying? I threw my hands up in weak surrender. "Okay. Okay. I will go for a ride. Can you have a guard get my horse ready?"

    "Of course." His voice softened. "We will figure this out son. We still have a year. We can do anything. We just, we need a plan." 

    I nodded. "I know dad. It just...hurts. Knowing he is with her almost every day. And I can't even speak to her." 

    He nods. Sadness spreading across his features. "I know." It came out more like a whisper. 

    They turn and walk away. I sigh and climb out of bed, every step hurting more than the last. My bed calling to me, begging me to come back. I get dressed in my black riding gear. I stop to look in the mirror before leaving the room. I take a depressing sigh. laying the note still in my hand on the table. Happy birthday my love. I thought to myself. And I walk out of my room slowly. A few servants and guards widen their eyes. It is probably a shock to their system, seeing their bedridden prince up and about. I laugh at the thought. I should have used that as an excuse not to get up. I can hear myself now. "But dad. It may send the servants into shock. We don't want to do that now." I laugh to myself. I roll my eyes as I walk out the door. The sunset almost blinding. God. I really do need to get out more. 

    Both of my parents await by my horse. Ok, something was definitely up. "What is going on? You guys are acting so weird."

    "We are not. W just can't believe our eyes. Our son is alive!" Mom mocks me. Trying to brush off a problem. 

I decided to give them this win. I had no energy to fight them. I laughed it off and climbed onto the saddle.

    "Fine. I will see you both when I get back. I love you both." 

    Dad smiled. "We love you too. Believe us, there is nothing you need to concern yourself with." 

    I laughed it off. "If you say so." I say as I ride off toward the Faylinn River. 

    Dad's words playing in my head. Believe? Funny. You can't spell believe without LIE.

                                                                    --------ADRIEN'S POV:

    I watched him ride away. If anything were to happen to us, I had tremendous faith that he would be just fine. The kingdom would be in good hands with that one. I turned to my wife. Who was still watching him, but this time, she had tear-filled eyes. I knew she was afraid. Not for our sake. But for his. She always worried too much. I wrapped my arm around her in silent understanding. 

    She turned her gaze to me. "Did we do the right thing?" 

    I smiled in gentle reassurance. "Yes, my love. If something was to befall us tonight, and he had stayed, he would suffer the same fate. Allowing the whole kingdom to fall in the hands of Everett. That monster isn't fit to run a sewer. Let alone a kingdom. But god, do I feel sorry for Blakely." 

    She stares at me in agreement. "Oh, that poor girl. What hell she must be going through." Her voice broke as she said that. 

    I nodded. "Yes. But, Silas' love for her grows stronger by the day. He will find a way back to her. Surely in your heart of hearts, you can feel how strong their connection is."

    She smiled hopefully. "Adrien. Did we just say goodbye to him?" This came as a pained whisper. She was so strong and was trying so hard to keep it together. God how I loved her.

    "I wish I could tell you that we will see him again. that everything will work out. But...I can not. It is very possible this is the last time we see him. You were his mother. You are so strong, and he carries that same strength in him now." 

    She smiled a little. Pride rising in her eyes. "Yes. I suppose he does."

    I nudge her and we turn back towards the castle to make the needed preparations. All we knew for certain, was our people must be kept safe at ALL costs. No innocent lives would be lost tonight. Not if we could stop it. 

    As we walked into the castle, my advisor approached us quickly. "Sire, as far as my visions tell me, Everett is still on the same course. No changes." Harlow said bowing. 

    Harlow is a witch. And she is my favorite witch at that. She warned us a month ago when Everett made up his mind to attack. So we made plans accordingly. And we knew our fate was sealed. Harlow's visions were never wrong. But, we also knew that she would survive to guide Silas in his long journey ahead. This is an advantage we had on the humans. Especially Everett. They hated all supernaturals. They believed they were abominations. Scum of the earth. They wouldn't even guess our plans without a witch. 

    I smiled at her. "Perfect. And I assume the kingdom is in lockdown? Guards stationed at all lockdown points?" 

    "Yes, my king. Everything is in motion as you had asked." No innocents will die tonight. I have a fellow witch from my very own coven at each post for extra protection." Her voice trailed off as her thoughts seemed to wonder. 

