After the event solidified the punishment anyone would receive if the vampires forced anyone to give them blood. I shoved away any restraints from doing what needed to be done. Even though I didn’t feel like myself fully, it was my decision that landed me in this position.

It made my body jitter with the simplest thought of Loki. The prince was in the ring with some of the royals who were sparring with one another. Taking the opportunity my troublesome vampire was busy, I managed to sit next to Alistair’s table where his maids glared at me intently.

Loki was being extra ruthless with anyone who sparred with him. Though, I took the chance to get to know his older brother a bit better. Alistair’s blue orbs were instantly on me since he was resting from an earlier spar against his younger brother.

Though that one wasn’t as painful as the ones he was currently dishing out to everyone. That included poor Lucas for his previous comments about me. I had taken previous times to speak to the eldest brother, but I never was direct about the things.

It used to be friendly chatter about the matches if he ever was near me, but this time I approached him. And I wasn’t going to back down until I figured him out. But at the same time, I couldn’t be too direct with everyone around.

I had my suspicions from watching him the previous weeks before the attack. I had seen how close he was to Lucas at times, but my naivete prevented me from asking the right questions. Lucas also had some nasty scars on his back that were visible whenever he pulled up his shirt to wipe the sweat off.

Every time Alistair saw them, he would flash disgust in his face. There were so many pieces that needed to be fitted together, but what if… this prince felt guilty for them? Thanks to Gerta’s tease, I managed to put two pieces together.

Now if they were from the right puzzle it would have to be seen. This would either end up with a figured-out vampire or an angered one. Either way, he brought this on himself when he decided to help me out of nowhere.

I was also able to note when Lucas told Loki of his elder brother’s involvement. It wasn’t something that surprised him since he hadn’t batted an eyelash.

How many times did you cover for your younger brother?

A question only they knew the answer to, but I was more interested in what made Alistair tick.

“Little lamb, what are you doing here? Isn’t Loki going to get jealous if he sees me with you?” he tapped his fingers on the table.

Ivy and Emery glared at me from the side. I ignored his question as he noticed their demeanor before he told them to fetch him some water in one of the outside stalls. Hesitantly, they left, allowing me to gaze at the prince, who seemed interested in why I was at his table.

“There is no reason for him to get jealous as he and I are nothing, Prince Alistair.” I started, causing one of the maids to snap a pencil that was in her hand while on the way out.

Alistair smirked because of my answer.

“Geez… You really are heartless. You know he likes you, no?” he pointed out.

I shook my head, glancing at Loki who was sparring.

Our feelings… can never be real. Even though every night they are.

But as long as I did not voice it. They couldn’t overrule me. A lie I would tell to try to stop myself from doing foolish things. But they would still happen no matter what I did.

“I have no idea what you’re saying,” I sighed, turning my eyes back onto the handsome vampire.

He was an exact picture of his father.

Leonard… does my existence ruin this son’s life too? I wonder… Or is his pain destined too?

Many didn’t know it, but Leonard was fated to die that fateful day my mother used to seal my memories. Vera knew though. Mother told her everything that I had predicted to happen with the last of my strength.

This all happened before I was born in this flesh.

“So… You want to trade. Is that why you’re here?” Alistair asked, enjoying the company I provided.

I wasn’t looking for what women usually came to him for. In response, I chuckled, shaking my head lightly. His eyes seemed to reflect pure loneliness.

“No… I wanted to ask, why you helped me?” I questioned straight up.

There I felt Loki’s gaze on me. Even though he was in the sparring ring with Lucas and some of the other boys. He always found me. Luckily, it was too loud for any of these vampires to concentrate on any conversation.

The clashing of wood was the only thing that could be heard. Although, I didn’t care if they did. It wasn’t like I was going to say things that would make sense to anyone who overheard it. I didn’t know what I had in mind when I started this movement, but I wanted to know why Alistair was difficult to understand.

When I first got here, he tried to use me to make Loki angry but failed when I decided to not go with him. After that, he only ever chatted whenever he was near enough. Well, there was the time he held me back from that vampire girl that had jumped Loki.

