The full moon shone brightly in the night sky, watching over the Kingdom of Vampricia. Many would consider it night time in this kingdom, but in the other kingdoms the sun was just rising. The sun never shed its light upon this kingdom, perfect for the vampiric denizens that take residence there.

Most of the residents within the capital city of the kingdom were asleep still, with the exception of a few guards at their posts. The castle that housed the royal family even was primarily silent. That was true, until the silence was disrupted at the courtyard of the castle. A dark shadow could be seen climbing over the gates that led to the courtyard. This was none other than the royal family's youngest heir, Prince Kirehsan.

Kirehsan landed quietly onto the ground once he got inside the courtyard. His dark clothes were stained with blood, some of which were dry, and some that was still fresh. He lifted his sleeve up near his mouth and licked off some of the fresh blood that was stained there. Delicious..the blood of Melodians is always tasty. He grinned, thinking to himself as he tasted the red nectar.

For most of the early morning he was patrolling the borders of the Vamprician Kingdom. This had become routine to him ever since war broke out between the four kingdoms. This morning he happened to run into a Melodian scouting group and made short work of them, draining their blood in the process.

Slowly he walked towards the main gate of the grand castle, making his way to his living quarters. It's a shame brother and sister don't go to battle with me, they're missing out on a tasty meal every time they don't. He thought to himself as he traveled through the corridors of the castle. This castle was a home to him, in a sense, but it was also his prison, as he was always being kept watch by the man he hated the most, his father the king.

The thought of his father made him grit his teeth in anger and frustration. Every time that man came into his thoughts pure hatred would fill his mind, it was like a plague almost that continually ate at him. The young Vamprician prince made his way to his room and opened the door, slamming it behind him in the process.

Mirabella sat at the piano in her room, her fingers hoovering over the keys as she looked not at the pale ivory, but at the source of the pale silk that filtered into her room via the window. It was the bright, new moon that shone on her face, on her glossy piano, and on her black shag carpet. She blew some of the hair out of her face, and sighed. The moon was beautiful tonight - and she wondered who else it was shining on. It would be shining on the battlefields, most definately, where all the men died bravely for her nation. And it would be shinning on the children and wives of the fallen men as well. How many of them were looking at the same moon.
Mirabella shook her head, her black hair falling around her face like an inky curtain as she looked back down at the keys and slowly began to play. She picked up speed as the night went on, but played softly - she didn't want to wake anyone. She switched from one melancholy song to another, occasionally humming a harmony to the piano - and occasionally letting the piano take the harmony and her the melody.
Her favorite song to play, one of the forbidden songs of the kingdom, kept springing to mind. Her fingers would begin to play just a few opening chords before she would force them on to something else. Now was not the time for an Hallelujah. She was worried, not happy. She was worried because her father had told her to meet him in the throne room in the morning, and to be dressed in her best wear. She had picked out her outfit - a Sapphire dress with silver trim, and a silver circlet for her hair. It lay drapped over a chair in the corner, ominously taunting her. What the news could be, she didn't know. But she knew it would be serious if it was the throne room he had summoned her to. The news had to be monumental - life changing.

Violet took five books from her shelf and walked down the stairs to see her parents smiling with joy. She ignored their forced smiles and continued walking until she reached the big peach tree by the lake. That was her sanctuary, a place to be away from all problems. She sat down under the tree and sighed. This was the only place she could be free. Everything in her life was forced upon her. Her clothes, who she could be friends with, who she could marry. She just wants to feel like she was sitting under a tree near a lake her whole life. Which meant, she wanted to be free her whole life. She wanted to do what she wanted to do.

The young demon prince flopped his belly on the purple fur like carpet. Toys scattered messily ont he ground, it was hard to even search for the wooden ground of his room. His pale hand reached for a toy car and rand it along the carpet. "vrrrrooom!" He said mimicking the sound of it's engine. "Vroom vrooom!" He slid the car on the soft ground expecting it to gain more distance, but he was left disappointed when it only stopped only a few feet away from him. He sat upright, his button up shirt now wrinkled an open. A disturbing feeling itched at his chest, he scratched the left side of his chest harshly. "Maybe I shouldn't lie down with my shirt open." He said to himself as he continued to scratch harder, not stopping til he felt satisfied. His nails were a bit too sharp and caused a fresh wound on his chest. "Ow!" He complied looking the as pink colored blood dripping down his well toned upper body.

Xavier stood to his feet running over to his dresser to find a bandage or something that could stop the bleeding. He rummaged through the messy drawer pulling out a pink bandage patch that was made specially for him. With out even bothering to wipe or clean the wound he plastered the small bandage on his chest, though it was not long enough to cover the streak. He went through his junk to see if he had anymore and pouted when he found none.

"Sissy!" He called running out o his room in search for his sister. He could hear the beautiful melody of a piano being plaid somewhere not too far, which only meant one thing his sister was playing again. "Sissy, sissy, sissy!" he kept repeating in a high childish voice which everyone int he castle was now use to. "Come out, come out where ever you are." He said pouting as he opened the door where the music was coming from.

