Chapter 242 - Blood King

"Lord Balthazar, Ruslan," from her seat, she rose, "-what's the meaning of this?" Xula asked in a stern yet baffled tone.

"I apologize, majesty," Ruslan stared up, "-we, vampires are as prideful as we are, in no way would it be possible for our race to bow down to someone. As you know, we hold the power to destroy what we wish," the gaze changed to Staxius, "-tis an exception. We must bow down and pay respect for the King of Arda has inherited the first Progenitor's dormant powers. Her will and her wings, it's destiny,"

"Care to elaborate, what's this have in common with destiny? Isn't it but a merely random event," throughout the whole ordeal, he remained cool and composed. The same couldn't be said for her majesty – her mind worked tirelessly. Vampires had only agreed to serve her under the condition that a haven would be given. It could spell disaster if said race decided to rebel.

"Let me take over," still knelt, Lord Balthazar spoke, "-I'm sure Adete has given a history of our kind already. There's a piece of information unknown to most, the real reason why the progenitor stopped her fight. It wasn't because gods and demons grew too overpowering, no, that was a lie fabricated for convenience. The real reason was Lord Death, the second most powerful entity since Creation. Unbound by rules and laws, he is to do what he wished. Since death was his domain, neither god nor demon could oppose for once immortality was lost, all were but at his feet. Myth has it that vampires were made for one purpose, to act as the guards in case the god of death went crazy with power. During her journey, with no clear purpose – fighting was all she could have done. Siding with no-one, an attempt to stop a war all by herself. The efforts were recognized by Lord Death for it was he who knew what she intended. Under a red-moon, hidden amidst corpses with heads flying atop – an agreement was made. She who had had enough of immortality stopped her forces and acted as if she had been defeated per Death's orders. In recompense, a contract – one that said her power would forever be sealed till it came with contact with the Death Element. It was on the same night, I, Balthazar, who was back then, a low-tier demon, came across her dying corpse. In her last moments, I was given her blood with a will, one that has long lost its sense of meaning. With a smile, the only one who could rival death vanished under the same crimson moon. I knew her powers were sealed. A few months later, I found a way to turn others into vampires without her blood. I swore to find a way to return her powers one day. A hope to unlock and understand her will," the real reason came to light. Upon the last words, he stood with a blissful smile.

'That smile, he's implying something. There must be something he left out. What did he mean by will,' in the corner, Adete hovered over to the table where food was left. 'I get it,' a eureka moment. "Lord Balthazar," Staxius voiced loudly.

"Majesty, I assume you've figured it out?" he kept the smile and relaxed.

"The First Progenitor, her blood that remained asleep, the all-seeing eyes, Blood-Mary. Weirdly, it linked together, my change in appearance, the overwhelming power I felt, the way the death element reacted with the blood," the head shook in disbelief, "-Adete isn't an apparition of just my vampiric power; she's the first-ever vampire."

"Hmm," food in the mouth, "-I'm what?" she turned confused with the attention on chewing.

"Yes, Adete is the first progenitor. I knew the moment I saw her face – identical to the lady who turned to dust so many millenniums ago," idyllic by completing a life-long quest, the old man fell to the floor.

"I got you," Staxius dashed to hug the Lord, "-it must feel nice, finding the heir to the god of death and it all turning in thy favor. I dare not imagine how long it has been," with a reassuring smile, "-you deserve a long night of rest. Lord Balthazar, I'm grateful for having been turned into a vampire."

"Thank you, majesty," they stood, "-it's about time I thought about retiring. The Nox clan will be inherited by Aurora since she's the only family I have. I'm afraid there isn't much I can give but my everlasting pledge to serve thy name, majesty."

"This new turn of events will have much impact on the vampiric community," Ruslan voiced, "-The Nox's clan, who's been the overwatch and guard for said community will be inherited by a vampire Knight. So, you see, Lord Balthazar, the hierarchy will collapse onto itself. You, yourself, know how heartless our kind is. For power none will pay heed to slay their own kinfolk to have a taste of what it feels to be almighty."

"If they are to run wild, Arda could stand to suffer major losses," Mieshre said with a concerned tone. General Niroz nodded and backed her words. Even the Great Mother was doubtful of the situation at hand. It wasn't far off to see un coup d'état. 

"What do you suggest?" Staxius asked, for Ruslan's eyes glimmered.

"The crowning of the first vampire-king. Our highest rank has always been Duke. With the blood of the first progenitor coursing through thy vein, none could refute thy power. Besides, I'm sure it would be simple to slay any who wished to cause harm – nothing beats feeding off another nightwalkers blood," the voice disguised as noble of which behind its façade held ulterior motives. "Majesty, tis up to you, either become the one who shall guide those who wished Arda harm to the gates of purgatory or let it be ravaged by a sense of freedom."

"I understand the implications," with Balthazar now resting on a chair, he walked over to Xula, "-wouldn't that mean the birth of a new faction. If I were to rule vampires, it would be imperative that they leave the alliance of Arda," he glanced over to the Queen's face. The latter held a smile – one empty, with the sole purpose of comforting him.

