Rexiel 

By the Gods! I have a headache from here to the mountainous regions of Helion. 

My cellphone has been ringing nonstop ever since I publicly announced my engagement a month ago. Queen Nafari of House Remmu left me text messages on my cellphone that showed me that women were very vicious and persistent when they wanted their way and didn’t get it. She raved about how I could’ve had my pick of any of her four beautiful, nubile daughters, yet I chose Kallion’s opportunist son. Besides her, King Casper of House Erlel showed his disappointment in a hotly relayed message, stating that it was an insult to his beautiful omega daughter and dashing omega son, who could’ve added tremendously to my assets and would no doubt not fail to warm my bed every night and produce powerful heirs. He also noted with a hint of seduction that I had my pick of both genders. I gritted my teeth as a sharp throb exploded in my left temple. Vampires and their selfish demands. Curse them. 

I needed blood, and I need it now. I slipped out of bed and donned a red silk robe, strolling to the bedroom door, yanking it open, and there stood my butler, as efficient as he was, awaiting my command. Vick had sharp, hazel eyes, with shoulder-length, dark hair. He was older than I by half a century, so we shared a lot of common interests, and I confided in him whenever I had my troubles. He was a good listener and a wise one, too. I considered him not just my butler, but a close friend.  

“Your Highness?” He discerned the look on my face as soon as his eyes landed on it. “Is it time to feed?” 

“Yes, Vick. Bring me one of the human attendants, no, make it two. It seems I have an exceeding appetite this morning. I am not to be disturbed after my feeding. And please, will you instruct one of the servants to fetch me a new SIM card for my cellphone from one of the local stores? It seems I require a new one.” 

Vick bowed diligently, “Yes, Your Highness. It will be done. Please rest while I fetch the attendants for you.” 

After Vick left at a brisk pace, I turned and went back into my room, trembling. As of late, I’ve been feeling fatigued, and no matter how many attendants I fed from, I was never satiated. Attendants were humans who willingly served vampire nobles, providing their blood in exchange for money and a comfortable place to stay. Humans and vampires coexisted for thousands of years, even after the vampires assumed nobility after discovering these lands. To avoid conflict, each noble split a portion of the land as theirs, with Erlel in the south, Remmu in the central area, Alaria in the west, Kallion in the east, and my house, Xionthe, resided in the north.  

Each region was inhabited by humans and vampires alike. However, the vampires ruled over the humans and the lower-class vampires. There was still the middle class that consisted of the Viscounts, Earls, Dukes, Counts, and Marquesses. They weren’t pureblood vampires and at some point, were humans who a pureblood vampire turned. Vampires were also categorized by our sub-genders, which were alphas, omegas, and betas. Purebloods only produced alphas and omegas, whereas the human-turned-vampires were betas. We never understood why our genes never passed on the alpha or omega gene, assuming it was nature’s way of differentiating the purebloods from normal vampires.  

Each house was distinguished by their hair color, ours were known for our jet-black hair and cobalt-blue eyes. In the Helion region, the pureblood vampires possessed platinum hair, as white as snow, with ice-blue eyes. In the Wystro region where the House of Remmu resided, the vampires all had blonde hair of different shades. Their eyes were the color of the sky when a thunderstorm began to clear, a light grey. Erlel was known to have tawny-haired vampires, with chestnut-colored eyes or the color of whiskey.  And Alaria, a house that everyone rarely speaks of, even I, as it only brings me heartache and painful memories, was a house that had the most beautiful vampires. Especially the late Prince Anixi, who had such expressive, soul-searching eyes equivalent to pale lilacs that bloomed in late spring. His crimson hair caught the eyes of many, its shade so deep, almost resembling the color of the blood that sustains us. It was so alluring to see him wear it loose to his shoulders. My heart ached at the memory, at his loss, and I closed my eyes as I recollected our first encounter. 

