章 14: True Identities

His eyes widened and smile fell. I knew it! I was right, but I continued. "Simple as that. The only thing I haven't been able to figure out is why you are here. Unless it's because fate brought you here because you are my true beloved."

"How…" he started, but I cut him off.

"The moment I accepted your proposal and everyone left, your eyes swirled with flecks of something. At first I thought maybe I was seeing things. Then I saw it again during the VAMPIRE courting dance. You also lied to him about not feeling the sparks, because you didn't want him to discover you were a supernatural being, otherwise you would be put to death on the spot. Even being my true beloved, you didn't want to risk it."

He was speechless. He opened and closed his mouth repeatedly like a fish, until he just grinned a devilish smile at me. "My, my, princess. How could I have underestimated you? You are a lot smarter than I anticipated. I must say, you surprised me. However, do you know my true identity? You know I am a vampire, but which one am I?"

"I…I…I don't know." Now it was my turn to gape. "How should I know? Is your name not Stetson Scott?"

His grin was back. "Ah, smart enough to ask all of the right questions, but not smart enough to have all of the answers now are we."

Did he just…oh no! "You're just upset that I found you out!"

"Ah but are you sure I didn't let you find me out?" he quipped.

Now I was doubting myself. Urgh! He was so frustrating! "Well now, that's not fair!" I pouted.

"Who said it had to be, princess? Tell me, do you always pout when you don't get your way? Remember what I said about if you keep sticking that lip out?"

I instantly stopped as soon as he said it.

He chuckled and continued. "Besides, is there something you would like to share with me? I know you are also hiding who, or should I say what, you really are."

My eyes widened at the realization. He knows. "You were the figure in the library window." His smile confirmed my accusation. "Did you give me the ring too?" I asked while grabbing it off my night stand and holding it out to him.

"Do you not like it?" A flash of concern crossed his face. "It came from a merchant here in the capital. According to them it was actually made for your mother, hence the embossed letter L. They've secretly held onto it for all of these years. I'm not sure what the sigil is for though, and the merchant didn't seem like they even knew it was there."

"Ah no, I love it. Even more so knowing that it was supposed to be my mother's. But how could they not see the sigil?"

"My guess is that your mother created it on the stone, enchanted it to be hidden from human eyes, and gave the stone to the merchant to be made into a ring."

I nodded, it did make sense. "So, are you going to tell me your real name now? I'm finding it hard to believe that you would come here with your real name. And your true self. Not your disguise."

"You are a stubborn one aren't you. Here I thought I might get away with you calling me Stetson. I do quite like it actually."

"Well I could always still call you that if you wish, but I want to know your real name. The one your mother gave you."

"Ha, you wouldn't be able to pronounce my birth name. It's vampirish, and you need fangs to pronounce it. But, my common tongue name is Heath Draven."

"Heath? That's a really old name isn't it?"

"Ouch," he feigned hurt. "It may be old to you humans, but I'm still fairly young to be a vampire."

"That leads to my next question. How old are you, exactly?"

He smiled with amusement. "I want you to guess first."

"Ugh, why can't things ever be easy with you. I don't know, 150?" I guessed, much to my chagrin.

"150? You think I'm practically a child? Gods no."

"Well you sure seem to act like one!" I interjected. "You're the one who made me guess."

"For your information, I'm 473. I am well into my adult years. About the human equivalent to about, say, 25."

I felt as if my eyes would pop right out of my head. "473!?!" I shouted in disbelief.

"Mhmm," he confirmed and then turned away from me and moved around a bit, only to turn back around looking like a completely different person. An actual vampire.

Spots clouded my vision, my body began to feel heavy, and the floor swayed under my feet. The last thing I remember were crimson eyes staring at me with worry.

***

-Stetson/Heath POV-

Shit. She fainted as soon as I turned around. I knew my theatrics would get me in trouble at some point. I should have let her prepare herself before undoing my disguise.

It's a good thing I caught her before she hit the floor. I didn't want her to have to explain any injuries. I carried her across the room and laid her on the bed. She was a lot lighter than I expected. After laying her down I moved some hair off of her beautiful face. I gently caressed her cheek and calmly called her name trying to wake her.

After a moment, she started to stir. I stepped back so I wouldn't be the first thing she sees and passes out again. Her eyes fluttered open, and widened upon noticing me. I looked away so I wouldn't seem so intimidating.

"Sorry," she squeaked. "I just haven't seen a vampire since I was ten. Much less one this close. As a child, everyone kept their distance out of respect for my father, and they never fully looked me in the eyes," she admitted meekly.

"It's ok, I'm sorry for startling you so much. I expected a reaction, but not one where you fainted," I responded with a slight chuckle, still not looking her in the eyes.

"Can you come here?'' she asked while sitting up and patting the bed at her feet. I obliged. "I'm ok now. You can look at me. In the eyes if you wish," she said gently, her voice just above a whisper.

As my eyes met hers, my breath caught in my throat, hers came out as a small gasp. If her eyes were golden last night, I wouldn't know what to call them now. It was as if they were glowing.

"Your eyes," she broke the silence, "they're glowing a deep crimson."

"My eyes? You should see yours! They're glowing gold!" I countered.

"Is this a thing that happens to true beloveds?" she questioned.

"Honestly, I have no idea, princess. It's been so long since a pair of true beloveds have existed. At least any that have been recorded in history for all to know. I could ask the head meister when we get to Vules."

"What do you mean when we get to Vules!?!" she asked in shock.

"Well, my little amethyst, your father has agreed to let you travel outside the kingdom with me," I said with a grin. "Or should I say, with Stetson?" I said, re-disguising myself.

The excitement was written all over her face, but it was short lived. "That reminds me, are you actually a banker's son?"

"That," I answered with a devilish grin, "can be answered when we get to Vules."

I then left the room before she could question me any further.

As I exited her room, I came face to face with her guard.

"Sir Canter, make sure the princess is prepared to travel outside the kingdom. I am going to send word to Vules to send a carriage for her. Everything should be ready to leave by tomorrow morning."

He gave me a questioning look in response.

"Oh, where are my manners? Pretty please, Sir Canter, can you do this for me?"

That time I received an unsettled expression, but it included a nod.

"Thank you, Sir Canter."

Only a bit longer, then I can let go of this ridiculous charade of having a status equal to or below everyone. I can't wait to be back in Vules where everyone does as I command with no questions. If Rikard saw me, he would surely comment on how soft it seems I've gotten. Only he would dare say such a thing though.

I walked the halls, until I found myself outside at the stables. I quickly found Nero and attached a letter to him. I flagged down a stable boy and asked him to take Nero to the border, and let him go. He will deliver the letter to Rikard, and from there he will bring back a carriage and guards to accompany it.