Calantha's point of view

After Arin pulled me away from watching the blooming orchids, he led me to a drawing room. I've been here several times to have afternoon tea with her majesty and this drawing room is the closest drawing room to her majesty's chamber.

It is a majestic room that exudes opulence. The air is thick with the scent of old wood, wax and a hint of lavender mixed with paint. The mullioned window opened to a vibrant garden of purple lavenders, the scents waft into the room.

The room is illuminated brightly by the sun's light which streaked through the window. Several renaissance armchairs with plush cushions sat idly in parts of the room. Brown leather - bound books are arranged neatly on a shelf in one part of the wall.

Her majesty stood at the edge of the room, a row of maids holding several artist instruments for her. An artist brush is clasped between her long pale slender fingers as she stands before a canvas, drawing. Her long black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall.

She turned her head a little and on seeing me, a huge smile bloomed on her face and she walked towards me to engulf me in a hug.

She dropped the brush on a tray that is held by a maid and went to another room to wash her hand. When she came back, we’ve settled down and she joined us, another maid poured us tea.

“Ah dear, I'm so glad you could join me again today.” She said, her voice smooth like honey as she dried her hand with a cloth a maid passed to her and settled directly opposite us. “Tell me dear, what do you think of our little kingdom so far?”

I chuckled inwardly. The kingdom of Valotoria is by no means small and it's bigger than my kingdom Eldrador.

I hesitated, unsure of what to say but Arin urged me forward by giving me a small assuring nod. The queen seemed to sense the slight interaction and her eyes twinkle with approval. How I wish my parents were like Arin's but I'm happy now, I married their son so they are automatically my parents now right?

After a while, she excused herself to attend a monthly gathering leaving Arin and I alone with two maids in the drawing room. Arin turned to me, his face inches away from mine, his breath fanning my lips and I felt heat rush up my cheeks.

“Shall we take a walk in the garden?” He asked, his voice low and husky. I wasn't expecting it though, since I expected him to be busy with his crown princely duties.

“The sun is setting and the view is breathtaking…. Just like you.” He added, making another wave of heat rush to my cheeks.
I definitely look like a tomato right now.

I nodded and he placed a kiss on my forehead before leading me out to the garden. The vibrant lavender flowers contrasted to the red flowing gown I wore as we strolled in silence, my hands brushing the flowers softly as we passed.

The evening sun is a myriad of colors with a mixture of purple and orange. The sun kissed my skin softly. I've heard that humans once believed that we vampires can't walk under the sunlight. I think that's a rumor created by the first generation vampires to make themselves unsuspecting before they rose to power and it's very disturbing.

As a vampire that has the blood of two second generation vampires myself, I felt that the world had changed a lot and I only heard stories of the doom war; the war between vampires, humans, and witches, which caused the extinction of a high percentage of the first generation vampires.

“You are so beautiful, even in your worries.” Arin sounded beside me, making me turn away from him to hide the blush that I knew would have crept up my cheeks.

“”A penny for your thoughts?”

“U–mm, n-nothing. I-its just the doom war.” I stammered, trying to regain my composure before I turned to face him.

“Ohh, the doom war. It's a tough season for the vampires. I heard the story from my father and I've read books about it in my father's personal study.” He said, thrusting his left hand in his pocket before leading me and forcing me on a stone bench.

“But I wasn't able to get any books related to it from the imperial library.” I grumbled. The books containing the original details of the doom war had been kept. I guess the vampires didn't want the new generation humans or witches getting their hands on it. After all, history is written by the victor and the vampires are the one here. That's why ‘we’ did all our best to exert force on both the witches and humans.

Most female vampires have it worse though. Since vampires can turn humans, they only mate to produce a true heir or blood-child and for pleasure's sake. Most of them turn humans for reproduction and female vampires also serve as blood bags to the male ones.

Male vampires are the real prey.

“I can tell you about it.” Arin said softly, His back to the setting sun, making his black eyes appear darker. I gazed up at him anyway, nodding to him to continue.

With a sigh, he moved his body to cover my face fully from the sunlight and started:

“The humans made an alliance with the witches. That's how they got the upper hand in the war… at first.” He took his hand out of his pocket to rustle his already tousled hair, his Adam apple bobbing making me gulp softly before he continued.

“I don't get the information of what started the war but I can already guess it by connecting the dots. They are just a bunch of scaredy cats and they believe that getting rid of the threats will get rid of their own fear in return. I read they woke mythical beasts from the underworld through the witches' spells.” He added, cackling in laughter.

“My–mythical beasts? Dragons? The vampires would have gone extinct if they woke up dragons!” I almost shouted. Dragons are the only mythical beasts I'm aware of.

“Don't be too delusional, Cal.” He said, pulling his hair in what I think is frustration before he continued.

“Dragons are indeed—a…. extinct, They summoned Pegasuses instead.” He finally said.

‘Cal… He called me Cal!’

“Pegasuses?” I asked in confusion.

“Yes, a winged horse.”

“Ohh.” The information finally settled in and everything clicked in place.

“Like the one drawing the carriages?”

“You are so smart Cal.” He said and pinched my nose softly.

‘He called me Cal' again’
I thought as heat rushed to my cheeks.

“But I've never been on one…” I said, another sigh escaping my lips. I've never been on a horse before and I've only enjoyed the privilege of sitting on plush carriage seats dragged by horses. I've always thought of horses as majestic, graceful, and strong creatures. But to think that humans and witches used the one that can actually fly in battle.

That's so cool. I suddenly wish I was there even though I know that a vampire as weak as I am would have perished.

“Let's take a trot tomorrow.” Arin said, making me gaze up at him expectantly.

“Horse riding?”

“Yes.” He answered with a confirmative nod, making me smile with joy.

I don't mind trying my first horse ride with someone I think I'm in love with. I'm sure it's going to be one of my best memories and I can't wait for tomorrow to come.