A sly smirk grew on his face as he dropped to the ground. He crawled over to her trying to stay as silent as possible. Once he was close enough he jumped up and pocked her side attempting to tickle the older demon. "Booo!" he cried playfully as his wound bled.

Blake walked through the gardens, enjoyng the silence of the night. His mind is blank of any thoughts, filled with the scenery, the colors, the sounds of the night, the feel of the wind pushing him lightly from behind. He sits on a bench and just stares at a single flower. His mind tries to think about the coming day, but he shoves the thoughts into a corner of his brain. Suddenly, a string of music clouds around him and he smiles at his sister's beautiful music.

He allows his worries to rush into his mind and he sighs. He was deeply worried about his brother Xavier marrying another person. He didn't feel like his brother was ready to be bound to another person. Especially a person who would judge and wouldnt understand. Blake couldn't protect his brother from whatever was coming in the future. Blake would be separated, feeling useless to his dear brother.

His sister, well he wasnt as worried about her, but his instinct always kicked in and he fretted over all the bad things that could happen. At least she will always have her music he concludes.

Blake once again wonders if he made the right decision not to tell his siblings about their fate. He wasn't supposed to know, but as always he found out what wasn't his to know. Maybe he should prepare them for what was coming. No. He couldn't. If he found something out, it was his obligation to keep it to himself, he couldn't be spreading other's secrets.

Helea was standing on the balcony of her room, hidden within the shadows she watched her her brother quietly made his return home. Judging by the way he moved he'd gotten blood, something he tended to do often and something father disapproved of. She watched him until he disappeared into his own room before she stepped from the shadows.

It was moments later that Helea heard the door to his room slam shut. A smirk pressed over her lips and she turned slowly and reentered her room. Dressed in a mauve gown she accented it with a few black bangles, and a black spiked belt that trailed down her gown. The family crest was tattooed across the fingers of her left hand. And about her neck lay the bat diamond encrusted necklace her mother had given her.

Barefoot Helea moved past her bed to her door and slowly with ease made her way to her brother's door. Tapping it lightly Helea announced herself, although she knew her dear brother would know it was she at the door.

Balling up her fist she reached up and tapped lightly against his door. "Kirehsan, May I come in?"

Mirabella gasped, "Xavier! You scared me!" She smiled and hugged him, gently ruffling his hair. "Oh, look at you! You've hurt yourself! Hold on, I'll get you something." She walked quietly into her bathroom, and opened a labeled drawer - marked 'Xavier supplies'. She pulled out an alcohol pad for cleaing and pink bandages, and quietly pushed the drawer closed.
"Xavier, you didn't clean it first did you?" She carefully pulled off the first bandage, and cleaned the wound, before covering it two clean bandages. "There, better. Silly, you're always getting hurt." She disposed of the wrappings and the bloody cleaning pad. Before wrapping in a hug again, and then sitting on the piano. "You can stay and listen if you'd like."
She started playing again, this time a less melancholy sound, something to make him happy. Out the window she could see Blake walking around - looking worried and preoccupied. Father had said he was going to talk to all of them together tomorrow - but perhaps Blake knew already? She half-smiled to herself. Of course Blake knew already. It was Blake. Blake knew everything that was worth knowing - except how to play music, but she couldn't hold that against him. After all, the music was her job. She watched him walk - pace really - for a while, looked at her brother sitting near her. "Xavier, Blake's in the garden - looking worried. Do you know what about?"

Kirehsan unstrapped the sword at his side slowly and laid it against his bed. He stared down blankly at the black sheets covering his mattress for a moment, then clenching his fist he punched the bed. His vampiric strength that was combined into his fist ripped through the mattress a bit, puncturing a small hole in it where his fist collided. Father... No! I have no father! The young prince gritted his teeth as his thoughts went wild. That man's hands are stained with mother's blood...I will never forgive him for that!

Since the day he's arrived at the castle he never felt like he fit in. The servants only took care of him because of King Raekwon's orders, Queen Elwen looked down upon him since he was not her son and valued her children, his siblings, above him, and the king himself treated Kirehsan with contempt, telling him that the only reason he's still alive now is because of his royal blood, and that he should be blessed that he's living in a wealthy castle rather than the rundown hut that his mother raised him in. He always wondered why the king kept him here if he's treated like an estranged orphan child constantly. The king's answer to that would always be, "All of my offspring need to be under my watch, even if they are bared by whores." This line always angered him the most.

He broke away from his thoughts when he heard a knock on his door. He was not in the mood for visitors. He was about to tell them to leave him when he heard his sister's voice. This calmed him a bit. Helea was really the only one who reaches out to him out of all of the residents of the castle.

"Yes, come on in sister." He said to her, untying his dark crimson cape and placing it on top of the hole in his bed.

Listening Helea heard him give permission for her to enter, and so she did. Opening the door she entered slowly, and eased the door shut behind her. Her eyes quickly moved to Kierhsan who was sitting upon the side of his bed. She stood there a moment, assessing him, the silence filling the room.

