The Dark Prince.

Ethan sat peacefully in his study, today was nothing more but another day of executions. It was part of the power he held over these people, the power he earned from the King who was too much of fool who danced to his tune. It's been good long centuries since his exile from England, after being found of being a vampire, her was threatened to be executed unless he fled the country. It had been hard, tough years. Living in different places so that people won't find out his immortality. He was highly feared, the damned, the vampire.

But he wasn't only running and hiding.

He was on a quest to seek power, to seek vengeance to the people who had damned him. Here it was, Romania. The king, blind and foolish bought his deception and every part it bestowed. He was too easy. The years and lifetimes he spent refining himself, exapanding the darkness in his heart, and fueled his anger slowly but surely. Day by day, he thirst for blood and for power. He wanted to prove to these foolish humans what he could do, what fear he could bring, and the kingdom he could project.

He was so close now.

He was the King's right hand man, he had power. More than he ever wished. Even though he was just a right hand man, he managed to make the king his little puppet, and he was the puppeteer, directing him on what to do --- the foolish bastard followed too. It was all too easy. He got what he wanted in discretion, disguise, and deception. Even food was easier now, he fed on dead prisoner he executed. He would have his men bring it to places, and he would return to them at dusk and feast.

Foolish humans.

He smirked, closing the book he read as he drank into his morning tea. Human food was disgusting, but he grew to accustom it's taste for civility. His stomach though, only tolerated tea. So tea was all he had. The tea tasted like dirt on his tongue, bland and plain. He swallowed it quietly, enduring the taste --- if he didn't want to get found out, he'd have to tolerate the food. He looked to the window, where his curtains shut away the vicious sunlight. But bits of it bled through his dark curtains, he didn't mind though. The myth of melting in the sunlight was never true, but he often received a slight burning on his skin, a sensation and nothing more, other than that he was fine.

As soon as his door creaked open, he averted his gaze towards a firm faced soldier who presented himself in front of him -- bowing respectfully and firmly. He acted like a stiff robot, as if a machinery that the king sent to entertain him. "Earl Ethan." The soldier said sharply, bowing in front of him. Asided from being a right hand man, he earned the rank to be an Earl over a small terrain in consent of the king. It gave him status and more power. "The King send for you."

"What is it, your Highness wants?" Ethan inquired with curiosity, why would the King ask for him at this hour? He never did. It knocked his thoughts for a moment, before paying his attention back to the soldier in front of him.

"A peasant is in his mercy, Earl."

Ethan fell silent. It must be about those executions, they usually beg at his feet for mercy -- but this time they decided to approach the king. Foolish humans, the King was his puppet. He holds the cards in this game. "Alright." He said, rising from his seat with grace. He avoided to smirk at the foolishness of this, it was certainly time wasting but he had to play his part. He cleared his throat, fixing his tie as he walked towards his door with the soldier following behind him like a lost dog, he found it annoying but he took his thought off it. Time wasting, it was.

He had a king to meet, he must make haste.

 

Too easy. Ethan coulnd't believe that this peasant was wasting his time --- an incredible amount of time he could've spent thinking about the food supply he was going to have tonight. Blood of sinners, he was a sinner, they were all sinner alike. The blood he killed, the blood he drank and the blood that flowed in his veins are all one and the same, damned. He stopped in his tracks, placing his feet down the exquisite red carpet that was pinned below the King's majestic throne, rolling down towards the steps and across the room towards the door, making a pathway connecting the guests to the King as soon as they entered.

He allowed his eyes to feast on the peasant, he tried not to laugh at how stupid the man looked. Tear-drenched eyes, sticky sweat pouring down his face, and his low-life clothing fashion that offended the elegance of the fashion everyone paraded. Peasants were annoying at times, but they had their value --- occasionally. "Win respect? It's earned." he said, giving the peasant a cold glare before turning to the King, talking in a stoic manner. His speech filled the room with a cold and tense aura, his words created fear "Your Highness, these people are taking advantage of your kindness. Crimes, everywhere. Forgive one, forgive many. The law is the law. They will not learn if they are not punished, there will be anarchy and your authority will be ignored, if you choose to give this man consent to have his brother. In my opinion...no crime should be tolerated, petty or not."

His mind went to the King for a moment, he had a daughter? How had he not know of this? Of all the years he served the King, not a word was mentioned about a daughter. No pictures, no anything. Nothing even from the chatty maids that talk about as they cleaned the palace and the gardens. So he had a daughter, it stretched to his concern --- if she is smarter than her foolish father, he will have problems. A ball tonight was prepared, but he never knew it was for her, a ball for his daughter and he was summoned to join, he had to take this oppurtunity. If he wants sucess, he needs to know everyone on field.

