I stared with wide eyes at the place Phoenix had stood just seconds ago, and shook my head in disbelief. It was true what they said about vampires after all. They truly were malicious creatures who despised us humans. I thought it was only a saying, but after what had only just occurred I could finally believe that the sayings were true. I had never met a more foul and unpleasant creature in my life. I hoped that that was the last I saw of him.
With my eyes pinned to the ground, ashamed to have been discarded aside as though I was nothing, I slowly picked myself off from the ground and stood with my arms wrapped my around middle and waited.
"What is your name?"
What?
I looked towards the prince and frowned in confusion.
Did he not see what had just occurred? After everything I had said and done to his companions today, that was all he had to say to me?
"My name?" I asked softly.
The prince did not answer me.
Lilith comes to stand next to the prince and wraps her hand possessively around his arm. "The prince will not ask you again. Royalties do not repeat themselves to peasants like you."
The prince moved away from her touch and advanced towards me. "Your name. What is it?"
Lilith's jaw dropped but then hid it with a scoff. "Why do you care what her name is, Alexander? Call her a slave just like I do with my servant."
My jaw clenched as I narrowed my eyes in anger at her.
She sees my reaction and lifts an eyebrow. "Did I offend?"
"His name is Noah." I uttered through gritted teeth.
Dismissively, she waved me off. "I do not care about his name. He is a servant. Nothing more, nothing less."
"He is my friend."
She shrugged. "Friend or not. When I no longer need his services, I'll throw him away just like the rest."
With a growl, I advance towards her, only for Alexander to appear in front of me, stopping me in my tracks with his hand on my stomach. "Do not rise to it, human. She is only trying to provoke you."
"And it is working." I whispered.
Lilith chuckled. "These humans, they are so easily angered."
"That is enough, Lilith." Alexander turned to face Lilith and motioned to the door. "You have overstayed your welcome."
"But…"
"Close the door on your way out." He turned back to me and motioned to one of the red velvet couches. "Please. Have a seat."
Lilith glared at me for a few seconds, then leaves quietly and accordingly. I dragged my eyes from the beautiful yet cruel woman, only to meet Alexander's curious stare. He had a tall figure, with chiselled features and piercing, hypnotic eyes. His jet-black hair fell effortlessly, framing his pale, flawless complexion. His aura exuded an irresistible charm, masking his immortal nature beneath a veil of seductive.
Avoiding his gaze, I stared at the fireplace that stood as a colossal sentinel, dominating the room with its grandeur. It's stone facade rose majestically, adorned with intricate carvings that whispered tales of centuries past. Flames danced within its cavernous maw, casting flickering shadows that danced along the walls like spectral dancers. The crackling of burning wood filled the air, accompanied by the warmth that enveloped all who drew near.
"Maybe this time, I might be able to get your name." The prince asked as he took a seat, motioning for me to do the same.
I took a seat and inched myself as far away as I could from him to the other end of the couch. "My name is Jane." I said, my voice was almost like a whisper.
He nodded and smiled softly. "It is nice to meet you, Jane."
I could not say the same, so I nodded.
"I apologise for Phoenix's behaviour. If I had known about his visit, I would have met with him outside the palace but unfortunately, he is an unpredictable sort." Alexander said.
I nodded again because I was unsure of what to say.
"How are you feeling?"
What?
I frowned. "Excuse me?"
"How are you feeling?" He repeated.
I restrained myself from rolling my eyes at his ridiculous question. Did he not understand anything? Did he not understand what I was going through? What any of us humans were going through today?
I looked away from his gaze and shook my head. "What kind of question is that?"
A long pause followed until the prince spoke again. "Have I upset you?"
I turned back to him. "Why would you ask me something like that in a time such as this?"
He frowned. "I do not know what you mean."
Calm yourself, Jane. Remember what mother said.
"How dare you!?" I hissed.
This was it. This was my last day on Earth.
He arched a brow. "Have I offended you?"
"Where is your compassion!?"
His brows rose as he studied me. "Excuse me?"
I asked him again, slowly. "Where is your compassion?"
"My compassion?" He uttered.
I noticed his tone was filled with annoyance, but that would not stop me. Nothing would stop.
"Do you not understand what happened today? At the auction? To all of the humans there today?"
"Of course, I do. I was there." He said nonchalantly.
"And what is your opinion of it all?" I asked.
"I do not have anything to say about it." The prince shrugged. "This has all happened for a reason."
I couldn't believe that he was unfazed by all of this. Did he not understand that all of the boys and the girls at the auction today would suffer for the rest of their lives? Or maybe he didn't even care. He was a vampire after all.
"But don't you think this whole punishment is absurd!? Do you not think that our kind have suffered enough!?" I scoffed in derision. "We've suffered for fifteen years. This punishment has gone on long enough."
"What do you want me to say?" He asked. "Look, I didn't mean to upset you when I asked you how you were feeling."