As an older sister Helea knew he was troubled, perhaps more so than herself and since coming to the castle he had only opened up to her. Perhaps that's the reason she grew fond and overly protective of him. Anytime their father was around Helea often enough had to step in between the two and bring the storms of their fury down before something happened. Helea had never looked at Kierhsan as a half brother, he carried her father's blood therefore he was in all aspects, family.

Moving up to the bed she eased herself down onto the bed, her soft cobalt blue eyes searched his face, the scent of blood lingered on him still. "You really should be more careful when you sneak out" she informed. "I saw you from my balcony, you killed more of the Melodian's"

Helea shook her head extending her arms to him she encircled them about his shoulders, pulling him closer to her. "You continue this and war will break out. As eldest to the Vampiric line I must insist that you not eat anymore of my betrothed's people, at least not until after I've truly met him, let alone married. I love you brother and I don't want father to reign down on you harder if he finds out. Promise me this?" she asked in a soft tone, she'd never spoke harshly to him for everytime they talked he always understood her and for the most part would abide.

She knew he was angry, knew he wanted to kill their father, but even if he didn't see it, he would have to wait. He was the next in line to rule after father, she only hoped he'd understand that that day was soon upon him. And she wouldn't be here to assist, she was soon to meet her Prince.

Kirehsan leaned into the warmth of Helea's embrace. He always enjoyed his sister's company. He hates to admit it, but when he's with her he feels complete serenity, like all the burdens in the world are lifted from him. She was really the only important person in his life, and the only person in his family that accepts him.

He listens to her as she speak, listening to her pleas. "It was just a scouting unit, they happened to be Melodians and they were trespassing in our lands, I did what I had to." he says to her, some roughness in his tone. He softens up though, feeling some shame in his actions, since it went against her wishes, "But..I'll stop attacking them, for your sake. What ever will make relations best with them." He looks away from her for a moment, This Melodian Prince that she's betrothed to...He better be good for her. He thinks to himself.

"But father...No. That man...I don't care what he does to me." Kirehsan speaks slowly, clenching his fist as he does so, "These alliances that he's trying to forge by marrying us off to the other kingdoms, it's all for his personal gain...I know it." The young prince's red eyes fill with hatred for a moment, then softens once more. He lets out a deep sigh and looks down at the ground, "I won't let it happen..and I will avenge my mother." He says quietly.

He looks up at her once more, "I heard that he's planning on betrothing me to a princess of Nevermore. Is this true sister?" He asks her.

Helea comforted her brother, his body grew somewhat lax as he embraced her. Her mind wandered slightly to the day her father informed her of her betrothal. The items that flew and the tempers that had flared. Helea focused herself back to Kirehsan when he explained that they were a scouting group that had come too far into the Vampiric territory. Nodding her head she smiled at his agreement. "I'm glad you are alright though. I'd be lost if you left me, you're my beloved brother and this arranged marriage would seem far worse without you here to tell about it." she joked and hugged him tighter before releasing him.

When he turned away for a moment Helea lifted a brow wondering what he was thinking, but just as quickly he had returned his gaze to her. The tone he held was of anger, something she could easily share with him in sentiment and she responded. "Father does what all parents are being forced to do. These arranged marriages are to ensure peace between the kingdoms. That in itself we cannot blame our parents for. I admit Kirehsan, I am angry, yet afraid. I know nothing of this prince, I don't even know If I'll love him or terrify him." she chuckled some. "We will indeed be a very unique couple" Kirehsan suddenly asked her the question she'd been expecting him to ask, but had yet to do it until now. She gave a small frown and nodded. "It is true my brother. Each Prince is devoted to a Princess from each kingdom. But you are still young, you will have plenty of time to get to know her."

Helea reassured him and added. "Do not hate her or resent her for the decisions made by the adults okay. We may be blood suckers, but we aren't all bad and you must show her that." She leaned over, kissed his forehead and rose from the bed. "I'll let you get back to whatever you were doing. I'm hungry and I must write a letter" she moved to the door and as she opened it Helea looked back at Kirehsan, then exited shutting the door behind her.

Moving down the hallway Helea felt the heavy burden upon her shoulder and wondered if the Prince she was to marry felt the same way. Suddenly an idea struck her. Smiling wickedly she hastily made her way to her mother's room and knocked. Allowed entry she greeted her and told her of her idea. Her mother agreed it was a lovely idea. Helea left her mother's room, all she had to do was run the idea of having a ball here and invite all the kingdom's princess and princes, so they could get to know one another.

A sweet smile grew on Xavier's face as his sister engulfed him in a tight embrace. He always loved how she held him like that, it made him calm and fuzzy in his heart. She was probably the only woman he would allow to hug him like that. His relationship with the queen drifted apart ever since that night, the only two people he truly loves was Blake and Mirabella.

