Song Playlist: King and Lionheart by Monsters and Men

Chapter 20

Loyalty

/ˈlɔɪəlti/

1. the state or quality of being loyal

[i. steadfast in allegiance to one's homeland, government or sovereign

ii. faithful to a person, ideal, custom, cause or duty]

2. a feeling or attitude of devoted attachment and affection

The magic fuelled street lamps set Sanguinem in an eerie green lighting, casting dramatic shadows over its arching bridges and European reminiscent architecture. If it weren't for the bulking pipes that chained the city together, the view could almost be called beautiful.

Lusina drew her cloak and the shadows of the city tighter around herself as she passed through the tightly packed buildings. Her breaths were even and silent, the patrol guards ignorant as she weaved semi circles around their routes. In her sweeping search, Lusina found herself treading the streets that were neither near the top amongst the looming palace nor at the bottom tiers where the livestock were kept penned, but were somewhere vaguely in the middle.

As she passed a deserted manor with no lights on inside, a familiar passionate voice drifted from high above.

Lusina halted and her shoulders relaxed minutely.

She swiftly leapt up, pushing her fingers against the decorated corbels to scale the wall in a few effortless leaps. As she landed on the occupied flat roof, her hood fell back to reveal closely cropped hair and almond shaped eyes.

"Elemary," Lusina straightened up severely, greeting the nearest vampire. "Why am I not surprised you are all idling on another rooftop again?"

Said Elemary made what could have been a hushing noise or a particularly obscure mutter to himself. He was siting cross-legged on one of the many abandoned crates, head bent low as his pen rapidly flew back and forth in barely legible notes and magic diagrams.

"It's no use," a sardonic voice told Lusina. She turned to see Fearce lounging on several crates as if it were the most comfortable bed in the realm. One hand was nestled under his head while the other was rolling a pocket blade between his fingers. "There's no helping him when he gets in that mode."

"That is true," Lusina conceded and as Fearce drew his knees to make space, she sat down composedly. Fearce's eyes flickered to her with shielded respect before flopping his head to look at the other two vampires on the rooftop.

Petra was sitting on the cobblestones with her back resting against a crate. She fiddled with the end of her ponytail, tucking stray strands behind her pointed ears as she kept her borderline religious attention on Teuta as she spoke.

"—and as punishment, they were separated and God placed a curse on them; the flowers of Manju shall never meet the leaves of Saka again-"

Teuta, whose voice Lusina had been tracking for the past half hour. With one foot propped up on a crate, she was embellishing her story with enthusiastic gestures that sent her wavy waist length flying as if it had an energy of its own.

The sight, just like Teuta herself, was hard not to be captivated by.

"What wild story has she deemed to impart on you this time?" Lusina sighed, trying to keep a straight face.

"A folktale about two star crossed elves who defied fate to meet each other. They fell in love but could never cross paths again as punishment," Fearce summarised perfectly all while appearing singularly disinterested in the entire ordeal.

"What an unusually depressing tale for Teuta," Lusina murmured. She raised her voice and called out, "Well? Is that how the story should end?"

"Lusina! You're finally here!" Teuta perked up. "Of course that's not how it ends! If their hearts are strong enough, nothing can stop their devotion and they will find a way against fate to meet again."

And Teuta said it as if it were the obvious truth even though such heartful emotions were the exact opposite of a vampire's biological nature. Yet when Teuta said those words, they were powerful enough to stir the same blasphemous emotions in the hearts of the four other vampires.

They were the strays, the odd ones out who didn't belong in any political faction nor did they wish to. Instead Teuta had somehow bought them all together one by one- or rather, was it them who had been magnetised to her bright personality? Either way when Teuta wandered around the rooftops because she said it was the closest she could feel to the vast open skies in the human realm, they followed.

When Teuta wanted to break into the Queen's private quarters because of her insatiable curiosity, they followed.

Now Lusina was standing frozen in shock, her body as rigid as Teuta's in front of her as they watched the classmate they knew as Mikaela stand poised in a shower of white sparks. With the right hand that was embedded with the legendary Eye of Michael, he traced one finger lightly down the sword of Michael. Upon his mere touch Light magic burst forth and circled joyfully around his wrist, as if he were a blazing sparkler.

Then those blue eyes bled to red and turned dangerously to catch them spying behind the gap in the doorway. Time stretched like an elastic band as Mikaela held all of their gazes at once, not moving nor speaking as if he was planning something.

It felt electrifying, as if Lusina's soul was being judged from every tiny crack and crevice that could be torn apart to inspect.

Then Mikaela blinked, the crimson blood hue fading away from his eyes like a spirit leaving the host it was possessing. He blinked again, then jolted and stumbled away from the vampires as if seeing them for the first time.

Just like always, it felt natural to follow Teuta's lead as she dropped to the floor on one knee, bent her head low and declared oh so treacherously, oh so passionately, "Your Highness!"

Mika's consciousness slipped out of his grasp as smoothly as a bead of water rolling down a leaf. In the fuzzy static electricity that followed, he had the dim impression of his limbs moving without his will, his flesh and blood no longer his own.