From then on he saw me as something interesting. And all the times we talked he never was alluding to wanting something with me. Well, other than the occasional tease he sent to Loki. My vampire would use to just ignore Alistair and take me away once he was done showering.

But now I could feel his unyielding glare with every moment I spent with Alistair. He had even warned me not to go to any other men, but honestly. I could do whatever, I wanted. Though later… well… I would handle it.

“And where did you hear that?” Alistair asked concerned about who might’ve been spreading those rumors.

I would gladly feed him the mole. Lucas was one of the few people who were ever with him and Loki. The bridge between the two, though for Alistair. I suspected he was much more than that. Or at least it was the feeling I got after analyzing everything with Gerta’s tease directed at the princes.

Specifically at Alistair.

Does she know? Of course, she knows. What’s your story though? What made you get to this fucked up point?

After dealing with Emma’s baggage the other night, I wasn’t quite ready to care for someone else. But perhaps these mortals weren’t as different as I. I think mother was right when she told Dad that we weren’t born evil.

No, the world made us like that. And in this case, I feared it was oppressing this boy. If my suspicions were right then… Alistair…

“Lucas,” I started, hearing the blond sneeze from across the room before the eldest threw a glare at him.

The friendly vampire was seen shivering soon after having to dodge one of Loki’s blows. He was blissfully unaware I dug his grave. He was too busy, trying to stand his ground against his much better cousin.

“Though Gerta wouldn’t have been here unless someone told her about the royals, and Lucas is terrified of her,” I added, causing the vampire to sigh before rolling his eyes in annoyance.

He tapped the table with his hands, thinking how to respond to me. I lied about that last part. But it seemed my fishing skills were up to par. I was right to assume it was him.

Why though? Why protect me for a brother you dislike?

“Did Loki…?” Alistair trailed off, causing me to take note of his voice.

Oh… shit. You are adorable for some reason.

The tone in his voice caused me to smile. It triggered him to stop in his words. His cheeks turned a bit pink when I realized where he was going with this. He cared if his younger brother heard it.

Interesting…

In his voice, there was a hint of embarrassment when he spoke. Though it was visible on his cheeks now. These brothers really weren’t at all what I first thought. Perhaps there was more to this prediction.

“He was there when Lucas told him what you did to the other vampires. But I doubt he suspects you told Gerta that I was in danger.” I informed him, watching every expression he made.

Even though I felt off, thankfully my mind was only filled with lewd things towards Loki. Not that Alistair would appreciate it from me if I was right. Though my body would shiver at times, fidgeting with my legs too.

Loki was right. I did regret my choice of having him unload onto me. I could feel my underwear become a mess as time passed. Though, at the same time it comforted me.

“I’m going to kill that blondie loose mouth bastard.” Alistair scowled towards Lucas.

On cue he fell onto his arse when Loki took another swing at him. For a moment we saw the vampire beg for mercy. Yet my prince glared at us instead of his fallen opponent. He wasn’t happy how I was with Alistair.

In my defense, I could be with anyone I wanted. The elder brother waved his hand a bit at his annoyed brother before he had to stomp towards another round.

“Why did you help me? Don’t you hate your brother?” I asked straight up, holding no punches even though I was staring down at one of the highest royals in the court.

But unlike the others in his eyes, I saw no desire to go for my blood. In fact, I could almost tell how he wanted none of it. However, there was also astonishment in his eyes of my assessment about his emotions towards his skillful younger brother.

“What? Where did you…? I don’t hate him, little lamb.” He shook his head.

I saw a genuine concern over where I heard that. It seemed the tensions in the castle weren’t from Alistair’s side. We focused on the vampire because it was what my power showed my mother, but my predictions usually were hard to read.

Especially for a mortal woman such as her. Usually, she would tell Dad, how it came to her in chunks and never a clear picture. But she was sure Alistair was there and was the one who gave the killing blow.

Yet his eyes didn’t show a man full of hatred.

“I see,” I mumbled, prompting him to reposition himself.

He was uncomfortable about something that crossed his mind before he shook his head. This boy that was only eight to nine months older than the boys and me. He lacked the means to be a murderer.