"I don't wanna," He teased the older demon covering his ears. "it might sound bad and make blood gush out of my ears." Of course he was only joking. He knew--everyone knew-- how talented his sister was with the piano. It was the many thing he was proud of, of her. Nothing would make his day brighter then to listen the the lovely melodies of his sister. He sat down on the ground his head resting on her knees as he listened to the happy tone. The music she made always calmed the boy even when he was in his second personality.

His eyes gazed at the worrying eldest sibling. From his position he crawled over to the tall window that reached the ground all the way to the ceiling. He rested his hand on the spotless glass and looked at his brother. "Maybe he's worrying about the last ice cream in the freezer." He suggested in a serious tone. "I'll go mess with him!" He said standing to his feet and running out of his sister's room leaving the door open for all of the castle to hear her.

Xavier may seem childish and an idiot at times, but this was only his way of gathering information--inspired by Prince Hamlet. He sort of had an idea of what his father was going to speak to them about, but it was all hunches. He wasn't ready for marriage, hell he wasn't ready for anyone else to touch him. He wondered if his father would ever ask their opinion about the engagements. Of course he knew both of his siblings might accept it, but he was planning to throw the biggest tantrum he ever did. Hopefully that might change the King's mind.

He went to his room, grabbed two toy cars and ran out to the garden. "Blakey!" He said childishly running over to his idol. "Let's play cars, bro! We could race to the fountain! Or or or we could practice our sword fighting!" He said tugging at his sleeve. "Let's play!"

"Sister..." was all that he could say when she left. She made it clear to him that she was unsure of the prince she was betrothed to. He wanted to reassure her somehow but he didn't know what to say, he was never good at comforting people, unlike his sister. Deep down he doesn't want his sister to be married because that would mean she will have to go to the Kingdom of Melodian and live there as the queen, leaving his side. At the same time though he feels like this is a good idea for her. If this prince happens to be a great husband for her then she'll be happy with someone who will be at her side no matter what happens. Helea says she loves me alot...but she can't be in my life forever, she'll only end up being pained more.

Kirehsan sighed as this thought came to mind. He knew that the path he will eventually walk was a dark one, one that he doesn't wish to entangle anyone in.

She's probably heard of all the things that he's done already. The citizens of the Kingdom of Vampricia see him as a rebellious and bratty prince, biting the hand that feeds him. Rumors say that he's just feeding off of the "love" that the king and queen give him and that being his parents they should just disown him, because he doesn't do anything good for the kingdom. That is until this recent war started. The people's respect for him grew a bit out of fear.

When the war started Kirehsan volunteered to join the armies on the frontline. The king was hesitant of this decision, but then agreed to let Kirehsan do as he wished. The king's reasons for this were unknown. Kirehsan proved his worth on the battlefield almost instantly, demonstrating his terrifying swordsmanship and brutal tactics. The soldiers' respect grew for him slowly with each victory that he bought them and eventually his infamy spread throughout the four kingdoms. He became known as the Blade Prince of Blood, an abomination and symbol of terror to life. He would always lead the Vamprician Forces in combat and tear his foes apart, then returning back to the kingdom covered in the blood of both his enemies and his comerades.

The path he walked now was darkening with each step. His sister may not know full well of all the atrocities he's caused on the battlefield, but what was more concerning was that word has probably spread to the Kingdom of Nevermore, the kingdom of which he was betrothed to. The royal family there is most likely concerened for their daughter's engagement to him, and no parent in their right mind would let their child come close to such a monster. This is what bothers him most, the arrangement is still going as planned. What ever strings his father pulled...it's working.

Kirehsan grunted and got up from the bed and removed his blood stained clothes. He got dressed in a simple white dress shirt and black dress pants and proceeded out of his room. He headed down the halls to the living area, seating himself across from the hearth, staring deep into the fires and reminisces some more.

Violet continued to read until somebody sent a guard to her. "Princess Violet, I have to escort you to the Vampricia kingdom. The king and queen told me to take you with no mercy." The guard told her. She ignored him and walked away. The guard took her by the arm and led her to his horse. Violet stepped on his foot and ran away when he loosened his grip. She ran until she reached the castle. Violet went inside without making a sound then she found herself in the throne room. Her parents were sitting on their thrones looking very angry. "Hello mother. Hello father." Violet said while approaching them slowly.

"Violet... Instead of you going to the prince, I will invite the prince to come here." Her father said with a fake smile. "I want you to look your best now run along." Violet walked away and sighed. She walked to her room and changed into her best dress. If she was going to be forced to be married to this prince, she might as well look her best.

In the library Helea sat down at the long cherry wood desk with the ink pen and parchment before her. There were only a few words, Dear Prince of Melodian,
Her eyes bore into the paper as she wished the right words would pop into her head. Groaning she lowered her head onto her arm and thought. Long and hard she sat there thinking of the right words to say before she lifted her head and snatching up the parchment crumbled it up and tossed it in the bin.

