Beginnings and Bloodlines
Smelling the morning dew on the freshly cut lawn, Alana took a deep breath and savoured the crisp air. There was a slight chill to the breeze that swept across her exposed shoulders leaving her with a slight shiver down her spine.
Turning back in to her room she took in the look of the room one last time. She knew today would be an important one, what she didn’t know was that her life was about to change forever.
Alana was a princess, not any princess, she was the daughter of the most coveted vampire family in the five kingdoms. Her father, King Dimitri, loved his family very much.
Alana was the youngest of her siblings. She had an older brother, Kieran and an older sister, Emilia. Kieran, being the eldest, was to take over his fathers reign when the time was right.
Alana knew her brother was extremely serious about taking over as king one day, he was diligent in his training and hardly got distracted.
Emilia was very close with their mother, she would follow her around most of the time, learning how to be a proper lady and queen in hopes that one day her soul mate was of noble blood. Her father would expect nothing less.
Alana on the other hand was the opposite to her siblings, she was wild, free and did not follow the rules her family were expected to adhere to.
She often skipped her lessons, giving her tutor Roderick a grey hair every time. Following her free spirit she would run down to the training grounds and order the other teenagers not to alert the guards she was there.
In the Vampire kingdom, a vampire with royal blood could order or command other vampires to obey and they were forced to obey. The Vampire kingdom called it ‘pushing’.
Her father made her study each and every kingdom, their ruling families and their laws, much to her dismay. Other vampire children weren’t forced to attend school, let alone have a private tutor who gave her extra work all the time. They had centuries to learn and therefore put no rush on education.
There were 5 kingdoms that ruled over all realms. The Vampire kingdom, with her father Dimitri being king of the vampires. Alana always knew her father to be the king, never having met her grandparents as they perished in the Great War which erupted throughout the five kingdoms.
The Vampire kingdom being one, if not the most thriving of all kingdoms was mostly peaceful besides one or two blood-thirst crazy vampires who lost control of their thirst and caused havoc. Her father ruling fiercely, but fairly, didn’t allow any transgressions which ultimately kept the peace.
The Werewolf kingdom, where Alpha Drew ruled was the largest of all kingdoms. Werewolves physically need more space to run and in the peace treaty, after the war, it was decided and agreed upon that the Werewolf kingdom would receive a large realm in order to enjoy running in their wolf form. Alpha Drew was rumoured to be a fair yet stern ruler who took his position very seriously.
The Demon kingdom, as far as everyone was aware, king Dargan still ruled. Not much is known about the Demon kingdom as they do not allow many outsiders in to their realm. Their secrecy causing tension between the kingdoms as far back as Alana could remember.
She recalls reading full books on the other kingdoms whereas the Demon kingdom had two chapters of information. Their king, Dargan was known infamously as a cold hearted ruler who enjoyed punishing and violence. Stories were quick to spread about King Dargan’s ways, frightening even the bravest Vampire teen.
The Fairy kingdom where Queen Olivia ruled is said to be the most beautiful of all realms. Their forests and meadows being the inspiration for artists throughout the realms. Queen Olivia has been the biggest advocator for peace between the kingdoms, wanting everyone to get along. She was the one to draw up the treaty when the Great War was over. Her optimism and empathy has made her a well loved ruler of the Fairy Kingdom.
And the Human kingdom, strangely, they did not have one ruler but many different democracies depending on what area they were in. None of the other kingdoms really bothered with the Human Kingdom as they were seen as the lowest threat as well as the kingdom with the least amount of development in any sense of the word.
The Human rulers kept to themselves and only communicated or traveled to the other realms when absolutely necessary. Otherwise, they wouldn’t bother anyone, and nobody bothered them. Being the weakest, the humans recognised the threat the other kingdoms are to them and therefore decided to stay as far off the radar as possible.
She shuffled along the east wing corridor, eager to get her morning tutor session over with. Opting to skip breakfast, her stomach filled with butterflies for tonights celebrations. She was nervous but didn’t let it show, her mothers words ringing in her ears: “As a princess you must always keep your emotions in check, never let anyone see you falter.”
