I adored the Prince's sister, Sofia, but I couldn't stay any longer. The feast would be beginning in an hour or so, I needed to find my mother and father so I can explain why my sister might not be attending. I just had to hope they didn't realise that I was sweating or the fact that my hair was in a much worse state. I suppose that wasn't the worst thing they'd notice. They'd probably smell her on me first. And helping a vampire break their marriage contract with another was dangerous, especially if it was that of the Prince and the to be Princess. A shame many people don't know the truth. I suppose I'd have to at least make my hair not look so unkempt. 

 

 

My parents wouldn't be happy with me, but they always strived for perfection, I admired that singular thing about them. 

"Good evening mother and father. I take it the feast will be beginning soon?" I said as my father seemed to move in his chair a little, which seemed reminiscent of fear.

 

 

"You don't smell how you usually do. you smell like one of our guests. Princess Sofia. You've been spending time with her haven't you?" He accused me scornfully, though I knew it was with good reason. If a marriage deal was interfered with it usually meant death for someone.

 

 

"Yes father, we were talking in the guest area. Also Solomia hasn't come out of her room. I don't think she wants to be at the feast. I admit that's strange for her, it's normally me who wants to avoid feasts and celebrations." I admitted as I got closer to my parents.

"Talking? I bet that wasn't all you were doing." My mother muttered, but it was loud enough to cut me deep. I turned my glare to her, but quickly gazed into the fire in front of them. I knew there'd be no point hurting her just for a sly remark.

 

 

"Mother, I'll have you know we only did what is considered normal among feasts and celebrations. Talking and socialising, not at all what you're insinuating." I explained with a harsher and tighter look on my face. More so than usual.

 

 

"Why do you always look so harsh when you're lying?" She asked as I felt my cheeks warm and blush.

"I've nurtured you since you were a child and no matter how long you live, some things about you just won't change." Mother continued as she  stared into the fire along with my father, paying almost no attention to me.

 

 

"Father, don't you have anything to say about this, I thought you'd be scolding me first, not mother." I suggested as I saw him sink a little further into the the recline of the chair. I stood in front of them forcing their attention to me.

 

 

"Just don't do anything reckless like you always do and you might get out of the feast alive." He said as a grimace appeared on his face that shone menacingly at me.

 

 

"I'll try not to, but I swore something to someone, and I'd like to keep that. So I might do something reckless. But I'm sure you already knew that I would." I exclaimed as I tried to see what they were staring at in the fire. Strange everyone seemed to be doing that except Folsome and Sofia, oh and the Prince Vlad. I hope he wouldn't do something stupid. I'd end up humiliating myself knowing my luck and I'd be cast out, but I couldn't let him have his way with my sister.

 

 

"Of course we knew that. It's why we're always keeping an eye on you, because we know without the fear of getting caught, I'm sure you'd have killed at least half the guests." My mother muttered, it was meant as an insult to me and she knew it. My grip on my sword tightened a little, but eventually loosened at the concept of killing her.

 

 

"Well since you don't seem to leaving here anytime soon it seems I'm going to have to entertain the guests. I'll see you when you decide to come to the festivities." I said as I walked through the centre of them.

 

 

I eventually entered the feasting hall and watched as many lords and ladies talked and drank. It was a relatively tame atmosphere, but it was a vampire feast, that atmosphere wouldn't stay long. I would likely be the one to end it.

"Sis, can I speak with you alone for a minute?" I asked as I ran my hands along her laced shoulder. She followed me where I led her to the quietest place I could find in the castle.

 

 

"So did the Prince find you?" I asked pleasantly as we both situated ourselves comfortably on the benches.

 

 

"He did yes, he was waiting outside the door for me. He's nice and he led me to here, but he isn't my type." Solomia laughed, though my blood began to boil. I felt a fiery fury growing in me. 

 

 

"He didn't hurt you or touch you did he?" I asked almost hoping he did so I could kill him and end his family. They'd been in power too long and killing him would be a good way to start their downfall.

 

 

"He only took my arm and walked me to the feasting table, nothing more. I have to admit, I think you're getting jealous." Solomia laughed and let out a cute grin that I couldn't help but admire. A shame she didn't know that I swore I'd kill him if I heard he laid a hand on her.

 

 

"Do you know where he is now? Actually don't tell me, I'll find him myself." I said as my voice grew cold and spiteful, the level it would stay for a long time.

 

 

 

I was ready for a fight, and this new blade was begging to be drenched in blood, and ready to cause screams of anyone stupid enough to be on the receiving end of the blade. And since it was going to be the Prince, he will meet his final and delightful end.

 

"Prince Vlad! I warned you didn't I?" I shouted across the throne room. He stood in the centre as if it was his by right. Strange that I heard he was so obsessed with honour. I suppose honour also makes a man stupid.

"I know you warned me. But the gods don't choose who we love. We choose, and I chose your sister. Of course she's already taken, but it wouldn't be the last time I duel for a lady. Id like to pass without bloodshed. My sister, she's betrothed to me, you can have her if you want. But I just want you to accept my love for your sister." He explained calmly. I suppose I had a strange admiration for his determination at least, but I'm sure it would be the death of him, or at least I hoped so.

"Fine but don't say I didn't warn you." I said as I drew my sword, which created a shrill screech.

 

 

He eventually drew his swords and it would quickly become a battle of the wits. We were both likely good fighters, but being vampires enhanced our speed and strength, this would complicate things. I didn't know who would strike first, but I knew it didn't matter, I'd win. I held my blade out awaiting any sort of movement. Then a rush of air and a flurry of movements, a barrage of strikes soon clattered against my blade, finally with one heaving strike his blade was brought down.

 

 

I awoke back where I was. In my bed at the Bannered Mare. All this was just one hopeful dream.

 

End of Chapter 5

 

I know this was a short chapter and I'm sorry about that. Also the final duel was supposed to actually happen, but I was having issues with my game so I couldn't get all the shots I wanted.

 

P.S thank you for reading this far, it means a lot to me. Feel free to leave some critiques in the comments so that I can learn and provide better content