Hi, guys! Welcome back to my story. This is the first full chapter, so I hope that you are as excited as I am. This is basically just going to set up Seungcheol and his world, so I hope you enjoy. That's all I'm going to say, so go ahead and check out Chapter 1!

Months Earlier

"Wake up, Choi Seungcheol!" Jeonghan shrieks as he throws a pillow at the sleeping young man's head. The black-haired man groans and turns in bed, tangling the blankets around his legs. They're in a huge room that is made for royalty. Seungcheol lies in a huge bed that has beautiful gold columns and velvet sheets. On either side of the bed are handcrafted wooden side tables with interesting sculptures sitting on them. The cream colored walls have a blue and gold trimmings. A huge chandelier hangs from the ceiling and there's a window with velvet curtains keeping the sunlight out and leaving the room fairly dim. There's a huge dresser near a private bathroom and a large desk setup by the window. "You are a pain in the ass, you know that," Jeonghan huffs, "I don't understand how you can oversleep. It's not like you need to rest!"

"What is it Jeonghan?" Seungcheol murmurs, his head buried in his pillow.

Jeonghan scoffs, "Now, he answers me. I'm not your servant, you know? You should be lucky I'm here. Get up. You have a meeting to attend."

"I don't want to go," Seungcheol whines.

"You don't have a choice," Jeonghan says, slapping the man's head, "You're already late. The Queen sent me to wake you." Seungcheol snorts and slowly sits up. He runs a hand through his tousled hair and blinks a couple of times to clear the sleep from his eyes. "Of course she did," Seungcheol mutters, "She probably expected the light to hit you and me to wake up seeing this shining angel and request for your hand in marriage immediately."

Jeonghan rolls his eyes, "You're so over-dramatic. If your parents really wanted us to be engaged, we would be."

"It's only a matter of time," Seungcheol says as he slowly gets up from his bed. He doesn't even bother fixing the sheets and makes his way over to his large dresser. "Well, you don't need to worry," Jeonghan says, "I love you, but I have my heart set on someone else."

"Who?" Seungcheol asks his friend, "Shua?"

"Yup," Jeonghan says with a faraway look in his eye.

"You know he's human, right?" Seungcheol says as he takes out a couple of pieces of clothing and makes his way to the bathroom.

"Yes, but he knows about us, so I'm sure we can make it work," Jeonghan says, "Worse comes to worse, I bite him."

"That is illegal," Seungcheol calls from the bathroom.

"You would pardon me, wouldn't you?" Jeonghan says, taking a seat at the edge of Seungcheol wide bed.

"You overestimate my power," Seungcheol says as he walks out of the bathroom, garbed in a long coat with golden emblems on top of a black button down and matching pants.

Jeonghan shakes his head, "You underestimate your power. You're still crown prince, Seungcheol."

"If my parents had their way, I would have no power," Seungcheol grumbles as he fixes his hair, "I may be crown prince, but it means nothing while my parents are on the throne."

"You're so annoying," Jeonghan sighs, "You have to stop letting them control you like that. You have more say in the way the society's run than you think."

"That may be true, but how do you think my parents would react if I do something that they don't agree with?" Seungcheol asks, "I'm supposed to rule just as they have. I can't bring about new ideas or change the laws because anything that I come up with is ridiculous and unethical." Jeonghan frowns, knowing that his friend does have it hard. Seungcheol is fated to be the next ruler of the vampire society. Their next king, but it is unknown when that will be. They are vampires after all. Seungcheol's parents have been ruling for years and they don't seem to be close to death anytime soon. Seungcheol could forever be a crown prince, not getting his chance at the throne. It didn't help that his parents didn't trust him to do anything, saying that he was still young and knew nothing. Jeonghan knows that it isn't true. Seungcheol has been prepping his entire life to lead and if anyone knows the vampire society best, it is him. But, nothing could be done when the current vampire King and Queen refuse to give their child any say. Seungcheol has tried many times before, but his parents never budge. It really did damage the prince's self-confidence. "You haven't argued with them in over a millennium," Jeonghan muses, "Don't you think it is time to try again?"