She entered the small room where her tutoring took place. Looking around, the modest space felt almost unchanged from the last time she had been there. The wooden desk stood at the far end, papers still piled untidily on top from yesterday’s lesson alongside a thick book titled Vampire Kingdoms: A History. The lingering smell of parchment and the faint hum of the tutor’s voice from memory remained, as if the room preserved every session like a time capsule.
Alana walked toward the desk, her footsteps echoing faintly in the silence. Outside, the sunlight streamed through the windows, still dangerous for any vampire. Even a fleeting touch of its golden rays could be completely fatal, despite their magic. However, advancements in technology had allowed vampires to walk safely — at least during short moments under the sun — shielded by protective glass that blocked the harmful light.
Her gaze lingered on the newly installed glass windows, marveling at their flawless design. They allowed vampires to experience sunlight without feeling its deadly burn. It was a breakthrough for the Vampire Kingdom, and naturally, her parents, being royalty, could afford the very best of every new material. The same shimmering glass now adorned every window in their grand manor, a testament to both progress and privilege.
Roderick, her tutor, looked up as she entered the room, a worn notebook in his hand. Toward the desk, Alana wandered in silence, already knowing the ritual that would follow. She kept her head high, her steps measured, though she couldn’t suppress the hint of reluctance in her movements.
“Good morning, princess,” Roderick greeted her with his usual mild smile. “Shall we get started for today?”
“I suppose so,” Alana replied, forcing a polite tone. She slid into the chair with practiced grace, not wanting to show any trace of the sadness and frustration swirling inside her. That would only give him an excuse to crack through her carefully built exterior.
Over the years, Roderick had come to know Alana better than most. He had been her tutor for nearly a decade, and though he had grown quite fond of her, their relationship had remained one of formality.
His glance lingered on her for a moment, studying her solemn expression as he flipped through his notes. “Our last lesson didn’t quite end, did it? Let’s pick up where we left off,” he suggested, his voice gentle but firm, as always.
“I know. I’m going to miss this — I’m going to miss you,” Alana admitted with a soft chuckle, her voice tinged with bittersweet fondness. “But one thing I’m not going to miss are these early mornings.” She grinned playfully, lightening the mood.
Roderick shook his head, a gentle smile tugging at his lips as he chuckled along with her.
Roderick was the picture of refinement, his composed demeanor exuding an air of quiet charm and unwavering calm. He had a well-kept appearance, with neatly combed dark hair that fell just above his shoulders. His sharp, angular features were accentuated by high cheekbones and a strong jawline, lending a sense of sophistication to his aura. His piercing blue eyes reflected a depth of knowledge and wisdom, bearing witness to the countless years he had spent as a scholar and tutor of the royal family.
Carrying himself with grace and confidence, Roderick maintained an unshakable composure, even in the most challenging situations.
His attire always reflected his role within the royal court. He typically wore tailored garments — dark, richly coloured suits that spoke of his professional station while hinting at his connection to royalty. Every detail, from the crisp folds of his sleeves to the polished buttons of his vest, showed his meticulous nature and attention to detail. It was this care and precision that mirrored his approach to teaching.
While Roderick was known for his sharp wit and stern guidance, there was an undercurrent of warmth and kindness in his demeanour — a genuine care for Alana’s education and well-being. Despite his professionalism, he possessed a subtle sense of humor that occasionally shone through, lightening the otherwise rigorous lessons.
Overall, Roderick embodied a character constant and knowledgeable, dedicated to duty, and unwavering in his commitment to imparting wisdom and guidance. He was watchful over Alana’s development, offering support and challenge in equal measure, ensuring she grew not just as a princess but as a person.
“We’re going to be doing something a little different today,” Roderick said with a hint of mischief in his voice.
Alana looked up at him, curiosity flickering across her face.