Rising Helea rang the bell near the desk and was soon greeted by one of the servants. "Please have a letter of invitation sent out to all Prince and Princesses cordially inviting them to a ball here in Vampricia. The rest of the information the Queen will have, ask her and send them out immediately. Then send the Maids and other servants here." the man hurried away and began preparations.

Whether her parented liked it or not, this perhaps would be the best way for everyone to meet, before they were married. She just hoped everyone would attend. As she moved out of the library Helea headed downstairs and instead of going to the parlor she turned down another hall and headed to the kitchens. Once there Helea asked one of the servants for a warm glass of blood. She usually did feed, but tonight she was in no mood. Taking up the glass she drank it earnestly and thanking the help retreated to her bedroom where she flopped upon the bed and sighed. "Let this work"

Mirabella sighed as Xavier ran out the door and quietly got up to shut it after him. She heard him rush out into the garden, saw him tug on Blake's sleeve and smiled. Then she closed the window and drew all the curtains of her bedroom. She slowly undressed in the darkness of her room, until she stood in the middle of her room in only her slip. She fingered the silky black material and sighed. She wasn't ready for whatever tomorrow would bring. She wasn't ready for any big changes in her life. She wanted to stay here, taking care of Xavier and being taken care of by Blake. There was a tap on her window. "Mail!" She gasped and rushed to the window, opening it a crack to let the Raven in. She tried to take the envelope from its beak, and it pulled back. She laughed, "Oh, alright! I suppose I can play you something..."
She made her way over to the piano, tripping a little over her dress that lay on the floor. "Come hither little bird, and I'll play you a song that nobody's heard." She rhymed, the little bird hopping over to the piano. She played a few notes, then a full melody flowed from her fingertips and before long, the Raven had dropped the mail in its happiness. She grinned. The Raven-Mail was a special service only available to her. She had trained Ravens to pick her mail up for her so she got it earlier than the others.
Picking up the envelope, she noted the blood-red seal with an ornately carved V on it. Carefully opening it, she pulled out a thick piece of paper to read:
Mirabella, Eldest Princess of Nightmare, you are cordially invited to the pre-marriage ball. The three eldest children of each kingdom - the Kingdoms of Nightmare, Melodian, Nevermore, and Vampricia - shall attend. This ball shall be held at the Vampricia Estate, and safe passage will be provided through our kingdom as long as you reply promptly. Should your fiance make the choice to attend, you will be able to meet them at the ball prior to your marriage.
Mirabella's heart was beating fast, and the letter slipped from her fingertips before she even read the time or date. She mechanically opened the window to let the annoyed Raven back outside. She could still see Blake down in the garden. Blake. Blake would tell her it wasn't true, that this was all a big mistake. Running downstairs in just her slip, her bare feet padding softly on the stone pathway of the garden, Mirabella ran past Xavier, and launched herself into a surprised Blake's arms. "Blake! It's not true is it? They would never just marry me off!" Mirabella pulled back to look at Blake's face, her lower lip trembling. She knew that, should she be married off, Blake and Xavier would stay here while she had to move to another Kingdom. "It... must be a mistake," she whispered.

Off in the bright shining Melodian kingdom, the prince Miyoshi had stayed up all night to work on his compositions. He had sat there day in and day out for a few days now, only stopping to pass out from exhaustion and to eat, but each time he came back and had a new idea to write down. From staying up all of those days, he had formed some bags under his eyes and appeared unapproachable. Other from the bags under his eyes though he was looking good, he has been in his night gown which consisted of a cotton shirt and cotton pants every day, but he had to change when he went to eat. Scattered all around his room were piles of compositions he had made, all thanks to his sudden endless creativity that came out of nowhere. As he was writing, his hand suddenly stopped after finishing the last note of a nearly half finished song. His mind stopped along with his hand, and along with his mind, his creativity stopped as well. Slapping the pen down, he stood up from his desk and stepped over the piles of paper with notes on it, the days of his creativity have stopped for an indefinite amount of time.

Grabbing his walking clothes, he switched the shirt and pants he had on with a royal uniform that matched his mood. His mood was plain and his clothes were as dull as a prince could get them. Sleeking out of his room, he went to the garden that was in the front of the castle. Keeping his eyes open as best he could, everyone he walked past did their best not to look at him, which was extraordinarily hard seeing as how he looked and how he dressed wasn't in the picture of the castle.

Blake hears as the music becomes upbeat and he can tell that Xavier had probably entered. He smiles as he enjoys the deep feeling hidden in the notes. That's waht he loved about his sisters music. The soul in the notes, her soul. She put all her feelings in the music, entangling the listener in a web of emotions. He closes his eyes and lets the music take over his mind, something that always worked. That was the one thing he would miss the most about his sister, her ability to just...take all his worries away, just with a single note. Hopefully she could take this talent with her wherever she was going and calm her surroundings, spreading her beauty all over the land.

He opens his eyes when the music stops and he looks up to her window, trying to determine the reason for the pause. He watches the light for a moment and when the window is pulled closed he laments the loss of the music. His thoughts insantly return to his brother and he frowns, thinking of how his brother might react to his new beau. How would she react? Hopefully he would be able to create a buffer around Xavier and his soon-to-be wife, and teach her how to understand his brother. He hoped that Xavier wouldnt react explosively to the decision being made for him.