"You really think they're going to listen to a word I say?" Seungcheol questions, "They'll shoot me down before I even finish."

"There is no harm in trying," Jeonghan says. Seungcheol nods and brushes his hands over his coat. He stands in front of a mirror and stares at himself. His facial expression is stoic and devoid of emotion. His shoulders are tense and his posture is that expected of him. "Hello, Prince Stiff," Jeonghan states with a shake of his head, hating when Seungcheol does this. The prince's parents requested that he stop being so emotional when he was young. A proper leader doesn't act on their feelings, but rather what is best for the people as a whole. For that reason, Seungcheol has done his best to shove his emotions deep down and be the cold vampire prince he needs to be. More often than not, Seungcheol is like this. The only time he isn't is amongst his friends and that was hard for Jeonghan and the others to achieve. It was better than nothing. Seungcheol needs to feel sometimes even if it wasn't as often as he should. "I'll be going to the meeting now," Seungcheol states before walking out of the room. Jeonghan sighs as he watches his friend, wishing that things could be easier for him.

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Seungcheol taps his foot against the floor as one of his father's advisors gives his report. It isn't anything interesting. Things are the same as they were at the last meeting. Seungcheol doesn't understand why he's required to be here. His parents don't care much about his input anyway. He sits in a large throne of sorts beside a much larger one where a man in a rather gaudy outfit with an even more so crown on his brow is seated. They are positioned on a platform that is raised and at a bit of a distance from the large table where a bunch of other vampires sit. On one side are the King's personal advisors, each holding papers and flipping through them as the meeting progresses. On the other is Seungcheol's hand-picked future advisors, who like him have little power but are asked to attend meetings nonetheless. The advisors and the royals are all in a meeting room with a high ceiling and wide windows. The floor gleams and on the walls are self-portraits of past vampire kings. "Thank you, Advisor Donghee," the King says, "Moving on, I've been receiving reports about our vampires being killed while visiting the human world. Advisor Kangmin would you please elaborate for everyone else what has been happening." Seungcheol perks up at his father's words. This is new. A man with slicked back hair and a crisp suit stands up. He clears his throat before explaining, "As you know, we make note of vampires traveling from the society to the human world. When we were checking those who had returned, we noticed that some of the vampires were missing. We waited for a bit of time before sending out our field agents. They found our missing vampires in various locations in the human world all dead. If you would, please take a look at the pictures from the scene. As you can see, the vampires were killed using a wooden stake and as you know that method does not always work, but it did for these vampires. Alongside these obvious murder weapons, we found garlic at the scene. These point to humans being the main suspect of these killings. Humans are the ones who have crafted these legends about slaying our kind after all."

"Advisor Kangmin, when did these killings start?" Hansol asks from where he sits across from the man.

"A couple of weeks ago," The advisor answers.

"Is it hunters?" Advisor Sejong asks.

"We are currently investigating that, but we all highly believe that they are the reason for the deaths," Advisor Kangmin states. The table erupts into side conversations as all the vampires try to make sense of the situation. Seungcheol frowns as he ponders this information. Hunters. Humans whose very job is the slaughtering of vampire kind. A long time ago, hunters and vampires would kill each other endlessly. That was until a truce was called. Vampires vowed to not harm any human in search of blood and hunters would not slaughter any vamp unless they were to kill a living human. The society has laws in place that are against drinking live human blood, so there is no way that a hunter killed these vamps because of that. And if that were the case, why would the hunters go after the vampires like this? Why now when their truce has held strong for many years? "Silence!" The King shouts. The room falls quiet after that and the advisors all turn to look at the King. "How many have we lost?" The King asks.

"Enough," Advisor Kangmin says, "We are losing more each day as more vampires go to the human world."