A few moments later, the world came back into focus from vague blurs to detailed lines and shapes. To his confusion, he was now facing the doorway—

—intruders there were vampires in his private quarters whywhenhowlong—

—his Eye was out in the open they had found out would they attack would they kidnap him how could he be so careless—

A thousand thoughts jammed through Mika's mind as he went through a minor panic attack. He stumbled backwards in agitation, chest squeezing so tight it felt like it was trying to squeeze him to a second untimely death.

If word spread out that Mika was a Beholder, Krul would cage him forever to lay her claim and then how was Mika ever going to get out of this prison and save Yuu?

No, Mika would just have to kill these intruders before that could happen.

Just as Mika's fist clenched hard enough on his sword hilt to whiten his knuckles, all his plans were thrown off centre. None of his years of intensive long-term plans had factored in something like this.

Five vampires bowing to him in the exact same position Mika had seen countless others submit to Krul, and on top of that calling him…Your…Highness?

"Mikaela," Mika said slowly, keeping his sword raised and the vampires within his sight. "The Beholders aren't just powerful 'guardians', are they?"

You have noticed quickly, came the even response in his head. No, the Beholders are the magical rulers of the human realm even if ordinary humans are unaware of their existence. They keep peace between the Light and Dark species as leaders over each respectively.

Mika fell silent, staring at the vampires who were still kneeling as if they were prepared to stay in that uncomfortable position until Mika acknowledged them.

The closest equivalent humans have are Kings and Queens, although your status is higher than that. These vampires wish to pledge their allegiance to you. I have assessed them and they are loyal in their intent.

"So it was you who made me look at the doorway," Mika muttered, scrubbing his face with his hand. "I'm no leader, not anymore. And if even I'm supposed the leader of the Light, why are Dark creatures suddenly bowing to me?"

"Your Highness, if I may have permission to speak," Lusina spoke up carefully, still not looking up. If any of them were perturbed by Mika talking to apparent thin air, they certainly won't showing it. "You are correct that vampires have traditionally adhered to the Dark magics, but in this day and age there are many liberals who will follow whoever has the strongest power.

"You would betray your Queen so easily?" Mika said cuttingly, his tone as cold as a glacier. "Would you betray me with the same ease, filthy scum?"

"Your Highness—"

"No!" Teuta cried out, ignoring Lusina's half berating, half worried glare at her blatant disrespect. "Your Highness, we would never betray you! A Beholder of the Eye, an long lost legend- to serve you is the highest honour. Please, accept our allegiance!"

Mika was taken aback by the earnest devotion on her face that almost made him forget that the creatures before him were filthy vampires, creatures just as despicable and untrustworthy as humans. Both species had destroyed everything precious to Mika and yet…why was he hesitating now?

"You…why are you so—"

A chiming noise cut off Mika's words and the vampires sprang to their feet, hands flying to their sheathed swords. In the blink of an eye Mika was in a protective circle of vampires, their backs wide open for him to cut through.

It was the perfect opportunity to get rid of this headache inducing problem.

Instead, Mika found himself pushing past Elemary and Petra who rushed out of his way as soon as he moved. He stilled the swaying bell above his bedrest and watched the magic glow disappear into the air.

"Krul is summoning me," he muttered and felt a thrum of sadistic amusement from the fearful reaction his words spurred. Mika dropped his hand and let the Eye of Michael sink into his skin again, his sword fizzing away into stardust and light particles.

"Just…wait here," Mika said, before making his voice as deep as he could. "If you make contact with a single soul about me or drop the smallest obscure hint, I'll kill you. Don't think that I can't track you down with my Eye and gut you apart."

Then Mika tugged his high collar down, displaying his gold bejewelled choker in clear sight before adding impassively, "And Krul won't even bat an eye about it."

With those parting words, Mika strode out of the room and slammed the door shut behind him.

There was silence before Fearce let out a low whistle and said with too little sarcasm, "Damn. I think I'm in love."

"Fearce!"

"I wonder what His Highness is talking about with Her Majesty," Petra sighed, hugging her knees to her chest. "It's been a long time."

Lusina didn't say anything as she leant against the wall, arms crossed. Elemary was on the other side of the enormous bedroom with his face hovering inches away from the summoning bell, scrutinising the magic apparatus from every angle without touching it. Meanwhile Teuta and Fearce, having dubiously settled their heated argument about whether it was appropriate for a subject to hypothetically be involved with their master, were now sitting cross legged opposite each other in a complicated hybrid game of knives and cards.

"Teuta, you cheat like a novice."

"Says the vampire who has their sleeves full of cards."

"Heh. It's only cheating if you can prove it."

"Well, in that case—"

"I'm going to stretch my legs," Lusina interrupted, already walking over to the door. The gold handle was already under her hand when the others caught on to her departure.

"Is that really okay? Didn't His Highness want us to stay here and wait for him to return?" Teuta asked with a frown.

"I'll be back before he returns. Do you really think me irresponsible?"

