My Most Precious Human

I entered a state of shock, gaping my eyes at Sariel and trying hard to comprehend his words. It looked like I was the only one who had problems with acknowledging my new position since everyone else bowed down to me after hearing Sariel's words.

"What?" I muttered softly to Sariel.

"You heard it well." He smirked slyly.

"I don't even know what that means!" I argued in a low voice.

"Don't worry too much. Leo will teach you everything you need to know." He smiled and stroked my hair.

I smiled, feeling the panic rising within me. All those people standing in front of me showed me absolute respect. I had never received this kind of treatment from anyone. For a second, I started to wonder, would I have been treated in the pack in a familiar way if I were born as a wolf? Those thoughts immediately painted a bitter smile on my face, but I had to quit wondering and focus on my situation and new, completely unexpected position...

Sariel held my hand as we entered the castle. This time it felt different. For the first time, I didn't feel like a fugitive who found a temporary shelter here, but I was miles away from calling this place home. I had a feeling that my new title had given me more protection, along with setting me in a much more dangerous position.

Sariel led me to the north wing, and Mr. Gotha followed us two steps behind. My hand was still in Sariel's grasp. I kept staring at him, wondering whether his attitude towards me was for show, or whether it was coming from him, unforced. Could it be that drinking my blood and leaving his mark on me affected him just like drinking his blood affected me?

Ezra told me about the mate-bond between werewolves. The wolf can try to oppose the mate-bond, but even if he or she rejects the mate, their souls will always be tormented by this decision. I used to envy wolves because they had someone who was bound to love them. It sounded incredibly romantic unless you weren't someone like Ezra, whose mate died soon after they found each other. I couldn't even imagine the endless suffering caused by mourning for your loved one each day until you die. Nonetheless, even if it was a tragic love, it sounded much simpler than human relationships, let alone a human- vampire relationship...

We stopped right beside Sariel's bedroom. Mr. Gotha rushed in front of me and Sariel and opened the next door on the right.

"This will be your chamber from now on," Sariel stated, pointing at the room.

I smiled nervously and stepped inside, as did Sariel. Mr. Gotha stood on the threshold, waiting to be called by his master. I looked around. The place was twice as big as my previous room. It had its own study and was equipped with bookshelves that could be turned into a small library. My new bed was also bigger, definitely big enough for two people to sleep comfortably. The view, combined with my one-track mind made me flush in an instant. Then I looked to the other side and saw a peculiar-looking door. Sariel caught me staring at it.

"This is the passage between my room and yours." He smirked, "It was made deliberately that way since this chamber belonged to the Duchess."

I gasped and gazed at Sariel in disbelief, "Then, why am I getting to stay in this room?" I asked.

"Because I wanted everyone to know how much you are important to me." He chuckled, then walked closer to me and gave my forehead a little peck.

I frowned at him, seeking a hidden motive behind his actions, but I kept losing whenever he looked into my eyes. I couldn't deny the bond between us that grew even stronger after he marked me. Sariel glanced meaningfully at Mr. Gotha, and his first in command entered the room.

"I will meet with the blood bags families alone."

"You shouldn't do it by yourself, Master!" Mr. Gotha protested.

"That is not your concern, Leo," Sariel stated firmly. "I need you to tell Lilith as much as you can about the noble families and their alliances. She will join me at the gathering tomorrow."

I tried to process Sariel's words, but it seemed that I was going to be involved in something I had absolutely no idea about.

"What gathering?" I asked uncertainly.

"You cannot be serious, Master!" Mr. Gotha burst out, "With all due respect, Ms. Leber is a human, and no human has ever-"

"Don't ever question my decisions concerning Lilith." Sariel sent Mr. Gotha a murderous glare.

Even I flinched, hearing the tone of his voice. Mr. Gotha glanced at me as if the scolding he received from Sariel was my fault. I smiled sourly at him, but I guess I preferred him being harshly honest than falsely polite. I could see him trying hard to remain composed. He took a deep breath, then lowered his head.

"I apologize, Master. I will do as you wish." He sighed.

"That is settled then," Sariel smirked and put his eyes on me. "I have to go now. Be good and try to memorize as much as you can from what you will hear from Leo."

I nodded, not even knowing what I was agreeing to. Sariel smirked at me and walked out of the room, leaving me alone with Mr. Gotha. We looked at each other with the same irked expression painted on our faces.

"Should I start my teachings right away or..." He glanced disdainfully at the dress I was wearing. "Would you like to dress in something more appropriate first?" His sarcastic remark instantly placed a wicked smile on his face.

I chuckled. "I would like to change first. Thank you for your concern... Leo. You wouldn't mind if the Mistress of the House of Calvet called you Leo, would you?" I blinked innocently. "Actually, I would-"

"I knew you wouldn't mind." I grinned mischievously, "You may leave now, Leo. See you in thirty minutes. Don't forget to knock."