“Look, I just don’t want Loki to end up like me. That’s why I helped you. And don’t tell him I said that though he’s already annoying enough and full of himself.” Alistair finally answered my question.

I narrowed my eyes, studying his demeanor. He wasn’t lying to me. Alistair and Loki might not have had the best brotherly relationship, but they were still brothers. They were all they had left from their father.

I would try to push that to see if it was a mask. Though it seemed genuine to me.

“Hm… Even though you threatened to take me on my second day here?” I reminded the prince.

His face only showed regret.

“Ah… That day I was…” Alistair began only to stop, continuing another thought instead.

“I was annoyed that a certain fearless maid wasn’t being respectful towards me.” He finished.

I closed my eyes, chuckling.

“Is that a lie, Prince Alistair?” I mumbled only high enough for him to hear.

I continued to study his reactions. In response to it, I could see his eyes twitch before he gazed towards the side. They had silly little vampires in this city. Or perhaps it had to be because their father was known to be such a gentleman.

Alistair’s mother was a beloved lady too, though sickly. She was long gone though. This boy was alone.

“Look, I thought you wanted him like everyone else that comes here. Until I saw what you did for him in that vid. If anything, he’s lucky to have someone like you run to his peril. I kind of wish I had someone like that for me too.” Alistair refused to gaze at me.

I giggled, tapping my hands on the table.

Lucky to have someone like me... Someone that cared enough to save him when he was in danger. Or…

“Hm… Another cover? But I’ll bite this time. I don’t mean to put you on edge.” I mumbled again only to continue soon after.

“Does that mean I won your approval, prince?” my words caused Alistair to sigh before relaxing a bit.

It wouldn’t be for long though.

“Little lamb… You’re unique. I apologize for treating you like an object that day.” The prince gazed towards the side to see his maids coming back with what he ordered.

He was visually annoyed the moment he saw them coming back. That first encounter with this vampire, I had noted how awful for a mood he was in. I had assumed it was because Loki beat him, but perhaps it had been a meeting with Asher.

I mean Alistair got annoyed that he couldn’t beat his younger brother, but he was always a good sport about it. He even seemed to admire Loki’s technique. And today the prince surprised me when he actually was here earlier than he usually would come.

Was he keeping the royals inside the room while Lucas warned Loki?

Though I doubted he counted on the blond being extra truthful of his involvement. Those scars Lucas had and the way they interacted with each other. Alistair always kept the boy beside him, but at the same time treated him at a distance.

And Lucas always seemed troubled by something even when he teased Loki.

People… are hard to understand. But… it seems they’re also…

“You’re a hard person to understand, Alistair,” I smirked, standing up from the table.

I didn’t want to push my luck today and with the maids there. Sadly, there was little I could do. But much to my surprise, he grabbed onto my arm. The sudden touch caused me to shudder before gazing at him, trying to stay firm where I stood.

He wasn’t Loki but his touch made me remember how my vampire had held me this morning. Luckily, the eldest brother didn’t notice my subtle signs of distress. I slowly turned to face him. He seemed curious about me.

“So are you, Vivian. How come you’re so fearless against us?” Alistair asked.

I noticed he used my name instead of lamb.

An upgrade?

I would not know but in his eyes. There was something that allured me. Perhaps I could push it.

But not here…

If I could lure him into one of the rooms the royals used to discuss personal matters or take calls.

“Because there are scarier things in this world than what a mortal can do to me, Prince Alistair,” I answered, causing him to let me go, smiling.

That grabbed his attention.

Did no one ever chattered with the poor boy? He always seemed to crave for it too. And since I didn’t throw myself at him like the others. It triggered him to want to know more about me.

“You speak of the dead gods?” he asked curious about what I meant.

I gazed down to the floor. For a moment, I wanted to walk away from him, but something about his previous touch was not threatening. In fact, it was inviting. It was almost as if he was saying, don’t leave me yet.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Alistair… who are you really… A murderer or a scared child who is about to be used. What’s your story? What leads you to kill, Loki?

If it was him. The vision my mother had was too vague, but it foretold his involvement somehow. Something wasn’t right about all of this.