He dug his pockets for his pocket watch, slanting a glance down his hand to look at the bronze coloured timepiece that sat on his pale palm. Tonight was not too long from now, it was three in the afternoon. Just a few hours till dusk reaches the skies, a few hours till another player joins his game. He pocketed his watch quietly, wrapping the cold time piece around his fist inside his pockets "What is your say, Your Highness? It's your kingdom after all, I am just a man who works with you."

Despite his civility, he knew the answer all too well.

 

Incredibly time wasting.

In the end, he won against that worthless peasant. In this Kingdom, he controlled the king and his men with his words. It was vile and stealthy, he managed to make the Kingdom run to what he wished it to be, without sitting on the throne. It was convenient, stress free and perfect. He just needed to speak up whenever he wanted a change to the King's ways of running his Kingdom --- which is fairly many, but he attacked every single one, one by one. To avoid suspicion.

He felt a small push occur in his back, as the King appeared beside him telling him that there will be many women in the ball, calling him 'devilishly handsome' before heading away to his bath, where the maids with wild blushes on their faces followed the elderly man as they stole glances at Ethan, giggling. David too, was excited at the fact there will be many women in this ball. Women, women were distractions. Something he does not think of as necessity to one's life, but the creature that he is was bound to attract them. Good looking he was, aside from the pale skin, he had exquisite bronze-blonde coloured locks growing out of his scalp, which he preferred to let be since it looked better like so instead when he tries to groom it like the men in this country. His eyes were a clear light blue, like the shade of the sky but a slight lighter, which made his pupils stand out more making look more cunning and mysterious. His face a broad, with sharp masculine features -- he looked like he was carved by a artist. He looked perfect, he was perfect --- the price of his curse.

(This is ETHAN)


"Bath, Earl?" A maid acknowleged, making him step out of his thoughts to respond. He looked at the maid for a moment, seeing that she was blushing as well, redness tinted her white cheeks while her eyes tried to look away from his. Typical, he was used to this. However, it was amusing to watch everytime. Always. Getting women for him was effortless, it was blessed to him, but he never found mating an obligation. So he never mated, and he doubt he would.

"Ah, yes."

 

Ethan opened his mouth to answer his question, if it were his decision -- he would punish those horsemen. Being late for things was never an option in his book, he liked everything perfect and on time. But for now he decided to lay low, he didn't know how this princess acted, thought, and what not. He had to build up his first impression, for this was an additional person to control and in this world he had learned that first impressions are everything.

Instead of blurting out his brutal ideals, he gave the king a soft smile. He looked almost harmless and soft, it was different than the usual expressions he gave and it was surprising to see, since it lifted his heavy and serious aura for a moment "Your daughter is woman, Your Highness." he told the elder man beside him, in a cold but yet soft manner. It was hard to describe, it was smooth and subtle tone. "Women, in my knowledge -- especially the special ones, are always the ones who are late. They like to look their best."

With that he turned, feasting his eyes to the ballroom that spread out in front of them, peasants, nobles, and such alike scattered around the huge space like tiny drops of rain dancing around in circles with smiles and laughter embarked on their faces. There were women who dressed in exquisite dresses, tailor-made, shawls, and admired their features well. The peasants had more of a simple garb, they were plain coloured dresses, trimmed, ruffled and sorts in common places but not as beautiful as the ones from others. The nobles paraded their dark black tailcoats, with dark ties and ribbons with cream white dress shirts, ruffled neckpieces, vests, and all sorts that came in vastly different colours.

The small orchestra sat on the northwest of the room, equippe with shiny musical equipments and uniformed wear. A relaxed, but serious expression were carved on each of their faces as they showed of their art in making music, with their conductor waving his stick with pride as he led his orchestra to play beautiful tunes.

He looked back to the King, who had boredom etched on his aged and wrinkled face -- the entertainers did not satsify him, he wanted his daughter to arrive and anxiety filled his voice when he spoke to Ethan about it. This daughter, meant a lot to him. Ethan took that as a cue, to be careful around this woman once she arrives...

For she could ruin everything he built.

