Descended

11. A Tale as Old as Time

Zachary's POV

I haven't spoken to mother since she locked herself in her chambers. It felt like I was being punished. She communicated frequently with Ariana, but not with me. I was not wrong in summoning her. As King it is my duty to ensure that our planet is safe. Mother knows this. What she did was irresponsible and I will not apologize for doing what needed to be done.

I stood in front my mother's chambers preparing to knock when the door opened. It was Ariana.

"Mother is resting," she said.

I frowned. "Why is she doing this me?"

I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. I knew it was all a lie. She just doesn't want to see me.

"Don't take it personally, Zachary. Mother has a lot of things on her mind right now. Give her some time."

"Time?"

"Yes. I'm sure she has her reasons."

Mother and I have never gone this long without communicating. It felt like there was a crack in our relationship and I didn't know what to make of it so I just walked away without responding to my sister. At the end of the day, I had a whole planet to run and there was no place at all for emotions. I am King and could not afford to be shaken at all by any form of emotions. Whatever I was feeling at this moment or about this situation I knew I had to shut it down, and I did. For the next few days I focused solely on the planet and taking care of our people and thought of nothing else.

*Knock Knock*

"Enter."

I looked up as Zane and Elijah walked into my office.

"Your report."

"The vampires will be departing today," Elijah said.

At least there is some good news. Having them around had everyone on edge and I am glad they're returning to their planet. Hopefully our paths will never cross again.

Although I was thinking this I didn't say it to my brothers. I raised one eyebrow indicating for them to continue.

"The Vampire King is also requesting an audience with you," he continued.

"Denied."

I have nothing to say to that creature. He is beneath me and I refuse to associate myself with him. They looked at each other.

"What," I asked.

"He is asking permission to take Ariana with him."

I slammed my hands down on the desk. "Over my dead body! She isn't going anywhere with that monster."

They don't say anything for some time.

"Is there anything else?"

"No," they both replied.

"Leave."

I felt a headache coming on which could turn into something very bad if I didn't get it under control and fast.

~~~~~

Ariana's POV

"Mother, why won't you talk to Zachary."

She looked at me for a long while before responding.

"I have nothing to say to him."

"Don't you think you're being too hard on him?"

"He's King, Ariana. He was never meant to have an easy life. I'm sorry but it has to be this way. He needs to learn that I will not always be here and should be able to function without me."