    "Tell me, old friend. What is on your mind?" I asked watching her. 

    "I just...oh god my king...I wish there were another way. One where you did not lose your lives." The sentence came as a broken whisper. 

    "I know. But the only other way for our survival was to put the lives of our innocent people in danger. Some would die. Families are torn apart. I would rather die in their place." I assured her. "We will be fine. We are ok just knowing Silas will still have you." 

    "And that is why you are such a great king and queen. Not many would put the lives of their people above their own. Not even leaving guards to protect them." She sighed. "Damn you for being so gracious. Silas will have me until the day I die. And even long after that. I swear to you." She smiled stopping in her tracks. 

    "I am eternally grateful for that. We both are." I said wrapping my arm around my wife. "Now go. Station yourself at the main post as discussed."

    She smiled one last time. "It was an honor...to serve by you and your wife all these years." 

I smiled watching her walk away. Harlow had been my childhood friend, yet being a witch, she kept her youth and beauty. She didn't look older than 25. I could have sworn I seen a tear fall as she said her goodbye. Her face was always as if it were set in stone. Being my advisor, she tried to stay emotionally distant. She always had to make such hard choices. This must have been the hardest she ever had to make. 

    "Goodbye old friend." I whispered as she walked away. It wasn't until Jade had reached up and brushed a tear from my cheek, that I had realized I, the king, was indeed crying. 

                                                                                --------EVERETT'S POV:

    The time was finally near and I could hardly contain my excitement. If everything played out as I had hoped, I would not only be the ruler of humans but the ruler of the vampire realm as well. The things I could force those worthless leaches to do. Before I exterminated them all that is. I laughed at the thought. Could you imagine the terrified look on their faces? Pathetic. I heard my chambers door open suddenly. 

    I sighed. "You better have a good reason for disturbing me." I spun around to come into contact with the intruder. "Cora. What do you need?" 

    She gave me that weak smile she so often wore. God this woman made me sick. "Dear, it is her birthday. Surely you couldn't stay and be decent to her? Just today?" She pleaded. Nothing angered me more than her pleas. Such weakness. 

    She flinched back as I glared at her. Will her weaknesses ever end? "No. I will not. I have a meeting today. I should be back late tonight. Today the Duke will see to her, and you WILL stay out of his way. Understood?"

    "She just healed from the whippings he gave her! You can not be serious. Please reconsider." She pleaded in disgust. 

    Immediately I rose my hand and smacked her so hard she fell back. "Yes, and had she been on good behavior, it would not have happened," I said watching her fall. She cried out as she hit the floor. I rolled my eyes. "Get up and compose yourself. Act like a proper queen. No wonder where the child gets her weakness. Now get out of my presence. The Duke is in charge of all kingly duties while I am gone." I dismissed her with the wave of my hand. 

    Without another word she stood and walked away. Leaving with what little dignity she had left. I continued to get ready. Pulling on my jacket as I grabbed my overnight bag. As I am turning back to the door, Axton walks in.

    "Everything is ready to go sire. They won't know we are coming." He smiled as he informed me. 

    I smiled and threw my overnight bag to him. "Perfect, take that to the car. I am on my way." 

    He nodded as he caught it and walked away. I walked out catching the eye of Eldric. I smirked at him nodding silently. His face lit up with excitement as I walked out of the building. With any luck, this wouldn't be a fight and I would be home, ruling two kingdoms by sunrise. I got into the car quickly. 

    "No one suspects anything boys. So far so good. I chose each of you to carry this out because I trust you. DO NOT DISAPPOINT." I said looking at their faces. 

    All of them nod. They knew qhat needed to be done tonight. A whole month to kill a few royals? That was more than enough time to prepare. I alone could prepare to defeat a whole army in that time. 

    I watched each of them closely. The only soldiers I knew were loyal till their final breath. More loyal than my ungrateful family for sure. I watched as we near the Faylinn River and I grab the dagger next to me. Unsure of how many guards would be guarding the entrance to the kingdom. 

    I finally broke the silence. "Amias?" I called to the front of the car. I figured it would be a safer bet to have one of them drive, seeing how I didn't know who to trust with this mission. "Can you see any guards?"