The King nods and strokes at the side of his face in thought, "I want an investigation done to find why the hunters are killing our people. I wish to know why those bugs have suddenly started to hunt us again. And something must be done regarding these deaths...yes..." The advisors all murmur their agreements. Even if an investigation is being done, the vampires will still be in danger should they visit the human world. Some may find it weird for these undead to walk among humans, but it really isn't. The world outside is growing and the vampire race will grow with it. It is silly for them to stay within their secret society all the time. Vampires are allowed to go outside and be amongst the humans as long as they don't start relationships with them, turn them, or kill them for their blood. In turn, they get to experience television, karaoke, and drinks in a can. It makes the vampires feel alive again and can you fault them for that. Everyone enjoys being able to travel from their secret haven to the world of the short-lived humans. "I say we close up transportation between the human world and the vampire society," The King states. Everyone except for the King, who only allowed it because his people wanted it. But, now that vamps are dying in that world, he has an excuse to cut off connections for good. "Your Majesty," A woman says, standing up, "I do not know if that is the best course of action."

"And why would it not be Advisor Eunbi?" The King asks.

"Our connections with the human world are vital to the peace in the society," Advisor Eunbi states.

"I assume you mean our access to blood," The King says, "You don't need to worry. I am sure that we can work out something with our human allies. Either way, closing up transportation between the human world and the vampire society is for the best. We will be able to minimize the risk of any more deaths. It is for the best."

"There's a reason we allow for vampires to travel to the human world," Seungkwan says, "It is therapeutic for our people. They enjoy being amongst humans."

The King scoffs, "I doubt being amongst food is calming in any way. I believe that our people will be just fine. It's an adjustment, but they will be able to deal with it." Seungkwan closes his mouth and looks down, embarrassed for speaking up in such a way. Seungcheol eyes his friend and advisor. He can't help, but agree with Seungkwan. Although, he doesn't frequent the human world, he knows how important it is to their people. "I have to agree with my advisor, father," Seungcheol states, "Contact with the world of the living is more than just a way for us to get blood. It's become a part of our way of life. One that you can't just take away." The advisory board all look at Seungcheol with surprise, not having expected him to speak. "Is that so?" The King says, "Do you have another suggestion?" The crown prince takes a deep breath and looks back at his father. The vampire King has a smug grin slowly appearing on his face that boils anger within Seungcheol's stomach. His father really expects him to mess up and say something ridiculous. The man really thinks so little of him. Seungcheol slowly rises from his throne, pushing the anger down and speaking in an even tone, "I say we allow the vampires to continue traveling to the human world if they wish. After all, not every vampire that goes there is being killed. It would be rather cruel to cut off everyone, don't you think? I say we give the people in the human world more protection. Safe houses and friends that they can turn to if they are to be pursued by hunters."

"It would take time," The King states with pursed lips, "We must find places that are easily accessible and humans that would be willing to assist in keeping these areas in good condition. We don't have time to waste. More of our people could be slaughtered if we allow them to continue to visit the humans."

"It would go by faster if someone from the royal family would directly see to its completion," Seungcheol says, "Wouldn't it?" The crown prince turns to look at the advisors, who instantly nod their heads. The King frowns, "I don't have time to travel to the human world."

"I never said it had to be you, father. I am more than capable of doing what I can for the safety of our people," Seungcheol states.

The King's eyes narrow, "You?"

Seungcheol nods, "Yes, me. It is my idea. I should see it through." The King opens his mouth to respond, but is cut off by one of Seungcheol's advisors. "I think it is a wonderful idea," Soonyoung says in a loud voice, "It would keep the people happy, but also ensure their safety. And with the crown prince there to supervise, it will go smoothly. Do you not all agree?" The advisors all murmur amongst themselves for a bit before agreeing. The King fist tightens and he turns to look at his son with a tight-lipped smile, "It is settled then. You will prepare to go to the human world tomorrow." Seungcheol nods his head and bows to his father, feeling a bit smug after seeing his father's face.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

"That was the coolest thing ever, hyung!" Soonyoung exclaims as he walks alongside the crown prince back to his room. Seungcheol nods his head, a faint smile on his face. "Don't you think so, Hao?" Soonyoung says, "I mean when was the last time Seungcheol suggested something that didn't go along with the King's plan!"

