The Royal Quest

CHAPTER 35. Fake Feelings

“Hey, will you please help me put these things on the wagon?” Dahlia asked the vampire, who seemed not to care about his surroundings even though he knew that the princess was already preparing some things for their journey.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t just walk along the road like a normal person because I am not. The whole town might freak out if they knew that there was a vampire roaming around their place.” The vampire retorted as he just laid on the couch comfortably.

“Are you serious? It is nighttime already and no one will notice your fangs, you know.” Dahlia argues, rolling her eyes at the vampire.

“You know, sweetblood.” Massimo moved to sit up and reach for the lady’s hand, caressing it gently.

“Why don’t we just take our time together? The Gorgax will not fly from its place, we don’t have to hurry.” He tried to reason but the truth is, Massimo is only trying to delay their journey as he failed to find any hint yet about the real culprit who attacked the Haru.

“Maybe you are not in a hurry but I am, Mister. I’ve been away for more than a month away from my parents and I need to finish this as soon as possible.” Dahlia said as she abruptly pulled her hand out from his grip, but the vampire quickly caught her waist and made her sit on his lap.

“What are you doing!?” Dahlia restrained him and wanted to stand away, but the vampire did not let her as she gripped her waist tighter.

“What are you doing!?” she hissed the same question again with her hands on his chest, trying to keep a distance between their bodies.

“You know, it may sound evil, but I’m glad that it's just the two of us now,” Massimo said, staring at her face with a smirk.

“Yeah, and it just reveals your true unruly behaviour,” Dahlia countered.

“Yeah, it does.” he chuckles as he agrees with the princess.

“Anyways, can we still stay here for another night, please?” Massimo implored with his puppy eyes.

“Why?” Dahlia inquired.

“There is a festivity in the town tomorrow night, a thanksgiving for the peaceful nights and abundance they received from the kingdom of Gorgax, three hundred years ago, which they still continue to receive.”

“Wait, what? What do you mean?” Dahlia asked, with furrowed eyebrows after hearing the information.

“Since the King became immortal, everyone left him, the villages and towns have become gloomy and only the ruins of houses that were once homes are left. He doesn't see the purpose of his life anymore aside from…" He is supposed to talk about Amaia, luckily he stopped himself just at the right time.

“What?” Dahlia inquired, waiting for his words.

“Uh.. the… remaining people that still live next to the kingdom. Though Northriver does not belong to the Kingdom’s land, he decided to share a few portions and to make use of it. And because of his protection, the town has never been attacked by other vampires.”

“Alright, you seem to know him very well,” Dahlia responded as she tried to withdraw herself again, but still the vampire did not let the princess.

“So the town people have seen the vampire king already in person?” Dahlia inquired, trying to get more information.

“No, though he is human friendly. He is still vigilant and keeps his identity hidden except for the ones he trusts,” Massimo said.

“So, you saw him already, I believe? You know what he looks like?”

“Uh, yes?” Massimo answered with a tone of hesitation.

“Would you be honest and tell me more? I mean, I still do believe that it was the vampire King who kept on attacking my land since every finger of my people is pointing at him. However, I’m not that heartless not to listen to you and consider your words. Besides, I already said that I trust you and I mean it." Dahlia said as she was trying to get more hints about the true connection of both vampires.

"Thank you, sweetblood. So are we staying then?"

"Sure. One more night before we continue our trip." Dahlia answered him with a smile, then moved again to get up on her feet but the vampire pulled her even closer.

"Will you let go of me now?"

"No, I still want to feel your warmth," Massimo said, hugging the lady.

"You are so clingy, vampire," Dahlia commented unbelievably.

"I'm just seizing the moment, human," Massimo honestly responded.

"If only I could stop the clock and make you stay with me forever, I'd definitely do that."

"You're only saying that because you thought of me as Amaia."

"Would you not speak of her? You are ruining the moment."

"But that's the truth, right? Will you ever notice me if my blood is just ordinary like the others? You were stuck with her memories for years, but when you know that I have the same blood as her, you suddenly have a change of heart. How could I not think about it?" Dahlia couldn't stop telling him what she thought about his actions towards her.

"I feel like your emotions towards me are not as genuine as what you used to feel towards your Amaia." She added.

Massimo's grip suddenly loosened, gradually releasing the lady from his embrace.

"I'm sorry," he suddenly apologized with his gloomy expression and moved to stand up.

"Maybe you are right. I guess you're right." He muttered, looking down at the lady with his cold stares before vanishing in front of her.

Dahlia gasped at the sudden disappearance as she looked around her trying to find the vampire, but only the sound of silence and the cold atmosphere was left to accompany her. She swallowed, not knowing if she regretted what she had said to the vampire.