She had grown to know Roderick well. Despite his vampire heritage and the strict routines he enforced, there was an unspoken trust between them. He challenged her, knowing Alana would push boundaries, as she always did. But he also knew when it was time to loosen the reins and veer off the structured track.
To her surprise, Roderick closed the book that had been left open on the desk from their previous lesson. He looked over at her with an expression she couldn’t quite read — equal parts amusement and expectation.
She followed his actions, closing her books too, and gave the tutor a puzzled look.
“I thought I’d indulge you for our last lesson,” Roderick explained, a small, knowing smile on his face. “I’ll allow you to ask any questions you may have — on any topic. No limits.”
Alana straightened in her seat, her curiosity immediately piqued. She stared at Roderick, her tutor of many years, with surprise. For him to stray from the strict schedule and offer an open invitation for questions — on anything — was unheard of.
She decided to grasp the opportunity with both hands.
Thinking for a moment, Alana asked Roderick a surprisingly direct question, something that had lingered in the back of her mind for some time. She tilted her head, curiosity dancing in her gaze.
“Who’s the oldest vampire to ever live?”
Roderick’s answer was quick, his voice steady. “That would be King Fabien, who lived for over 300 years. He ruled during the Great War between vampires and demons — a conflict that shaped the realms as we know them.” He paused, a hint of amusement in his tone. “If you had paid closer attention to the text in Vampire Kingdoms: A History, you would already know that.”
Alana huffed, crossing her arms in mock indignation. Her lips curled into a teasing smile as she quipped, “Well, you didn’t think to just tell me directly? You really make me work for these answers, don’t you?”
Roderick looked momentarily surprised by her playful jab before clearing his throat, his expression softening as he addressed her with care.
“This isn’t simply about facts, Princess. It’s about understanding why they matter,” he explained. “We vampires are often called the smoothest of immortals — our presence is timeless, but our existence is fragile. Kings like Fabien remind us of that balance. His reign was long, yet even he could not escape the forces of destiny. It’s a lesson every ruler must learn.”
Alana blinked, caught off guard by the weight of his words. There was wisdom woven into his answer — wisdom she hadn’t expected to hit so deeply.
Alana paused for a moment, lost in thought, as Roderick continued speaking, his tone steady and measured.
“Vampires are a complex species when it comes to finding their soulmates,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “The bond is not always clear at first. We recognise them at any age, though the connection feels strongest when we’re older — more seasoned in our existence. We grow with it, like a second skin, but it remains a secret until the time is right. Some of us never find that bond.”
Roderick’s words lingered in the air, the weight of them sinking in. Alana, quiet, blinked in surprise at the personal nature of his admission.
“You’ve never found yours?” she asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant.
Roderick glanced at her, his usual composure faltering for just a moment. He gave a small sigh, almost imperceptible.
“No,” he said quietly, “I haven’t. And it’s... not easy. I’ve waited, hoped, but it’s part of my journey, I suppose.” He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture quick but thoughtful. “I’ve never felt the pull, the way some speak of it. It’s... difficult, but I take it as part of my path, for now. The bond I seek is still out there, somewhere.”
Alana’s gaze softened, her heart aching with sympathy for him. She hadn’t expected such vulnerability from the typically reserved Roderick.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, the words slipping out before she could stop them. “I didn’t mean to pry.”
Roderick, recovering his usual demeanor, gave a small chuckle, his tone light.
“It’s fine, Alana. It’s just a part of who I am.”
She looked at him, searching his face for any signs of lingering pain, but all she saw was quiet strength. Despite the calm exterior, something told her that Roderick’s journey — his solitude — was far from over.
Alana hesitated for a moment before speaking again, unsure if she should push further. But something about the moment felt like an invitation to learn more, to better understand the man who had been by her side through it all.
“I… I want to understand more,” she said slowly. “About you. About how you see things.”
Roderick’s eyes flickered with curiosity, and for a moment, he studied her as if considering her words carefully.
“Ask me anything,” he said after a beat, his voice warm and inviting. “I’ll answer what I can.”
