[SILVER RAYNE WILLIAMS]

I watched as Lord Graydon left, walking up the stairs toward what I assumed would be the royal tent. He left only the scent of his cologne lingering in the air, and I pursed my lips, watching as he chatted with the tuxedo man before giving me one last look and slipping between the tent flaps.

"Guard."

I turned to see the driver. Cavin I believe is what Lord Graydon called him.

"This way." He stated, motioning me toward the grounds, and I nodded, following after him. We made our way through the meadows, and passed the lingering High Fang that came for what I supposed is called The Gathering.

I tried to keep up with the vampire, though his pace was fast and his legs long.

As we approached the tent, tents, as I noticed it was a line of tents, very much busy and filled with various activities. Some maids were cooking, setting, and serving, and towards the back, in the other tent were male servants, guards, and horses.

I glared at the last tent, noting to myself I was going to stay as far away from there as I could.

This is where I was left without as much as another word, and I watched as the driver disappeared amongst the crowd of servants and maids. I stood idly for a moment, not really sure what to do, gaze stretching forward.

It was then I noticed we were directly opposite the Royal Tent. A whole field stood between us, spread in smaller yet magnificent tents where Fanged were taking their seats. I couldn't get a good view of the tent, and could barely make out the figures of Lord Selects and the Tuxedo man.

I moved slightly to get a better view, noting Lord Heil's arrival as the bulk of a man tittered up the stairs.

Suddenly, there was a sound of a horn, and with it, the panic scamper of maids, servants, and their masters in the tent. I watched as they began to make lines, my gaze lingering forward, soul leaving my body when I spotted what it was that was making the humans so panicked.

The Royals. More specifically, His Majesty King Alistair Drake Veridian and the Queen.

My ears rang as their presence was officially announced.

My blood run cold and I slowly stepped a few feet back, allowing the rows of maids and servants to fill the front gap whilst I squished between two bulky guards at one of the last lines.

I glanced up at them as one growled and I steadied myself and my beating heart, pressing my glasses against my nose to stop them from falling whilst pushing my helmet forward to cover my face.

Yes, I was standing a good field away from the King, and he probably wouldn't spot me amongst so many human sents as Lord Graydon had stated, but the fear that plagued me chose to not take any chances.

The horn blasted again, all Fang, Lord Selects and humans alike, standing still, looking forward toward the royals. I stared at the tent as the King and Queen took their seats.

Shortly afterward, Lord Valcon arrived with my mother and Hunter. My eyebrows arched when the arrival of a second lord was mentioned. One I hadn't met yet.

"HIS GRACE HIGH LORD AND DUKE, DEZINE SCALE VERIDIAN, THE DUCHESS, HER GRACE LADY ZEAL HAIL VERIDIAN, AND THIER TWIN HEIRS, LADY LOUISA EMERALD VERIDIAN AND HER GRACE LADY AMELIA RUBIE VERIDIAN."

I knew these royals.

Vampire High lords from the Queen's side. The Queens Sister, Lady Zeal, her husband, and her daughters. I had memorized the Veridian family tree when I was in school.  Got a pretty A beside it too.

They were the only royals who didn't live at Fang Court. Instead, they had their regions under the Veridian rule.

Lady Zeal, even from this far was as beautiful as her sister, if not slightly lesser. But as with Fang, the more beautiful, the more dangerous.

Speaking of danger.

There was not a thought in my head except the blank memory of me begging for my life last night as I watched the Tribrid prince ascend the stairs.

Unlike King Alistair, Lord Valcon, or even Lady Zeal, He did not walk alongside his Sworn, who followed after him. His walk was steady, plain, and yet powerful and my gaze dropped to the floor as he looked forward.

I knew there was no way he could see me- well, I suppose if he did wish to, he could. But although I knew he would not do anything with so many eyes, my fingers shook, and I stared at the ground gulping as if it would swallow me whole.

It was strange how I feared the Prince so greatly, and whilst I feared the King too, the King had only made a threat so far, whilst last night the Prince almost took my life.