"It's been a couple hundred years," Minghao murmurs, "You did good today, hyung."

"Thanks," Seungcheol says, "Let's hope I can pull this off." The crown prince wrings his hands together nervously. When he had spoken up, he had never expected for his father to relent, but seeing as how all the advisors had sided with him, the King had to agree. "You'll do fine, cousin," Hansol states, placing a hand on Seungcheol's shoulder. The crown prince looks to the other boys around him and sighs. "I hope you're right," Seungcheol mutters.

"Of course he is," Seungkwan says, "We're your advisors and we say you're going to do perfect. Don't you trust our judgment? It is why you chose us."

"I don't know," Seungcheol says in a teasing tone, "Sometimes I question if I made the right choice." It's a joke. Seungcheol is so grateful for his advisors. His closest friends. He chose them by his own merit even though some of them...okay most of them his parents disagreed with. Hansol was his first choice. He chose him to be his head advisor when he ascended the throne. His younger cousin on his mother's side. He was young and his parents worried about the boy's choice-making skills. Seungcheol didn't care. Hansol is like a younger brother to him. The boy was more of a family to him than his parents have ever been. Soonyoung was someone that his parents were a tad bit more accepting of. The vampire came from a noble family and his parents are close friends with the King. Soonyoung was a bit of a loose cannon though, not caring much for the laws of the vampire world and choosing to go his own way. It made Seungcheol's choice for him to be an advisor looked down upon, but the crown prince didn't care. Soonyoung was the first one to tell him that it is okay for him to be stressed. It was something he never heard before and he appreciated it. Minghao and Jun were two that he had to fight his parents to get on his advisor board. Neither were from their vampire society, rather coming from the noble families in China. Seungcheol fought for them because they made him feel comfortable. They hadn't pushed him to open up when he had first met them, but rather allowed for him to warm up to them. He was grateful for that and made the two vampires his advisors. Seungkwan was the last person he chose. He was the only one that his parents were okay with. Seungkwan's father was the advisor in charge of transportation and relations with the human world. The King and Queen saw Seungkwan as the person who would take over that job when Seungcheol became King. Seungcheol didn't pick Seungkwan for that reason though. He chose him because of his charisma and kindness. He got Seungcheol to open up more and made him smile. His advisors are his friends. The only people that Seungcheol has ever been himself to. Even though it took awhile, these people became the only ones he's ever opened up to. And for that reason, they are special. "That's mean," Seungkwan says with a pout, "Don't you agree, Jun hyung?" Jun nods his head and Seungkwan flashes a knowing look at the crown prince. Seungcheol shakes his head, "Why are you guys even following me? Don't you all have something better to do?"

"We are here for moral support," Soonyoung says, "Have you ever been to the human world?"

"Ages ago," Seungcheol states, "I don't think much has changed." Hansol and Seungkwan exchange looks before cracking up. "A lot has changed," Hansol states, "And we're going to make sure you're all caught up on the human world in the twenty-first century."

"Goodie," Seungcheol huffs as his advisors continue to chatter.

Voila! First chapter is complete! What did you guys think? Did you assume that Seungcheol was a vampire? A vampire prince no less? I hope that you guys are enjoying this story so far. There's a lot of craziness and fluff and a bunch of other emotions coming your way in this rollercoaster of a story. I hope that you are all ready. I can't wait to start this new journey with all of you. If you can please vote, follow me, comment, add this story to your library, and check out my Kpop One-Shots book. Have a great rest of your day everyone <3

P.S. Congrats SVT on your first and second win for Rock With You! I hope this is one is many. Keep streaming Carats! Fighting!