 

That's right nun, silence yourself. You surely knew how to save yourself, or I might've had you shot and your holy blood disposed. Ethan smirked darkly at the nun who slowly departed the ballroom. Only nuns and priests would know what he was in a glance, the rest would be trapped by the illusion of his face. But those religious, full of holiness sorts of beings -- always saw through his illusions. But what they are to do? They are mere peasants, and again he held the cards in this game --- he still wins. Their words, worthless. He saw fear glint across the nun's eyes as she saw him, but of course she kept it to herself, she knew what he could do and very well too.

He'll give the nun a chance, because she did not defy.

His eyes travelled towards the King's daughter, Anna. He allowed himself to swallow what he could take with a glance, there was no doubt that she was beautiful, a very very beautiful maiden. Young, fresh, pure and innocent. This girl must come from an elite religious school, with her mannerisms and all, a place that he could not enter without hearing the whispers of angels echoing in his head, annoying him, and making him want to leave their holy sanctuary. She looked proper too, for the way she curtsied before him was undeniably graceful.

Now he knew why the King protected her, even from him -- as a suitor. Not like he was interested doing so.

He rose from his seat quietly, feeling the eyes of the crowd following his every move. Now that their attention was on the princess, and the princess' attention was on him, attention was given to him also. He ascended down the leveled steps, standing before him and gave a graceful bow of respect. His bronze-blonde locks swaying as his threw down during his bow, tilting his head up lightly for a few degress to look the princess at the eyes -- giving her one of his charming smiles "It is an honour, Your Highness. Your father has been very kind to me."

Charm. Charm was the way to go.

 

Ah, he's got her. Perfect. Pre-first impression was a sucess, now his only problem was to retain this image for the rest of the night -- after that, eveverything will be easy again.

But before that, he had noticed that he hadn't eaten a thing from the food displayed on the long table. It was filled with various gourmet masterpieces that the kitchen chef had created with artistic effort. There was roasted chicken, golden and juicy, garnished with spices and herbs. Along with different variations of fruit pies, and meat pies alike. Brown, crispy pie crusts with the aroma of boiled fruit and baked meat oozing out from each platter. There were dozens, and maybe hundreds more to choose from but it did not strike his appetite -- he fed on his daily dose of blood today, he was satisfied and not hungry enough to attack anyone in the room. But of course eating was a necessity, especially for someone who pretend to be human, him.

His eyes spotted the wine bottles on the far end of the food-covered table, maybe he could use some -- after all, drinks was all the human food that his stomach was able to tolerate, other than that, a meal would make him throw it all up.

He rose from his seat smoothly, descending down the stairs and made his way through the crowd with ease --his eyes darted towards the wine bottle that sat on the surface. He walked so gracefully, that he looked like he was floating in the air. His magnificent, mysterious aura surrounded him and dazed the people he passed by, making them look his way even though they danced.

He poured himself a glass of red slowly, filling the crystal goblet halfway with the substance gathering inside it's orb-like structure. He gave it a slow sip, cautious. As soon as the wine washed through his tongue, he tasted a bitter, bland taste -- just like every drink he consumed, it all tasted the same, because it was human food. Human food was disgusting, he fed on blood for so long that he forgot how food tasted like.

"You dance, Earl?" a voice spoke beside him, he turned to see a brown haired Viscountess appear on his side. She wore a white formal ballgown, abundant with layers, ruffles, a soft tone of black for a corset and a low-neck trim that exposed a generous amount of chest, but trimmed just above her breasts. She held a soft smile, her eyes shy but thoughtful and her cheeks slightly flushed.

Ethan looked at his wine glass, then at the Visscountess "Not tonight madame, but enjoy yourself some other company." he said, returning her a small courtsie of a nod. The Viscountess frowned slightly at the rejection, but kept her grace high -- she was a Viscountess after all, embarassment always takes down pride. With that she departed slowly, disappearing into the dancing crowd and left him with his wine.

Ethan sighed, women were distractions. So if it were only necessary would he allow their company, other than that he kept a distance. That's why human men were weak, because of them.

 

Even though Ethan's heart never beated for centuries, he felt a stir build up his chest. It wasn't because of Anna, but because of the sound that he would be receiving more power in the future, a consent to act more with less consent and more free will. He was ascending, he was rising, he was becoming powerful. It was more than victory, his thin lips twitched slightly, he was on the verge of conjuring a very colourful and hearty laugh. But he stopped himself, and instead he shot some wine into his lips -- swallowing the disgusting substance to stop himself.

He had to keep his decency, he was noble after all.

