Fractures of Eternity

After a small discussion, Oz rolled his eyes at his brother before gazing at me with a bit of resentment. In response, I smiled politely at him before slowly following Loki. Both brothers appeared to be at odds, though that wasn’t unusual; yet this time, it was my fault. Loki hadn’t pointed the finger at me. Though I knew I caused the delay, Oswald had to endure. Avoiding Leo, I stuck near Loki, who didn’t mind having me close. Although we weren’t touched or anything like that, it was pleasing to know he was a step away from being in my grasp.

His death was flooding my mind, making my eyes lock on him.

Why does anyone want you dead, and why do I find myself so helpless when it comes to you?

I no longer knew what to believe, yet I had to move past it, since it was the only way to ensure he was okay.

But how?

Alistair was looking more like a victim than a complicated murderer. Even when he walked into the throne chamber, he appeared tired of being there. In his eyes, there wasn’t any ounce of ambition for the crown, as he was well aware of how heavy it was. This marked the first time I had attended one of these meetings, which allowed me to see how much of a mess this family was.

Is that how Alistair gazes at the king every time?

This young man could’ve been a world-renowned actor, but he had me convinced that he was no killer. The meeting went as much as anyone would have expected, though, as the eldest got yelled at for not being able to best his younger brother on anything.

“A disgrace,” Asher called the poor boy, who rolled his eyes at the king, mumbling under his breath.

While the king was dishing out his judgment, I was with Oswald and Leo on the side before the king turned his sight onto Loki.

“So, you finally found a good blood bank, boy?” the king huffed, crossing his arms at the boy I adored.

To the crown, this prince was someone with wasted potential and someone whom they couldn’t control fully, thanks to Rem’s involvement. The half-breed’s power even scared the king of vampires, which was thanks to Alijah, who had been quiet throughout the years he had been with his wife, but he was another loose cannon who loved the young vampire as if he were his own.

Hah… those two are unstoppable while together, and that’s why I can’t get on their cross hairs or I’ll be on the chopping block next.

Sadly, Alistair, on the other hand, was defenseless against the royal court’s rule, which I suspected wasn’t just the old man who was sitting on the throne.

Something isn’t right.

“I don’t know what you mean by that,” Loki answered, shaking his head slightly.

Carefully, I studied from the sidelines, every motion the ill king made.

Is it him? Does he want Loki dead? No… This isn’t… Hah…

There was no reason for the king to want him dead, since he wanted the young vampire’s bloodline to stay in the castle.

But what if that was also the reason to get rid of him?

“Not only are you refusing to marry a nice noble girl, but now you drink commoners’ blood after refusing it for years?” Asher questioned him harshly, shifting his gaze towards me.

Instantly, I shifted mine towards the door as I didn’t want to start something by glaring at him.

Argh… he has the gall to call me a commoner, but that’s fine. It’s exactly what I want him to do. Just relax, Vivian, this man will die soon either way and painfully. Look how sunken his eyes are. I don’t think he’ll live past this year.

Vampires and their purity cost them to heir an incurable disease, which killed most men and women before they turned twenty. It was rare for them to live this long, and those who didn’t die were made infertile.

Is it worth the power you all have? I... doubt it.

“I don’t know what you mean by that, Grandfather.” Loki’s tone deepened as his hands clenched into fists.

Though the hostility in his voice was apparent, as he didn’t enjoy having me anywhere near Asher’s attention, which was probably why I was allowed in there in the first place, the moment his eyes shifted to me, I knew I would walk on eggshells the entire time.

“You, girl… come over here,” Asher stated.

Crap…

I hesitated to take a step forward, but I did it anyway, knowing that, unlike Gerta, the king could’ve kicked me out when he pleased, and that had to be avoided. However, Loki knew better, since, unlike him, I had no protection from the king. If he did anything to me, Rem wouldn’t care; in fact, she might relish the fact that I was out and exposed.

“Grandfather, please… She’s just a girl. She isn’t special. You know I don’t usually drink blood. Hers I can tolerate, that’s all.” Loki changed tunes, voice slightly shaking before taking a glance at me.