He was so sick and tired of the war, of the constant lines of worry on his father and mothers face. This stupid disagreement had caused not only the pain of those who faught, but led to unwanted marriges and possibly disasterous combinations.

He is drawn out of his mind when he hears his name "Blakey" and he laughs when his sleeve is pulled on. Suddenly he hears Mirrabella and he braces himself before she launches herself into his free arm. His expression turns black, "I'm afraid that it's true Mirrabella...." He pulls her into a deep embrace, gently pulling his arm from Xavier's hold and he gives her a full hug. "I wasn't sure if I should tell you or not...I..." Blake for once doesnt know what to say. He holds her face between his hands, "I don't know if this is something I can change, so you must be strong. I will always take care of you, even if you are away."

Mirabella started to cry, she couldn't help it. Blake was one of the few people she would cry around - Blake and Xavier. She hugged him tightly, "Why does Father hate me so? To send me away... from you... and Xavier! Xavier and I, we need each other. It's not fair." Her mind flashed instantly to a future with no music and she gasped and murmured, "What if they don't have a piano?"
She envisioned herself, finger waving aimlessly in the air and a strong, mean hand slapping at them. She flinched. What if she married a monster? She'd heard about one of the princes - the younger prince of the Vampricia kingdom. Her parents thought she was too wrapped up in her music to hear the real world, but her ears heard everything - every pitch that was around her, and thus every word. She thought back on the conversation.
'He single-handedly slaughtered half of our army, the dark mages were the only thing that could keep him at bay!' Her father had told her mother, holding her hands as they sat quietly together in the library. They hadn't known she was there, looking for a book on piano tuning - her C# was out of tune. Her hands had stilled on the shelves as she heard them come in and begin to talk.
'Which is this?' Her mother had asked, worriedly.
'The Blade Prince of Blood, also known as Kirehsan, the youngest prince of Vampricia. He fights with skill and dark anger. He is definately to be feared. I worry about the turmoil it should cause if he... died by the hands of our men. He is the only member of royal blood from any of the families fighting on the front line.'
'Why do you think it is so?' Mother had looked sad, not disgusted as Mirabella did at the thought of someone so young killing people. Really at the thought of anyone killing people.
'I think he asked... it seems he's a very angry and depressed child.'
She faded back to the present, the image of the prince covered in blood against a background of cruel lightening. She wondered if they were all like that. If she would be married off to a monster without Blake to protect her physically, or Xavier to protect her mentally... or her beloved piano to protect her emotionally. She would be alone and totally helpless.

Crimson red eyes met burning embers. In the reflection of his eyes the flames danced, bringing back many memories of the past.

"Why did you kill mother five years ago?!" A young seven year old Kirehsan yelled. The throne room echoed with the young boys voice. The king, sitting upon his throne didn't seem fazed by it and remained calm. He raised his hand slowly, ordering for his subjects to leave, along with Queen Elwen and Helea.
It was just the two of them now; father and son, king and prince. "Why! Why did you do it!" Kirehsan yelled again after an answer wasn't given to him. Raekwon stood up from his throne, "She was keeping you from me, we had an agreement that on your second birthday you would be transferred to the castle to be raised as a prince of Vampricia. She didn't keep her promise and therefore had to be dealt with." the king said in a calm and factly tone. The boy didn't take this lightly and spoke up once more, "I was happy living in the town with mother! You didn't have to take me away!" Kirehsan gave Raekwon a glare.
"You are my son, and that means you are also my property. I will do with you as I wish." the king replies back to the prince firmly. This statement seems to have hit a sensitive nerve. Kirehsan's eyes widen at his father's statement. "..Property?...Is that all mother and I were to you!?" Kirehsan's anger has risen beyond bounds at this point. "You have no right to decide my life for me!" he yelled. His psyche seems to have broken by this. All this time he meant nothing to his father. It ends now. Rashly Kirehsan drew out the dagger that was strapped at his waist and charges at his father, "I'm going to kill you and get revenge for mother's death!"
Raekwon's patience seems to have run out at this point. He held his hand out at Kirehsan and conjured up a dark spell, suspending Kirehsan in a dark barrier. The young prince lost his footing immediately and was suspended in the air. "Ungreatful whelp!" he yelled at his son and with a movement of his hand, pushed the shadowy barrier that encased Kirehsan at the wall opposite from him.
Kirehsan hit the wall with much force, nearly knocking the air out of him. The boy let out a painful gasp as he fell to the ground, dropping the dagger in his hand in the process. Before he could do anything else his father stood right before him, and lifted him up by the collar of his shirt. "I have had enough of your insolence. I should've disciplined you long ago!" his father yelled at him, slapping him across the face and then throwing him down on the ground hard. Kirehsan cried out in pain and spat out some blood when he made contact with the ground. The amount of pain he was going through was traumatizing, some of the bones in his body definitely broke from the beating he was taking.
Raekwon then stepped his foot on Kirehsan's body, pressing it down slowly, causing Kirehsan to yelp in pain once more. "I am the king. I control the fates of everyone in this kingdom, and one day the whole world will bow down before me!" Raekwon spoke harshly, pressing his foot down harder, "And I have no problem making a few sacrifices along the way.." he then releases his hold on Kirehsan and kicks him against the wall. Hitting the wall Kirehsan lets out a cry of agony. Blood, his blood, was dripping from his mouth, some of the bones in his body were cracked, and tears of anger flowed freely from his eyes. His father walked slowly over to him. He was unsure what his father was going to do next. Closing his eyes he braced himself for another round of pain.

