An old friend [ 1]
Rose hadn't eaten anything since being banished to the knights' quarters the previous day. Her stomach growled hungrily, the pangs of emptiness only amplified by the life growing within her womb. She knew her mother wouldn't allow the castle servants to feed her, so she would have to venture out to find sustenance elsewhere.
Pulling a large, baggy maternity gown over her clothes to conceal her small baby bump, Rose quietly slipped out of her room and made her way through the dimly lit halls. She passed a couple of snickering maids who instantly averted their eyes upon seeing her. Rose ignored them, holding her head high as she exited through a side door leading outside the castle's main walls.
The inner city streets were bustling with vampires going about their business. Many turned to gawk openly at Rose, their supernatural senses detecting the unmistakable scent of pureblood nobility wafting from her. Hushed whispers and furtive gestures followed in her wake.