Chapter Two – The Weight of a Name

Chapter Two – The Weight of a Name

Vexin leaned back on the velvet couch, his posture as effortless as it was commanding. Across from him, the silver-haired vampire sat on the carpet, back straight, red eyes stubbornly fixed on the floor instead of the King.

“Bring food for him,” Vexin ordered.

The servant bowed and left. For a moment, silence filled the room, thick with pride and tension. Faeb refused to look up.

When the dishes arrived, rich scents filled the chamber. Faeb’s throat tightened at the aroma, but he clenched his fists. Don’t move. Don’t show him you’re desperate. Don’t—

Then his body betrayed him. His fingers twitched, and he grabbed the food. He ate in silence, fast but not messy, as though pride still forced him to appear controlled.

Vexin’s eyes softened, amused. Starving, yet still pretending. Strong, but breaking inside. Five years in cages, and still clinging to his pride… I’ll have to crush it carefully.

When Faeb finally set down the spoon, Vexin spoke.

“I am Vexin Keal. King of this land.”

Faeb glanced up, lips pressed tight. “…So?”

“‘So?’” Vexin repeated, one brow raised. “That’s how you answer a King?”

“I didn’t ask for your introduction.” His voice was sharp, but faintly trembling.

Unbothered, Vexin leaned forward. “When were you caged?”

Faeb’s hands trembled, but he answered, his voice hollow. “…Five years. Passed between five families. Bought, sold, passed again.”

Vexin’s gaze darkened. “…I see.”

A long silence stretched. Finally, Vexin’s tone dropped into quiet command. “Come here.”

Faeb tried to rise, but his legs trembled—no, it wasn’t just weakness. His whole body refused to move, pinned by an unseen force. His red eyes widened. “You—!”

Vexin smiled faintly, watching his struggle. “Yes. That’s my power.”

Faeb’s pride snapped. He snarled softly, summoning a flicker of magic, and his body lifted into the air. He hovered until he landed just in front of the King, glaring with burning eyes. “See? I came my way.”

Vexin’s smile didn’t vanish. It curved deeper, knowing.

“Exactly what I expected. You knew what I wanted, and still chose to disobey. Which means…” He leaned forward slightly. “You’ve earned punishment.”

Faeb froze. “Punishment?”

“Come. To my lap.”

Faeb’s face burned scarlet. “W-what!? Do you think I’ll humiliate myself like—”

Vexin didn’t wait. With one swift pull of the invisible collar, Faeb stumbled forward, caught easily by the King’s arm, and landed against him.

“Wha—! Let me go!” Faeb struggled, fists pressing against Vexin’s chest. “You—you can’t treat me like a child!”

“I can,” Vexin replied calmly. “And I just did.”

Faeb bared his fangs, snapping at his throat—only for the collar to lock his jaw mid-lunge. His mouth hovered inches from Vexin’s neck, trembling in fury.

“Trying to bite me?” Vexin’s voice was smooth, almost amused. “Mm. Dangerous. But I won’t allow it.”

Faeb’s eyes blazed. “You—! You don’t deserve to be called my master!”

Vexin’s lips curved in a dangerous smile. “And yet, you’re sitting in my lap.”

Faeb froze, then shook violently, his pride collapsing under the humiliation. His voice cracked, almost breaking into a sob. “I-I hate you!”

Vexin tilted his head, fingers brushing through Faeb’s silken hair as if testing its texture.

“No, Faeb. You hate the collar. You hate the cage. But me? You’ll learn.”

“Learn what!?” Faeb spat.

“That my lap is far more comfortable than the floor.”

Faeb blinked. “…W-what?”

Vexin chuckled softly. “Don’t act like you don’t notice. The cushions are softer, aren’t they?”

Faeb went silent, lips trembling. His pride screamed at him to deny it—but the seat really was softer than stone or iron. Against his will, his shoulders relaxed just a little.

Vexin smirked knowingly. “See? You’re already behaving better.”

Faeb covered his face with his hands, muffled voice trembling:

“Ughhh… I hate you so much.”

Vexin only leaned back, stroking his hair like a spoiled pet.

“And I like you exactly as you are.”

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