My Vampire King

Chapter 2

The ride didn't seem very long. I woke up to Mistress Nadia lightly shaking me, telling me we had arrived. The Manor was large and extravagant. The large stone walls were polished and there was even a fountain out front. Image all those poor humans who have to slave away to build it.

We stood in a single file, shoulder to shoulder. I stood at the very end of the line. Mistress Nadia began counting girls of 5.

"You guys will be outside maintenance maids, please follow this guard," she said pointing to a buff man.

Nadia moved to the next set of 5.

"You will be cooks, please follow him."

After dividing up the rest it was only me and another three girls left.

"You four," she smiled, "Will be handmaidens to all royals and nobles in the Palace."

I gulped, would that mean I would b have the face the king, the evil cause of so much suffering?

Nadia seemed to sense my uneasiness.

"Don't worry, the first day is just orientation. Nothing major. Now follow me."

Taking on a deep breath, we followed her. She leads us through a back door, up the stairs and then right. I needed to remember this, just in case.

The room was spacious, large. We had three large beds in the centre of the room, beside them were an oak dresser. I walked in, inhaling the scent of lavender and roses. I traced my fingers along the table in front of the bed, taking steps towards two large french doors. I opened them to reveal a large balcony which overlooked a garden of roses and lavender. This couldn't be a room for handmaidens, could it?

I turn to the other three girls.

"Well, I'm Kassi." the first one said.

She had beautiful blonde hair that I immediately envied and the sharpest grey eyes. She seemed like the type to get work done.

Another girl spoke, "I'm Gerrie and I don't want to be here." she smiled.

I gave her a smile back. She was short with a fiery red bob and the prettiest pale skin.

"No one wants to be here, dumb ass." one snapped.

She had black hair that complimented her tan skin and green eyes.

I looked down at myself. I was no way comparable to these beauties. While they had amazing rosy skin, mine was a deep hickory colour. My eyes were a plain caramel. The only great thing about them was the blue ring around them.

Taking a deep breath I spoke," We know, she was only trying to lighten the mood, no need to be rude." I said.

Gerrie gives me a grateful smile.

The girl stared at me for a second before saying "My name's Taylor."

I gave her a wary eye before returning the favour, "I'm Ira.

"So," Kassi said, "How are we going to split the bed."

We all faced the beds.

"I can share with Ira." Gerrie smiled shyly.

I nodded, "So it's settled then. Gerrie and I will share, and Kassi and Taylor will have their own rooms."

A knock came to the door and we look at each other.

"Come in," Taylor said.

A short, plump woman walks in. Her hair is tied neatly onto a bun and she wore a long black dress with a white apron on top of it.

"Hello," she smiles sweetly, "I am Bess, the head handmaiden of the castle. You report under me."

The four of us look at each other as Bess continues. " If anyone hassles ya' come to me."

We all send her a grateful smile as she continues, "I know ya'll aren't starting up just yet but let's get you guys used to this big ol' castle."

Leading us around, she shows us the large kitchen stocked with every type of food imaginable. Look at how greedy these monsters are, while humans are starving they live in lavish luxury. She takes us to the dining hall full of tables, then to the main hall, where soirée is held. Finally, she leads us to a hall.

"Never go there, okay?" she warned.

"Why not, "Kassi asked.

"That is the east wing, where the king resides," she told us ominously.

She then began showing us how to look after a noble. We learnt how to set bed sheets, create proper tea and tend to them correctly. It was tiring having to learn to look after these creatures.

We nod and Bess brings us back to our rooms. By now the sun was hiding behind the horizon and brilliant bright lights were scattered across the sky.

"Be ready bright and early tomorrow okay?" she told us before leaving.

The four of us changed into nightwear that had been provided by us. As we snuggled underneath the warm covers, the whole day truly begins to sink in. I was now a servant to these monsters.

"Ira," Gerrie whispered into the darkness.

"Yes?" I replied back.

"Are they nice?" she asked meekly.

"Who?"

"Vampires," she said quietly.

I pause for a moment but Kassie answers Gerrie instead, " They are. They don't believe in forcing themselves onto people to take their blood and they never date or even sleep with someone other than their mate. Just like in human culture it's punishable by death."

This sounded completely different from the vampires I've been told of.

"How do you know?" I asked her.

"I was a slave before my master died. He was loving and kind and always made sure that I was taken care of."

I take in what she said, that vampires can be good. Part of me wants to scream at Kassi and tell her that she's delusional. It's obvious she's been brainwashed by those monsters. I decided against the nagging voice in my head and turned to Gerrie.

"What about you?" I asked her.

"I never even knew about vampires before," she replied in a small voice.

"I lived in a small camp where there weren't any vampires so we never learnt about them. It wasn't until our camp was raided that I met one. I was so terrified - I still am" she said.

I noticed a wet patch on the pillow, she was crying. I pulled her into my arms, stroking her hair, "Don't worry," I whispered softly "I won't let them hurt you."

She murmured a thank you.

"Okay great therapy session now everyone please be quiet" Taylor hissed.

I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach as I drifted off to sleep. But as always the voice whispered softly to me.

I feel you, my love, 

Why do you still run from me? 

Fear me not love, 

As only I can set you free.