A dark chill crossed my spine. I could still feel his cold skin as his fingers locked around my neck. A whisper of death against my ears.

My breath hitched, and I blinked away the blurry vision of the ground, licking the dryness in my lips, and pushing my glasses forward to get a better look.

All the royals were now seated. I could barely see Lord Graydon or even Mother, but I had a clear visual of the house of Veridian and Lady Elise.

The King raised a hand, and the tuxedo man, who was an announcer walked to the front, his voice a loud bellow in the quietness of the wind, "LET US BEGIN."

All Fang took their seats but I noticed there weren't any seats in the human tent, so we all remained standing in perfect lines accompanied by the guards.

"WE GATHER HERE, MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL COURT, HIGH FANG, AND ESTEEMED GUESTS TO INITIATE THE START OF THE RACE TO THE KING'S HAND. AS WE STAND HERE, WE SIGNIFY THE REIGN OF THE HEIR WHO IS TO ASCEND AND RULE US INTO AN EMPIRE OF GLORY- AS DESTINY FORTELS. THEREFORE WITHOUT FURTHER ADIEU, THE ROYAL SEAL."

He took a scroll, opened it, and read through, "3 TRIALS OVER SIX MONTHS, IN THE AREAS OF WISDOM, STRENGTH, AND POWER. THE FIRST IS DESIGNED BY THE RULING KING, THE SECOND BY THE GOVERNING HAND, AND THE LAST BY THE HEIR BY WHICH THE THRONE WILL BE GIVEN. EACH TRIAL WILL BE JUDGED BY MEMBERS OF THE TRIBE AND SELECTED MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL COURT, THE LAST VERDICT WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE HEIR. THIS IS LAW."

A Royal guard marched to the announcer who handed him a bowl. He saluted, and marched to the King, kneeling in reverence as only the finest guards could, handing him the bowl which he took.

His gaze darted to the Queen, whispering something I could not hear. All I could see next was her fangs tearing into his wrists and I held a breath, watching as blood trickled down the King's wrist. She smiled, daintily wiping the trickling blood down her chin, whilst hovering his waist above the white paper he looked upon her lovingly.

I watched in disgust, glancing around at my fellow humans and though their facial expressions had not changed in the slightest, their eyes said it all, just as mine did.

"BLOOD OF THE RULING KING, FOR A BLESSING."

I watched as the envelope was trailed to Lord Valcon. He casually tore his wrist with his fangs, staining the paper red as he dripped it over the sealed envelope.

"THE BLOOD OF THE GOVERNING HAND FOR WISDOM."

The envelope was then taken to the prince.  I could not see what he did, but looked like his finger had cut his left palm, dripping some of his blood over it-

"AND THE BLOOD OF NEW KING FOR JUST SELECTION." The platter was then handed to the lords who first bowed before each dipped a finger in, running a straight light across their foreheads.

"MAY THE FATES CHOOSE ACCORDINGLY." The announcer bowed before the bowl was handed to him. I watched him pour something else in, a clear-like substance then he turned toward another guard who handed him a medieval torch, fire glowing brightly from the end.

"WITH THIS, THE SEAL AND THE RACE ARE OPEN- AND THE FATES WILL SELECT A HAND IN THEIR FAVOR."

The bowl burnt for a moment before it was taken away and I looked at all this with both intrigue and mild disgust.

Another Horn was blasted and everyone seemed to get busy. I watched as the maids and servants scampered around, preparing meals I reckoned.

I had just had my breakfast, I couldn't understand why meals were being cooked at this time.

But I spoke too soon.

Many activities broke over the gathering. It seemed more like a celebration to kick start the race to the Kings' hand.

I wandered around the tents for a bit, careful to stay amongst humans before I was grabbed by a master, who sashayed me into the gathering of Fang.

I panicked at first, but I was pushed to hold a High Lady's purse as she played a game of golf it seemed, along with her friends, and other high ladies.