    "No sir. It seems...dead. No pun intended." He said smirking at his own joke. I rolled my eyes. When I looked back at him, he seemed a tad worried. 

    I shook my head dismissing his known fear. "They couldn't possibly know that we are coming so wipe the thought from your mind. Unless..." I paused and glared at each of them. "unless one of you said something? Warned them perhaps?"

    All of them began shaking their heads. "Of course not. Our loyalty is with you. In life, as it is in death my king." Hayden spoke first. 

    "Good. It needs to stay that way. The second I feel said loyalty shake even the slightest, I will kill you." I warned as the car crossed the bridge. "Well boys, it seems we are in Vampy country now."

    I glanced out the window right as a horse and his rider ran along the side of the river. It was difficult to tell who it was with all that riding gear on. But he was riding alone, surely if he was of importance he would have a guard. The rider glanced back at us as he heard our car driving, and I swear I saw his eyes widen with worry perhaps? 

    "Sir? Should we kill him?" Alcide asked gripping the sword in his sheath. 

    "No. Leave him be. He seems to be a peasant out for a ride. We don't have the time to waste. He should be grateful to ride another day." I said watching him ride off. Hoping that decision would not haunt me later. 

    I could finally see the palace coming into view. Something seemed consistent with our visit here though. All of the streets seemed deserted. Not a single guard. And not another peasant. On my visits here in the past, I have never seen the kingdom so dead. Normally it was buzzing with life, as ironic as it sounded. I kept my guard up as always, not knowing what they were planning. If they knew, there would be hell to pay for whoever betrayed me. 

    "Amias. Keep on coarse. But keep your guard up. We are so close to this victory I can taste it." I ordered as we came into Delphi square. 

    He did as told and stopped the car at the palace. Given we made no effort to hide the crest on our car, you would think we would be swarmed with guards. But that did not seem the case today. I got out of the car silently, on the off chance there was a guard around, I still didn't want to be heard if it could be avoided. The boys got out quickly, leaving the car doors cracked as to not allow them to slam. They walked in first to scope every doorway and entrance in order to kill anyone around. There could be no witnesses today. As if this whole mission couldn't be more strange, there were no servants around either. I walked in feeling on edge, as if, maybe the victory would slip away any moment. 

    I nudged Hayden silently and pointed to the throne room. He looked at the doors in silent understanding. Vaughn walked with him silently. If we were walking into a trap, they would be the ones killed while we made our getaway. In every team, there are the weakest links and the stronger players. In an army, the weaker of the soldiers in your team are used as pawns. I watched patiently as they opened the doors, prepared for whatever lay ahead. But the looks on their face were both, shock, and delight. Not hearing any footsteps from the room, I quickly approached them. I looked into the room and couldn't believe what I saw. 

    King Adrien and Queen jade sitting on their thrones. Crowns sat proudly on their heads. Like they were expecting us. But, the real kicker was...there were still no guards. No protection for the royals. But none other than an empty throne sat in between them. 

    "Where is Silas?" I watched them as recognition hit. 

                                                                              --------BLAKELY'S POV

    It had been hours since my father had left, and I had yet to see the wretched face of Eldric. Maybe that was a blessing. He didn't look at me as his future wife. He looked at me as the prey that he had been hunting. I sat watching out my window, staring in the direction of Faylinn River. I know it was foolish, but I still often wondered if Silas ever stared at it, and thought of me perhaps. It has been a month since I had received his letter telling me how much he loved me. The letters stopped after that. I suppose, maybe dad was right. maybe he didn't love me and was doing what he thought he had to. I am not fit to be his maid, let alone his queen. I laughed at how stupid I seemed, How I believed every single word he said. Some birthday this turned out to be. As I become lost in my depressing memories, I hear my bedroom door creak open slowly, and I know who it is before they speak. I guess it wasn't a blessing. The hunter had finally come to receive his prey.

    "Blakely. Come with me." He said as more of a command than a question. 

    I thought for a moment not speaking. Wondering how much worse I could possibly make this. 

    "I will not ask you again Blakely. Come. With. Me." He grits his teeth losing patience. 

    Deciding against it, I stood. "Yes, Duke." I said as more of a whisper. 

