The man looked around his late twenties, but who knows how old he was? Green eyes sat in sockets below short, black hair. He was slightly taller than me, which bugged me a little. His body was slender, some muscle on it. He wore the same thing as Hex and I, but his robe was dark green. He appeared pleased to see us.

"Welcome, Prince Sanneroal, Prince Hixrinas. I'm Duvirnon. You can follow me in."

"It's a pleasure. Thank you for letting us stay here," I replied, trying to stay polite.

"It's not a problem."

The brown haired servant left us once Hex, Ruin, and I walked into Duvirnon's room. The layout was about the same as the room I was occupying. We traveled into his dining room, the table with three glasses on it. Red liquid was inside, and it appeared to be wine...

Duvirnon sat on one end of the wooden table, so I sat at the other. Hixrinas was to my left, facing the wall. Though Ruin should've sat to my right, she decided to sit sideways on my lap, her arms snaked around my body. I didn't mind, but the other two were staring as if I was weird.

"I can get someone to pour another glass of wine for... I apologize, what's your name?" Duvirnon asked Ruin, confused by her presence.

"Nuinalue. I was one of the servants here."

Duvirnon had a face that showed astonishment, yet a bit of clarity.

"You don't have to get her a glass. I'll share. I'm not too fond of wine," I told, staring at the fluid. Ruin looked up to me, seemingly perky since she'd drink from the same glass. She kissed my neck, Hex looking ashamed. Though Ruin was holding onto me, I tried to appear presentable.

"I see. Tell me if you need anything," Duvirnon said, trying not to stare at Ruin.

"Yes. I'm good for now, though."

"So, why are you here, Prince Sameroal?"

Duvirnon had a serious look on his face. I similarly tried to hold a serious face, but I was flustered because Ruin was squirming around on my lap, along with kissing my face and neck constantly. I probably should've gotten her to go to her own chair, but I didn't want to. Hex was staying silent, though I know he wanted to yell at me.

"Hixrinas and I aren't sure ourselves. All we remember are needles lodged in both of us, then awakening in a forest. There was a note that stated "banished" on it, as well."

"Interesting. We haven't heard anything about banishments, and we definitely would have heard about someone as important as princes."

"Have you heard anything about us missing?" I questioned, my voice cracking in the middle when Ruin squirmed on my lap weird. Duvirnon chose to ignore it.

"No. This must currently be kept as a secret. Maybe your father, the king, doesn't want news of this to spread."

I sat in thought. Father must not want to cause a panic. I took a sip of the wine, a little used to it when compared to my past. Ruin grabbed for it after me, drinking off the exact same spot I had. Hex had drunk some of his, clearly enjoying it.

"Most likely. Do you know of any keepers in the area? We need to return."

"Sadly, no. They like to stay hidden. You'll need to spark the king's attention. If he's aware of your presence, he'll certainly send one. The keepers travel, collecting information, so if one catches wind of you, he'll bring the message to the king, then travel to get you."

After hearing all of this, I realized something... We need an easier way of traveling between the human and vampire realm... I'll work on that once I return...

"Can I borrow some of the men here?" I asked seriously, ignoring Ruin.

"They do belong to Zerosallow. You can have anyone here, myself included."

"I'm grateful. I'll consider who I wish to take."

Duvirnon took a sip of his wine, looking over to Hex. When he stopped, he looked back over to me.

"Will you explain Prince Hixrinas to me? Why isn't he a child?"

"You can explain that, Hixrinas," I said, facing Hex. Hex nodded, slightly fearful. Duvirnon stared at him anxiously, along with Ruin, though she was more focused on feeling up my shoulders...

"It's forbidden magic... I created a spell to age."

The room turned dead silent. Duvirnon looked at Hex with amaze and dread.

"You could've been banished for that reason. Have you considered it?"

Hex took the place of speaker, as this was more of his problem.

"No. I kept this hidden. I learned a spell of youth to make sure of that. Sanneroal shouldn't have been banished with me, as well."

Duvirnon started contemplating the situation. After he looked back up.

"This magic probably isn't the cause. Will you be able to return with it?"

I decided to butt in, as Hex wasn't the best under pressure.

"I'll make sure he can return with it. I'm sure Hixrinas can be an exception."

"Why would you be okay with that?" Duvirnon questioned, as forbidden magic is strictly prohibited. Many vampires have been banished just for attempting to use it.

"If he created a spell of aging this young, then he's clearly going to be a great magic user. It'd be a bad move not to let him stay."

"I suppose."

I took another sip of wine, trying to be polite. Again, Ruin followed.

"So, why do you like that servant? Aren't there nobles you like?" Duvirnon asked as it's rare for a noble to love anyone below them. Ruin seemed upset, clinging onto me with a pouty face. I sighed, as it was the start of everyone questioning me on my choice.

