His smile. His shy but sweet dimpled smile was directed to an eight-year-old girl who had her hand held by another boy. They were in a meadow, which had some random coconut trees standing around them, and the wind was playing her long black hair.

I sorrowfully gazed at the three young kids. The boys were a couple years older than her. The light brown-haired boy’s smile slowly faded when the girl turned to the black-haired one. It looked like she only had eyes for him, ignoring the other boy. Somehow I could feel the poor boy’s feelings. It was like my heart was twisted inside my chest. I could barely breathe.

I stepped back a little, clutching my chest. I tried to take a few deep breaths. My eyes were still on them, especially on the ignored boy. ‘Why? Why aren’t you looking at him?’ my muted questions.

“It’s getting dark. We have to go home,” she murmured to the blue-eyed dark-haired boy in Spanish.

I turned to look at the setting sun. It was orange surrounded by brushes of blue and gray as dark clouds started to gather in the horizon. Somehow I felt like I knew something inauspicious was going to happen next. Then I suddenly caught the metallic smell in the air. I turned around to see where the three kids were but it horrified me to discover that they were gone.

‘Where are you? Come back! Don’t go home! Don’t…’

But it was dark, and I heard people’s cries and groans in pain. I saw their bodies torn into pieces. Red, sticky liquid stained the earth. Then… I saw him…

“No! No!” I screamed.

“Priestess Adri?” a woman’s gentle voice woke me.

I sat bolt upright in my four-poster bed. Behind the thin white fabric that had littered small gems, my black eyes focused on the chinky eyed woman. Her small, pretty face was painted with concern. She was wearing her acolyte robe that reminded me of something that I should do. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken a nap.

“Fen…” I sighed, ignoring the beads of sweat on my forehead. “What time is it?” I pushed the fabric out of the way as I got out of my bed. The thin white negligee I wore displayed my petite form, which had the ripe curves.

“It’s almost time,” my Chinese acolyte answered in a gentle voice. Her ankle-length, light green Grecian robe told me she was ready for the marriage ceremony.

I nodded before I turned my gaze to my chamber’s heavy double doors that opened almost quietly. My two Greek acolytes, Hestia and Phaedra, entered. They were also in their acolyte robes, just like Fen.

Hestia, a Greek vampire acolyte with gray eyes and curly black hair that hung loose, brought my priestess gown. It was made of blue satin overlaid with gold flowing fabric. On the other hand, Phaedra held the small and delicate gold-colored cloth that will cover half of my lower face. It was embroidered with blue wildflower to pair with my priestess gown.

Just like the other priestesses of Vampire King Ozym, short for Ozymandias, no one from outside of the castle was allowed to see our bare faces. It was not only to protect our identities but it was also the king’s preference and own tradition, which we gladly followed.

My three acolytes helped me in my bath, in my own spacious bathroom. It had a complete and modern set of bathtub. A sink with a huge mirror on the wall in front of it was opposite the bathtub. A shower cubicle was on the far end and a Jacuzzi was a few steps beside it. Meanwhile, a toilet bowl was also installed although vampires do not have bodily functions like normal humans.

The floor and walls were tiled in light blue color. It was complemented by white recessed round LED lights and some interior design such as indoor plants and flowers.

My bath tonight was for a cleansing ritual, before I’d officiate the marriage ceremony I was specially tasked tonight, at midnight. High Priestess Szonja was out of the country to unbind a married vampire couple, whom I heard she married some centuries ago. Hence, officiating this special ceremony was passed on to me. Besides, other priestesses who were on the fourth level of the five-story castle were busy doing their own tasks, which I could still hear clearly despite of the thick walls, floors and doors.

“Kneel, Priestess Hedda. I want to feel your mouth around my cock and swallow the last bit of my cum,” a male vampire’s deep voice reached my ears.

“It’s my duty to please you, Lord Kellam,” the Norwegian vampire priestess responded in a sultry voice.

I could just imagine Priestess Hedda kneel before the sordid Norse Lord. He was one of King Ozym’s loyal European allies and subjects though. He was a bulky and tall man, with not-so-handsome features. I met him many times, and he had lewd gray eyes. Thank God I didn’t have to serve this kind of vampires as I was protected by the king himself.

I let out a deep breath, trying to shut all the sexual moans and grunts on the upper level. I also tried hard not to imagine what all those priestesses were doing now. I may be a virgin but I am very aware of everything that happens between a man and a woman. It wasn’t possible as I lived over a century. But being a virgin all this time was possible because of the king who adored and respected me all these years.

My eyes settled on my own reflection in the mirror in front of me, seeing my bare face. The tub was huge; the warm water was calming and scented with wildflowers. Rose and jasmine petals floated and thus covered my naked body. Fen scrubbed me gently from face to toe, while Phaedra washed my hair. Then, Hestia helped me slip into my priestess gown after she patted my body dry with a soft towel and applied lotion on my skin.