    I turned and followed him out of my room. He walked me into the throne room silently at first. And then there it was. He broke the heavenly silence with his annoying voice. "Sit with me. You know your father appointed me King in standing while he is away. So, I want you to sit with me. My future wife should be happy to sit with her future King." He smirked. 

    I looked at him confused. "Future King?" If what he was saying rang true, then may God have mercy on us all.

    He laughed as if I were joking. "Well yes, dear. Have you not heard the good news?" I shook my head afraid of what would come next. "Well, since your pathetic excuse of a mother could not bare him any sons, or better yet, WORTHY heirs, he, being the amazing king he is, appointed a handpicked heir. Myself. Yes. You heard me right. When we wed, I will be your king." He smirked. Suddenly it felt as though I was in a nightmare. "What? Cat got your tongue baby? Now. Come. Sit." He ordered. 

    Afraid of him, I do as he says. Given that he will be King, I will be his Queen, right? I walk slowly and obediently to the throne at his side. The queen's throne. and I sit. Feeling his eyes burn into me. I hear his footsteps come closer, at a rapid pace. I watched him with worried eyes as he slams his hand into the back of my head, gripping a handful of my hair. I cry out and grab his wrist as he jerks me up from my seat. 

He laughs. "What do you think you are doing? That is meant for a queen. And all I see here is a mutt. A dog. Where is your place, DOG? He throws me to the floor beneath the king's throne with so much force I am surprised nothing is broken. "Your place is at the feet of your master." He says coldly taking his seat. 

    Oh, what fresh hell would come with his rule?

                                                                              --------JADE'S POV:

    "Well? Where is he?!" Everett asked again when we didn't respond the first time. 

    I felt Adrien's grip on my hand tighten. I took a deep breath, knowing this was the only way to spare the innocents. Innocents we cared for so very much. I just, silently wished there was another way. But a King and Queen's duty is to protect and serve their people, even if it leads them to their deaths. I looked at Everett coldly. "Why Everett, such a pleasant surprise. What can we do for you?" 

    "Don't play coy. I am not here to play mind games with you. WHERE IS HE?" His voice boomed in the desolate throne room. 

    "No need to yell. Tisk tisk." I smirked. I watched a chuckle escape Adrien's lips as the words left my mouth. "Silas is not home. He won't be for a while. If you were to stay to wait for him, our guards would cease you. While you may get away with taking our lives, you will not, dare I repeat myself, you will not touch my son." 

He laughed. Causing my whole body to tense. I hated the sound. Just knowing of this man's existence has always disturbed my very being. How could someone so sadistic be allowed to rule a country? 

    Adrien was no longer playing though. When it came to Silas, he would rip apart armies. That. That is how a father should be. Not the pathetic excuse standing before me. "What's so funny Everett? Things not going according to plan? There are only 6 of you. Not enough to stand a supernatural army. Not even close." Adrien hissed. 

    Adrien stood from his seat slowly. Everett stepped forward calmly. The two men were truly a force to be reckoned with. I could feel the strength and power coming from them. Adrien's hatred for this man grew by the second. 

    "Bow to me leach." Everett smirked. 

    "The lion does not bow to the gazelle." Adrien said just as calm. 

    Everett stepped back cooly. Boys, bring the king and his pathetic queen to their knees. Now." He said holding up his hand. "Do not hurt them. That is my job. And I will take great pleasure in it." 

Two of his men walked over to me quickly. One for each of my arms, and they pulled me from my throne. The other three went to Adrien and pulled him forward as well. As they brought us forward, Everett's smile widened. What happened next seemed so...quick. They forced us to our knees and I could not believe how humiliating this truly was. To be kneeling before such a horrid man. Adrien looked at me. Knowing how this was about to go. Ever since Harlow had shown Adrien what she saw, I am positive it played on a loop in his mind. 

    We made eye contact, and I could tell there were unshed tears behind my beloved's eyes. Tears he couldn't even shed now, in his final moments. Tears that he would not allow this freak to see. He forced a smile. "I love you, Jade. Now, and even after my death. For all of eternity." 