“No… of the living ones,” I answered honestly, instigating him to seem perplexed by what had come out of my mouth.

The ones that plagued our world were the ones from the soul cairn. Those were very much dead immortal beings. He knew this so hearing about the gods that had abandoned this realm was surprising at the least. Most if not all religions were dead by now.

“What? I didn’t take you for the religious type.” Alistair scuffed, unable to believe I was one.

I wasn’t. Never did I worship the gods and fear their retribution once I perished. No, I feared their decent and my enslavement. Something I couldn’t just say.

“No… I’m not.” I trailed off feeling a bit off by it all.

Why am I being honest to this boy that stands in front of me? Why can’t I bring myself to lie while he gazes at me so intently?

“Then why are you scared? It’s said the gods haven’t been to this world in a long time.” Alistair pointed out.

I released a nervous chuckle, clenching my hands into fists.

Shit… now who’s the direct one.

“I guess… I’m scared that they’ll come down one day.” I smiled politely, trying to hide my true feelings about the matter.

The prince wouldn’t stop though. He was too interested in chatter that didn’t come along much. Well, none that carried weight for him. Though his maids were staring at us intently. They wanted me to leave so they could have him to themselves.

“Do you think such a day will come?” he continued.

I tried to express the same. I wished they would never come. That I would never be anyone’s tool again.

“I hope it doesn’t happen,” I answered truthfully, gazing towards Loki for comfort to see Eli locked eyes with me.

The prince was sparring with a female vampire. By the gods did I want him next to me instead. For what exactly I wouldn’t allow myself to think that. It wasn’t the place for those types of pleasantries.

I kind of looked forward to his reaction later, though.

“I see,” Alistair mumbled before shaking his head.

Taking a step away from him, I bowed. His maids tried to hand him what they brought, but he couldn’t care less. Nor did he want me to leave.

“I enjoyed this friendly chatter with you, prince. I hope we can do this again.” I bid farewell only to be stopped by the prince again the moment I turned to go away.

His hand held my sleeve. At this moment, a wooden sword slit in half as the girl yelped in pain from Loki’s blow. I felt cold sweat go down the back of my neck. He wasn’t happy at all.

“You want to talk to me again?” Alistair questioned seemly confused.

I tilted my head, turning back to him.

Maybe… I should push my luck. This lonely boy… is starving for company.

But not the sexual kind.

“Why not? I feel like… we would get along.” I answered, feeling a bit confused about why he was acting like that.

Though I knew why I couldn’t quite accept he wasn’t a murderer just yet.

“I don’t know about that,” he mumbled, gazing to the floor.

There it was again the loneliness in his eyes. Even though he surrounded himself with female attention.

What if… that isn’t what he wanted? Maybe I’m right…. about Gerta’s words and Alistair’s reaction.

He was keen on having a conversation with me, I would be bold. There were a few eyes on us, including my beloved prince’s gaze that felt heavy on me from where he stood. He had finished his round of sparring with the female, making Lucas come back into the ring again.

Though at the moment in between he was studying what I and his brother were doing. What I would do next surely would cause me to feel it later, but I needed to confirm something. I also became jittery with excitement from the thought of what he would do.

In fact, I felt like I could entice it even more.

Will he dare take me away from here just to screw me? Shit… I’m going crazy!

But at the same time, I didn’t care if he did.

“Prince… may be bold I come close to you for a moment? I wish to say something to you that no one else should hear. And I mean no harm by what I’m about to say either.” I smiled politely again.

He seemed confused by my sudden turn.

“Uh… Sure?” Alistair gazed.

I softly walked over to him. He leaned into me as I raised on my tips to reach his ear.

Vampires and their damn height.

Cupping my hands to his ears I whispered into it. Though in the background I heard a couple of gasps coming from the stage where the others were sparring.

“Forgive me. But you aren’t into women are you?” I mumbled boldly into the prince’s ears.

It prompted him to startle before stepping away from me. Many probably thought I had offended him, but in his eyes, he only showed me fear. His reaction caused me to realize something. After all, a violent person wouldn’t have that gaze.