A soft sigh left my lips as I stood before the king of vampires, who eyed me from his throne. Apart from my beauty, I didn’t appear as anything special, yet a bite from him wouldn’t feel as pleasant as Loki’s.

Can I… tolerate anyone else? No… I…I don’t want…

There was no winning in this situation, since refusal would land me in hot water, and if I accepted, Asher would either drain me of my blood or get addicted once he tasted me. I needed to avoid both versions, which meant I was stuck in place when Loki’s words brushed right past the old vampire.

“I think I’ll decide that for myself.” He said, grabbing a knife from the side, “Don’t worry, child, I won’t bite you, but I will need a sample of your blood to ensure it’s safe for my grandson.”

Crap… I’m stuck, aren’t I?

Before I could take a step towards Asher, Alistair placed his arm in front of me, preventing me from going forward.

“Grandfather, that won’t be necessary. I already tried her blood. It tastes worse than low-quality ones. I think the only issue here is Loki’s head over heels for his pretty maid, who saved him, a temporary affliction that will die soon.” Alistair announced.

In a moment, I saw surprise wash over Loki while I hid mine.

This… is my chance!

For a quick moment, his eyes met mine, while I tried to keep a clear head.

Why... go this far for me?

“Is that so?” Asher questioned his grandson, who stood firm.

“Yeah, there isn’t a drop about her that’s special. Well, perhaps her soft skin, but aren’t you a tad old for her?” The eldest brother noted, narrowing his eyes at the old man.

It prompted the old king to smirk before gazing at me. “Is this true, girl?” he asked.

Hah... Now to look like a whore, but that’s better than having to leave. Though… surely my vampire knows I would never…

“Yes, he tried my blood out of curiosity today at the colosseum,” I announced, unwavering in resolve.

My goal was to stay there at all costs, even if my reputation was tarnished.

If you know the truth, nothing else matters.

“Oh? Do indulge the details, girl.” Asher locked his gaze on me as I felt my prince’s eyes on me heavily.

You know this is a lie, right? Argh! Just survive the now, the later will come.

“Well…. Alistair was showing me affection, and I couldn’t refuse. After all, I serve the princes in any services that they require.” I answered bluntly, which felt morally repugnant to say, yet I couldn’t show it.

Not while I was in this king’s gaze, making me hold firm with Alistair on my side.

I owe you twice. Geez… These princes never let me think straight—anything... to stay and save them. If I can do one good thing... then this will be it.

“Services? Oh, come on, I know you enjoyed it more than that, little lamb.” Alistair suddenly tugged me into his side, holding me by my waist.

The sudden movement caused me to widen my eyes while I tried to keep up.

Eh?! This is going too fast for me to follow! No! Focus!

Plus, his touch wasn’t as revolting as I once thought, especially since he had no interest in me. If anything, he was the same as any maiden from my coven. Placing my hands on his chest and shoulders, I played the part he proposed to me.

“Oh, I did, your highness, I enjoyed it very much,” I smirked at him, causing him to respond the same.

Much like a dart, Eli, who was by Loki’s neck, quickly glided between us, where he grew a few sizes, which successfully separated us.

“Oi…” Loki hissed under his breath.

In my prince’s eyes, there was an unyielding fire, as it was unacceptable that another man was holding me, especially after he had held me so tightly under him just moments before. However, this wasn’t the time to worry over trivial things, not while the king stared down at us.

“Hm… Very well… I don’t need to squander my stomach on filthy commoners’ blood. If it’s good for you, child, then so be it, but know any infatuation with the help will lead to misery in the end.” Asher sighed, waving his hand.

For a moment, I felt a wash of relief, but it quickly got squandered by his following words.

“Though… Girl… you need to know there’ll never be a thing between you and these boys. They are meant for much more than you will be able to participate in.” He informed, eyes lifeless.

There... would be nothing... I know that already! I don’t need you telling me that you old fart!

“Don’t worry, my king. I never thought that was possible. It was just a craving of flesh, nothing more.” I answered, feeling hollow inside.