Kirehsan's eyes burned with anger as the memory played in his mind. That was the first time he actually tried to kill his father. The man was strong, he didn't stand a chance against him. Even though he's older now, he knew that if he tried to face his father in combat again he wouldn't be spared. What's the point of living now anyway.. He thought to himself and let out a deep sigh.

A servant then came by him. "Prince Kirehsan, his highness has told me to deliver this message to you." the servant told him. Kirehsan didn't feel like hearing the news, especially since he was in a bad mood. "I don't want to hear it." he says to the servant. He could hear a sigh of disapproval coming from the servant, "It's a message of utmost urgency. His highness has recieved word from the Kingdom of Nevermore. The royal family of Nevermore requests that they meet the man that their daughter is to be married to." the servant explained to the young prince.

Kirehsan was surprised for a moment but didn't answer, deciding to feign ignoring the servant's message. The servant waited for a moment then spoke up once more, "We have an escort ready for you whenever you decide to go, but please make haste." with that the servant left back to his quarters. So...I'm invited to Nevermore...well a break from this place wouldn't be bad. Kirehsan thought to himself. He had to inform his sister first.

Slowly he got up from where he sat and headed towards Helea's bedroom, knocking on her door once he was right outside.

Helea, laying upon her bed, she stared up at the ceiling, the fake stars giving a sense one was outside beneath those very stars. Lifting her left hand into the air before her she looked to her ring finger, could she wear one to symbolize the union between her and the Prince. Dropping her hand down she mused that this wasn't certain death, simply a new journey in her life.

If everything went according to plan by tomorrow night every royal child would be in the ballroom attending a party she herself had thrown together. Servants had arrived periodically over the last hour to get their instructions on preparing food for each honored guest, drinks as well. Decorations were to be more spirited and not so dull, she wanted her guest entertained, not frightened to death. Smirking at her own thoughts Helea heard the knock upon her door an hour later.

Sitting up she called forth to the owner of the knock. "Enter" there was only one person who ever visited her in her room, Kirehsan, and judging by the hesitated knocks, he had something on his mind. It was perhaps a natural instinct with her as the eldest, to be able to know the emotions that wreaked havoc on her siblings. The only one that had yet to show himself was the first Prince, a solitary creature her mother claimed, saying he took more after his mother than his father.

Helea awaited Kirehsan she caught a fraction of the plaguing thoughts that lingered in his mind, a gift she had hoped would have left years ago when she reached adulthood. This was the role she was born to lead, a more mature nature yet she wanted to be as her sibling was. She wanted to go kicking and screaming, but her mother's upbringing made her halt the idea and simply accept it. But there was nothing wrong with meeting the one she was promised to before the wedding date. At least get to know him, who knew, maybe he was a Prince Charming, but even if he wasn't she was hopeful love could grow from the union.

Kirehsan opened the door slowly and entered her room. He stood by the door silent for a moment, then spoke up. "Fa..I mean Raekwon sent a message to me. He told me that he recieved word from the royal family of Nevermore. They request that I travel to their land and present myself before the princess for which I'm betrothed to." He says to her hesitantly. "..I have no intention of following that man's orders, and marrying the princess of Nevermore is not on my list of things to do...but I don't mind taking leave for the time being. A meeting with the royal family of Nevermore may also be advantageous to our kingdom's survival, political relations and such." He then gives her a light smirk, "I also wouldn't mind some...human blood." he chuckles lightly.

He could tell that she wasn't amused however, and for some reason this news of him leaving disappoints her. "I...am to leave as soon as I'm ready..I'm afraid I have to go before this hour is over." He softens his tone. "If it makes you feel more secure, I can leave the royal escorts here, I don't mind traveling alone." He tries to give her a reassuring smile.

He didn't like leaving his sister like this. In her time of need he has to go, it makes him feel guilty. He turns to leave slowly, placing his hands on the door before heading out, "I'm sorry dear sister.."

Helea was not amused by his play on words of getting human blood. Lifting a brow to show it she knew he caught on quickly. She was unhappy about this sudden decision for her brother to leave. And shaking her head she rose from the bed and ordered before he could fully close the door. "Kirehsan wait. I have sent out invitations," she moved quickly to the door, jerking it open which would halt him in the hallway. "Your betroths father will be receiving it soon. He will know this is a step in your meeting her.

