A Bastard's Allure-Chapter 110: She Was Mine To Kill!

The lamp cast flickering shadows on the walls of the hallways. A group of hooded led the way with Lord Atticus trailing closely behind with a mask of mourning on his face. Tonight, they’d bury Elena’s body and announce the little boy the new heir to Mysthaven.

The four leading the entourage halted at the door waiting for a signal from the old man. He gave them a soft nod before they pushed the door open.

The candles burnt dimly in the room bringing a frown on Lord Atticus’ face. Though he wanted to take over Mysthaven, he would never violate the royal tradition of burning the candles day and night until the body was buried. And to the best of his knowledge, he’d instructed that, strictly.

A feminine body lay on the elevated alter completely covered in a white thin sheet. The men moved to carry it but Lord Atticus could tell something was off.

"Wait!" He said, his hand raised into a halt gesture. He walked towards the alter and uncovered the body to reveal the face behind it. It was a maid of the palace, still in her clothes.

Lord Atticus nostrils flared wide as he turned around to face the knights who had been guarding the body.

"How long did it take you fools to realize the princess’s body is missing?"

The knights stared at each other in astonishment. They saw the face of the maid, their eyes widening in realization.

"I swear she was in here the whole time. No one came in or left," one of them explained.

"And you didn’t think to check?" Atticus asked before he sighed heavily. "He’s the only one who could steal her body. Search the area!"

The knights dispersed barking orders at those who stood in the hallways doing nothing. Lord Atticus pinched the skin between his brows, pacing around the room. This would definitely delay his plans and that bastard new it. He had to wait!

*****

Brandon stared at himself in the mirror as a squire strapped his armour on him. His was a pale skin and dark sharp eyes. His hair, as dark as raven, was the most prominent color, a big contrast to his skin.

The door swung open before a knight announced, "Lord Tieron, Your Majesty."

Brandon stared at the knight from across the mirror. "Send him in," he replied.

Lord Atticus came in shortly after and walked towards the table. He poured himself a glass of wine and leaned against the wall as he watched the squire tighten the breastplate around his chest. Their eyes met in the mirror for a brief moment, the darkness in them an undeniable thing they had in common.

"Leave us," Brandon dismissed the squire. With a bow, the young vampire left, closing the door behind him.

"When I look at myself in the mirror, I see him," Brandon started. He scoffed lightly before adding, "Funny how I do not see his resemblance in me."

Tieron placed the drink on the table, his eyes sparkling with an inkling of hope. Had he finally found out that he was his true father?

"Many say father had a soft spot on me but truth is, it was all my mother’s attempt to show me that we the purebred were superior."

"Thoron was always the perfect son. He was father’s favorite, just like you. I think he was trying to reciprocate the love he received as a child." Tieron said and resumed to drink his wine.

Brandon searched at Tieron in the mirror before turning around to look at him. "You two didn’t get along, did you?" He enquired.

Tieron’s grip on the glass tightened, the once sweet wine tasting sour. "Thoron was the obedient one, the crown prince. I was the adventurous type."

"And you leaving Eldoria was part of the adventure?" Brandon asked, the sharp look on his uncle’s face just the reaction he had expected.

"Your father and I had our differences. Father said I’d be a bad influence by his side, words which Thoron took seriously."

A knock sounded on the door before a captain walked in. "The troops are ready, Your Majesty," he reported. "We move at your command."

Brandon searched for Tieron’s eyes as if saying ’see who’s in command now’. He gave a nod at the captain before the man exited.

"When I think of it, my father was wise to cast you out of Eldoria to prevent any unnecessary competition." He walked closer and put his hands heavily on Tieron’s shoulders.

"I ought to do the same, only this time it’ll be different." He leaned closer to Tieron’s ears. "I’ll kill my halfling of a brother, and you uncle, are going to help me."

Brandon leaned back to look at Tieron’s eyes. "Ride with me at my side as the commander of my army!"

Tieron’s eyes sparked in both awe and excitement. How could he refuse such an offer to be close to his son.

"I wouldn’t deny His Majesty’s request," he replied with a slight bow. Brandon wore a pair of gloves before walking outside. Tieron closely followed behind.

From the vantage position, he could see a vampire army stretching as far as the eye could see. Nothing motivated a vampire more than bloodthirst and a battle with humans would be just the solution.

A knight walked towards Tieron and whispered something into his ear. His lips curled evilly before he walked towards the king.

"We’ve got some exciting news from the human realm," he started. "Elena Thornhart has been reported dead!"

Brandon could have celebrated but for some odd reason, the news sounded devastating. He appeared disturbed.

"Not riled up by the news?" Tieron enquired, observing Brandon’s behavior.

He caught his lower lip between his teeth, his fists clenched. "She was mine to kill!" He seethed.

"I thought my brother was emotionless, heartless even. But then father forced him to marry her for the truce. I’ve never seen the bastard care for someone as he did for Elena. I wanted to take that from him!"

He sighed deeply, his eyes settling at the vampire army waiting below. "What’s the bloody point of it if she isn’t alive?"