He really isn’t the one who would kill, Loki. This boy isn’t a murderer. So… he’ll be someone’s tool, but whose? Or perhaps he’s set up…

If only I could use my power for myself. If I could understand, but that would mean caring.

Emma, will I ignore another person in pain? Can I? I should. I…

Leonard was a kind man, and in his son’s eyes, I didn’t see the potential to take a life. I would know one since I was a killer myself. Even though it would be easier if I didn’t get involved. It was pleasing to know I wouldn’t have to kill Loki’s eldest brother.

But I would have to figure out who would dare use a lonely boy for that act. If it happened at all. Perhaps the future had changed. Yet the coven was after the boys too.

Are they the cause of their death or just an add-on to this chaos?

I wouldn’t figure it out unless I tried to understand Alistair. Ignoring the previous gasps that came from the center of the coliseum, I stared at the young man who seemed to go on the defense.

“You’re wrong,” he quickly guarded against me.

I shook my head, taking a step towards him.

“This is an important matter that I brought to your attention, prince. Could you accompany me into one of the sigil rooms?” I announced, feeling like I finally saw the real him.

After weeks of watching him, his mask was breaking. His eyes twitched with annoyance as he gave in. Softly he nodded before grabbing onto my hand, pulling me along into one of the rooms. I always thought I would hate his touch, but I didn’t mind it either.

I guess this was the second time he touched me though. Yet I didn’t mind it back then either. Once inside the room, Alistair closed the door before staring at me intently.

“Vivian, I really am not…” He stopped, not wanting to finish his sentence knowing it wasn’t true.

It was almost as he couldn’t deny himself after being pushed around by others because of it. The pain in his blue orbs told me all I needed to know. Though, my only worry was that Loki would burst in here any minute.

Hopefully, Lucas could somehow stop him with a stupid stunt. Or something his randomness brought along. Though that blondie although he tried to pass as an airhead at times was gazing at us too.

Well, while I spoke to this prince.

“Maybe… maybe not. Only you know the truth. And I won’t force you to say it. Nor will I tell anyone about it. I honestly don’t care who you decided to lay with at the end of the day, but I do hope they make you happy. Because you look miserable, Alistair.” I bluntly stated.

It prompted the prince’s eyes to widen. I tapped on the table inside the room before gazing away from him.

Perhaps I was too upfront. Will he get angry?

I guess this was the only way to know. Much to my surprise the moment I gazed up to see what his expression was. It was a troublesome one.

Alistair… isn’t…

“Is it that obvious?” he sighed before resting his back against the wall.

I took a good look at the boy that was destined to kill Loki.

“No, it isn’t obvious,” I confessed, feeling like it wasn’t something everyone would pick on.

The only reason I was able to identify it. It was because every time I looked in the mirror back in the coven’s hideout. I saw those same eyes. Lately, I didn’t have the time to see if I still had them.

Especially since Loki usually made me express differently.

“Then… how do you know I’m miserable? Out of everyone I know, you’re the only stranger to come in and tell me that to my face.” Alistair crossed his arms in disbelief at how daring I was.

I mean I had proven that the first day I got here, but to be this direct.

“Maybe they’re afraid of you?” I noted, surprisingly the prince’s eyes weren’t full of annoyance, just worry.

Though I also avoided answering his question. But he wasn’t going to let me slip by. None of these princes were idiots.

“Perhaps, but certainly you aren’t… So, tell me. Am I obvious?” he pressed on, gazing towards the door.

It seemed he was waiting for Loki to burst in too. At least the troublesome prince was aware that we were in public and was taking the longer route. Or maybe Lucas was actually holding his ground after his first beating.

Though I knew what awaited me when I returned to the room with him. And I couldn’t help but be filled with anticipation. Shaking off the feeling, I tried to focus on the foe in front of me. Though he was the weakest one I would have to face.

Alistair was already broken in more ways than one. Perhaps fighting him wasn’t about destroying the man but building him up to what he could be. Lately, I had been seeing how mortals and I may not be different after all.

But unlike me, these mortals could have a happy life with no worries other than their mortality. Well, as long as the world didn’t go to shit.

