Chapter three – Secrets in the Halls

Chapter three – Secrets in the Halls

Vexin loosened his grip from Faeb’s wrist, voice low but cutting.

“I think you like to stay here now.”

Faeb shot to his feet, silver hair falling around his crimson eyes, face burning with embarrassment.

“Don’t you know how to treat a vampire?”

Vexin’s gaze didn’t flinch. “No, I don’t. But I know how to treat you.”

Faeb’s fist clenched. If I hit him, the collar will drag me to my knees. If I don’t, I’ll choke on this shame. His lip bled faintly from how hard he bit it.

“Follow,” Vexin ordered, already walking.

Faeb trailed behind, pride crumbling step by step.

The palace stretched like a world of its own—glittering chandeliers, endless corridors, portraits of kings past. Servants bowed to Vexin as he passed, their respect absolute, though their eyes flickered nervously toward the vampire following in chains unseen.

Then—boots echoed. A man strode in, his sharp black-and-silver military uniform hugging his tall frame, silver trim catching the light. His posture was perfect, his dark gloves tucked neatly behind his back. He stopped, bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty. Urgent news. Trouble at the southern border.”

Vexin’s warmth vanished like smoke. His voice turned to frost. “I see.”

He glanced at a nearby servant. “Take him. Provide clothes of his choosing. He will stay in the left chamber beside mine.”

The servant’s eyes widened. “Y-Your Majesty… that chamber is—”

Vexin’s stare froze him in place. “Are you questioning me?”

“N-No, sire! Forgive me.” The servant nearly tripped in his bow before fleeing.

Faeb’s ears twitched. The chamber beside his? He’s insane…

But then his eyes caught something sharper—when Vexin gave the order, the commander’s jaw tightened, lip caught between his teeth for the briefest moment. Then, like a mask snapping back in place, he straightened, unshaken.

Vexin’s voice cut like steel. “General Kael Draven.”

The man saluted. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Come.”

Kael’s eyes flickered once to Faeb—dark, unreadable—before he fell in step with the king like his shadow.

Faeb’s crimson eyes narrowed. So the almighty King drops his smiles for this man. Interesting… The idiot has secrets. And I want them.

Later, Faeb followed the servant through winding corridors until they stopped near a grand door.

“Lord Faeb, please, this way. Clothes will be brought at once.”

Faeb tilted his head, voice lazy with curiosity.

“That commander… Kael. Who is he to the King?”

The servant froze, choking on air. His face drained pale. “I-I… Forgive me, my lord, but I cannot speak of His Majesty’s matters.”

Faeb leaned closer, fangs flashing with his smirk.

“Come on… just a little? I won’t bite… unless you want me to.”

The servant shook like a leaf. “Y-Your Majesty will kill me if I—” He clamped his mouth shut, then whispered before he lost his courage. “His full name… General Kael Draven Keal.”

Faeb blinked. Then again. Then his lips parted in disbelief.

“…What?”

The servant bowed low. “Forgive me, I can say no more!” He fled like the walls themselves were closing in.

Faeb stared at the door, mind spinning.

“Keal?!” His voice cracked in outrage. “Don’t tell me that cold soldier is related to him! That damned king!”

He dropped onto the bed, pulling at his silver hair, red eyes burning.

“Oh, this is rich. The arrogant King and his ice statue general… same blood. Brothers? Cousins? Or something worse? Tch—damn it all, why does this make him even more annoying?!”

Faeb flopped back dramatically, arms spread.

“…This palace is rotten with secrets. I swear, I’ll dig them out—even if I choke that smug king with his own invisible collar!”

But the faint curl of amusement tugging his lips betrayed his real thought.

This is going to be fun.

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