The Vampire's Human Bride

Aldric's POV The same old tasteless soup. The steak with the texture of ash in my mouth. And the abomination that these people call a chocolate cake is nothing but a biscuit dunked in chocolate sauce. I want to tell the cooks that they are doing a terrible job at this, but I can't. And that is my problem. My father always considered me weak to rule my race because I am not evil like my father or my ancestors were. They called me weak. But I call myself composed. Not many people like my rule because of that reason and I am okay with that. I am here to make our race better and not to rule the way people want to be ruled. And there is a difference. The council was staring at me once they were done eating the food. I know they are angry at me. Every single one of them. It's been a while since I banned them from killing people to drink their blood. And depending on the size of the crime committed, there are consequences that could range from killing through snapping the neck or trading them to the werewolves. Yes. Our eternal enemies. "Zane, Martel and Celeste can stay. The rest can find their way to their graves," I smirked at the light hearted joke but no one smiled as they left the hall. Zane, my second in command and my half brother stared at me with a confused expression. Martel, my minister who often takes care of all my schedules never looked this bored. And I guess he was also starting to grow old. He is three centuries older than me for Satan's sake. Celeste, is the army chief of my kingdom. Well, I don't really have a huge kingdom but I do have a great army thanks to her. They all then looked at each other and then at me again. "I came to a decision," I whispered and Zane let out a relieved sigh. "Uff! Finally! The people were starving without fresh blood. Have you eaten the food earlier, brother? I bet even the werewolf dogs would s**t on them if they tried," Zane said. Celeste kicked him with her elbow and Zane looked at her, clueless. Well, there has been a rumour that they both were screwing each other behind our backs. But at this point, who the heck cares. "Thank you for bringing it to my attention, Zane. But I wasn't talking about that" I gave him a tight lipped smile. Zane looked at me like I just threw up all over him and I just nodded at him. Martel looked at me with curiosity while Celeste's eyes were on Zane instead. "I decided to get married for the sake of our race," I finally announced. And I was met with pin drop silence. Zane, who wouldn't stop talking at all, fell silent and that's when I understood that of all the things they were expecting, my marriage isn't even in the list. "To who?" Martel was the first one to process it and talk about it. "Now that's the part I wanted to talk to you three," I said and placed both my hands on the table. "The Mayor's daughter," I said. And just like that, Zane started laughing. "You can't be serious about it, brother. I only knew that the Mayor had a son. Did he change his gender or what?" Zane asked me, with his face still holding the same smile. "Our population is rapidly declining. And the humans are not mingling with us like they used to, afraid our race would suck them alive. Which is justified considering vampires somehow started behaving savage," I started explaining and noticed even Celeste seemed to be invested in knowing the reason. "To strengthen the relationship again, in simple words. I want to see better days when vampires can freely walk on human land. The werewolves are an exception because they cannot and will not let go of their woods and wander between humans. But being around humans is our necessity at the moment," I told them. Zane and Celeste looked at me as if they still wanted me to talk more. But Martel was so lost in thought. Which was why he became the minister. If there is anyone's word and suggestion I seriously take under consideration, it's Martel. He served my father and now he serves me. Not really, but he serves the crown. "This is madness, brother. A human cannot survive among us. She would be dead in a matter of minutes," he argued, as he stood up kicking his chair off. One look from me had him sitting back on the same chair again. One thing about me is that I am calm and composed only until I believe it's necessary. Once I realize someone's been crossing their limits, they meet the version of me they never want to see. "It could be beneficial if you think about the future generations. With our population declining, we would need this," Martel finally spoke and I smiled. "But how did you know about the Mayor's daughter?" Celeste finally asked me. "I have been in contact with him behind the closed screens. He wrote to me a few weeks ago saying his daughter was coming home after finishing her studies. She wants to be a writer, apparently" I smiled. "So the mayor is your penpal and his daughter wants to become a professional penpal? You really have high standards, brother" Zane said with his voice laced with sarcasm. Sometimes, I only tolerate this little s**t because he is my only family. Else, I would have kicked his ass with my left food and banished him from the kingdom. "Call it what you want, but that girl will be the next Queen of vampires," I said with a clear conclusion in my tone. "A human to be Queen of vampires. No wonder our people are not happy under your rule," Zane said. And this time, he walked away without turning around. Celeste looked at me apologetically but sat straight when she noticed I am not in a mood to entertain their drama. Martel nodded at me and told me he would look into this in person and persuade the Mayor to make this happen. Celeste quickly left to talk to Zane once I dismissed everyone. I sat back in my chair, thinking of what's to come. A wedding with a girl who is of a different race. She will have a tough time adjusting with my people. But I wonder if she would give in or give up. I closed my eyes and shoved my hands into my pockets before leaving the hall. It is morning now, so that means it is time to sleep.