Unable to refute that question, Teuta nodded her assent and Lusina closed the door to the sight of her shuffling a new round of cards while Fearce shamelessly slipped one into his pile.

Lusina shook her head and began to walk down the corridor, feeling her legs uncramping as she stretched them. Like before there were no guards in this area, probably to give His Highness privacy. Still to be safe, Lusina kept away from the main doors and spread out her senses for any sounds or scents.

Just as she turned around a corner, a hand shot out as fast as a viper and elongated fingernails dug into her neck.

Mika stormed into his room with his face as dark as a thundercloud. He struck his fist into the wall, barely satisfied as it sunk under his force into a mini crater. It took all his willpower to simply stand breathing heavily instead of lashing out like he wanted to.

He could hear voices cautiously, fearfully calling out to him. He ignored them. An unseen power was making his hair rise and small currents were starting to crackle on his skin.

Mikaela, calm down.

Miachel's voice, like always, was soothing in its rumbling all encompassing power as if to remind Mika that he was not alone in this. Mika closed his eyes and let himself focus on that voice, reassessing and rearranging his network of mental plans as he did so.

When he opened his eyes again, four of the vampires were standing nearby with worried faces.

"One of you is missing," he realised, trying to divert their attention from his ugly breakdown.

"Lusina should be back any minute," Elemary said quietly, as if approaching a wounded animal. "She just went to stretch her legs. Your Highness, is everything okay?"

"I…"

Mika looked to the floor. He hated what he was going to say, knew that if Yuu could hear him now he would hate him too but if it could give him the chance to rescue Yuu, Mika was willing to drag himself through whatever hell he needed to.

He stood up tall and made his decision.

"Krul has forbidden me to fight on the frontlines of the battle. She told me I'm to stay by her side when we go to battle, protected at all times where it's safe and away from the danger. But that's not what's going to happen. I have someone precious to me I need to save, and I'll kill every vampire and human that tries to stop me from getting to where he is."

Mika walked forward until he was eye to eye with them and continued solemnly, "If you join me, your hands will have the blood of your own comrades. You'll be a traitor to your own species and betraying the Queen herself. Can you still say you want to pledge yourself to me?"

In unison, the vampires clasped their hands over their chests and replied in absolute reverence, "Yes, Your Highness!"

For in that moment with his eyes full of conviction, Mika didn't know that he had begun to radiate a soft white light that draped over his shoulders like a royal cloak and for a split second, a crown of stars flickered into sight and kissed his luminous hair.

The moment was shattered when clapping filled the air, slow and heavy.

Mika spun around and saw Ferid draped across the doorway with a smirk on his face. He began to walk over to Mika with swaying hips and an unholy glee in his face.

"Oh my, it looks like I've opened the door to some treacherous plotting," he practically sang and he spread his arms wide. "Whatever will our Queen think of this?"

"L-lord Ferid," Petra stuttered, trembling fiercely in terror. "This isn't- we aren't—"

"Lusina, where have you…" Teuta said, having noticed the vampire that had followed Ferid into the room before trailing off with a look of disbelief.

"That's right! Your little soldier here told me everything. So Mika here is a Beholder, and you all want to serve him instead of our Queen?"

When everyone turned their eyes to Lusina, she just shrugged and said, "It's the truth."

"You traitor!" Teuta growled like an enraged lion, leaping forward and punching Lusina in the face. There were several crunching noises and blood began to pour out of her nose and mouth, but Lusina didn't react other than giving Teuta a twisted red stained smile.

Teuta grabbed her by the collar and was about to punch her again when Mika finally spoke up in annoyance.

"Ferid, stop fucking around. You've known about me from the start and you're the one trying to topple Krul over yourself, so what are you really here for?"

Ferid's smile only widened and the tension partially seeped out of the room as the others realised they weren't actually in danger of being executed, although Teuta kept her clenched hold at Lusina.

"My my Mika, I was only having some fun. You can have your playthings if you want to. But I'm here because a little bird told me you aren't happy with Krul's mothering."

"So what? Get lost."

"Ah, but I can help you with that. Darling Mika, if you agree to enlist as my backup I'll take you straight to the frontlines to the heart of the battle before Krul notices."

Mika narrowed his eyes and asked, "Just like that? Don't try to fool me. What's your catch?"

"Me? I just want to spend some time with you. It'll be amusing, won't it? Fun things always happen around you. Krul looks so cute when she's riled up too, it really makes my heart race faster. So, do we have a deal?"

As the bloodstain on his red carpet from Lusina's mangled face grew, Mika ignored Ferid's offered hand and said instead, "Deal."

Author's notes: My last exam is in less than a week but I managed to write this chapter in between. In case you hadn't noticed the vampires in this chapter are the same ones from Chapter 10 (bonus points if you can guess who is who). Also I have no idea if this fic has any fanart, but if anyone ever does draw any it would probably send me to an early heaven. If you share a link with me I'll make a bonus chapter to post artworks on with links and full credit to the artists! Same goes for anyone who wants to translate it to other languages- just send me a link so I can promote it here where readers can find it.

Notes: Please kindly leave a review!