Chapter 36: A Play Part II

As they traveled to the amphitheater, Ezra sat on one side of the carriage while Katerina sat opposite.

Ezra watched her as she stared out the open window. She was still flustered from their close interaction and it radiated from her expressions, leaving Ezra to smile in pleasure.

He never intended to arouse her in such ways, but she surprised him again. He felt hopeful that she wouldn't fear him anymore, but then he'd wonder why he cared so much. He never had pity or gratitude towards a pet before. Why was she any different?

"Is there anything I am to know before we arrive?" Katerina questioned, knowing his gaze was upon her.

Ezra nodded, concerned for her behavior since this was the first time out since the incident at the ball.

"You mustn't speak." He closed his eyes and shifted the cuff links on his wrists.

"That is the first rule." He continued. "You can't even look at other vampires there. Keep your head down and I will protect you." His eyes opened and met hers.

Katerina felt an overwhelming sensation that made her heart flutter.

"You most definitely can't do that." Referencing to her beating heart. "No matter how much arousal I cause you." He gave her a fang filled smile that made her quickly look away.

He chuckled and glanced out the window, they were approaching the valet.

"It is imperative that you only speak when spoken to. Do not ask questions. Do not speak to other pets."

Katerina tilted her head and Ezra nodded.

"There are a lot of pets in the world. You aren't the only one. Some are exploitedly abused. Some are loved in public, but abused at home." He sighed, remembering his past pets.

"Some are only used as a walking food trough. You must avoid interfering in any way."

The thought of such awful things to humans by vampires saddened Katerina. In a way, she felt grateful that Ezra found her instead of someone that consistently hurt her.

"Please remember, Katerina." He whispered, his accent lingered at the end of her name. "Do not leave my side." He commanded.

Katerina nodded as the stagecoach halted.

The front of the amphitheater was crowded with groups of vampires conversing, lingering in and out of the lobby before the play began.

It was a beautifully, historical built dome, open at the top. Inside were stage seats and box seats. Prince Ezra typically reserves a box seat for added privacy of other vampires. As a Royal icon, Ezra would be bombarded by vampires to greet him, and offer ideas for the Kingdom in which he rarely cared to listen to.

Ezra stepped out of the carriage first, then Katerina followed. All eyes soon fell upon them.

There were rumors about what had happened days ago. Duke Alessandro made sure that the rumors were straightened out to memorialize his side of the story—the lie.

Vampires bowed and curtsied as they passed by. Katerina followed closely behind, feeling the gaze of others linger over her. She knew they wanted to devour her.

Ezra could hear the whispers, quite literally. Vampires in the crowded chatted as they walked by about how Alessandro was seduced at Ezra's pet, forcing the incident to happen at the ball. Others whispered about how filthy and unpure his flower was.

Ezra gritted his teeth and Katerina saw his posture become tense. As a way of relieving him, Katerina stepped closer to him and lightly touched his arm.

"Welcome Your Majesty." A doorman bowed and opened the brick door so that they could enter.

Ezra did not reply and guided Katerina to the staircase where they were to be seated in the private box area. The box seats were situated at the top of the dome, with a wrap around curtain that blocked others from being able to see through from the outside. However, the individuals inside, could see the play.

A man followed them up the staircase, opening the curtain for them and bowing to Ezra.

"May I supply you with anything Your Grace?"

Ezra nodded.

"Do bring us glasses of water and a basket of biscuits for the lady."

The butler blinked his eyes then nodded, leaving them be.

"Sit." Ezra stated.

There were two leather chairs seated next to a table while a pillow laid next to it. Assuming it was for her, Katerina began to sit on it.

"No." Ezra said lowly. "In the chair please."

Katerina followed his commanded and sat in the chair, she lifted her gown slightly to sit comfortably.

The butler came back, placing the items on the table next to them before speaking.

"Your Majesty, there is a pillow fo—" the butler was cut off as Ezra lifted his hand in the air.

The butler quickly went away, leaving them alone.

The night sky still draped over them, leaving a scene of scattered stars and a half moon to light up the region. The amphitheater soon filled up and the stage was getting ready to begin.

Ezra ushered Katerina to drink water and eat, as if he cared for her health and development.

"I need you to know that this is no ordinary play." He bluntly said.

Katerina was confused, but didn't question him further.

Ezra could feel the eyes of vampires looking up at them from other seats, forcing him to stand up in annoyance and close the curtain around them so that no one else could see them as they watched the play.

Soon, a man entered on stage wearing a black cloak. His red suit blended into the satin fabric and patterns while he took off his top hat to bow to the entire audience.

"Greetings." His thunderous voice echoed.

The audience applauded softly as to not interrupt.

"It is with great pleasure to have you all in attendance tonight." He kept a smile on his face the entire time he spoke, almost trance-like.

"This is an extraordinary story-line with extraordinary actors. I will also warn you of a very special guest—a new comer among our mists!"

The audience cheered and clapped their hands, excited to see what was in store for them. Vampires yearned to be thrilled and surprised otherwise they'd live boring lives and go insane.

"For now, enjoy the show!" He exited the stage and the stage crew began set up for the first scene.

The play began with a group of women chattering in a garden while the men played croquet in the fields. From what Katerina could gather, it was a typical love story. What was Ezra talking about then?

Ezra watched the play intently, glancing over at Katerina every so often. He hoped she was enjoying the play, even during the scenes when the actors had sex.

Her cheeks would flush a deep shade of red, forcing a smile out of him in response. She was inexplicably innocent.

Throughout the opera singing, Katerina was intrigued. The voices would vibrate and bounce smoothly off the walls of the dome, which is why it was so perfect to hold plays in.

The play then took a dark turn, murder and mystery took over which left Katerina bewildered.

When the closing of the play gathered, a young woman was brought on stage—a human. Her brunette hair covered her chest since she was completely naked.

Katerina shifted her gaze to Ezra who seemed just as befuddled.

The actors on stage crowded around her in a ritualistic manner. The young woman was screeching for help through tears.

Katerina stood up, walking to the box seat edge, narrowing her eyes at the scene.

"Katerina.." Ezra hissed.

The vampires then began to feed on her, ripping her skin away from her. Blood flew into the air as the woman cried louder in excruciating pain.

The audience applauded, whistling and cheering at the delicious sight.

Katerina blinked her eyes when the vampires left the body lying on the stage floor before turning around to bow at the audience. The orchestra playing music picked up in pace as they exited the stage.

"No.." Katerina whispered, horrified.

The woman, covered in blood was shaking in shock and anemia. She held out her arms, hopeful that someone would save her from the hell she just endured.

As Katerina squinted her eyes further, her entire body shook with adrenaline.

With a heavy heart, her words shakenly came out. "Be-Beth.."

Tears welled in her eyes as she saw her lifeless cousin be carried away.