Unveiling

I averted my gaze from the heart-wrenching sight that unfolded before me as all the individuals involved were escorted to the infirmary for healing.They were making sounds of discomfort, contorting their bodies in an attempt to reach the source of their irritation caused by the constant itching and painful sensations.

Despite the increasing anger that I felt stirring within me, a small pang of guilt also tugged at my conscience. I couldn't help but wonder if I was really to blame for what had happened. Perhaps it was all my fault as deep down, I had wanted it to happen to that person or people. This internal struggle between guilt and anger left me feeling conflicted.

Lord Minir offered some comforting words to ease my worries as we strolled along the palace halls, where he had once resided and thrived. He assured me that everything was going to be alright and that there was no need to fret. His words were a balm to my anxious spirit. 

“Master…” 

“Yes, woman?” He sighed, nodding at the servants that passed us. 

“I feel like it was my fault.” 

To put it frankly, my current behavior may come off as irrational or peculiar. However, the truth of the matter is that I have an unwavering conviction that I am completely correct in my beliefs. It feels as though this knowledge has always resided within me, buried deep in my bones and soul. Yet for some reason, I was unwilling or unable to acknowledge it until now.

“It’s not your fault. The muses are allergic to black crystals. One of the maids must have worn something with it.” 

His voice was devoid of emotion, and it remained steady and chilled throughout. As I pondered over his words, I couldn't help but entertain the possibility of him being right.

With eager anticipation, we finally reached the entrance to the throne room. The bustling activity of those inside did not falter upon our arrival, focused on their own duties and responsibilities. The glaring difference in the room was the floor beneath our feet. Once adorned with a luxurious red carpet, the tiles now gleamed bare and polished, reflecting our very image back at us. We couldn't help but feel a tinge of suspicion as curious eyes followed our every move. 

With a resigned sigh, I bowed my head and trailed behind my master, as he led the way. Each time, it felt like the first time. Murmurs drifted to my ears as we made our way towards the throne, where His Majesty awaited us, and the woman clad in a regal gold cloak. Adventure awaited, and I steeled myself for whatever lay ahead.

As soon as her eyes scanned the crowd, they locked onto me without missing a beat. Even though I was concealed behind a mysterious black veil, she continued to scrutinize my soulful eyes. A crafty smirk stretched across her full lips as she glanced over at my stoic Master.

“What a pleasant surprise, Simon,” she greeted. 

“Hara, Your Majesty.” As Lord Minir gracefully lowered himself before them, I offered a modest curtsy in accordance, tongue-tied and unable to utter a single word.

“ I present to you, my Blood Bride and Lady Sol.” 

“Are you the same Blood Bride whose blood made Lord Ivan rabid?” His Majesty asked. 

I remained silent, uncertain of how to respond to the query. The path to an appropriate answer seemed elusive and challenging to navigate.

“ I’m afraid she is,” a woman said. 

“Your Grace.” Lord Minir bowed down again. 

"Simon, let's skip the formalities. I'm not one for royal pleasantries," she quipped, trying to mask the bitter taste in her throat. 

“Now. Now. Why did you bring that threat to the kingdom?!” The king spat. 

I felt unsteady on my feet as doubt crept in. Accompanying him may not have been the best decision. Our purpose is to meet Hara, undoubtedly, but my presence might be perceived as a potential threat by certain individuals.

“Might I remind you, Your Majesty, that I hold most of the kingdom’s wealth. You are not in your position to talk like that in front of my blood bride.” 

The monarch displayed visible signs of fury as his face turned red. In contrast, the Queen reacted differently as she chuckled and eagerly rushed towards my master, wrapping him in a warm and tight embrace.

. 

“You didn’t come to me on the night of the Moon Dance! I missed you, dear nephew.” She drew kisses on his angelic face, pulled herself away before approaching me for a welcoming hug. 

The king looked troubled as he said, “I do not consent the way you talk to me, Simon.”

“ Neither do I, Your Majesty.” 

“Shut it, you two!” The Queen smiled at me, “Such a lovely face cannot be a threat to the kingdom.” 

As she lifted my veil, I could see her eyes widen in astonishment. It was as if she had encountered my doppelganger before. The way she stared at me, with a look that could freeze time, spoke volumes. I knew immediately that there was a chance that she had preyed on people who resembled me. The thought alone was spine-chilling, considering the dark and dangerous vampire world I had found myself in. It was both captivating and intimidating, and the mere prospect of being a potential victim made my heart race. Needless to say, I knew I had to tread carefully from there on.

“Your eyes…” 

The king, who is a person of high importance and power, stood up from his chair or throne.

"Guards! Direct the remaining guests to the dining room," the command boomed throughout the room.

The palace halls emptied out, leaving only the Rulers, the Hara, and the both of us. As I stood before Lord Minir, he stared intently into my eyes before unveiling the final layer of cloth concealing my head. My heart raced with anticipation, wondering what horror awaited me now that I was fully revealed. Although startled by his actions, his words soon captured my attention.

“This is the reason why I have wished to speak alone to the both of you, Your Majesty. You were both young, and sided the Helsings when the Great Blood War happened. You see, my blood bride…is a helsing.”