5 Uninvited guest (II)

Killian made it back to the study, finding Jeremy near the window leafing through one of his books leisurely, while the old man sat still fuming in the brown leather chair across from Killian's desk. He was busy plotting away in his mind, how to get rid of the girl, and the only option that made any sure sense was to have Killian's father pay a visit. Though those two never exactly saw eye to eye, it was common knowledge that Killian would do just about anything to please his father and that was exactly what the old elder was counting on.

The court couldn't have a lowly human dash their plans to naught. Having Killian without their reach and influence was a hard task already as it is, especially since the man rarely if ever visits and hardly if ever welcomes visitors to his home. He might have left the palace but he was still the former king that everyone knew.

Elder Sato had in the Lord's absence sought information from his lapdog, only ending up empty-handed, as the man proved to know nothing about the girl or decided not to indulge his curiosity. This only made him more incensed at the atrocity that was occurring before his eyes.

How could he stand and let something like this pass?

Prejudice was not only found among humans, but even the night creatures harbored this green-eyed feeling, seeing themselves as superior to the weaker race. However, not everyone harbored these feelings, as just like some humans, there lived creatures of the night that only wished to live in peace and make it through each day.

Killian's grey eyes skimmed over the elder, waiting almost patiently, while he sat at his desk, his cheek resting against his fist that was propped up against the arm of the chair. He seemed relaxed and unobservant, but the man was anything but. Killian had more than enough experience with the men of the court, and when it came to this one especially, he knew to be on his guard. It was one of the reasons he had left the palace, not being able to tolerate much more of the officers' constant bickering, plotting, and bits of advice on how to deal with situations. He was never good at taking commands from others.

"You're awfully quiet Elder," Killian remarked, breaking the deafening silence that hung in the room. "Especially seeing you were so vocal only moments ago."

Then old vampire harumpped, folding his hands against his chest before alighting from his seat.

"Well, I'm not sure what you expected of me, seeing a human here and being told most of all that she was the mistress of the house." The old vampire argued. "Have you lost your mind, young Lord? You the elder heir of our land and former king! The vampire that is worthy to walk in his father's footsteps and is the pride of our hearts."

Killian rolled his eyes, turning his head to gaze at his friend who was busy chuckling away at the elder's tiresome berating. Jeremy was enjoying himself that someone else was bearing the burden of dealing with Killian's defiance for once.

"Pray tell Jeremy," Killian says and the man pauses his reading with a smile still lingering on his lips. "Why is Elder Sato reminding me of the life I once lived?"

In as much as the question was directed towards Jeremy, it was indirectly a warning to the elder that Killian was not treasuring his brazen behavior.

"Perhaps he's endeavoring to have you remember your past, my Lord, in case you have forgotten," Jeremy responds still amused with the turn of events.

"Preposterous!" Sato shouts. " I'm merely saying he's of a caliber that shouldn't be galivanting with such fleeting life. Especially seeing as they're just food! "

Killian changed his nonchalant position, sitting straight in his chair, poised as the king he was. His gaze was hard, yet he maintained the grey of his eyes, but his calmness was barely held in check.

He would have no one threaten his Rosa. He'd sooner tear them to pieces with his own hands. The Elder had no idea the precipe he had walked himself onto.

"Besides being an irritation to me today, Sato" Killian's voice came out a deep dark timbre, indicating he was no longer in a giving mood. "Because I'm highly persuaded to send your head back to court with its body not intact. Why are you here? As for your latter statement, should I remind you that bloodletting is illegal?"

"Of course not," Elder Sato answered after staring at the young Lord slightly mortified by his words. He had often been witness to his father's threats to another but had never had the unfortunate luck of experiencing the scrutiny himself.

Killian's eyes were light but his words were anything but. He might not have been sitting on the throne, but right then, the elder could feel the sweat of perspiration slipping down the back of his neck at his words. Killian was the one person that no one bothered to trifle with, as he held no companion with others and no one knew at any one time where his thoughts lay. The ruling King was a joke compared to Killian.

"Ahem," The elder coughed into his hand, bowing his head in an attempt to get away from Killian's steel glare. "I was merely speaking of past times my Lord, I meant no offense."

"Or hinting at what is done in secret, either way, there's no need to speak of the past. My patience is dwindling quickly Elder Sato, quit your delay."

"Ah yes. Right away," the old vampire spake quickly.

This was not how he expected the day to turn out. It was already a hard task turning up unannounced and now the young Lord was in a bad mood. What bad omen was this? He could only fault it with the human. This was all her doing.

"You know how it is at the capital, my Lord" Elder Sato started keeping his eyes on his shoes. If he risked seeking the young Lord's face, he wouldn't be able to go through with it, and then he'd have to deal with a much greater evil -Killian's father. "The people, there's been civil unrest my Lord."

"There's nothing new about that," Jeremy commented. "Practically I think the people of the capital are spoilt."

Jeremy found it mind-boggling how these issues related to Killian, rolling his eyes inwardly. The court had always been a burden. He wasn't sure what they wanted of Killian, to make bread from stone? Even he after a while learned there would always be descent over the Crown's decisions. Not everyone could be pleased. Then again, this wasn't his fight, he would hold his tongue until Killian ordered him otherwise.

Elder Sato scoffed outwardly at Jeremy's words while Killian remained impassive.

"The people have a right to have their voices heard," The Elder replied. "Maybe you should try administrating, sometimes, Jeremy. They are the pride of our land and hard workers. If they are unhappy, we must attend to them".

