Chapter 6: Lord Darion

"How many of them volunteered to donate blood to vampires?"

And silence was what gave back.

Apparently these markets sourced goods from wars, raids, or even the capture of wandering spirits by chance.

"It's not… that bad,"

Alden commented, frowning slightly and carefully finding the right words:

"Some people have been in vampire families for generations, giving birth and sending their children to other families. Still, it's better than dying like a piece of meat somewhere in a dark alley or forest. Like I said, people who store blood are precious and always taken care of. Maybe this sounds crazy to you."

"Opposite. I understand."

I denied:

"This is clearly against the principles of human life and moral standards, but I understand that this is Devilland. It is operated with its own charter and set of laws. After all, like humans, vampires need food to live."

A bitter smile left my lips. Because after this conversation, I was more and more aware of my role and duties for the upcoming marriage,

"I guess I'm destined to become Lord Darion's personal bloodsaver?"

I played with Alden's big, calloused fingers.

Alden did not answer immediately. But instead, there was a long sigh and barely articulated two words:

"Maybe."

With a resigned smile, I said,

"Well, I'm afraid of pain, but I don't seem to have any right to resist. Looks like I should always be in a state of readiness to serve the master of this Kingdom right? No. At least that's what a small Omega like me can do."

"Actually, the process of drinking blood is not as scary as the stories that circulate in our world. Perhaps the only risk is the vampire's insatiable or intense hunger. But, Vampire's foam contains anesthetic compounds, and the bloodsaver, as a rule, feels no pain, only euphoria, which aids in easy feeding, because the state of the bloodsaver also greatly affects the nutrition and taste of the blood. Most importantly, you are the Prince of Flowers Kingdom, who represents the Alliance of the Seven Realms, ensuring peace among the human and the vampire. You have come here as the spouse of the great ruler of the Demon Land. In any case, the Sovereign will not be able to hurt you, because if you die, the war will begin. Your marriage to the Sovereign is a way to prevent years of strife and impending war. I don't think someone as thorough and intelligent as Lord Darion would need a war. That's not something you should worry about at all."

Alden always knew how to ease my insecurities and to that day I still couldn't imagine if someone other than him took care of me. And could I lie here and relax instead of shrinking and shivering in the blankets? I dared not think of that prospect.

I pouted, remarking,

"How can I think otherwise when all I've known about the Devil's Land, and about Lord Darion, for eighteen years of my life have been stories of brutality and inhumanity?"

"I don't blame you, Jerome. Perhaps we have all been forced to look at a problem or someone, with the narrow eyes and heart of someone through the centuries. To the extent that they are deeply rooted and form thoughts. I will give you the perspective of a former member of the human race, through the objective lens of an outsider. In general, this is the land and castle of Lord Darion - the king of the Land of Demons, the land of vampires. Considered an undefeated warrior and a great ruler among all vampire kings. Lord Darion's father was a tyrant, and when power passed to our ruler, the Land of Demons began to flourish. Thanks to him, order in the capital was maintained, there was no famine in the suburbs, and the last uprising was three hundred years ago. Lord Darion is a wise man, ruthless only to those who disobey. He brutally executed rioters, cut off the hands of murderers and thieves, pardoned children and just exiled them to distant lands. After all, a servant as far away from him as I am can't comment any further. I only objectively evaluate what my eyes see, my ears hear, and my heart feels. There is no reason for a person who values ​​honor, dignity, and the law to be cruel to his spouse."

I gently touched the ghastly scar above my left eye, smiling sarcastically:

"You think we should hope for the future and not be so pessimistic about it all? Maybe Lord Darion won't harm his spouse but just when I was a beautiful and perfect Omega like Aylmer. And I…"

"You're the prettiest Omega I've ever met, Jerome. Know what I see in this scar?"

"I don't see anything but ugliness,"

I remarked sadly.

"No, dear Jerome. In my eyes, you are a strong soul with a pure heart despite pain and loss. Like a jewel honed by time and difficulty, it is so bright and precious. You are beautiful. Not only the face and body, but also the soul, no living thing is so perfect."

"You're embarrassing me to death. Alden."

I blushed at my best friend's winged compliments. It would be a despicable cliché if it came from someone's lips, but it's not Alden who makes me believe in everything he did, every word he said. And I would believe him if he told me that I'm beautiful and perfect the way I am.

"This is not death, but it will be a life sentence, right? How many spouses have lived their entire lives in this room?"

I looked around the lavish, splendid room, saying out loud what I had been thinking about since I arrived here. Anyway, was that important to me? What I was worried about was my own life, and with Alden's assurances, I was no longer so afraid of the future. So I got rid of all unnecessary pain.

"Though, you know, I don't care."

I refused to let Alden answer, shrugged, and lay down on the bed.

Alden leaned in and touched my forehead with his lips gently:

"You should rest early. Tomorrow is a busy day. Because you will begin to prepare and train for the traditional vampire wedding ceremony."

I whispered,

"So I won't see the Lord before the wedding?"

Alden said,

"Sorry I can't answer you."

"Sleep well. My room is next to yours so if something happens, you can call me anytime."

I smile, wishing Alden good dreams. He responded to me with a gentle expression before leaving and closing the door.

Exhaling deeply, I pulled the blanket over my face, the room getting bigger and quieter when I was alone. But when I heard faint noises through each slit, I felt fear.

So I started mumbling a lullaby that my mother had always used to put me to sleep.

I was unaware of the two giant shadows that were stunned on the steps of the palace corridor. The larger shadow swept the crimson eyes into the distance, while feeling the soft singing and the gentle fragrance of a flower.

"Lord?"

The voice of Finn - Lord's powerful arm said next to him:

"Is everything all right, sir?"

Vampires sipping sweet scents which were neutralizing the still night air.

"Has the Prince of Flowers Kingdom arrived?"

Alpha spoke in a low voice without turning to his courtier.

"The servant announced the arrival of the Prince a few hours ago. Currently he is resting in a private room. Tomorrow we will begin preparations for the ceremony, sir."

Lord Darion nodded, his hair shining as silver as the moon, he straightened his jet-black cloak that concealed the heavy armor that still stretched to the dust of the tour. He went back to his palace to find relaxation, leaving all work for the next day.