Chapter 5: Castle
1533words
"The eastern wing will be yours," Adrian explained, gesturing to a set of ornate double doors. "These chambers have housed royal guests for centuries, though none so distinguished as yourself."
I raised an eyebrow at his formality. "I'm hardly distinguished yet."
"Blood speaks louder than circumstance," Adrian replied, opening the doors to reveal a suite that took my breath away.
The chambers were palatial—a sitting room with priceless antiques, a study lined with ancient books, a bathing chamber with a sunken marble tub, and a bedchamber dominated by a four-poster bed draped in midnight blue silk. Tall windows overlooked terraced gardens that descended to a lake reflecting the pre-dawn sky.
"This is... excessive," I managed, overwhelmed by the luxury.
"This is appropriate for your station," Adrian corrected gently. "You'll need to become accustomed to such surroundings if you're to reclaim your birthright."
I wandered to a window, watching as the first hints of dawn touched the eastern horizon. "You speak of my birthright as though it's inevitable. What if I don't want a crown?"
Adrian joined me at the window, standing closer than his usual formal distance. The proximity sent an unexpected flutter through my chest. "The question isn't whether you want the crown, but whether you'll accept the responsibility that comes with your blood. Power abhors a vacuum, Your Highness."
His scent enveloped me—ancient parchment, sandalwood, and something uniquely his own. I found myself leaning slightly toward him before catching myself.
"You should rest," Adrian said, his voice softer than usual. "Your body is still adjusting to the awakening. We'll begin your training after sunset."
As he turned to leave, I called after him. "Adrian." He paused, looking back. "Thank you. For saving me, for explaining... for everything."
A smile touched his lips, transforming his austere features into something breathtaking. "Sleep well, Ella."
Left alone, I explored my new quarters, running my fingers over leather-bound books and silk draperies. In the bedchamber, I discovered a wardrobe filled with clothing in my size—dresses, trousers, tunics, all made from the finest materials. How had Adrian prepared so thoroughly? Had he known I was coming?
Too exhausted to puzzle it out, I surrendered to the luxurious bed. Despite the strangeness of my surroundings, sleep claimed me instantly.
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I dreamed of blood and moonlight, of crowns and betrayal. In my dreams, I stood before a throne carved from obsidian, a crimson crown hovering above my head. As I reached for it, the crown dissolved into blood that flowed down my arms, forming chains that bound me to the throne. Luke appeared, laughing as I struggled, while Adrian watched from the shadows, his expression unreadable.
I awoke with a gasp as twilight painted my chambers in purple shadows. A soft knock at the door preceded the entrance of a young vampire woman carrying a silver tray.
"Good evening, Your Highness," she said with a curtsy. "The Duke thought you might require sustenance upon waking."
The tray held a crystal decanter of blood and a delicate goblet. My newly awakened hunger stirred at the sight.
"Thank you," I said, accepting the tray. "And you are?"
"Clara, Your Highness. I've been assigned as your personal attendant."
I nearly laughed at the notion of having an attendant but managed to maintain my composure. "Thank you, Clara. Is the Duke available?"
"He awaits you in the eastern courtyard when you're ready to begin your training," Clara replied.
When Clara had departed, I poured the blood into the goblet. Its aroma was richer, more complex than any I had encountered. I sipped cautiously, then more eagerly as exquisite flavor exploded across my palate. The blood was infused with something that made my own blood sing in response, strength flowing into my limbs with each swallow.
After finishing the revitalizing drink, I selected clothing from the wardrobe—black trousers that fit perfectly, a crimson silk tunic, and soft leather boots. Practical yet elegant, suitable for training while acknowledging my apparent status.
I found Adrian in a courtyard garden, moonlight silvering his dark hair as he stood beside a reflecting pool. He had exchanged his formal attire for simpler clothing similar to my own, though the quality and cut still marked him as aristocracy. The sight of him—powerful yet graceful—sent an unexpected warmth through me.
"You look rested," he observed as I approached, his eyes lingering on me a moment longer than necessary. "The blood was to your liking?"