“Well, it might not be the situation you have, but I know how it is to be labeled something you aren’t. I once had someone define my life for me. I ended up being exactly like they said I would be. But… I can only hope it won’t be the same for you.” I truthfully answered.

Yet I didn’t noticing what I had actually let go of in the last part. Hope was such a strong word. The same as a wish. The moment I caught myself it was too late. And I couldn’t dawdle on it since Alistair was studying me just as much as I was him.

“What did they label you?” he continued his query.

I shook my head, trying to steady myself. I could hope for many things. It didn’t mean I wished it so. Just like when I cast that spell on the falling meteorite for Loki. Though that was a genuine wish.

“A monster,” I sighed, triggering the prince to walk towards me.

Grabbing onto my chin, his eyes seem to be lost.

How can anyone call a fragile girl like me that? Ah… if only you knew. If you did. Would you dare touch me like this?

I didn’t mind it though. Emma was the same. They treated me like I was a normal girl. Yet unlike Emma and Zoe, he didn’t have the slightest idea that at his fingertips he held a god.

“A pretty girl like you?” he mumbled.

I drew away from his grip, taking a few steps away from him. His touch was reminding me of things I didn’t want to think about.

“Looks can be deceiving. How do you think I conquered that unruly brother of yours?” I clarified, forgetting myself for a moment.

In an instant, I turned back around flustered by what I had said.

“I-I… d-don’t…” the overthinking had made me trip in front of Alistair who narrowed his eyes.

A soft smile appeared on his lips. I didn’t know what my expression was, but he was enjoying it to the fullest.

“You conquered him. I see,” he noted, grinning like he had figured me out.

I needed to watch what I said, but something about this boy that stood in front of me made me feel at peace. Like we could understand each other. Though that was wishful thinking.

“In a different way than you think!” I argued.

He shook his head, shrugging.

“Don’t worry, Vivian. I’m not against you being with him. Though… not everyone will be like that.” Alistair sighed, dropping his gaze to the side.

I took a stance on that thought. Though I was failing miserably. I couldn’t bring myself to say I didn’t love him. Though I could say that nothing was going on with us.

“You have the wrong idea, Alistair! I don’t… I won’t… I can’t…” I trailed off, not being able to say a single thing against that.

My heart feeling like it was in my throat. Though it didn’t seem like this prince cared much for who his brother laid with.

“Can’t? Why, because of my grandfather? Soon he’ll croak. And I can’t imagine Loki not falling for you after rescuing him like that. I mean, he didn’t let you suffer from the bite, right?” Alistair pointed out.

It caused me to feel instant defeat.

Fall for me? He already did.

I knew it from the way he held me and talked to me. There was no doubt on how we felt for one another, but that was only for now. He would forget me once I left. I could never label us. No, I could never love him openly.

“For other reasons… Alistair… is your grandfather the reason why you…” I took the chance to turn it back to him.

He scoffed, shaking his head.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He denied.

I grabbed onto my dress, trying to keep up. This was a chance to take it away from me. If he would grill me, then so would I.

“Even though I’m an utter klutz with my words. I’m observant. And I saw how you reacted when Gerta said about males wooing the princes.” I huffed, trying to keep it together even though thanks to his words.

My body craved Loki’s touch.

“You know that type of thinking could get you in trouble.” Alistair chuckled, gazing at me with eyes I couldn’t quite tell.

He didn’t see me as an evil being. Not after saving his brother like that. To him, it was an act of love. But to me it was a foolish action that landed me in this mess. It would’ve been better if my heart had stayed close.

“If I’m wrong, you haven’t denied it.” I pointed out trying to stay steady.

This was it… though Loki… Please… don’t… plague my mind. I’m… barely holding it together anymore. Shit…

“I… have had people deny me all my life. I don’t need to do it too.” Alistair answered finally.

I widen my eyes, wanting to feel happy. But instead, the moment I saw the expression in his eyes it was one of pure agony. He was trapped in the vicious cycle the royal families always had. Rarely did they broke from it without losing everything they knew and loved.

“So… I was right you’re miserable.” I mumbled, not wanting to say that to his face but there was no avoiding it.