Hah… He’s right… This will never work. He’s right… But I… am I hoping? Wishing? No... that’s dangerous.

“If you get pregnant—” Asher began, only to be interrupted by my vampire.

“Grandfather! That’s enough!” Loki snarled at the king, who scowled at the young boy.

In response, I took a step forward to stop the fight before it began—something wasn’t right with all of this.

Hey, why are your eyes so dead, Asher? Why are you clinging to life so badly when you’re so tired of it all?

“Oh, that won’t happen. I’m just the prince’s personal maid. Nothing more, I assure you, anything between us would be an abomination, and I’ve taken the necessary precautions to prevent that from happening.” I assured the king, who glared at me for the interruption.

“Ouch, did that hurt, little brother?” The eldest brother took a jab at Loki, who scowled.

“Shut the fuck up, Alistair.” My vampire hissed before clicking his tongue.

“Hah… Quiet, all of you.” Asher sighed, losing interest in me the moment the two princes began bickering.

The king gazed at me before waving his hands away, “Dismissed, girl. You may return to where you were,” he declared.

I nodded, bowing to him respectfully.

“Yes, my king.” I acknowledged before walking toward Oswald and Leo.

Both appeared to be done with the entire ordeal. The king and the princes, though, weren’t done yet. Before I even found my way back, Asher spoke again.

“That’s a disgrace… I hope you do nothing foolish with your servant boy. I’ve tolerated a lot of things from you. From all of you… But disobey me and you’ll see what’s in store.” The king chided Loki, who clenched his hands.

“Yes,” he muttered, his hands trembling with seething anger.

After separating us, Eli had returned to him, though he sometimes would take soft glances in my way.

“Well, then… to this…” Asher began, only to cough soon after.

It almost seemed like he went into a fit. The princes stared at the ill king without raising a hand to help. It was virtually pitiful since it was apparent how much they both resented the old man. After a bit, he calmed down enough to speak normally, and what came next from his mouth, though, wasn’t what I expected. The ball that was going to happen in a week appeared to have a guest list larger than life itself. Many of them were nobles, though there would also be others, as the council of Cerberus comprised different races, who were all to attend, too.

This event would also serve as a retirement party for Asher, as his heir hadn’t been announced yet. All appeared to point to Lexi as a proxy, while Alistair proved his worth of the title—a pity, really, since the eldest would probably be a better king than the current one. However, my heart dropped when he announced that Rem and Alijah would be there—something I didn’t want, as it would take me directly to them.

I wasn’t ready to see the person who had thrown my current life into disarray, but that would be something to navigate. That wasn’t the only thing that Asher had to say, though. No, he told the boys to find wives in the ball, which was before dropping the bomb that he was planning to host a big sword tournament in two months, where the two princes would compete, and whoever was victorious would win a step closer to the crown.

Of course, the old king warned Loki that if he forfeited the match, then he would automatically gain the crown and tarnish Alistair’s credibility within the court. To put it bluntly, he threatened to disown the older brother if he threw the match. At least the old man wasn’t a fool, but to do that to a boy who had lived under the title of royalty all his life appeared extreme.

I can’t tell if that would be a blessing or a curse to you, Alistair.

There was no love in the air when he announced that, since it was evident that Loki would win if he went all out. However, familiars wouldn’t be allowed during the match. Of course, whoever won the crown would have to marry a female vampire—a fertile one, unlike the king’s current wife. It was a little disheartening to hear him say that.

Though what was worse was Oswald’s gaze on me the entire time. Everything that had happened between Alistair and me intrigued him.

Can you stop it already?! Argh! This warlock is a menace!

It was grueling to be under his microscope. Luckily, Leo made it less when he asked his big, cranky brother a question. For a moment, I felt a sense of relief from everything that had happened. However, none of it was good. Loki would have to fight without holding back if he wanted to avoid the crown. In contrast, Alistair had to fight to keep his current life.

But is this enough to pit the brothers in such a way that one of them will end up dead? No… There has to be another reason!

One that I would soon find, and it would be a turning point in my life.

Where… I’ll have to choose… what I desire most.