    I force the same smile to my quivering lips. Forcing myself to be as strong. "I love you always. Now and forevermore." We turned our attention back to Everett and each of his men. We knew them all well. They were always the ones to greet us. Yet, the only one that seemed unsure was Axton. He stood by the door alone. A pained expression. I smiled in a silent understanding of what he had to do. And then I saw it. Silas. He had returned. Without drawing Everett's attention, Axton noticed him. He was watching us. I kept a strong smile on my face, not wanting his last memory of me to be a painful one. 

    He began to step forward., when Axton put his arm out and shook his head silently. He put a finger over his lips, and I watched a silent tear fall from Silas' eyes. Before I knew it, Harlow was silently standing behind him. She turned him to face her, and as her motherly nature must have ordered her to do, she hid his face in her chest. And gave me a silent nod. A nod meaning farewell. Adrien gripped my hand to signify that Silas would be ok. In time. 

    As I turned my attention up to Everett I gave Axton a grateful smile. And as I did so, I felt Everette's dagger, purified with holy water, glide across my neck with ease. The burning started as a slight agitation, then increased to what felt like a raging fire. Blood pouring down. I felt Adrien's hand go limp in mine, heard his body fall. My body fell soon after. 

    Then...it was black. 

                                                                                                                                          --------10 MONTHS LATER: October 31st, Silas' 19th birthday

SILAS' POV: 

    It has been 10 months and 4 days since the murder of my parents in my own home. I witnessed them being forced to the ground. He didn't even give them the dignity of royalty in their final moments. I clenched my fists at the thought. That coward! He would pay for this dearly. The second I saw the crest on the side of that car, I knew I had to come back. He must not have known who I was in my riding gear, but, he was unmistakable. Nothing good ever came from a visit from Everett.

    "Your highness?" Harlow said as she entered the room. "It is time for your coronation, my king." She placed her hand on my shoulders. 

    Behind her eyes I could see the pain I could not show. She grew up with my father. They were lifelong friends. Of course, this affected her greatly. She always made such hard choices for our sake. That must have been the most painful. To do nothing. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't be angry with her. It was for the greater good of the kingdom.

    I sighed in frustration. "Yes. Of course. I will be right out Harlow. Begin the ceremony." 

    She nodded and left my chambers immediately. I stood and ran my hand through my sandy blonde hair heaving a heavy sigh. Today, I would be crowned king. With the same crown dad wore. The same throne in which he ruled. But I knew I could not fill his shoes. No one could. He made such a sacrifice to protect all lives, and I wasn't sure I could make the same. I slid on my black jacket as I walked out of my room. It isn't like I had a choice. No one else could rule. I would rule alone, with no queen by my side. 

    Blakely. I wondered how she was doing in the midst of all of this. Surely she knew? How was her engagement to Eldric? Was she at least happy? Doubtful actually. He was just as bad if not worse than Everett. 

    I walked into the throne room, trying to push her out of my mind. Every eye in the crowded room turned to me. Many of them I knew personally. There were representatives from other kingdoms though. Witches, werewolves, sirens, if it was supernatural, it was here. All to watch the crowning of the new vampire king. Me. And me alone. 

    Blakley should be here. 

    It was like every step I took, I thought her name. 

    Blakely...

    I finally made it to the throne. I sat down slowly as Harlow began to speak. "Today, we have gathered to witness the unholy crowning of the next vampire king! The rightful heir to the throne! Silas Abram. Son of our late king and queen, Adrien and Jade Abram.' She held the crown and walked up to me. "Silas, do you swear to put the needs of the people above the needs of your own?' 

    I took a shaky breath as all eyes dissected my every movement. "I do. For now and for always." I said. 

"I, your faithful and loyal advisor, Harlow Ainsley, now pronounce you the one and true VAMPIRE KING!" As she spoke the words, the crowd erupted into cheers. 

    Blakely...

    Everyone lined up to meet the new king on his throne. New faces and old alike. 

    Blakley. 

    As everyone cheered and surrounded us, Harlow joined by my side, "So my king, what do you plan to do first?" 

    Blakely...

    "I am going to take my bride back," I said gripping the armrest of my throne. "My queen will be mine." 

    "I knew that is what you would want. As you wish it, I will help you achieve it." She smiled, gripping my shoulder lightly. 

    Blakely, I am coming.