“Miserable… Is there a worse word for it? This world’s bleak and ugly for me, Vivian.” He flashed disgust in his eyes.

Every girl he ever laid with was repulsive to him. Yet he did it because he thought it was the only way he could live.

“I once fell for a certain someone. Everything was fine until grandfather saw us kissing. He made me watch as he gave the poor soul a lashing. When he was done he turned to me and said that he would do that to everyone I dared show that type of affection. He wasn’t sick then though, but I’m still…” He bit his lip, gazing at me directly to see me in almost a ravenous state.

I didn’t know if my eyes reflected what I felt when Alistair finally opened up, but I was consumed by rage. Before I knew it, I swung my arms around him. He stiffened up thanks to my action.

My next words would shock the prince to his core, though I didn’t care. I couldn’t hide my discontent with this injustice. Especially for someone who had suffered because of me. If I and my coven weren’t around his gentle caring father might’ve been there to protect him.

Even though, I had nothing to do with his mother’s death. No, the royals from this court had done that to themselves from all the inbreeding to keep their powers. And now they intended to do that with this poor boy too.

No wonder anyone would’ve been able to use him.

But who…? I won’t allow it. Loki’s family is off limits!

“Fuck that! The king will burn for his actions one day!” I held him tightly.

He didn’t know what to do with me. Although he didn’t pull away from my embrace instead he hesitated to hold me back. Though, he also worried for my wellbeing. I was the first person to ever say that in front of him.

And threatening the king wasn’t something a human like me should do.

“Vivian, you can’t say that here,” Alistair warned with worry in his voice.

I huffed, tugging slightly away from this prince. He gazed at me like I was crazy. And that was good. Because I was insane.

Dad… This vampire isn’t evil. No… he’ll be someone’s damn tool. I… can’t stand it! Why… do we have to use one another like this?! Why hurt each other!? Why is this world cruel yet beautiful?!

“I don’t care! I dare him to try to come for my tongue! No one should have their love limited like that. Just because you like dicks!” I continued to spew, feeling utterly annoyed at the king.

Even though his past was catching up with him.

Deathly ill, and old.

He wasn’t worth killing fast. No, his age and pride would consume him.

“No wonder Loki likes you, Vivian. You’re so sparky and bulgur when not trying to stay polite.” Alistair chuckled, unable to keep it to himself.

The sudden smile was the first time I had ever seen do in the time I was there. I mean, he would smile, but it would always be like mine. Polite and not genuine. It made me wonder if that was why Asher only allowed female maids to come to serve the boys.

Cruel man. Does he care more about his people, than for his legacy. Or is there someone else in the shadows?

“You know most people would be fearful of what they say to us, but you… You’re out of this world. Now I kind of wish you were my maid instead,” he crackled.

I shook my head. Sadly, I could never be this prince’s maid, not after experiencing Loki’s affection. I wasn’t even that prince’s servant. I was more of a partner.

“Hm… I can’t be your maid, but I can be a friendly ally.” I smiled.

It caused him to respond the same. Loki said it was easier to keep your enemies close, but in this case, I had to save this young man from the destiny he was set to have.

What changes in you that will make you murder your brother?

I wouldn’t know unless I stayed close. Though, he wasn’t the murderer or jealous freak I thought he would be. I mean Alistair was envious of his brother but not for the reasons of the crown. No, he knew it was too heavy for him.

Perhaps he didn’t even want it. Both of the boys didn’t want the crown that was being thrust into their lap. One would say that would make them careful leaders, but in this case. It trapped them in this cycle that they didn’t want to be part of.

“I think I would like that, Vivian. I don’t have many relationships that don’t start with a lie.” Alistair noted, triggering an ache in my heart that I didn’t realize I would have.

This affiliation would also be false, but I would try to make it a sweet one for the poor prince. At least I would try to help him move past it.

“Right… I… don’t have many of those myself either.” I mumbled, causing him to tilt his head.

I shook my head, drawing away from the prince before pointing at him. Sometimes a situation required a delicate hand or a destructive one. In this case, it was neither. All he needed was the support to break out of the chains that held him.