Send him another letter apologizing for your hasty decline, but that you will meet his lovely daughter at the ball tomorrow night. You will not be leaving. And she will not be leaving her home tonight to come here either. All will come together at the ball. Now hurry and send the letter in your stead brother" she informed and ushered him down the hall to his room. Helea was always a woman of quick judgment and tonight had proved it. Why should the children of these Kingdoms be fretting over such things, when the answers were in front of them the whole time.

Turning back to her room Helea strode over to the window and peered out, darkness reigned here, and when she marries the Prince of Melodian, a creature of light, will she be able to endure it. Shaking her head she cleared her thoughts. "Let me meet him before I begin questioning such things." she scolded herself.

"A ball? Here-" before Kirehsan could inquire more of his sister she pushed him out of her room. What's that all about? he wondered to himself. A ball held in their kingdom, inviting the princes and princesses of the other kingdoms. He was still oblivious to why she decided to do that. Heading back to his room he laid down on his bed for a moment. I should be present for the ball tomorrow night..but at the same time, I don't want to be one to disappoint.. He thought over what he should do. Should he obey Helea's wishes and stay here or should he go to Nevermore and meet his betrothed's family. And score a meal..

A plan formed in his mind, earning him a sly grin. "I can make a compromise." Kirehsan got up from his bed and went over to his wardrobe. He donned his casual battle garb, which consisted of a black coated suit with a white collared shirt under it, dark leather gloves and boots with metal guards attached to them, and a dark brown leather belt adorned with a brass buckle strapped at his waist. He then strapped the longsword that lay against his bed across the right of his back and made his way over to his sword cabinet on the other side of his room. Opening it he removed two matching sabers from their stands and secured them both to the left side of his waist. To finish arming himself he took out a dagger from the cabinet and secured it to the right of his belt buckle. Once he was done securing his weapons he closed the cabinet and walked over to his bed, lifting up the dark crimson cloak that lay there and wrapping it around him. His outfit was almost complete, only one thing was missing. Walking over to his dresser he took out a black light-weight metal mask. He often wore this piece in battle to hide his identity, but most people knew who he was already. It was also useful for protecting his face from sunlight. Placing the mask against his face he secured it, he was now ready.

Quietly he crept out of his room and closed the door behind him. He traveled through the corridors, avoiding any of the servants that were moving freely about the castle and stealthily made his way to the stables.

The Vamprician stables held many horses of different colors, calibers, and abilities. Many of the ones bred here were imbued with vampiric strength and agility, just like those who rode them. Kirehsan looked through the different pens, looking for a certain horse in particular. After searching nearly half of the stables he found the horse he was looking for. The prince grinned when he saw the horse. "Nocturnus, you will be my legs." he said to the horse, pointing at it.

The horse grunted at Kirehsan's command, shaking its head. Nocturnus was a pitch black horse, with a dark crimson mane and red eyes that would instill fear in any that stood in its path. Not only that he could cover large distances within hours. With this horse Kirehsan knew he would be able to reach the Kingdom of Nevermore in time to let the royal family know who he is and then bring the princess back to the Kingdom of Vampricia just in time for the nightly ball.

"Will this convince you?" Kirehsan grabbed a rat that was crawling around the corner of the stables and offered it to Nocturnus. The horse didn't hesitate and immediately drained the life out of the helpless rodent. Kirehsan dropped the rat's corpse on the ground and opened up Nocturnus' pen, letting him out. The prince then strapped a crimson saddle onto the horse's back and mounted. He gripped onto the reins and lead the horse out. "I'll be back before you know I was gone sister." Kirehsan then commanded Nocturnus to gallop with a strike of his reins. The horse obeyed immediately and sped forward, leaving the stables and then the castle gates, making haste towards the Kingdom of Nevermore.

With Nocturnus I'll be there in no time. Nevermore will be expecting me soon. Kirehsan grinned at that thought. Maybe if he was lucky also, he'd be able to find an unsuspecting peasant along the way and feast on their blood. It won't be long now, until news of the Blade Prince of Blood's approach to the Kingdom of Nevermore spreads.

A rare frown grew on Xavier's face. He couldn't accept that his hunches were true. He shook his head taking a few steps away from his siblings. "No..." He said under his breath as he realized one of his fears was turning into reality. "Blake you can't let mommy and daddy do this!" He said looking at his older sister. He couldn't imagine being separated from either one of them. He shook his head again biting his quivering lip. "Sissy can't marry someone..." He said in a sad tone as he sat on the grassy floor. "She can't leave me and Blake."

A terrible thought came to mind. If his sister was going to be wed, that meant so will he and his brother. Fear shot through his body at the thought of another woman holding his hand. He trembled slightly dropping the toy cars. "N-no..i-it can't happen..." He said looking up at his sister. "I-it'll be okay sissy..." He said to the girl trying to be brave. "Big brother will try to convince mommy and daddy...right?"

((sorry short >.<))