Phaedra, who was always tasked to do my hair and makeup, smiled at me in the mirror as she admired her work. She was tall and slender, just like Hestia. However, her hair was shorter and straight. Her face was oval and had a set of green eyes.

“You look captivating, as always, Priestess Adri,” she said in a husky voice.

I just gave her a small grateful smile. My red lips looked exceptionally redder because of the lipstick she used.

“He’s coming.” Hestia’s slightly beaky nose sniffed the air. It meant that the Vampire King who stayed on the uppermost level of the castle had come down to my quarters.

I nodded, looking at my mestiza skin glowing radiantly against my priestess gown. My arms, neck and back were bare. My hair was pulled into a neat top-knot, and dangling hair accessories made me look even more alluring.

“Later,” I said to Phaedra when she was about to put my face cover on me. I flicked a hand, and she slightly bowed to do my bidding.

Vampire King Ozym’s two bodyguards pushed open my chamber doors, and he entered. His six vampire bodyguards, all bulky and tall, wearing three-piece suits, stayed behind. The king—in his late twenties look in human age—gave me a wide and admiring smile. He could look younger if it weren’t for his facial beard. He pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead.

“You look like a perfect bride, preferably my bride,” he said with a chuckle. His royal Egyptian charm exuded I could swoon.

My acolytes tried to suppress their giggles and looked away.

I smiled back at him. “I’m your priestess, Ozym,” I casually reminded though. I was the only one allowed to call him his name without his title. After all, I was his favorite vampire priestess that he dearly loved and hoped to marry someday. But the thought of becoming the Vampire Queen never occurred to me. It also wasn’t in the least—and list—of my intentions and goals. I was happy and content with the way things are. As long as my family and clan were fine, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

“I have never forgotten that, Adri. There is no law that forbids me to marry whoever I want to and… a Vampire King can dream,” he rejoined. His even white teeth showed as he grinned at me.

I could only chuckle at his words. Whenever he wanted to be served, he called on the other priestesses instead of me, since he knew from the beginning that I would only give myself to him when I am good and ready. Or that I have agreed to be his queen.

“Now, shall I escort the officiating priestess, my dear ladies?” He glanced at my acolytes. His wink didn’t escape me. Yes, he was charming and easy-going. I should say he wasn’t like the usual uptight and serious royalties out there.

“Oh! One moment, Your Majesty.” Phaedra stepped forward to cover my face with the small cloth and tied it on the back of my head.

“It’s a pity I cannot see my beautiful Adri’s face whenever outsiders and guests are inside the castle.” Ozym sighed in regret, his face crestfallen.

I chuckled softly. My eyes swept on his handsome Egyptian look. He had this straight and sharp nose, deep-set dark eyes, thin reddish lips and high cheek bones. His short hair was black and neatly styled. Just like any other time, he was clad in a three-piece suit of white color, his favorite. He always looked delectable and gorgeous. However, my heart died along with…

I mentally shook my head. I didn’t want to replay in my head that recurring dream, and I didn’t want to recall that painful past either. I couldn’t even say those two names because something would always pierce my heart and it hurt like hell! I should’ve moved on a century ago but here I am… still lingering in my unforgettable tragic past.

“Come on. Let’s go, Albi,” Ozym dragged me to the present, calling me by his favorite endearment in Arabic that means “my heart.” His love, that is. From the story I heard, he was a pharaoh’s son, but he was not included in the documented sons and daughters of Khufu’s.

It always gave me a good feeling though whenever he called me Albi. I must admit he always made me feel important and that I was above all the others. It was more than flattering.

He took my hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. I was almost overwhelmed by his musky scent, which I loved. It always made my heart flutter. But that was all. There was nothing more to it. I did want to reciprocate his feelings maybe since some decade ago but I just couldn’t… and I didn’t want to give him false hopes. Nonetheless, he always told me he could wait. He had a long stretch of time, which is forever, ahead of him to do that. And so had I. Talk about perks of being an immortal.

We followed the wide well-lit hallway like it was daytime. The crystal chandeliers above us were lined up, and the walls were decorated with old and new paintings. On the right side was paintings of landscapes, whereas on the left side was frames of abstracts and sexy ones. They were almost erotic. Ah, my eyes! I averted my eyes from those suggestive paintings. But I already caught sight of that particular painting in which a half-naked woman was lying in her bed with one hand below her abdomen and the butt-naked man was gazing down at her.

We descended the wide and curvy stairwell with gold-coated banister. My acolytes were ahead of us, while Ozym’s always alert bodyguards were behind us. I could see the faces of our guests that night. There were at least fifty of them, even though it was said I’d officiate an intimate marriage ceremony. Well, this could be the couple’s “intimate” number.

The ceremony was supposed to be held in a chapel near the gazebo. However, it was ruined a few days ago because a gay vampire couldn’t accept that his ex-partner would marry another—a female vampire at that.

So now, in the middle of the castle foyer was a bed-size glass tank filled with ankle-depth clean water. We called it glass bed, which had a height below the knee. Meanwhile, the clean water signified unity.

