Chapter 3 Ezekiel

Gael made his way back to Midnight Darkness before the first call of dawn, his skin being more sensitive due to lack of fresh blood for over six hours. Midnight Darkness was as he had left it, dark, brooding, dangerous and extremely beautiful.

Once he got to the main assembly, the cheers erupted. The crown prince has in a way, conquered the witches, and the crowning would happen soon. Gael saw his father's satisfied smirk as he turned away, leaving the crowd to cheer.

"Father," Gael said, closing the door behind him. It was much quieter in his father's large chamber, and he made his way to one of large cushioned pillows. His father was leaning leisurely on one, his eyes closed in a relaxed manner.

"Did she agree?"

Gael nodded. "Of course, father. I offered them a jade, and a promise. I am the only vampire from midnight darkness who knows exactly where they are."

He nodded, his brow lifting. "And the half vampire you took with you?"

Gael lifted his eyes to his father's, the wheels in his he ad turning. He had actually not thought of the servant boy. He is not the only one who knows, and just that fact put the entire prospect of peace in danger.

"Father, I..."

"Kill him, Gael. We can't have him talking about the mysterious lands he went with you to the wrong people. And you know who those are."

Gael nodded. He knew those wrong people a little too well. His own father's brothers. Some of the strongest vampires, and just as dangerous too. Covetous, jealous and everything a vampire should not be, especially in the presence of royalty like Gael.

"I understand. But father, he is only an innocent boy. Would it not be better to use other means to keep his mouth shut?"

"Are you ready to bear the consequences when your other means does not work?"

"Father..."

"Are you ready to go to war? Are you ready to risk losing some of your people, and the future crown princess?"

Gael blinked. He wasn't. He could not trade one boy for his entire colony. "I will carry out your order immediately."

"Once you are finished, the coronation ceremony will start. It will last seven days, and you will officially be crowned on the seventh."

Gael nodded, the idea feeling a little less glamorous to him. He didn't see why the boy had to die simply because he knew something he shouldn't know.

Gael closed his eyes once he was within the walls of his own chambers, and laid back, his hands going to his silky black hair. He brushed the waves and took on a deep sigh.

Ezekiel took a long puff of his hookah, and turned to the trembling boy in front of him. The boy was on his knees, his eyes reddened and his face tear stricken. He looked like the picture of terror, and his lips quivered as he tried to speak.

"Prince...I was..."

"Tell me, little one. Where did you escort the little child to?" Ezekiel's voice was a low grunt, and had a little threatening undertone to it.

The boy did not need to hear those threats before he knew Ezekiel was fully capable of it. Being the King's elder brother, Ezekiel always felt more in position of power than even the king, and regarded Gael, a full grown vampire prince in a condescending manner.

The boy looked up, his hair sticking to his hairline and sides of his face due to his sweat.

"It...I was an unknown trail. The witches. They were witches."

Ezekiel gave a small smile. "You mean the red witches? Gael knows where they are?"

The boy nodded. "We went to them to offer peace."

Ezekiel scoffed. "Peace, between vampires and witches. That is the most ridiculous thing I have heard in a century." He burst into heavy laughter, and when he had calmed down, drew a long puff of the hookah again.

"Can...can I leave now, prince?" The boy asked, hoping he would let him be.

"If you tell me one thing. Did he offer to not tell of their secret abode?"

The boy swallowed. He knew telling Ezekiel spelt war, and he had seen how Gael had convinced the witch to accept the white flag.

He swallowed hard. "I...I stood outside. I was not ushered in, so I do not know."

Ezekiel raised a brow. "Is that so? Come closer."

The boy gulped, then came closer to Ezekiel's slightly dangling hand.

"Let me see your palm." Ezekiel said, then reached under his robes with his free hand.

"Prince..." The boy started to say, but one look from Ezekiel stiff led the words. He slowly brought out his palm amd extended it towards Ezekiel.

He brought out a silver dagger from his robes, then slowly unwrapped it from the protective clothe.

"Prince..." The boy stuttered, as he brought the dagger to his hand, gently caressing his skin with the sharpest edge. The boy could already feel the burning effects of the silver, and he struggled to keep himself calm.

"Will you tell me...or...do I have to force it out myself?"

The boy immediately shook his head in a hysterical manner, his voice breaking as he attempted to speak. "Y..yes. He prom..promised to keep the secret to himself."

Ezekiel smiled, adding a little pressure on the dagger. "But you happen to know too."

The boy nodded, more tears rolling as he realized what he was about to do.

"Y..yes...yes, Prince. I know where they are."

Ezekiel's smile was dangerously beautiful as he pushed his fingers into his long slightly grey hair and laughed.

"No, tell me."