"It was extraordinary," I admitted. "Not like anything I've tasted before."
"Royal-infused blood," Adrian explained. "It will help stabilize your awakening powers."
For the next hour, Adrian guided me through basic exercises to control my blood abilities. I was surprised by how naturally it came to me, my blood responding to my will with minimal effort.
"Your progress is extraordinary," Adrian noted as I successfully completed another exercise. "Most vampires train for decades to achieve what you've accomplished in a single night."
I lowered my hands, surprised by my lack of fatigue. "It doesn't feel like I'm doing anything special. The blood just... responds."
"Because it recognizes you as its rightful wielder," Adrian explained, moving closer to adjust my stance. His hands were cool against my shoulders, but they left a trail of warmth in their wake. I found myself holding my breath at his proximity.
"Try again," he murmured, his voice close to my ear. "But this time, feel the connection between your will and your blood. They are not separate entities."
I nodded, momentarily distracted by the subtle scent of him. Focusing again, I extended my hand, and my blood formed a perfect crimson sphere above my palm.
"Beautiful," Adrian whispered, and I wasn't sure if he meant the blood construct or something else. His eyes, when they met mine, held an intensity that made my newly awakened heart race.
As dawn approached, Adrian called a halt to our training. "You've done remarkably well for your first session. Tomorrow we'll continue."
"Adrian," I said as we walked back toward the castle, "you mentioned the current High Council. Who rules the vampire world now?"
Adrian's expression darkened slightly. "Lord Dravius and his inner circle—descendants of those who orchestrated the coup against your family. They maintain the fiction that the royal line died out naturally."
"And they don't know about me?"
"They suspect the bloodline survived but have found no proof. If they discovered you..." Adrian left the implication hanging.
"They would kill me," I finished. "To protect their power."
"Yes," Adrian confirmed, his hand unconsciously moving to the small of my back in a protective gesture. "Which is why you must master your abilities before revealing yourself."
The weight of my situation settled more firmly on my shoulders. Not just a vampire with unusual abilities, but the focal point of centuries-old power struggles, heir to a throne stolen through bloodshed.
As we reached my chambers, I paused at the threshold. "Adrian, why did my clan never tell me? They must have suspected something when I couldn't feed normally."
Adrian's expression softened with something like pity. "Some clans would consider it an honor to shelter royal blood. Others... might see an unawakened royal as leverage, a bargaining chip to be used when most advantageous."
"You think they knew?" The possibility sent a chill through my heart.
"I think they suspected enough to keep you isolated and ignorant of your potential," Adrian replied carefully.
The betrayal cut deeper than I had expected. Not just Luke, but potentially my entire clan—the only family I had ever known—had seen me as a tool rather than a person.
"Rest now," Adrian said gently, his hand briefly touching mine. The contact was fleeting but electric, sending a jolt through my entire body.
As he turned to leave, I noticed a small crest embroidered on the collar of his tunic, nearly identical to my birthmark.
"Adrian," I called, stopping him. "That symbol—it matches my mark."
He glanced down, then met my gaze steadily. "Yes. It marks me as a Blood Guardian—sworn protector of the royal line. There were hundreds of us once, before the coup. Now, I believe I am the last."
The revelation added another layer to the mystery surrounding my enigmatic host. Not just a duke who had found me by chance, but a guardian bound by ancient oaths to protect my bloodline.
"Goodnight, Your Highness," Adrian said with a formal bow.
"Ella," I corrected. "When we're alone, at least, I'm still just Ella."
A smile touched his lips, warming his crimson eyes. "As you wish... Ella."
As he departed, I noticed a strange warmth in my fingertips. Looking down, I saw droplets of my blood hovering above my palm, forming a tiny, perfect replica of Adrian's face before dissolving back into my skin.
My blood responding to my unconscious thoughts, revealing what my mind had not yet acknowledged—my growing fascination with the mysterious duke who had rescued me from death and offered me a destiny beyond imagination.
