(James)
I crawled through the ground, my kneecaps bumping against the floor with every pain radiating through my skin. But I didn't reveal it on my face. These people–no, monsters revel in people's pain, and I crawl slowly across the ground, ignoring all the sharp stares that cross my skin that make me feel flayed alive.
The vampire queen watched me with half-interest on her face, but she was losing interest. Hmm, seems like she doesn't like obedient puppets.
Yes, that's what I will do to lose her interest. Be boring and don't talk at all.
I crawl to her side, breathing heavily but trying not to show it.
Her red hair, lighter than her dark red eyes, seemed like a wildfire, like the kind you see in the forest that spreads. She said, "Hmm, how boring."
I arched my brow, "I'm sorry, your queen."
I had the saddest expression on my face that most people believe, but she looked at me, then let out a laugh, "Wow, you really are an actor."
I frowned, "What do you mean?"
One of the vampires by the queen's side showed an offended expression and appeared at my side, and slapped my face, not holding back his strength.
Before I knew it, I fell to the ground. My body became like a potato, and I remained still and motionless.
"Fool, treat the Queen with respect."
Oh, right, never call a queen or king by 'you'. It's a form of disrespect that can result in being lashed or whipped. I'm lucky enough that I don't get any worse punishment.
With an obedient smile, I bowed my head, "My apologies for my disrespect."
She curled her lips in disgust like she was seeing a nasty bug beneath her shoes. She said, "Hmm, how did you become like this? Weren't you a prince before?"
I calmly stated, "Yes, a former prince because I didn't show my powers, so I was considered a fraud and not my father's son."
The memories were painful, like a nightmare I can't wake up from. She tilted her head, "You're weak like a human."
I nodded, "Yes, there's a rumor that I was born a human."
The more she asked me questions, the more I remembered the ceremony that happened two years ago after my father's death.
—
Two years ago.
I watched my father slowly dying away from an old wound that followed him his whole life. The wound he received from a war between the vampires and the werewolves. When you are bitten by a vampire, it's expected that you will die right away.
But due to my father's power as a royalty, he would cause him to suffer for many years and die slowly. My father suffered for a long time, and his face would show a grimace from time to time.
My father opened his eyes. "My son?"
His eyes were getting bad, so it was harder for him to see the person before him. With a giant smile across my lips. "Yes, father. It's me."
My father must recognize my shape, so he stretched his hand toward me, his skin turning wrinkly with dark spots. A sign of old age.
"My boy, when you go through the ceremony, remember never to abuse your authority over the people. They're yours to protect. Do you understand?"
I nodded, "Yes, father."
My father taught me to use my powers to protect the people, never harm them, or hurt them. As the prince of the kingdom, it's my duty to keep them safe.
My father smiled, "Good boy."
He patted my hand. His eyes closed with a silent sigh. His eyes were turning dim, and I knew with pain in my heart. He's gone.
I couldn't back my cry, although I used my hand to hold my mouth. Then, without a warning, the sharp sound of the door opening.
I turned in my rage, "Who?!"
It was Kael who stood with an empty expression. His expression was dark like a turbulent wave, "He's gone."
His words were soft and gentle. At that moment, I thought he was grieving. Although we weren't close to our clashing personalities, I considered him my little brother at the time.
I walked toward him and wrapped my arms around him. After all, he was my family left in the world.
"Brother, you still have me."
His hands wrapped around me, "Yes, I still have you."
His hands were tightening like a rope. I didn't say anything and waited for him to grieve the loss of our father's death.
The next day, there was a ceremony, a ceremony that every werewolf prince has to go through to show their powers to show their inherent powers when they become kings.
I stand before the tall mirror where thousands of people stand behind me in chairs. Acted out the death of my father, we mourned him for six days, but the kingdom needed a king.
I was next in line and the oldest child.
I stood before the mirror that would make my mark on my back glow. The proof of the royalty. That's the first step I have to go through.
Standing before the mirror, I stand in my jeans, and my mark is revealed before everyone. But something strange happened.
The mark didn't glow. At all. It just stood blank like an ordinary drawing on my back.
I frowned. Then a person out of the crowd shouted, "Fraud! Fraud!"
The words of the accusation became a sharp gasp throughout the room, and everyone stared in horror. I spoke. "How dare you accuse me?"
The man who accused me sneered, "What? Am I not allowed to speak the truth? Your mark isn't glowing? That's never happened before. You must be a fake. Your brother is the true royal blood!!"
Then out of nowhere, my brother, Kael, stepped out of the ground. He wore a thick black fur coat over his body, his face clean and sharp. His voice booming with authority, "How dare you accuse my brother?"
The man turned in his direction, "Forgive me, my highness."
The man bowed to his knees and banged his head against the floor with a loud thud. Blood spatters his skin. "My highness, please remove your shirt."