Inevitable

4 - N A T H A N I E L

Silence

Silence surrounded the castle like a blanket of thorns. What once was a lively place that leaked happiness and joy, was now seen as a black hole, and not only for Easton, but for Nathaniel and Lilah. 

Nathaniel and Lilah. The mother and father of Noelle, though not by blood, they treated her as their very own. The loved, adored and cherished every moments with her. 

Even since Nathaniel found her in the forest, he's been wrapped around her little finger, treating her like a princess. They watched her grow, her first tooth, her first time eating solid food, her first step, her first jump, her first word, her first sentence, her first everything. But it was cut short, way too early, leaving them to fall into deep depression. 

Imagine that, finding out your baby had died in the womb, and that you can no longer conceive. Then finding an abandoned baby in the forest, taking her in and raising her as your own, as if she was a gift given by the higher powers. Then 10 years later, she's taken away cruelly, stripping away the only source of happiness in your life. 

How would you feel?

Roaming around the castle grounds, making sure everything was in order, was Nathaniel Spade. His platinum blonde, almost white, hair glistened in the beaming lights, making it look more vibrant than ever. His cold blue eyes, the looked shades of navy ever since his daughter was taken away, stayed fixated on the staff members, making sure they were doing their job correctly. 

In the castle lived high ranking vampires, and close companions to the king, as well as the maids and chefs. All other vampires lived in the lands below, the villages were always busy, civilians making bread, mothers fetching water from nearby wells, fathers carpentering all sorts of materials, children playing games. Pure serenity. If only the castle felt that way too. 

Nathaniel and Lilah made numerous trips to the villages, feeling like it were some sort of escape from their minds. Refreshing and new. They remembered how Noelle preferred the villages over the castle, such a simple girl she was, easy to please. 

"Sir Spade! Master Alexander has requested for your presence in his office", a butler spoke, breaking Nathaniel out of his thoughts. He nodded and made his way to the office. 

Opening the door, he sees the former king smoking a cigar behind the mahogany desks. 

"Alexander", he says, bowing in respect to his companion. 

"I need a favour from you", he spoke in authority, meaning this was something serious. 

"Whatever you need, Master."

"Count Vladimir of Chestwood, a possible ally, has requested my attendance at his charity event next week. However we will be visiting the Knights during this time, so I would like you to attend instead", he orders and Nathaniel sighs. 

"Will I have to discuss our union?", he asked. 

"If you can, Easton and I have to deal with Robinson, and you're my most loyal companion. I trust no one else with this job", Alexander states in a pleading tone. 

Nathaniel sighs. Fancy balls and dinners are definitely not his thing, in fact, he hates it more than anything. As the King's companion, he is always expected to attend out of respect, but he'd much rather stay at the castle. But he won't ruin this alliance for his kingdom. 

"Of course, master", he says with a nod. 

"You don't need to call me that, we've known each other for decades", Alexander rolls his eyes and Nathaniel chuckles.

On the other side of the country:

"Good job, mutt. At least you can do something right", the soldier states and Noelle collapses to the ground in exhaustion. He laughs cruelly then leaves her where she is.