"But you have! My people will never go home to their families, will never be free and yet you sit there and act like it is nothing at all! And so I'll ask you again, where is your compassion?"
"Our kind did not start the rebellion." He said simply. "Your kind did."
That was true, but a lot of humans did not take part in the rebellion. A lot of us humans were innocent, including my family. We do not believe in violence or retaliation. We only wished to live in peace and solitude, but then this ludicrous rebellion started and living in peace did not seem like an option anymore.
"Not all humans were at fault."
His eyes darkened. "That does not make a difference."
My voice rises. "But the least you and your kind could do is show a little empathy! I was disgusted with what my eyes witnessed today. Out of all the creatures there today, the behaviour of your kind was by far the worst."
"I care of how you speak!" He shouted.
"Prince or not, I do not care. I will speak to you in any manner I wish to." I grit out. "And if I die for speaking my mind then you should stop me right now because I am far from finished!"
He comes to a stand and sighs, his tone softened. "I do not wish to argue with you. What is done is done and there is nothing you can do about it."
I shoved myself off the couch and stood in front of him. "You are a prince! Therefore you have the ability to break and create new laws. Surely, there is something you can do about this whole fiasco!?"
"Even if I did, I still would not help you."
Defeated, I shook my head.
"What you're asking for is something that cannot be undone. It is out of my hands." He looks at his watch and clears his throat. "It is feeding time. Come."
My heart leapt, flipping over within my chest at his sudden change of topic.
It was time. Time to do my duty as a blood servant to feed him. This particular moment was something I had been dreading since this punishment was carried out. I cannot believe the time has come.
With our conversation forgotten, I sit myself down on the couch, peel my hair away from my neck and looked up at him with a glare. "Just get it over and done with."
Alexander frowned. "What are you doing?"
"You said it is feeding time. I am doing my duty as your blood servant. That is what I am, is it not?"
Just as he goes to respond, a soft clearing of a throat draws both of our attentions to the doorway. It was Isabella. In her hands was a tray of food, but I cannot make out what was on it. She bowed and smiled sweetly. "I have prepared food for the girl, your highness."
Food? For me?
The prince smiled. "Very good."
"Eat as much as you wish. You must be starving." Isabella said as she led me into the dining hall. The dining hall was a realm of opulence and grandeur, a testament to the majesty of its occupants. Towering marble columns line the vast expanse, their intricate carvings reaching towards the vaulted ceiling adorned with gold chandeliers that casted a warm, ethereal glow. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting ancient battles and noble lineages, adding a sense of history and grandiosity to the space. At the centre of the hall sat a long, polished mahogany table, fit for a kings and queens, adorned with glistening silverware and fine porcelain plates. Plush velvet chairs surrounded the table, each one a throne in its own right, inviting guests to partake in the feast fit for royalty. Servants bustle about, attending to every detail with precision and grace, ensuring that everything was as it should.
"Take a seat." Isabella said softly beside me.
As I looked at the mouth-watering food, I realised that I could not sit at the table. For the first time since entering the palace, my thoughts turned to my mother. No doubt she was worrying about me. I tried so hard to fight the tears from falling. I tried so hard that I closed my fists and squeezed them as tight as I could.
Do not cry, Jane. You are stronger than this.
"I'm sorry, but I cannot eat this." I whispered.
"Why not?" Alexander asked.
"My people, and most importantly my mother is starving. Eating this food wouldn't be right."
The prince slowly approached, gently took the tray from Isabella and held it out to me. "Do you think your mother would want you to starve?"
Of course she wouldn't.
I shook my head.
"Then, come. Eat."
I took the tray hesitantly from the prince, who led me to the table. The table was a bountiful banquet, overflowing with a symphony of colours and aromas. Platters of succulent roast meats glistened under the soft glow of candlelight, surrounded by an array of vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs. Bowls of steaming soups and stews beckoned with their hearty warmth, while artisanal breads stood tall, inviting indulgences. Fruits of every hue spilled from ornate bowls, their sweetness perfuming the air. From decadent desserts to savoury delicacies, each dish was a masterpiece, promising culinary delight just for me.
"Eat as much as you want. And if you wish to have more, do not be afraid to ask." Alexander said.
I nodded as I dug into the food and ate until I could not eat another bite. It was the first time in years I had ever been completely full.
"Would you like some more?" The prince asked amusingly.
I rested my hand on my bloated stomach. "No, thank you. I think I am finished."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes." I said with another nod.
"Good." Alexander smooths down his attire and picks up the now empty tray in front of me. "Your services are no longer needed for the rest of the evening. Do what you wish but do not try to escape. The whole palace is guarded, and my guards...will not hesitate in sucking your blood. They only get fed once a week."
My hands jumped to my neck as I gasped at the thought of being preyed upon. Images of the guards chasing me for my blood swam inside my mind like a tempest, creating a new found fear I never knew existed inside of me. I could not leave as...I would simply die...and my time on this earth was far from over.