I listened to their gossip about the Lord's Selects, Lord Heil, and Lord Graydon's names came up one too many times, but surprisingly not Lord Bane. I wonder why-

"The bald one would burn my skin if the sun's rays reflected off it," One girl joked, moving toward a hole and grabbing the tiny golf ball.

I marveled at how well they played in their dresses. They seemed to be happily frolicking about in them. I glanced down at my trousers. Not my first selection, but it was nice to be able to sit with my legs open.

"Oh please Alice, I'm told he is only 24 summers and yet he looks like he's lived another decade." She chuckled.

I couldn't help but feel a little bit sorry for Lord Bane. I mean it didn't help that his attitude sucked, but surely being spoken of this way wasn't right-

I caught myself defending the baboon and immediately released myself from the foolery.

Who cares? He was a fang. He deserved every bit and more. Heavens knows he would chop my head off in a second if given a chance. Why should I feel sorry for a man with so much power already? He could handle a bit of gossip.

"Penguin! Catch." I almost toppled over trying to catch her club, and the others chuckled moving forward, whilst I waddled after.

I tried my best to listen to their conversations as they talked, "And the Tribrid? Such a shame do you not think?" a girl began.

"What are you blabbing about Delphine?" Alice grunted.

"Look at him, still as cold as an icicle," she commented, "I've been watching him and his so-called Sworn. He hasn't even touched her, not once."

"Jealous much? You've been praying to be the Prince's mate since you were eight."

"I should have been, look at those eyes," she murmured dreamily."

A girl knocked the back of her head harshly.

"Calice!" Delphine squirmed, eyes wide looking at her friend.

"Do not be stupid, he already has his sworn, perhaps lord Heil is more of your speed."

She looked at her in disgust whilst the rest of the girls laughed. I couldn't help but muster up a low chuckle.

I was the lady's slave for a few hours until they tired out and went for lunch.

I sat in the grass after a while, still very careful to keep away from The King's sights. But he didn't seem like he was going to stare my way anytime soon. He was quite occupied with his wife as they talked amongst themselves far off perched in a tent. I couldn't see them well anyways. They were just blurry figures.

Many activities took place. Arrow contests. Spear throwing, a game of cards. Tennis, cricket, golf, shooting and so many more. I was worn out from being tussled from one end to another.

By lunch I was exhausted and I watched hungrily as the maids served the high Fang. I doubted I was going to eat this afternoon.

I don't think the food was for humans. Not at the rate it was being consumed. I sat by a tent on the grass, looking up into the royal tent where I could see figures eating and chatting.

I knew my mom was somewhere beside Lord Valcon. That evil brute of a man. How did she do it? Spend so many years locked beside him? I don't think I could have survived this long, to be honest. I was afraid of what lengths I could have gone to just to be rid of him.

My gaze dropped to my feet and I took a deep breath out, finally resting, burring my face into my arms. The smell of something delicious soon reached my nostrils and my stomach rumbled. I groaned at this.

"Hungry?"

My head rolled to the side, peaking out at a steaming hot plate of food being handed to me so casually. My gaze trailed up to the boy before me.

Hunter.

I blinked slowly, glancing behind him and noting he had scared off most of the human help by being here. The maids were now a tent away, glancing at us and whispering.

Great.

"Mother wants you to eat."

My gaze trailed back to the tent, and I nodded, getting the plate from him.

"Thank you," I muttered.

I expected him to leave but he stood idly by-

I glanced at him, watching him carefully with a sigh-

"Would you like to take a"

"Yes, thank you," he grinned widely, taking a seat beside me though he was sure to leave a good space.

He glanced around, his gaze reaching the maids who immediately looked away. I chuckled at this, getting a fork and digging into my food.

He looked dismayed, "they're afraid of me-"

"Well, you are a wolf- an Arc Wolf to be more specific. I think their fear is quite justified." I replied, stabbing through the lettuce. Why were there so many vegetables here? Wolves preferred meat- a lot of meat.

He pursed his lips. "I'm not going to hurt them."

"Said the lion to the sheep," I huffed, chugging down a potato.