"I don't like noble women. Nuinalue interested me, so I took her. She looks too good to be a servant, anyway."

"That's your choice. You will be mercilessly questioned about her."

"I'm fine with that. Besides, she won't be the only one. No woman of mine will be a noble, so everyone should get used to it." I responded, serious with my decision.

"Why is she on you?"

"I like allowing my women to have a will. It's her choice. I'm not setting her to the side and admiring her like a doll. Besides, I told her not to go far from me, and she's following the rule closely."

Duvirnon started laughing, causing the three of us to stare. Ruin held me tighter, putting her lips on my neck.

"Sorry. You're an interesting prince."

"You think? I don't want to me compared to the idiotic princes I'm surrounded by," I replied, my tone somewhat informal.

"Here I was thinking that you weren't going to be a good king. You'll do fine. Everyone is under the impression that you're a fool, as it's taken so long for you to study."

"This is the second time that assumption has been made... I memorized the material a week after I got it," I half-muttered. It was upsetting to know so many think I'm an idiotic brute.

"You did?! Why didn't you tell anyone?!"

"I liked the comfort of my room... Servants brought whatever I wanted... Can we drop the subject?"

"As you wish. I'm impressed by you, though. You're not like other nobility. Seems like you have some new ideas that are needed," Duvirnon put in, smiling and cheerful. Hex was mad, deciding he had to step in.

"Sanneroal is a sloth... And haven't you heard the rumors of what he's done?! He needs to work on his personality."

I was offended by Hex, but he had been dealing with a good amount of crap for the last half an hour. He was worrying that I wouldn't change, and I didn't blame him. Duvirnon looked surprised that he spoke up, as Hex had been silent through most of it.

"Everyone's heard the rumors. I was honestly more afraid of Prince Sanneroal being unintelligent," Duvirnon responded, facing Hex. Hex didn't like that answer.

"Don't you think he should change parts of his personality?! He'll cause some sort of revolt!"

"It's his business, but I suppose."

Duvirnon looked to face me, staring seriously.

"Prince Hixrinas might be right. You need to mellow down, no offense to you."

"I'm not offended. I've been trying, but my habits are rooted deep into me. This realm is helping me get over my habits, so, hopefully, I'll return better. I think I'm getting over my laziness, as I can't be in this place," I explained though I didn't feel obligated to.

"That's your personal life, so you don't need to tell me everything. Anyway, have I helped you?"

"Yes. I'm satisfied with everything you've told me."

"Glad to be of help. You can come back if you need anything, or if you'd like to take some of my men. You can walk over whenever. Just knock," Duvirnon let me know. I felt gratitude, as he really helped Hex and me out.

"Thanks."

I nudged Ruin to stand. She stood up, so I stood as well. My arm was held once more, the wine finished by Ruin. Hex got up, standing near me. We left, Duvirnon watching as we closed the door.

"What are you doing now, Sin?"

"I'm heading back to my room. You?" I answered, glancing at Ruin.

"The same, I guess. Remember, don't let that snake corrupt you. It's not good to inflict pain on others. You shouldn't be feared, either."

Hex glared at Ruin. She mocked him by hissing, wrapping her arms around me, then kissing me on the mouth. I fondly went along, causing Hex to sigh and put his hand over his face. I stopped kissing her, turning to Hex.

"It's rude to call her a snake."

"Is temptress better? Listen to my warning," Hex cautioned, annoyed with Ruin.

"Not really... Don't worry about me. I'm not a fool. I'm trying to get over my habits. I haven't hurt any of the servants, except for breaking Ruin's wrist... You guys were asking for it..."

"Just keep it up. Also, I will intervene if she affects you in a bad way."

"Fine. I'm leaving now..."

"Bye. I worry for your well-being," Hex said, slight sorrow on his face.

"Same to you. Watch out for the servants. You DO look twenty."

I spoke in a mocking tone. Hex blushed, turning and leaving down the stairs. I walked into my room, Ruin hanging off me like a sloth. The servants were waiting for me, bowing as I came in.

"Are you thirsty, Ruin? I haven't had blood all day, and what I had yesterday came back up..."

"Yes. Definitely." Ruin replied, parched.

"How much do you drink?"

"I'm not sure... A glass or two."

I turned to the servants. They looked afraid when they saw me, so I was annoyed.

"Someone get Ruin two glasses of blood, and I want enough to fill a body. Can you eyeball that amount?"

All of their eyes were wide open when I said how much I wanted... I glanced to my side, and even Ruin was shocked. It's less than my normal amount... At the castle, a full day of drinking would be more than double...

"Yes... We can get you that much..."

"Good. You all should leave so you don't need to take two trips," I said, unsure how much they'd bring.

"You don't want any of us to stay?"

"No."

They nodded, leaving. Ruin looked at me, clearly questioning a lot.

"You drink that much?!"