And if I could be part of it, then so be it. It would be nice to destroy something that wasn’t visible for once. Or that would end someone.

Shit… Loki… is changing me with his kindness.

It was almost as if it was infecting me too. Last night I struggled to come to terms with how I didn’t care for Emma when she needed it. This time I wouldn’t have regrets. I wouldn’t look away from those who were in pain anymore either.

Like I told Oswald their pain didn’t outmatch mine. Perhaps I could be a benevolent force for once.

Dad… I’m sorry. Maybe this would be the end of me. Perhaps this brother will reject me once he knows who I’m too.

But I would be his ally for now. Even though I had no idea how to play that role. I guess support was important.

“Well, if I’m going to be your ally. You better listen here. You aren’t a weak boy anymore, Alistair! And I’m not the only one who would accept you as you are. I’m sure your brothers will too.” I pointed out, triggering his eyes to open wide.

Let me into your heart… where I’ll bless it with what I can.

“I mean, Loki accepted me as I’m, and trust me I have a worse condition than loving a specific genital. So, why wouldn’t he accept you? And Oswald, he’s a hothead, but I’m sure he already likes you.” I ranted, not knowing how to stop.

Alistair seemed amused by me.

Loki… come in any minute now…

“I don’t know about that, Vivian.” He chuckled at my clumsy attempt.

In response to his laughter, I gazed towards the side, sighing before gripping onto my dress again. Perhaps this was a mistake.

But can I walk away from someone in pain again? Like I did with that poor girl in the snow. What if you’re just like her? Sweet and loving…

“Gerta raised you too right? I’m sure she knows about you and—” I tried to find people who knew about him.

He winced when I said that, though. It stopped me in my tracks.

“Oh, the old hag knows. She was the one who pleaded for the boy who got the lashing because of me. But granddad is her world. She would never go against his decision.” Alistair informed.

I shook my head.

Gerta loves Asher, I know that. Bad example.

“Then, break free,” I huffed, turning back around to face him.

He seemed utterly bewildered by me.

“What?” he mumbled.

I stood my ground.

“Like I said you aren’t a defenseless boy anymore. Say fuck it, that isn’t who I am. And for the fuck of it become the first homosexual king in the vampire kingdom. And then once you’re there, spit in the king's grave and change the system from the top down!” I declared, not backing down.

In response, his blue orbs widened before breaking out in laughter.

Ah… I might have… gone overboard a bit.

Even though Alistair was weaker than Loki in many ways, he was a pureblood vampire. Loki had a human that had descended from a Lycan mother. The one who would become king likely was the elder brother while the smaller one would only be a replacement.

Alistair had come from a wedlock relationship and was the preferred heir by the nobles in the court. Though they didn’t want to let go of Loki either. They wanted him to breed with a vampire much as Lexi stated.

“You come up with some interesting ideas.” Alistair crackled, unable to believe what I had said.

His genuine smile and laughter were both so pleasing to experience. A second after that thought left my mind, the door slammed open. Loki grabbed me by the back on the collar of my dress, yanking me away from Alistair who had a giant smirk on his face.

Before I knew it, I was in my vampire’s protective embrace. He glared at his brother.

“Oi… why do you harpy my maid like this?” My prince questioned his brother who shook his head slightly, rolling his eyes.

The jealousy in his voice was alluring. Yet I…

“Hm? Your little lamb was the one who wanted to chat in private, little brother.” Alistair pointed out.

I grabbed onto Loki’s arms before I noticed the door was wide open. Everyone’s eyes were on us. I felt a snap.

“Stay away from her, Alistair,” my vampire warned.

It was like he was pissing on his territory, causing me to scowl at him. My fierce gaze triggered him to shiver before licking his lips. On his bottom lip was a small cut and inflamed spot that hadn’t been there before.

“Prince… you’re giving everyone here a wrong impression. Please restrain yourself.” I huffed, trying to keep my front.

Alistair took his leave.

“Don’t blame her too much. I bet you’re boring at times,” Alistair teased before exiting the room, closing the door to the room.

Even though I was with my vampire again, I could hear him grumble under his breath. What awaited me wasn’t what I expected from him.