Draco nods before he lets go of Zion and turns to the closest wall. “There are triggers for secret passages spread through the castle. This is the one that will lead into the forest on the opposite side of the whole castle so it should be the safest.” Draco explains as he pushes on a brick. The brick slides deeper into its socket as a rumble starts deep from behind the wall. “How did I never know about these?” Zion asks. “Your father thought it was best if you didn’t know.” Draco replies. The wall opens up and Draco ushers them inside. After everyone was inside the wall closed back up. “It’s really dark…” Zion mutters. “Here.” Damian says as a small fire lights in his palm. “Thanks.” Zion says. “Where in the castle is this?” Zion asks as he looks around the dark tunnel. “We should be under the throne room.” Draco replies. Damian cringes sometimes he forgot that Zion was a prince and that he was never going to have a chance with him. “What should we talk about since this is going to take a while?” Draco asks. “I want to ask Damian a few questions about other vampires!” Zion says as he takes Damian’s hand in a friendly way. Draco frowns but says nothing as he continues walking. “I thought you would’ve learned all about your subjects from a young age.” Damian says. Zion’s hand tightens as he bites his lip “Don’t call yourselves subjects. I don’t like it.” he growls. “I’m sorry I didn’t know...” Damian says nervously surprised by Zion’s reaction. “It’s fine. But, can answer my questions?” Zion asks looking a little more relaxed. “Sure. What do you want to know?” Damian asks. “Why do Hakia vampires get along with Bestia vampires so well?” Zion asks the light from the fire making his perfect features look even more unreal. “My father always told me that it was because of similar beliefs and the fact that they admire our abilities.” Damian replies. “What about why you don’t listen to any other but the Stellas?” Zion asks. “Because of the renowned vampires that are part of the clan. We listen to their advice because there have been almost no times they were wrong.” Damian says. “Before you ask anything else I have my own question.” Damian says stopping Zion before he can ask something else. “What’s that?” Zion asks happily. “What do you want to achieve when you become king? I mean you are the sole heir to the vampiric throne so what do you want to do with the power you’re going to receive?” Damian asks. Zion thinks for a long while acutely aware of both Damian and Draco listening closely. “I want to bring peace between all the clans for the first time in centuries. I feel that if I did that everyone’s lives would end up much better. But, I know my father would never allow me to if he knew that’s what I want to do.” Zion sighs as he closes his eyes and allows Damian to led him through the dark hall. Damian looks at Zion in amazement he knew the black-haired boy was different from his family but wanting peace amongst clans? Was everything Damian’s father told him about the Regiis clan a lie? “That’s very noble.” Draco says finally speaking up. Zion nods and looks away but before he does Damian catches a strange emotion in his red eyes. What was it? Sadness? Or something deeper? “Are you alright?” Damian whispers into Zion’s ear. Zion doesn’t respond as he lets go of Damian’s hand. “Here we are.” Draco says as he stops everyone at a dead end. “This is a dead end…” Zion says looking at Draco curiously. “Just watch.” Draco says before he leans closer to the wall and whispers something into it. The wall melts away and Draco leads them through. “Wow…” Zion marvels as they step into a beautiful garden with a large golden pool in the center. “I-is this…?” Zion asks as his fingers trail along a purple blossom’s petals. “Yes. I-I hope you don’t mind.” Draco says nervously as he watches Zion carefully. “What is it?” Damian asks earning a glare from Draco. “It’s my mother’s garden. Who’s been taking care of it?” Zion asks as he looks at the flowers with nothing but pure joy in his eyes. “Me…” Draco replies with a weary smile. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” Zion says before he presses a kiss to Draco’s cheek. Draco’s cheeks turn light red as he touches the spot on his cheek. “O-of course.” Draco says. “So why are we here?” Zion asks. “So we can plan on what to do next.” Draco says. “Damian come here. I want to show you something.” Zion calls over his shoulder. Damian looks surprised as he walks to Zion’s side. Zion whistles making a small rabbit hop out towards him. “This garden is called a “Spirit Garden”. This is where my mother would use her excess magic to create these golden animals.” Zion explains as he rubs the rabbits head. “That’s amazing.” Damian says. “I’m glad you think so.” Zion says with a smile a light blush on his cheeks at Damian’s proximity. “We should start planning…”