"Yes. I'm surprised you can sustain yourself on so little."

Though she was trying to talk, I moved to the other room to sit at the table. Ruin sat on my lap again, holding on to keep herself upright.

"Where do you fit all of that?"

"In my stomach, I guess. I'm not sure exactly how I drink so much. I've gone up to three bodies," I responded, shrugging. Ruin stared at me with complete awe.

"Three?! One is a lot already!"

"You're making me feel worse... I know I have eating problems..."

A kiss was placed on my cheek to cheer me up. I blushed, feeling warm.

"I didn't mean to make you feel bad. Maybe you need a lot of energy. You're strong, and it might take a lot out of you."

That might be the cause, but not all of it. I clearly have problems. Besides, I rarely used my strength while in my room, so it was going to my gut... I did injure myself enough where recovery could've taken a lot out of me. I might've needed a lot, but I took it further than I should've, causing me to gain weight... Ruin might be semi-correct, but I'm fully sure.

"Whatever the cause, I should drink less."

"Did Hixrinas say that?" Ruin asked, agitated.

"Yes. He had a point, so I'm listening to him."

"Are you listening to the personality thing?"

"Yes."

Ruin was angry, holding onto me tighter. I kissed her forehead, as I saw her aggression.

"I don't want you to change..."

"I think it'll be for the better. I don't like being feared by everyone. It's not fun."

"Why? You're so strong. If they fear you, it shows you're superior to them."

"Maybe, but it's not a good feeling. I want admiration, not fear. Don't get annoyed at Hex, as I want the change, too," I explained, upset because I cause fright.

"He called me a snake..."

"He's just worried for me. Don't take it to heart. Just know, I'm going to treat you well, not hurt you."

"B-But-" Ruin stuttered. I interrupted, as I knew she would say something toward feeling pain.

"No buts. You can find enjoyment in love, not pain. Blush because I'm proud of you, not because I'm threatening or shouting. You should be sad or disappointed if I yell at you, or if I yell at others. If I injure you, I want you to cry so I won't do it again. You should be supportive of me and whatever choice I decide to make unless you see it's hurting me. Help me if I need it, even if I don't want it."

Ruined blushed, hugging onto me. I held her as well, as she clearly needed support. I want to break her of enjoying pain, as It will only bring both of us suffering. I don't want her to like suffering, nor do I want her to feel it.

"Can you find enjoyment in this hug?" I asked, holding tightly and passionately.

"Yes."

"I'll continue hugging you, then. It's better than breaking your bones. If you find enjoyment in this, then this is what you'll get, not pain."

"I'm okay with this."

"Good. Now, don't get on my bad side. I'll resist with all I've got. I refuse to hurt you physically, emotionally, or mentally. You're only receiving love," I said, kissing the side of her neck.

"I'll try to stay off your bad side."

"No trying. You either will or won't."

"I will stay off your bad side," Ruin said, tearing up in my arms. She wiped them, holding back onto me.

"Good. Now you can ditch the idea of me hurting you. And don't try to tempt fate so you're harmed. You're a flower, not a punching bag."

While I was holding onto her, the servants came back. They had glasses of blood, using trays to carry it. They set it on the table, bowing.

"You're going to drink all of this?!"

"Yeah. You can drink as much as you like, too," I offered, drooling at the sight of blood. I could smell its sweetness from where I sat, my urges flaring up.

"I don't want much."

"Suit yourself."

I started picking up glass after glass, chugging it. I was really thirsty. Ruin watched with amaze, as I was going pretty fast. She hadn't taken a sip, and I was around three glasses in.

"Careful. You could choke at this speed. Breathe."

I cleared out what I was working on, turning to look at her. Blood dripped from the corners of my mouth, so I licked it. It was extremely sweet and creamy. Perfect.

"Don't worry. I'm fine. This isn't the first time I've done this..."

"I don't want you dying in such a pathetic way."

"If I start choking, rip open my chest and get the liquid out of my lungs. It'll heal back up and I'll be fine," I explained, knowing from experience.

"I don't want to do that!"

"Too messy?"

"No... I just," Ruin muttered, peering down.

"Don't want to see me in pain?"

"Yes..."

"Now you see how I feel. I'll slow down. I don't want you to worry about me dying."

"Thanks."

I started drinking at a slower pace, about one glass chugged with each gulp Ruin took down. It was really good quality. Blood is better warm, but it was still amazing.

After fifteen minutes, I finished up. The servants took care of the trays and glasses, leaving to clean everything. Ruin had only two glasses, but that's all she needed. I saw blood on the corners of her mouth, so I sucked it off her lips and kissed her. I smiled, separating.

"I'm taking a bath, again. It's been a long day. Do you care to join me?"

"To wash you?"

"Of course not. It's more of a relaxing bath, not cleaning. I'm already clean," I enlightened, wanting to see her undressed again.

"I'm coming."