My Three Vampire Lovers

A Glorious Purpose

Emily met Mason while he was exploring the world, she recieved news that the old King of San Marino was dead, and new king had replaced him, a widow, the idea of being a Queen sparked her interest, she sent an invitation to the new king inviting him and his family to their castle, Alaric was still too too young for the journey, Jacob tne young king who had recently became a widow had closed him self off from the world. The responsibility of being a king as well as a father without his wife was difficult, he was greatful to have his brothers to support him, James wasn't one for travelling either, leaving only Mason to make the Journey, he was asked to make a good impression. The sea was fierce and unruly, the wooden ship was grand but that didn't stop the waves battering the wooden vessel relent for three days, He was use to sailing and knew the unforgiving weather would soon cease once they were closer to the destination there were making their way towards, another three days had passed, Masond they crew grew tired of battling the dangerous ocean, on the seventh day they finally reached their destination, "Welcome to Greece!" The captain called out. Mason had heard it was a beautiful place full of beautiful women. Sure enough, when he arrived, he was not disappointed.

Upon the boats arrival to shore, the crew was greeted by a man waiting by a carriage, Mason descended the wooden bridge, once his feet were on solid ground he let out a sigh of relief, he placed his bag on the floor and then decided to lay beside it. Laying on his back, he closed his eyes. "You must be the Duke of Gradara," an unfamiliar voice called out. "Call me Mason." he replied, opening his right eye, the sun beamed down on his face makimg it difficult to see anything, he placed his right hand on his brows shading his eyes, he could just about make out the figure, the figure was standing in front of a large horse and Carriage. "Very well, Mason, I am here to take you to the castle." said the man.

Mason stepped in to the carriage in admiration, it was regal, covered in carvings of grapes, vines and Jewels, the carriage was predominantly white, with gold detail and an array of different coloured gems, the seats were red, he sat down. The man closed the door and moments later the carriage began to move. Several hours had passed, Mason was tired and sore from the journey, he hadn't had a good night sleep in many days, he placed his head back, finally he felt comfortable he thought to himself, when all of a sudden the carriage came to an abrupt hault. He opened the door to find the man scratching his head it looked as though he was figuring out how he was going to repair the wheel that was no longer on the carriage, it had come loose and fallen off, Mason could tell the man had no idea what he was doing, "We aren't too far we could walk the rest of the way" The man suggested, Mason already on his knees, he was analysing the damage, "give me 5 minutes and she will be in working order." Mason replied. After all, he had watched and helped his father do this for many years.

Minutes later the wheel was mended and he climbed up to sit with the man who was very shocked he had managed to repair it but knew better than to questiona man of noble status, "Wouldn't you be more comfortable in the carriage sir?" The man asked. " I thought I could keep you company for the rest of the journey, and you could tell me a a little bit about the Duke and Dutchess." Mason said with a smile.

"Well, she lives in the castle with her father, the Duke, thw casle has been in their family for generations. She came over from Italy around 25 years ago with her father. They left Italy and made their way here when they received the news that their cousin had passed, Dutchess Genevieve, she was very beautiful." Before the man couldn't say anything else, they had reached the gates of their destination. Behind the big black cast-iron gates was a glorious white castle.

Mason stepped out of the carriage. he grabbed his bag, "I can carry that." The man said. It was not a suggestion. He took the bag from Mason and began to walk to the door of the castle, Mason followed. The door opened, and two men dressed in red greeted him. two more came, one took the bag from the carriage driver and the other greeted Mason and asked that he followed, the man was told to show Mason to his room so that he could freshen up before he was to be brought to the dining hall to meet the Duke and Dutchess.

Mason entered the very large room, it was decorated in bright colours, mostly red and gold, It felt very regal, nothing like the his brothers castle he was staying in at home, Mason opened the double doors that led to his balcony, the warm air hit him, the smell of bread being baked made his stomach rumble, he headed back inside, opening his bag and taking out a fresh shirt and trousers, he placed them on the four poster bed, Mason made his way to the bathroom and climbed in the claw bathtub that was already filled with hot water and rose petals. He bathed quickly, dunking his head underwater and then resurfacing, he wiped his eyes with his hands, there was a man who looked very stiff and to attention, he looking right at Mason, "I am sorry I am late, I will be serving you durinf tour stay, Duke of Gradara, I am Charles, the first footman of the Duke of Ailstone, I was sent because you hadn't brought your own footman, It will be a pleasure and an honer to assist you during your stay." Charles said. He held the towel open for Mason, who stood up, "Nice to meet you, Charlie." Mason said. "It's Charles." Charles replied Mason turned around and looked at Charles. "Charlie is fine if that is what you prefer." Charles said hurriedly. "It's your name. What do you prefer?" It wasn't often people like Charles were asked questions like that, the question took him by surprise. "I quite like Charlie, but the Duke prefers Charles." Charles replied. "How about we make a deal? When it's just us men, I will refer to you as Charlie, and when we are in the presence of the Duke or Dutchess, I will call you Charles." Mason suggested. "Very good, thank you, Sir." Charles replied, "You can call me Mason?" Mason replied. Such a strange request, Charles had never had an interaction like the one he was having with Mason before. "Yes... Mason." Replied Charles. He had only ever been formal his entire adult life. Charles felt very conflicted, but there was one thing he was certain of, he liked Mason.

Mason dried off, and Charles helped him get dressed, Charles escorted him to the dining hall. Sat at the grand table was a slim, middle-aged man and a gorgeous, young brunette, the Duke and Dutchess of Ailstone.

"May I present, Mason Lock, Duke of Gradara." the Bellowed the butler.

Mason made his way to the chair. It was opposite the beautiful Brunette, "How are you settling in Mr Lock?" Asked the Duke. "Please, could we skip the formalities, you can call me Mason, and very well thank you, this is a very welcoming place, the building is beautiful. t

Thank you for the invitation." Mason replied. "It's our pleasure, we hope that your brother and nephew, the king and Prince of San Marino will join you next time you visit us." The Duke exclaimed. "You must be hungry! please eat, our chef has spent days preparing this feast," The Duke boasted. The servers brought around every variety of meat you could possibly imagine, Mason tried a little bit of everything, all the while hoping he would be able to find room for dessert after such a magnificent feast.

"Hello, Mason, my name is Emily."