Anixi was at the tender age of fourteen when our parents agreed to have us meet each other for the first time. Anixi and I met at my palace pond, where bridges stretched and arched over lily pads, and beautiful vegetation graced the palace grounds. I awaited his arrival under the large gazebo that sat at the center of the maze-like bridges that all connected to it. It was early spring, and the air was crisp and scented with the beginnings of flowers blossoming. I sat anxiously, overlooking the lily pond. I dreaded the arranged marriage that my parents decided upon without my consent. At eighteen years old, I still desired my freedom to pursue my career. As the oldest child of three, and an alpha to boot, there was a lot that was required of me as the heir to the throne. In all of this, I tried to be optimistic about coming together in union with the House of Alaria. They were vampires of secrecy, and they kept to themselves; however, my father once glimpsed their youngest child, Anixi, during a business trip in Rylos at a gathering at the castle. The king of Rylos, King Syth, adored his son and kept him away from the public eye. But that night, little Anixi sought out his parents for what reason, my father didn’t know, and when he appeared, he shocked many with his stunning beauty.  

His beauty rivaled that of the gods; that is what my father told me. Since then, he tried his utmost to stay in good companionship with King Syth and his wife Queen Amaria. It was a successful endeavor because they all agreed that it would be a great alliance with a powerful house like theirs. The House of Alaria owned the biggest port where the ships from neighboring kingdoms docked. They also owned wineries, guest houses, and mansions, which they leased all year round. Xionthe was known for its pleasure city, Xyros, where our infamous brothels and local clubs lay. The brothels and clubs brought a generous amount of money into our kingdom, as well as our esteemed universities and schools. We also extended our assets to them, and the king and queen of Rylos were well pleased with the offer. I wasn’t, because I felt like a bargaining chip.  

What I didn’t expect was to care so much for their omega son. When Anixi was finally escorted to the pavilion where I sat, upon his arrival, with the sun’s halo caressing his body, I rose out of my seat, mesmerized by his otherworldly beauty. He had the most exquisite doe eyes, which reflected his innocence, fanned by thick lashes. His hair cascaded to his shoulders in lustrous waves that framed his well-rounded face. A cute mole sat right above his lips, perfectly centered beneath his nose. He was pleasing to the eyes. He seemed reserved yet strong-willed, which showed in his very expressive eyes. They were alight with defiance. He was against this union as much as I was.  

“Hello,” I greeted, smiling cordially at him, but he didn’t return it. He simply stared at me, his head tilting to the side. His escorts humbly excused themselves and gave us privacy to converse.  

“Good evening,” He responded with a hint of acidity.  

I understood how he felt, so his stand-offish behavior rolled off my shoulders like water. I was determined to at least become his friend and get to know what’s behind that beautiful visage and emboldened stare. Suddenly, a sweet scent drifted on the wind and caressed my nostrils. I took a sharp inhale and my body shuddered in delight. It was such a beguiling scent that I felt transfixed by it. The alpha within me immediately detected where the scent emanated from, and it nearly had me gathering him in my arms to take long inhales of his intoxicating scent.  

“You’re staring at me strangely, and why are your eyes suddenly glowing red? Are you without blood?” He said apprehensively, as he took a tentative step back, fear flashing in his eyes.  

I shook myself and cursed my instincts and my response to his omega pheromones. Did he not know the sweet scent he emanated and how it affected an alpha? Especially a dominant one like me. Is that why his parents kept him hidden? The intensity of the pheromones he was inadvertently releasing right now almost had me on my knees. I shook under the force of it. Only a powerful dominant omega can draw out such a reaction from a dominant alpha of equal standing.  

With an apologetic tone, I said, “Please, don’t be afraid. It’s just your pheromones, they’re truly strong. Do you think you can reel it in a bit?” 

“My pheromones?” His brows drew together in confusion. “But I’m not doing anything. Is it making you ill?” 

He seemed genuinely confused by my remark. Did his parents not educate him on the characteristics of an omega and what occurs when an omega comes of age? “Are you certain you’re not consciously releasing pheromones? It’s so strong I can barely control myself.”  

The young vampire’s expression only deepened further with confusion.  

Seeing that this was going to be a dangerous encounter, I called for my servants, who were discreetly keeping a distance. I ordered them to fetch my mother, who was also an omega, so that she could escort Anixi into the castle, where he’d be safe from me.  

My mother came moments later, wearing a concerned frown after she noticed my labored breathing. I stood a safe distance away from Anixi, who shot confused glances at my mother and me.  

“Is everything alright, my son?” She asked, taking in the tense atmosphere. 