The old vampire sought to speak to the compassionate soul of Killian, knowing how much he valued his fellow countrymen, in hopes to sway him. If they got him on their side, no one would stand to oppose them. Though Killian himself would have a more suitable adjective for that feeling, the elder or others claimed he had. Simply concern. The fewer problems the people had, the more time he'd have to himself to do his own bidding.

"There have been revolts, rumors about tarnishing the royal name. We fear the decision to have you leave was a mistake my Lord and humbly request your presence at court." The Elder continued bowing deeply at the end of his speech.

Killian filed his left feet over his right, reclining into his chair as a small smile formed on his lips. Truly they had to be mistaken.

"Elder Sato, while I do regret to hear of the courts' troubles, neither situations have anything to do with me." The old man opened his mouth in protest and Killian tsked, shaking his head. "Had I not allowed you to have your day Elder?" Killian's grey eyes narrowed on the man who quickly clamped his mouth shut. "As for my leave being a mistake, I don't recall asking for anyone's permission to do as I please."

At the end of his words, his friend chuckled in the background, happy to not be on the receiving end of his chastisement. It seems they had long forgotten the King whom Killian once was. His walk to the throne was by no one's will. He was merely the only one who was worthy of taking over the kingdom after his after had been forced to abdicate the throne. Many things have changed since that decision was made. Killian had lost all interest in what was best for the Throne, now it was his brother's turn to shoulder the burden of the country.

"Toshi is now King and these matters should be reported to him and not me. Unless you intend to incite me to treason against his majesty?"

"Absolutely not my Lord!" The Elder shouted perplexed at his situation. At this point, he would surely lose his head. "These words are from the King's father, as well as everyone my Lord. The palace is in shambles, at this point he'll run the entire country to ruins."

"My father is no longer King and thus has no say in the affairs of running the land anymore."

Killian ran his nimble fingers through his hair, lamenting the fact that he could've been spending his time poking and getting to know his Rosa, instead, he was stuck listening to the spurting of his father through the treacherous old man. There was so much for him to learn about her, and the fact that she was so anxious to meet him warmed his heart. Hiding himself from her might have been wrong, but he knew the truth behind what humans thought of his kind, he would not have her exhibiting those same unfounded thoughts without getting to know him first. That is, without having other people meddling in his affairs.

"Toshi will learn, you all need to give him time."

Jeremy cringed at Killian's statement but refrained from getting involved in the court's affairs. In truth, time was an essence that didn't seem to improve the current Lord's outlook. Dura was facing a widespread depression, and he was to see or hear what the good Lord had planned to mitigate these circumstances that abound with his people. He was starting to suspect either he was waiting to see what Killian would do, or maybe he planned on having Killian beg him for help. The latter of which would never come. In as much as Killian treasured his brother, their bond was never strong. The latter always sought his attention while the former always wanted to be left to his thoughts.

Jeremy sighed internally. It was going to be a long day. He casually checked his watch before stealing a glance out the window, the clouds had started to gather, another rainy night lingering on the horizon. He shivered at the thought of having to work in the rain. 

Why did rain have to be wet?

"He can't even be trusted with his own decor" mumbled the old vampire beneath his breath. "I'm not sure how we ended up with a twit like him becoming King."

Jeremy couldn't help slapping his hand across his face in disdain. That idiot. Did he really want to die at Killian's hands? This vampire might have lived a few centuries but without doubt, had neglected to gather much common sense during then.

"That twit is my father's son and your King and I would be careful how I speak about the Crown, elder, there's not very many people here that would tolerate your language. Jeremy for one would take your head," Killian smiled, a crooked smile walking towards the old man before leaning near his ear. "But that won't be before I rip your heart out" The old vampire didn't care to breathe as Killian's words sunk in, while he trembled in his boots. "Tell my father I have no interest and I humbly request that he leaves me be. Now run along quickly before I think to send your head back."

"You truly are terrifying my Lord," Jeremy thought shaking his head.

He knew what everyone was thinking, and while he shared the same sentiment he knew better than to echo his selfish thoughts aloud. The country truly was in desperate need of Killian's help, not just as a member of the Royal family, but as the true King. But alas, that dream would no longer be reality. Killian lost his will to fight when he lost Rosa. 

When the door to the study closed, and the two men were finally alone, Killian stretched, walking over to the lounge chair that was adjacent to the window, settling himself into it. It seemed just hearing of the court took his energy and made him even more hungry.

Jeremy watched from the other side of the window as his friend laid against the seat, seemingly intending to sleep and he scoffed. As long as he has known Killian he was always like this. And if he left him to sleep, they wouldn't discuss anything until the next morning. No, he wouldn't have it.

"Killian!" He called before throwing the book he held at him. "Wake up! Killian"

"Jeremy just be silent, I need to rest awhile."

"You're like a cat you know that?!" Jeremy retorts marching over to where his friend lies when he hears a voice call through the door.

"Master?"

Immediately, Jeremy realized it was the young Telser calling, and silently he cursed his friend knowing he'd have to cover for him.

"You can't sleep now," Jeremy poked Killian at his side deciding to make his life hell instead. "The woman is calling and I'm sure that's no maid."

However, Killian only turned his back, covering his face with his arm and ignoring them while he continued to rest and Jeremy seethed.

If only Killian wasn't his master.

"Hello, my lady," Jeremy responded opening the door, before stepping into the corridor as the mistress attempted to glance into the room.

"Jeremy, oh" Ayano responded her voice falling short seeing the man. "Where is the master? May I speak with him awhile?"

Jeremy's smile broadened even further as he scratched his head.

"If I told you he was sleeping would you believe me?"