Error's POV

  I stared out the large window of my bedroom, seeing that the last of the kingdom lights had died out. I saw the Comyet mansion in the distance and a light in the window. I relaxed knowing that Ink was safe in his bedroom. However, my peace was interrupted by a heartbeat approaching my door.

Me: You may enter, Xander.

  I said before he could even knock on my door. Creaks sounded when it slowly opened and the footsteps of the servant approached me from behind.

Me: Speak.

  My voice said deeply, not bothering to turn my attention from my mate's mansion.

Xander: Your father wishes to see you, your majesty.

Me: About what?

Xander: He would not say.

  A sigh came from me as I shifted my body to face my butler. I walked past him and headed into the hallway towards my father's office. Xander quickly followed behind me in silence.

  When I reached the entrance of the office, the guards that stood next to it opened it for me. Xander stayed behind to allow privacy with my father.

  The office was dark, perfect for my vision. The sound of a feather scratching against parchment filled the large room and I could almost sense my father's hunger for my mother's blood.

Me: You wanted to see me?

Father: Yes. Sit down.

  He said while motioning towards the chair that was positioned directly across from him. I found my spot and stared at him until he finally decided when the right time to speak was.

Father: You know that your crowning is in a month, correct?

Me: I do.

Father: Then I am certain that you understand the importance of having your mate with you when you leave for Kilkree.

Me: I do.

Father: Then why have you not made much progress in gaining Lord Comyet's love?

  A frustrated growl slipped through his fangs. I narrowed my eyes at him, my irises turning red as I knew he was going to challenge me for authority over my own decisions.

Me: Because I had to regain Ink's trust first before I was given the thought of hope of having a second chance.

Father: We do not need second chances.

  His red eyes locked with mine. I released a small growl, I was threatened.

Father: I grow tired of waiting, Error. Our kingdom is in need of their rulers. Any longer and Kilkree may fall into disorder or fall under the control of mortals that think themselves as holy servants and we as sinners.

Me: Then what do you want me to do?

  I snapped at him, fully expecting him to snap back. Hunger could make a vampire a bit angry.

Father: Be a vampire! Use your magic for once!

Me: You want me... Ink would never forgive me for that.

Father: I do not care what it takes anymore. You are ready to be king but it is impossible to rule our kind without your mate, both physically and mentally.

  I looked away, letting him know that he won the challenge and that he had control over my next action.

Father: I will talk with the advisor and set up a date for you and Lord Comyet. When he is relaxed enough and is trusting of you...

  He motioned towards me, waiting for me to finish his sentence. I sighed while looking down at my hands that were resting on my knees.

Me: I will... seduce Ink and take him with me to Kilkree.

Father: Good. You may leave now. I have work to finish.

  I stood from my chair and walked towards the door. I straightened my posture before leaving the office. I was surprised to see Fresh standing on the other side. I must have been too distracted to properly sense him.

Me: I thought you were asleep.

Fresh: I was but I could not stay asleep.

  He walked with me towards the dining room.

Fresh: I heard everything.

Me: I figured since father was yelling quite loud.

Fresh: The seduction magic... will it hurt Ink?

  I shook my head.

Me: The bite will but he will not remember it. It will be painless for him. However he will be in an awake comatosis. He will be aware and conscious but no memories will be made and he will be completely subservient to me.

  I said but looked at my older brother.

Me: Why do you care?

Fresh: No reason... just curious if it would hurt him.

  He said quietly without making eye contact with me. I had a strange feeling but I brushed it off as I had other things to worry about.

We entered the dining room, seeing Geno sitting alone at the table. Once the maids noticed us, they hurried to fix our spots. We joined our older brother at the table.

Geno: Good evening you two.

Me: Good evening.

I stared at him with a small glare. The king met my eyes and became confused.

Geno: What is it, Error?

Me: You smell like that mutt.

Suddenly there was a voice from the corner of the dining table.

???: That's a bit rude.

I instantly released a threatening growl and readied myself for a fight. My brothers flinched from my sudden burst.

Geno: Relax Error. It is... it is just... Reaper.

I focused on the direction of the voice and saw him sitting in the corner of the room. That stray that arrived with Ink the other night.

He was eating cooked beef with a fork from a dog bowl. The wolf gave me a small wave which sparked more anger in me. The biggest conflict between vampires and werewolves had always been territorial, and that mutt was in mine and my father's territory.

I looked at Geno for answers.

Geno: I am keeping him in his place by treating him like a dog. It is a way to let him know that I am not infatuated with him. He was too persistent and annoying so I was forced to allow him on this property.

Me: You could have just executed him.

Geno: It would have been bad for reputation.

The mutt groaned.

Reaper: I can hear you. I have excellent hearing.

Geno: I am aware but I do not care.

Reaper: You'll fall for me eventually, your royal highness.

I growled, grabbing my chalice of blood that was given to me by the maids and began to leave the dining room. If I was in the same room as that dog for any longer, I would have killed him for trespassing territory and simply for being a werewolf.

As much as I wanted to, I could not kill Geno's soulmate. I could sense the connection between them, even if Geno tried to deny it.

Geno: Where are you going?

Me: My bedroom. Unless you want me to spill your mate's blood.

I said, trying to suppress my vampirism by biting my bottom lip. I could feel my fangs bringing my cold lifeless blood to the surface.

  I left the dining room and walked to my bedroom. A chilly breeze lightly blew against my cheeks when I opened my door. Xander had left open my window to cool the room down which I appreciated.

I walked out onto my balcony and found the chair that was sitting there.

For bitter nights like these, I liked to sit outside and enjoy the quiet air and the sleeping kingdom after my training. Sometimes, I was lucky to see the stars which added to my peace. However, when I was reunited with my soulmate after years of being separated, I no longer found...

The peace without Ink