I must've been picked by accident.

That was all Ryker could think as he followed a group of several other servants on the main path that led through the city.

Only a few short minutes ago, the young vampire had been standing in the middle of the rain in a bustling market on the edge of The Coins, hoping someone would buy him, so he could get somewhere dry for a few minutes. He had been born into servitude, most of his masters before had been cruel. The most recent had been particularly cruel, separating him from his older brother and threatening to kill him if Ryker didn't behave. The panic he felt made it hard to notice that no other servant had been out doing chores around his master's home when they left for the market place. He couldn't understand what he had done wrong, but he knew without a doubt, he had done something hat displeased his master enough to sell him off.

That's when he had spotted a procession of servants dressed in fine clothing and carrying umbrellas. They must have either been short a servant or mistook him for someone else because all of a sudden, someone was spoke to his master, coins were exchanged, and he was suddenly handed a cloak and made to follow the others.

Through The Coins they went, leaving behind the boisterous crowd behind, the loud shouts of the stall owners selling their wares became quieter. Then the smell of The Docks faded and they walked through Ascendant Courts, where the high-class merchants and lower nobility lived. Another hour and they passed through Wise Quarter; Ryker looked up at the large buildings with magnificent architecture. I think, I think these buildings are part of the university, maybe the hospital as well?

They passed under the sharp stone archway, passing the small market that was set between Wise Quarter and the walls of the castle. Ryker realized then that his contract wasn't bought by any normal noble. He knew that Ivy District was to the south west corner of Wise Quarter, where the higher noble class lived; the snobs of society. 

They passed through the front gates and the man in the red robes held up a hand, motioning for the procession to stop. All the servants slowed to a stop beneath the outer hall in front of the massive wood and stone doors that led into the castle. Ryker was grateful the hall was covered; even though it was pouring rain now, he had a chance to shake out his hair quickly before standing at attention again. Look presentable. Make a good impression. Show as much respect as possible without seeming like a smartass.  The words of his brother cycling through his head

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"Welcome to the castle of the vampire king. Your new home," the head servant announced, folding his hands behind his back. He was a courteous, older gentleman with a white beard that rolled down his chest and intertwined with his robes like an elegant serpent.

"My name is Mordecai; I am the head of the staff here in the palace. I will tell you the most important of the rules now. There are others, of course, but you can hardly be expected to learn everything in one night. First, you are free to speak during your work, and speak freely with one another, with the exception of your work requiring you to be respectful and silent. Now, this doesn't mean you can be loud and rowdy, I expect you to remain respectful of the king and any royal guests he has. Second, you shall always bow at the arrival of the king unless told otherwise. And finally, the king's word is above anyone else's; his command is law."

Mordecai straightened his shoulders. "As is tradition, the king shall arrive to approve the selection of his new servants. Not to worry, he has yet to turn one down; he trusts my judgment completely." He pulled a small horn from his pocket and announced the servants' arrival so the king's procession outside could begin.

Ryker's heart pounded in his chest, and his warm brown eyes scanned the door frantically.

This was always the worst part. Meeting the new master. But now it was extra terrifying as his new master would be the king. He was trembling by the time the heavy castle doors finally pulled open.

The doors softly grated against the floor below, muted slightly by the puddles from the rain as they were pushed open by the servants. Without a moment to breath and prepare, Ryker watched a tall, white haired man in a blue and silver doublet walk out, the confidence rolling off of him like waves.

King Vlaadimir Pendragon.