Her Vampire Prince

Chapter XXV

"Where do you think you're going, pretty thing?" One of them sneered, gaining the attention of the whole canteen as the roar of noise quietened to a hum.

"I – I was just going to take my plate out and go back to the room I was in." She mumbled, intimidated by their glares.

"No one leaves the breakfast room until we're dismissed by the Emperor girly." A short, bald man with gleaming green eyes countered.

"Oh, ok." Faith sighed, turning back to sit in her chair.

The men sat back down and got into conversation again, but Faith could feel their watchful eyes on her. She felt like more of a prisoner there then she was with the vampires. She wondered who this so-called Emperor was, but had a feeling it was the man who cut her finger yesterday. He didn't seem to be in the canteen, but then again she wasn't really looking for him, preferring to keep her head down. He could have been like a snake in the grass, waiting to pounce on her when she felt most comfortable.

Suddenly the canteen doors were swung open with force, and a man who must have been about seven foot and looked like he could lift a truck sauntered in, earning many respectful nods from the audience. The man from yesterday who was the reason William was in so much pain was next to him, in a fresh white tuxedo. The giant had many scars and tattoos trailing up his arms, as well as a lip piercing and literal needle stabbed through his right ear. Half of his left one was disturbingly missing. He must be the second in command, Faith thought as everyone seemed to have a lot of respect for him and he oozed strength and power.

"Alright you horrible lot, listen up! This Saturday is when we will finally cleanse the earth of vampire scum." The giant roared, earning a loud cheer like being in a football stadium to whistle through the room. "We will infiltrate their little Ball and then..."

But Faith didn't get to hear the rest as Nancy's familiar auburn curls bounced into view through the ocean of people and a murmur of contempt went through the crowd. Nancy gestured for Faith to follow her, which she did so cautiously, leading her out of the dining room, which Faith found suspicious. If they weren't lying to her, why wasn't she allowed to hear the plan?

"Sorry about that Faith, I just thought you might be more comfortable hearing the plan from me, as I'll explain it better then Lapdog in there." Nancy commented casually once they were through the doors.

"Oh ok." Faith murmured, although she wasn't convinced. "Who's Lapdog?"

"Well, his real name is Beast – well codename, we don't use our actual names here, but I call him Lapdog because that's essentially all he is. He just follows the Emperors orders without questioning anything for power over everyone. He's not a nice man." She commented.

They lapped into silence after that, before pulling up outside the interrogation room they were in yesterday. Faith couldn't help but notice how Nancy had locked the door behind them. She couldn't abscond unless she managed to take down Nancy and torture the key and escape route out of her.

"Ok then Faith, I'm sure you're eager to know what's going on. Well, after years of research... we finally did it... We have created a cure for vampires to turn them back to humans." Nancy beamed.

"A – A cure? That's impossible." Faith replied, her eyebrows creasing into a frown.

"Was impossible, was. You see, vampirism is like a disease. We just had to find a way to reverse the effects. Saturday presents the best opportunity for us to get as many of the vampires we can cured. If it is successful, we will move on and make sure everyone is cured around the world. Our scientists have managed to create the shot and worked out the correct dosage we will need to give them. We're going to put it in the drinks for when they toast the King." Nancy spat the word as if it tasted sour.

"You said if it's successful, does that mean there's a chance it might not work?" Faith asked worriedly.

"Well, I am told we encountered a few fatalities during trials, but the majority should be ok."

"Should? You're willing to bet on hundreds of people's lives?"

"They're not people yet Faith." Nancy chastised.

"How do you even think you're going to be able to pull this off?" Faith vented hotly.

"Simple. My brother will make sure all the guards are those loyal to us, as well as the kitchen staff who will make sure the cure is inserted into the drinks."

Faith was at a loss. She didn't expect this at all. They found a cure? That could be an answer to all of the problems... But surely they should have a choice about whether they want to become human again? Faith had doubts, but imagining a human future with William was tempting.

"I told you Faith. We're on a mission to save humanity, and we found a solution pleasing to both sides."

"Why haven't you told the vampires then, given them the option? Why all the secrecy and breaking in and hurting each other?" Faith asked suspiciously.

"Because there will be those who will protest and try to destroy our work. We have to take the option out of their hands. That is also why we haven't told any vampires apart from my brother the extent of our research, and why we have an army. Once we have cured William's coven, others will rise up and try to kill us all. It is inevitable, but it is for the common good."

"So you're starting a war for peace? That's never worked." Faith muttered tiredly, playing with her hair.

"The reason we attacked was to distribute the cure, but we encountered many more vampires then we expected and were forced to retreat. They killed a few of us Faith."

"I don't believe that." Faith muttered stubbornly.

"This is happening with or without you. You may not like the consequences if you refuse to help us." Nancy warned. "So, what's it going to be? Are you going to help us save vampires from their curse?" She asked expectantly.

Faith was silent for a minute. Betrayal was an action she never wanted to be involved in. Would William and his family ever forgive her?

"You know Faith; the only other option if this doesn't work is to kill them all. Do you want a bloody war on your hands? The world will be rid of Vampires one way or another. Once you have fulfilled your duties in William's coven you won't be expected to help us anymore. You will be free. Free to build a life with whomever you desire, with no barriers holding you apart. This is our last chance to try to save them." Nancy warned, getting Faith right where she wanted her.

"Ok..." Faith murmured softly. "But only if you swear no one will be hurt." She spoke uneasily.

"I can't promise that Faith, but we'll try to make this as swift and easy as possible. You made the right decision." Nancy smiled in an almost warming manner.

Faith felt her stomach twisting into knots. Had she made the right decision?

Hope you are enjoying this book so far guys! There is only 11 chapters left and an epilogue!

xoxo 

Edited