The Night Prince

G~ 6:57 PM 0

The wind howled outside as I sat by the fire reading my favorite book. It was a romance novel filled with wonderful love affairs and handsome characters. My mind was completely engrossed so much so that I heard not the sound of my window being unlocked and slowly slid open.

I reacted with a start as a hand rested itself on my shoulder.

"My goodness you frightened me. Why do you always insist on sneaking up on me? You could have knocked at the window." I placed my book on the stand next to me as I tried to compose myself to the figure that had just entered my room. He was a tall mysterious figure, and that no matter how many times I saw him, I couldn't help but fall deeply in love with the beauty of his face.

My eyes were riveted upon the face of this handsome prince of the night. I knew what he was, and I knew that I should fear him, however, I was completely enthrall with him.

"Please excuse me, my lady," he bowed deeply with grace and elegance. His voice was smooth enough to cut through the howling winds outside. "I have come unannounced and in a most unorthodox manner. It is a matter of utmost importance that I dare not delay in bringing the news."

The prince was rarely ever this excited. He was usually a mask of calm and composure, but this night his eyes were alight with excitement. "Well, don't continue to stand you're making me nervous, Would you care for some tea or other refreshments?" I moved to the door, but he was already in front of me.

"Alas, I need not any refreshment. All I desire is your attention for a brief moment to tell you of the news which I bring."

He was much to close for me to think properly. Everything about him was completely and utterly intoxicating. His smell was like that of a crispy winter morning, the smell of winter was about him. It was a sharp smell, but also refreshing.

I instinctively took a step back, but he reached out his hand and steadied me. His hands were cold, but there was strength in them. I could feel life and energy burning just below the surface even as he moved his hand away.

"Have you heard anything that I have said?"

His voice brought me out of my dreaming. "I heard absolutely nothing, and I think it might be best if I at least sat down."

He smiled kindly and escorted me to the fireplace. We settled down next to each other on the thick carpet . We had sat this way many a time together and it felt so wonderfully familiar.

"Now if you will stop letting you mind wander away I will tell you once more why I have come. I am soon to become lord of all nobles of the night. It is finally time for me to assume my rightful position as ruler of all my kind." The energy and enthusiasm with which he spoke was electrifying.

"That is good news, I suppose. I hope that means relations between vampires and men can hopefully get better."

He flinched at the word. "Our relations have always been complicated, but I have not reached the most important part." He gripped my hands in earnest and held them tightly. "Clare, will you be my queen?"

I was shocked into silence and incomprehension. My mind couldn't believe what it was hearing and continued to run through every other possibility.

"I understand that you might be afraid, but the transformation will not hurt. Once it is over, then you and I will be together forever. All the night shall belong to us. I know you care not for this kingdom of mine, but I hope that giving you my heart for always and eternity shall be enough."

The feeling was too much for me to bear. I loved this dark prince against all the advice of my friends and family, in face of the danger of being near him and despite my own reservations. "Please, I need a moment. This is rather sudden." Standing by the window I looked out into the night.

His arms were around my waist, but I spun away. His close proximity was too much for me to bear and continued to muddle my mind.

"Forgive me for my forwardness," he replied and took a step back. There was hurt in his eyes. He desired to be close, but there was nothing he could do about the natural effect he had on people, especially me.

I longed to have his arms around me, but I also knew that he would be able to easily override all my rational thoughts, consciously or unconsciously.

My mind was racing. I imagined myself as one of the characters in the books that I cherished so much. However, I was also under no illusions that the reputation of the black prince was probably well deserved. He was described as the scourge of the night and operated with little pity. Those that fell victim to him were never the same. It was impossible to tell what was truth and what was fiction. He never denied doing such actions, but I found it almost impossible to believe that he could.

When we were together he was so gentle and kind that I could hardly believe that he was possibly a vampire. Even, he was proposing to make me his wife. There were plenty of highborn vampire, many of them as beautiful as the radiant gems. I had seen them up close, and their elegance matched their beauty. Of all those that he could have chosen, he had chosen me.

However, there was a darkness that surrounded his heart and the shaded aura that clung to his finery. I was madly in love with him, and that threatened to override my sense. Also, I could never marry him when there was so much mystery about him. I would be trowing away my human life, which was precious for its brevity for a life of eternity. It could end up a trap that I may never escape from.

I turned to look back at him, and I could see all that lay before me: eternity, power and love. But the grim reaper which hung right above him was too much for me.

"Prince Ricard," my voice was shaking. "I cannot accept your proposal. There are many things which I do not know about you and a great many things about you that frighten me. I do not refuse your proposal because I do not love you, for you have stolen my heart long ago. Please do not be angry, it does a disservice to your beautiful face. I do not wish to remember you with such frightening features."

His features had indeed turned frightening. His fangs extended, and his eyes turned a bright crimson. They were so large and bright that I could clearly see myself reflecting in his eyes. Dark wings sprouted from his back, and long claws grew from his hands. He lunged towards me...

My eyes slowly opened to stare at the window next to me. My crimson eyes stared back at me. Who would have thought that vampires too, had dreams and nightmares.