“Mother, can you take Anixi inside?” I gritted out, my heart threatening to beat out of my ribcage. Saliva pooled in my mouth, and my fangs lengthened. The sweet, beguiling scent called out to me, and I struggled to fight the urge to sink my fangs into his pliant, succulent flesh.  

She sensed that something was wrong and took Anixi away immediately, without question. Later that day, after she consulted with Anixi’s parents and explained to Anixi the characteristics of an omega and what effects they have on alphas, she sat down with me and relayed the news that Anixi was living a sheltered life. His parents kept him hidden from others. When I asked her why, she couldn’t provide me with answers. However, they promised to have me and Anixi meet again.  

After that, we started meeting regularly. Mostly at my residence. I found out that Anixi loved music and he aspired to be a pianist. I, too, loved to play the piano, but my tastes leaned more towards creating music. I did that well. Having composed a handful of the tunes played at my parents’ gatherings they held. 

Anixi’s smile was the most radiant to me. He never displayed an attitude of entitlement. He was never prideful nor spoiled like most nobles were. He had great moral virtues and was highly intellectual. Having a conversation with him felt like breathing; it came easily. Every moment we spent together felt like a blessing. No one ever made me feel the way Anixi did like I can be myself and not the crown prince of Xionthe. As the crown prince, I had to wear a mask of indifference, not truly expressing my true self. Father told me that I should never show my enemies any shred of weakness. A weak king is a dead king. I held on to his words like my life depended on it. 

Vick knocked on the door with his signature rapt, and I beckoned him to come in.

He strode in with a young, fair-skinned human in tow. The human bowed upon entering, his eyes filled with wonder. I've never seen this one before. He must be new to our clan. 

"Your Highness, I brought the requested attendant." He gave a curt bow.

"Thank you, Vick. I can't help but notice that he is new." I remarked, casting a cursory glance at the human as he fidgeted behind Vick, eyeing me avidly. He seems eager to serve yet afraid of what's to come.

Vick nodded affirmatively, "Yes, Your Highness. He's one of the new attendants we acquired last week during the monthly soiree." 

Ah, the monthly soiree that my parents hold every month to recruit new blood attendants. Sometimes blood attendants request to be relieved of their duties, and that leaves open spots for new, nubile volunteers. I suppose they are seeking to ensure that we do not run out of blood supply, as we purebloods prefer to drink from the source as opposed to blood packets manufactured at one of the many blood banks that the House of Alaria once owned. After their clan was abolished, the House of Kallion took over all of the factories, receiving the majority vote to continue their legacy and ensure that all vampires had a backup supply of blood. The council of vampires was the one to vote on who would supersede the Alarians after their deaths. 

The council consisted of King Finn, my father, King Decimus, the ruler of House Kallion, King Yonick, who reigns over House Remmu, and King Caspar of House Erlel. The reason why the council was exclusively males and alphas is because there was a decree that only males were to lead, and their female consorts were to submit and follow their alphas. In the history of vampires, no female alphas have been born to date. And so that left no room for female leadership. That decree is complete rubbish. Females are great leaders as well. I've witnessed it in my mother. She leads with grace, and when faced with a challenge, she takes it on with resilience, tenacity, and speaks great wisdom. She voted against the decree; unfortunately, she was in the minority. I wondered what father thought about her voting against strictly males leading the council. She and King Syth shared the same logic. He once held a seat on the council before his demise. 

I remember attending the meeting after their deaths were confirmed. I felt like I ceased to exist, and I was no more. Just an empty husk, listening to their muted sounds as they argued avidly over a position that was earned from the hard labor of the Alarians. Why couldn't they simply elect some of the lower-class vampires to manage the blood banks scattered about the kingdom of Rylos? Why must the wealthy become wealthier whilst the poor remain oppressed and impoverished? If I had it as I wished, I'd employ the less fortunate to oversee the blood banks. They all deserved a good means of employment. 

I couldn't care less about their blasted meeting. What tore me into a million pieces was the fact that my betrothed was murdered, and his body wasn't found. His family's bodies were found, yet the young vampire who threatened to steal and secure my heart couldn't be given a proper burial. A part of me mourned what we could have shared if we had married and united our kingdoms. 

But he is gone, and with him, he took a fragment of my heart.