"Yes, we'd have to form a new faction," Ruslan's tone seemed relieved. 

"Let me ask this," Shanna came forth, "-would it nullify the risk of a coup d'état by the nobles?"

"If his majesty accepts the title of the Blood-King, then yes, all would certainly focus their attention on him. A target would be placed, much-wanting power will scour the kingdom in hopes of fighting – assassins will be sent to see if the king is worthy," the risk was as big as the responsibility. 

Saddened, her gaze fell to the floor, Staxius saw it – a glimpse of Xula aching. "Listen to me," he rushed over and grabbed her arms before her posture fell into a slump, "-if it means that Arda is safe, I don't mind becoming a target. My priority is to make you and this kingdom a haven for all. If vampires grow to be a proble-," 

"-then will kill them," Adete interjected, "-from what I've heard, I'm the first progenitor. Sadly, I don't have any memories. My sole purpose is to help my master accomplish what he wishes for. If it means the extermination of our own race – then it's no trouble. They who wish to lay a hand on what he deems precious will be faced by a hell unlike any other."

"It's as Adete said," he came closer, "-I'd do anything to save you. Trust in me for once, let me carry some of thy burdens. I know you told me to not get involved into politics and live unbound by the title of king," the voice had a warmth unlike any other, "-even so, if it means that my queen is to suffer due to my selfishness; then I'd rather forgo my freedom and endure. Don't forget, you're the one who gave me light when I was in the dark, you're the one who gave me a purpose, you're the one who showed me the meaning of love. There are things you've done that can���t ever be put into words. I'm a murderer, one who thrives in death and suffering, yet, you chose to sacrifice so much so that I'd have a chance at starting again. This isn't about repaying favors, I'm being selfish because I want to help my lover, is that too much to ask?" 

"I get it," she held his hand tightly, "-I get it," tears flowed, "-I trust you, my king."

"Pardon me for interrupting the touching moment," Niroz interjected, "-but it might get inappropriate for royalty to get to business in, *cough,* a place one could say is… public?" 

"Oh dear," she stepped away, "-I apologize for getting carried away," she blushed.

"Who would have thought that Queen Shanna, would be brought to tears by mere words that came from the heart. Youth must be nice," The great mother added in jest.

"I've made up my mind," Staxius turned, "-I'll take on the title of Blood King. I will do so to protect Arda. My loyalty will never change, I will always side with Queen Shanna no matter the situation. Therefore, once the new faction is to be formed – we'll reenter the alliance of the Ardanian crown. I care not if the path is to be filled by the blood of my kind – I will do so to protect what I hold dear," he stared at Ruslan, "-if those conditions are adequate, then begin what is needed for said ceremony." 

"I had a feeling that King Staxius would say those same words," Lord Balthazar added with a hint of coyness, "-Arda is in good hands. A powerful sword paired with an unbreakable shield. Queen Shanna and King Staxius are a couple who are to never be underestimated." 

"You could say that twice," Ruslan added with a sense of relief, "-the coronation can be done as soon as tomorrow, from when the Nox clan falls under its new leadership. If the ruler accepts to plead her loyalty to the Blood-King – said backing alone will suffice. After all, the Nox's clan are the rulers of the nightwalkers." 

On said day, it was decided that Staxius would become the first king of the vampires. A new challenge filled with blood and suffering. It was as if starting a kingdom altogether since the land they ruled was off to the north-east. A capital-city where most vampires lived; Noctis' Hallow. A city hidden by a dense forest filled by ghouls and undead. It was a protection and a rite of passage. Only they who held the blood of a nightwalker could enter the city. Somber and dark, silent where death could come at any moment. A place not for the faint of hearts – one of many towns scattered around Arda. Lower-breeds, the commoners, were treated as if animals. The same treatment in any society where a strong hierarchy was in place. Human trafficking was also a part of its supposed charm. It grew harder to hide away their prey since the alliance with Rosespire. It created unrest between the Earls, who were unhappy by the decision. Up to now, it had only been through sheer of show power that the Nox's clan was able to stop an uprising. Ruslan said true, the change in power from Balthazar to Aurora would create an opening for those who had wished ill of her majesty's decision. 

"Are you sure about this?" inside their bedchamber, Xula asked with a still doubtful mind.

"Yes," now changed into more flexible clothing,"-I'm going to become the Blood-King and purge all who wish you harm," they held hands.

"I know, but I'm worried," she voiced gently.

"Don't forget who I am," he gave a wink followed by a kiss, "-I best head off to scout a location for the new adventuring guild. There is much to be done," the door opened, "-stay pretty for me," a smile which reassured her worries. 

"It will be alright, majesty," Prophecy came forth, "-your husband is much stronger than before." 

'I can't let this new turn of events deter me from the objective at hand. Though it aligns quite nicely. Skokdrag might have an idea,' and off he was to the dwarven mines.