The price? He had to take the princess on a quick tour. It was nothing of too much, but it was the least he could do in celebration of the good news. It wasn't so much of big deal, he just had to make this woman familiar with her kingdom, seeing how and what had it become -- what he had created. It's going to be a simple and harmless trip, and hopefully -- he won't encounted any nuisances tomorrow.

He felt a figure stand beside him, and it was none other than Anna. From this angle, she really did look pure, young and innocent. There was nothing in her eyes that looked like that she went under any pain, any war, or saw any blood. Unlike him, whose eyes told a long and subtle story -- but handsome all the same. "But of course." he replied casually, outstretching the hand that held the wine glass in acknowledgment "A respect that was earned."

Through fear.

"So, how does the princess like the ball?"

 

"That's good to know." Ethan said, nodding as he looked about the room behind him and admired the exquisite decoration once more. It was marvelous at second glance, especially in this angle. The King was certainly not chea when it comes to parties -- when was he even ever cheap? Ethan gave an innocent and thoughtful face "I've been hearing about this ball being prepared, the King was undescribably busy about it but I didn't gave a thought what it was for... It was for you after all."

After a few moments, he continued on "I have worked with your father for 7 years, since I was sixteen." He lied smoothly, he never aged, though he fooled people about it. They never seemed to notice that he really was and always 24 years old. That's how he always was, but the people were fooled. They always were.

A moment of silence occured as he watched Anna eat her salad, human food is never appealing anymore. But he just kept his silence, he was 'human' in their eyes. Only in their eyes. Suddenly, Anna got up and invited him for a walk -- he raised a brow, what was this? What kind of things does this young woman had in mind? But he had to say, she was quite bold and brief. He couldn't refuse, he had to build up his reputation with her. Ethan nodded firmly "It would be my pleasure." He said nodding, walking beside her and offered his arm for her to take.

 

"Well...." Ethan said, placing his other hand on top of hers. Gazing into her eyes, not noticing how deeply he seemed to be looking at hers when to him it was just a simple gaze but as a vampire, it intensifies everything he does. Her hand was warm against his cold skin, it was soft, smooth and something to caress. If he were hungry right now, it would be like charming his food --- but he was not. For him this was only a duty, and holding her hand was courtesy. Oblivious to his knowing, that the woman was slowly captured by his his charms "You certainly grew into a fine woman, madame. Even without a father, which was admirable."

He looked to he garden, it was grand, beautifully-landscaped land. Flowers grew nicely, and came out in vibrant colours. There were roses, tulips, blue bells, and such. There were many kinds of plants, some of which he doesn't know what it would be or could be. It was beautiful, especially at night. "Indeed it is, this garden is like... A beautiful other world you can escape to, I can see why you can say that. Truly admirable."

 

Ethan looked about her face, she was blushing madly, the redness covered half of her face and stood out from her light complexion. Even the moonlight, who proved to not be much of light made her blushing obvious. There it sank into him that she was probably charmed, and he realized that the woman was close into gaining some sort of liking to him. Maybe she already did, she was easier than he thought. He couldn't blame her, she was innocent like a child, raised in a catholic school... What did she know about deception?

"People say that a lot, however I am not sure how does that sum up. I don't think I'm a charming man---"

"Earl?" the Head Maid interrupted as she appeared by the garden's doorway. She was a plump, elderly woman who wore small, circle metal-framed glasses. Her cheeks were slightly sagged with age, and plump like her figure. She was a stern-looking woman, and with her dry, stringy, salt and pepper hair that was tied into a simple bun -- completed that aura; he could see a faint blush erupt on her face at the sight of him. Everyone, even the elderly blushed whenever they were around him. She cleared her throat quietly "It is time for the princess to retire to her chambers."

"Ah, yes." Ethan said quietly, gently releasing Anna's hand and dug it into the pockets of his trousers. He looked at Anna in the eyes, reconnecting the killer eye contact before giving her a respectful bow "It's been an honour to be in your company, Your Highness." he said, his voice sounded like velvet flowing out from his lips. His tone was cool and fluid, charming as his words "To-morrow I shall meet you by the carriages after noon, then we shall proceed on schedule as assigned." he said as he stood straight up, nodding towards the maid and allowed her to take Anna to her room to rest.

The maid obeyed without a word, slowly tugging Anna with her while Ethan looked away from both of them to admire the gardens. It was going to be a long day tomorrow, a tour for the princess. The kingdom was vast and enormous, it would reach dusk before they returned to the castle. Ethan was up for it though, after all --- his power was growing.