"I don't eat people-" he grunted, looking at me in hot disbelief I had said something like that it seemed.

"Not even on a full moon?" I asked, not caring to look up at him.

Silence consumed us, "Not that I remember."

I paused at this answer, chewing my food softer, as I glanced down at him- "good answer."

He grinned at this as if I had just complimented him on something. I had a feeling my comment had gone over his head.

"You don't have to stay here and feed the human-" I huffed, my fork jabbing into the green beans, "Over there is where you belong," I motioned, pointing toward the tent.

"Yes. But I want to be here."

I scoffed a chuckle at this, impressed he knew how to joke around.

I glanced at him but he looked rather serious. My eyebrows arched, "Ah- this is you being serious."

He nodded gravely, "Can I not just want to be here?"

I sighed, "You're a prince, you can do whatever you want."

"I'm your brother too, you know. It wouldn't be so bad for you to consider that once in a while-" he huffed.

My gaze snapped to him, and I watched as he looked forward pursing his lips, a lonely feel to him.

"No one thinks of me as your sister-" I stated coldly, eyes never leaving him, "-and no one ever will."

"Mother does-"

"And what does that change? Would your father be ecstatic if he learns I call you brother?" I mocked, "Or better still, Tell me, did he even know Mom sent you here to feed me?" I asked lifting my plate.

His gaze flashed to mine, "No. And She didn't. I heard her mumble she was afraid you weren't eating- so I came."

I stared at him for a moment, watching as he looked back out, "I think I'm a little bit more like you-"

I wanted to snort at this but I caught myself, knowing there was something else on the boy's mind.  He couldn't surely think we were anything alike, could he?

His hair blew lightly in the wind, the sunlight lightly hitting his forest-green eyes.

"How?" I managed to mutter.

"I feel."

I raised an eyebrow at this- but he quickly rephrased his words-

"Not much- but I know I feel different." He spoke, his eyebrows arching into the distance, "Uncle Alistair says the bond is like a magnet, pushing you to be with your other half. Father says it's like a strong desire, and it won't be fulfilled until it is acted upon. I asked Roman, and he-" he trailed off eyebrows arching, "I hoped he would have better advice for me since he too found his sworn near the time I had- but."
He trailed off in silence.

"But?"

Hunter shook his head, "I guess I thought it would change him- he feels the same, cold." His gaze turned to me.

I stabbed a piece of meat, raising an eyebrow, "and let me guess, you're going to tell me, you've suddenly changed, that you don't think the mate bond is a strong desire, or magnet or any other of that mumbo jumbo."

He shook his head, "I think it's a yearning, a deeper wish to be loved and accepted for who are, and knowing you're doing the same."

I blinked at this. Wasn't he like 14?

I thought for a moment, before nodding, "Deep."

"Am I wrong?" He grunted.

I shook my head, "If you're asking me for the right answer, all I know is there is no ultimate answer for - whatever you're asking. We humans call it to love, you fang twisted it and called it fate."

He paused at this, thinking over for a moment, "I think I am attracted to Vella like a magnet- yes- sometimes I think I even feel her pain-"

I froze at this.

"When she's angry, or sad. And she's been sad a lot lately. I wish I could make her smile-Just for a second."

Vella was sad. Why? Was she okay over there? Did someone do anything?

I felt so guilty. I promised to see her.

He could feel her pain- I was her sister and knew nothing. Feel her pain-

My knee is on fire- I never feel pain.

"Would you feel it if she got- hurt?" I whispered.

His eyes flashed to me. "Yes, I hope to never feel it though." He grunted. He run a hand through his locks and I chuckled at how cliche he looked.

Just so frustrated.

"I do desire her- but not like my father did too" He paused, seemingly mortified to finish the sentence.

My throat run dry, "as he did to Mom."

He nodded, this time unable to look at me, "I-I think I desire the smallest things first. For her to look at me, the same way you're looking at me right now."

My eyebrows arched, "and how am I looking at you?"

