Bleak.

A word he is used to in this supposedly grand and high esteemed life.

Or maybe, it was for the better that things are as barren as they are.  

“Your grace.” A familiar voice called out to him as his eyes wander above his work desk, past the many piles of increasingly obnoxious paperwork. Each simple sheet of paper seeming to progressively irritate him with their insubstantial and unfruitful content.

Complaints, suggestions, confirmations, proposals… all things he is used to in his line of work. His mind was growing numb, unsure if it was from the many late hours he spent at his work desk, or maybe his unhealthy diet choices as of late.

“Your grace.”

Or maybe it was the lack of sleep that’s been pestering his mind, making his disposition not quite as stoic as it infamously is. He’s getting antsy and impatient, a habit that comes with lack of sleep.

“Your Grace-“ The voice of his most trusted maid pestered him once again… oh how patient she is to deal with his childish shenanigans. He’s not a boy anymore.  

“Yes, Stella? I am listening.” Noe looked up at her after fixing his posture, he’s been sitting for so long, unsure of when his posture started turning for the worse.

“Your grace… excuse my transgression but everyone is worried sick for your health.” The senior house maid spoke carefully, not wanting to encroach on the duke’s choices.

“No, I am alright. Things have just been quite busy within the county.” Noe tried to speak with a dismissive tone, but the blurring at the corner of his eyes made him rub his temple with a deep sigh.

He was tired, he really was, but he can’t show any slight hint of incompetence.

Things have been stirring up within the royal palace regarding trades from outside of the country and being the duke of the coastal cities, his job has been cut out for him.

“I… I understand, your grace.”

“Is there anything else that you wish to inform me, Stella?”

“Yes, of course.” Stella said, her short brown hair was pristine and well-kept as ever. Clearing her throat, she spoke in a clearer tone.

“You’ve received an invitation to a party from another house within the city. Recently married, the couple wishes for your presence to discuss potential business opportunities, your grace.” Stella said as she handed the letter over to her duke on the silver tray. He didn’t waste time to grab it for inspection.

“Another party?”

“Yes, your grace. Would you like to decline?” Stella asked, somewhat already expecting his answer… she knows him better than most. Having been raised side by side, she’s practically like an older sister who always takes care of him. Despite his stoic expression, she can tell he’s in a bad mood.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“No… no, I’ve been declining too many social invitations. It would place me in a rather bad light if I were to decline invitations for an event where the emperor and empress would attend.” The duke sighed as he pushed his chair back to stand up.

“I’ll send off the acceptance letter myself.”

“If you wish so, your grace. The bath has been drawn and the chef has prepared your supper for whenever it is you are ready” Stelle said with a soft smile of relief that Noe finally decided to pause his work.

“Send the servant away, and bring the meal to the garden, I wish to dine alone.” Noe said with a gentle nod.

“Of course, your grace.” Stelle quickly left as Noe left his office to his private quarters.

The bath was warm… the calming scent of incense and roses drew the soreness and aches from his body, welcoming in sleep as Noe swept his obsidian stranded hair away from his forehead. His image reflected within the soothing waters, murky with soap. His smooth skin showed newly formed wrinkles, either from many hours of work or age. The lack of sleep framed his silver eyes with dark circles and long lashes. Only 27… and he’s already getting gray hair. Noe sighed loudly as he abruptly stood up, not wanting to confront his own image currently as he dried himself off and got dressed.

Servants are often used for these miniscule tasks… but Noe doesn’t particularly enjoy others touching or seeing  his body.

“12:36…” Noe spoke to himself as he headed into the garden. The butler delivered his meal and exited with graceful speed, wanting to respect the duke’s wishes for solitude.

It was late at night, but the beautiful moon and soft glow of lanterns made the atmosphere quite romantic.

The meal was light, and fulfilling… roasted garden vegetation, under a mix of herbal sauces and fresh baked sourdough bread. The meal gave him some motivation to go for a walk, in his favorite area of the estate… the rose garden.

The scent was inviting, floral, musky, and fruity, almost overpowering in its abundance. The roses were a gift from his mother before she passed… beautiful, deep, crimson red that glistens under the dewy droplets of water from the careful tending of the estate staff.

Closing his eyes to appreciate the sentiment and memories… a sudden, sharp tug pulled him to the floor, a heavy weight suddenly pressed against his torso. His wrist held above his head while his legs were pressed down sharply against the stoney-concrete bricks of the garden… the stranger’s hand pressed against his throat as to prevent screaming.

The security around the estate has been topnotch as of late… especially after the last assassination event, how did this person get past?

Managing to finally return their gaze, Noe’s eyed widened at what he saw.

A bewitching face, housing grotesque looking fangs, salivating like a hungry animal. Pale skin enhanced by moonlight, his strawberry blonde hair and gentle amber eyes… almost like pools of honey, stared down at him with a look he couldn’t place his finger on.

Desperation, hunger, want… and guilt?

Ragged cloak clung onto his body; a commoner, Noe can probably guess and… a vampire? They’re rare creatures, never seen outside of fairytales and passing rumors, possibly close to extinct, yet… one now sat over him. Their fangs too distinct to overlook, the sharp edges of it unnatural. Vampires have two sets of teeth, the front one meant to pierce, and the back ones meant to latch. They’re vicious creatures, something Noe has never seen before with his own eyes. Ears stretched out in an unnatural way, it pointed high and tall towards the moon, their nasty claws

The increasing constraint of the creature’s clawed hands around his neck getting stricter and tighter… Noe grabbing desperately against the monster’s hand in hopes to get at least a singular breath in, his vision becoming dim and unfocused.

Blood mixed with saliva dribbled out from the creature’s mouth, pieces of ripped guts and crimson droplets smudged against Noe’s white blouse as the thing spoke.

“plea…please…” The creature croaked out through ragged breaths, eyes wide in an alarming way, Noe frozen in a mix of shock, adrenaline, and fear.

Noe’s vision eventually gave out as his breath grows fainter.