My eyes roamed around. The whole marble floor and walls were decorated with red roses. Their sweet smell was all over the entire vicinity, drowning all other smells but I could still catch the hint of each. Some vampire guests smelled of coffee, pine tree, milk and…

Wait, is it mango?

My heart twisted because of it. I stopped in the middle of the stairway that made Ozym halt to stare at me.

“What is it, Albi?” he whispered with concern.

I took a deep breath and shook my head. “I-it’s nothing.” But my senses tried to figure out who smelled of mango among the guests.

‘Shit! Is it him?’ My eyes met those cold silver ones. His silver hair was straight but he caught it in a man bun. He exuded power, intelligence and alertness, not to mention sex appeal. He was a very handsome vampire. ‘Why is he here?’ I ground my teeth, trying to not bare my fangs because it’d reflect my eyes, which would turn into glowing red. Maybe he knew me… from long ago. And me, I couldn’t and wouldn’t forget that face either. I wanted to curse him to the infinity and beyond! I wanted to kill him right here and right now. That was what I vowed then. But… how can I? This was Ozym’s castle, and therefore, he was Ozym’s guest! And nobody hurts Ozym’s guests. Or else, it’d be treason. And treason is punishable by death!

I tried to calm myself and resumed descending the stairs. Half a dozen acolytes of the currently absent High Priestess Szonja surrounded the Dutch couple, Hendrik and Lotte. Hendrik was handsome, red-haired and tanned. Meanwhile, Lotte was fair-skinned, blonde and so pretty. She was like a Barbie doll, in fact. Both of them wore the ceremonial red robes, which the acolytes prepared for them. The color symbolized happiness and good luck.

As I settled at the foot of the glass bed, Ozym left my side. The acolytes assisted the couple to lie down inside the glass bed.

The couple held hands and smiled at each other before they looked at me. The guests stopped murmuring as Fen signaled them to pipe down. They were all standing behind me with a distance of about twenty-four feet. Ozym, on the other hand, sat in his throne-like chair, which was carved intricately and was sparkling with diamonds. Three bodyguards were standing on each side, in a protective formation. I looked at him from across the glass bed. He nodded, so I started the ceremony. I was distracted but I could manage.

This wasn’t my first time to see Kragen in the castle. He had been here a couple more times before. But both occasions did not give me the chance to exact my revenge. I was bound to Ozym as his priestess. Hence, treason was totally off the table. I owed the Vampire King a lot. That also meant a century.

The acolytes stood in circle, giving me enough space to move about and around the glass bed, as the ceremony calls for it.

“Wife or consort?” I asked in an almost cold voice. I had to know which one, so I could bind them according to the vampire laws and to my powers as a sorceress.

“Wife,” Lotte answered in a honeyed voice.

Fen came up to me with a golden goblet, holding it in both hands and her head bowed. Hestia handed me an obsidian knife. I took it and poised to cut my wrist over the goblet.

“Dearest Hendrik and Lotte, I now hear your plea to be bound together for eternity. You have found the one, the love of your life in each other. You will know and feel each other’s love and touch.” I sliced my wrist with the sharp obsidian knife. My blood was poured into the goblet. When my wound healed, I gave back the knife to Hestia and took the goblet from Fen’s hands. With one hand holding the bottom of the goblet, I walked around the glass bed in a perfect circle, one step at a time. I moved the goblet in circles and bound the couple from the outside of the glass bed. Then, I stopped at the head of the glass bed, looking down at them. I signaled them to sit, facing me. “By this blood taken from within my sacred body, you are bound for eternity. If in the future one of you comes to love someone else, let the blood owner unbind you on a Blood Moon… for if not, you shall be cursed for eternity!” I gave Hendrik the goblet. By cursed, it meant that the guilty party would experience bodily pains whenever he had sex with the third party. And that would be excruciating for days or weeks, depending on how many times he or she climaxed.

One of Szonja’s acolytes assisted Lotte to hold Hendrik’s hand while he drank from the goblet. In turn, Hendrik held Lotte’s hand as she drank my blood. When the last drop was shared, the acolyte took the goblet and handed it to Fen.

I closed my eyes, and my hands that faced the couple felt warm. My blood that was inside their body now bound them together as one. As I slowly opened my eyes, the red and white energies faded.

“Now, you may bite your groom and kiss your bride,” I said, closing the marriage ceremony. I stepped back, so did the acolytes.

Lotte grabbed Hendrik’s nape and bit his neck. She sucked his blood for a second or two. Before the wound healed, Hendrik cupped his bride’s face and kissed her deep. He angled his head better to access her mouth. Both of them groaned sexily, and I could smell their arousal.

“Hail the new couple!” one of the guests shouted.

A round of applause filled the air. The acolytes surrounded me before any of the guests could get close to me.

Before Kragen could.

My eyes widened as he grabbed one of Szonja’s acolytes and effortlessly broke her neck. The rest of the acolytes and guests screamed in horror.