"Like I'm okay-" he whispered, his gaze catching mine, "like you don't completely detest being around me."

I was caught off guard by this and I looked away,  shrugging, but unable to confirm or deny anything at all. Did I hate Hunter?

I came to realize, I was jealous that he had mom. I had somehow come to understand and accept it wasn't his fault.

But he was a Fang.

A fang sworn to my sister. A handsome little fang boy. And the more handsome they are, the more dangerous. He was an Arc Wolf for Pete's sake. I shouldn't be this comfortable around someone so dangerous. I should be like the maids and scamper.

He looked forwards again, with a sigh, "Fathers looking for me. I must leave now."

My eyebrows arched, wondering how he knew Lord Valcon was looking for him. I looked toward the tent and saw the figure of Lord Valcon, standing up, his gaze our way.

I couldn't tell, but I didn't need to, to know he was looking right at me. I blinked slowly, starting at the ground.

Afraid of the King being next, I nodded as Hunter stood, wiping at his trousers, preparing to take his leave-

"Lord Hunter-" I muttered. The name felt strange against her lips.

"Hunter," he stated, firmly. "Just hunter to you."

I nodded, "thank you."

He grinned and took his leave, and I did too, hurtling further into the tent.

I blended as much as I could finding myself where the chefs had just finished preparing food.

"The Kings Leaving." I heard someone say.

I glanced in the direction of the tent and sure enough, the King and Queen seemed to be calling it a day. I relaxed more at this, leaning against a pole, and slid to the ground watching people pass me by.

After drinking some water, I started to doze for a moment when a sparkle caught my eye. I stared at the fallen knife that seemed to have dropped from the open table where the chefs were preparing the meals.

My fingers reached for it. It was small but sharp. My gaze looked down to my fingers, we're a faint mark was there from my first incident. Pursing my lips, I reached for the knife.

I do not know what made me steal it, and walk out of the tent as though I had stolen a turkey's thigh, but I did, walking through the meadows, and near a lone tree.

My fingers were shaking as I looked at the tent that housed the Lord Selects, my gaze lingering on the prince.

He said his knee was on fire.
Hunter said he could Feel Vella's pain.
He said you belong to me.

My fingers run cold. And I shook my head.

Even if it was, what I was thinking? Why the hell would I want to prove it? My gaze trailed to Lord Valcon as Mom laughed at what I assumed was a joke whilst Hunter sat there idly, seemingly bored.

Finally, my gaze reached that of the Tribrid  Prince. He had not even spoken a word to his Sworn.

Hunter was right- he did look strangely cold.

My fingers clenched the edge of the blade for a moment, telling myself this was utterly stupid, but somehow, that did not stop me from suddenly slicing my finger.

It was a deeper cut than the first one. Blood pooled in quicker drops and it bled to the ground. I gasped at the sight of this, my hands shaking from what I had done. Getting back to my senses, I quickly got my hair band, tying it around the wound, inwardly panicking at my poor decision.

Pressing my back against the tree, I peeked out to the tent, watching for any movement, any difference. But there was nothing.

The Prince had barely budged. No one cared about the bleeding girl beneath the tree.

I slid downwards, leaning back until I crouched on the green grass, feeling somewhat relieved my Hypothesis had been disproved.

My curiosity could now rest.

This curiosity may be my undoing if I wasn't careful.

My gaze trailed across my knees. A thought coming through. What if it was my knees? Perhaps a deeper cut.

No this was insane.

"Insane." I mouthed.

I pursed my lips getting to my feet again. One cut and I can prove to myself this is all in my head- every single piece.

I could go to bed without ever thinking that I could be sworn to-

I couldn't even say it. I was not even a sworn. I had no strike, That was already impossible, and yet-

I stood to my feet, taking the knife. A quick slice. That's all, that's it.

All the proof I'll ever need.

Nodding to myself, I rolled up a pant leg, my fingers tightened against the blade, "One little slice, Silver, one little slice-"

With one swift swipe–

"Perhaps you do wish to die." A stale voice gritted.

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