I could see Mr. Gotha boiling inside, but he swallowed, barely restraining himself from letting another remark slip from his mouth. Then he slightly bowed his head and walked out of the room. I sighed. My head resembled a high-way during rush hours. I wasn't sure of anything. I constantly wondered which of Sariel's words were real and which were not. It would also be much easier if I knew anything about his plans. I hated finding out that he decided on my involvement in something without even giving me a chance to state my argument. Now, I could only do my best and once more act obediently, but I guessed owed him that much for saving me from werewolves once more.

I used a few minutes to get familiar with my new chamber. I had to say I loved it. It was bright, delicate, and spacious. I especially loved the new bathroom, which had a shower and a huge bathtub. As soon as entered it, I felt an urge to sink my body into warm water. I took off the black dress I borrowed from the estate and lied down in a tub. My sore muscles finally started to loosen up. It felt good. I looked at my naked body. The places where Sariel bit me were no longer visible. I guess vampires' blood was profoundly effective when it came to the marks their teeth were making. Well, I suppose it used to be crucial to keep their existence secret.

I dress up quickly, getting ready for my lesson on vampire politics. I took a notebook and a pen from the desk in my new chamber and waited. Mr. Gotha knocked at my door exactly thirty minutes after he walked out of my chamber.

"Come in, Leo." I smiled teasingly, seeing him on the threshold.

"Ms. Leber..." he paused, closing the door and sitting by the table in front of me. "May I be honest with you?" he asked, gritting his teeth.

"Of course," I stated confidently.

"I don't like you," he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"And... that's it?" I chuckled, "I don't like you either, but you should know at least that I do not intend to harm your master in any way."

He sighed angrily, "I am aware of that. I just wanted to state that my attitude towards you isn't going to change simply because you are now a marked blood bag."

"A marked blood bag..." I smirked, repeating his words.

"Just..." He jumped up nervously, "I would rather you keep this conversation between us private."

Obviously, he understood that Sariel wouldn't be lenient in hearing his remark about me. I guess Mr. Gotha decided to trust me even though he regarded me as a nuisance.

"Don't worry, Leo. I am not that petty to tell the Duke about your honest statement." I snorted.

Mr. Gotha pursed his lips, then calmed down and took a deep breath. He locked his eyes on me, making sure I was focused.

"As you may already know, there are only a few noble vampire families in this world. The current royal family is the Grimoards. Our current king, Mael Grimoard, is expected to die this year. He has been chained to his bed for more than two years now. The King was the late Duke of Calvet's friend. When Master's father died, it was the King who helped Master establish his position after inheriting the title and becoming the Duke of Calvet. Now, it is the Duke who protects the royal family, since the weak king has become an easy target for his political opponents," he started his lecture.

From what I had learned from Mr. Gotha, the rules of the vampire world resembled the human monarchy and its politics. The lineage was important, but not as important as being powerful enough to keep every other noble in check. Mael Grimoard had a daughter, Princess Elora. She could have taken over the throne even though she was a woman, but she was considered weak. That was why her father kept pushing her into marriage with the Duke of Calvet. With Sariel as a king, the Grimoard genes could have been passed on, even if only partially. Nonetheless, I could sense from Leo's words that Sariel wasn't particularly fond of Princess Elora. He would rather guarantee her safety and good life as a royal and former king's daughter than get himself involved in a political marriage.

Sariel had become known as a powerful vampire after he single-handedly massacred half of Randal D'Apolito's pack. He did it as revenge for attacking the castle and killing his mother. After that event, and gaining the support of the King, he became an obvious candidate for the throne, but not everyone was fond of the idea of Calvet becoming the next King...

"The Adragnas have always opposed the Calvets. Their mutual hatred lasted for over a thousand years, and no one even clearly remembered how it all started. However, despite their disdain towards each other, none of them openly attacked the other party... That is until the Adragnas did. They collaborated with your daddy-dearest. First, they poisoned Master's father, and two days later, while the late Duke was no longer able to fight, they launched a full-round attack on the castle." Leo clenched his fists as he recalled the events.

"But the Adragnas are already dead, right? Is there any other family who could go against the Duke of Calvet?" I asked, already predicting that I would not like what I'd hear.

"Yes." Leo chuckled meanly, "Everyone else can."

I gasped nervously as he leaned closer with a sly grin on his face.

"One thing you should realize, "Miss Marked"... The vampires are vicious. They self-claimed themselves as the most superior race living on this planet. The alliances they build are fragile and never last more than a decade since vampires tend to get bored." Leo chuckled.

"So... Basically, could there be anyone standing behind the recent attack on the castle?" I queried hesitantly.

"Certainly." Leo nodded.

"So how is the Duke ever going to secure his place on the throne?" A nervous laugh slipped through my lips.

"I'm quite sure he will choose the easiest and most effective way," Mr. Gotha stated.

"Which is?" I inquired, feeling my anxiety rising within me.

Leo's eyes widened and became filled with wickedness and agitation.

His lips formed into a malicious grin as he answered, "He will kill everyone that holds even a single ounce of power."