บท 23: Dinner Is Served!

Bowen stifled a yawn as he walked beside Collias, the corridors of the palace eerily busy in the predawn hours. His stomach rumbled loudly, a stark reminder of his relentless hunger. It had been three days since he last drank blood, except for the small sip from Periwinkle's finger. For a vampire like him, blood was not just a preference but a necessity, it was the main source of sustenance that kept his powers at their peak.

He could consume normal delicacies if needed, but they provided only temporary satisfaction. Blood, on the other hand, rejuvenated him, invigorating his supernatural abilities. If he was an ordinary vampire who was using his powers the way he had been using his, they would have been tearing through the palace. Bowen's mind wandered briefly to Meriona, The last time he drank blood apart from the small sip he took from periwinkle's finger was from Meriona and that was three days ago.

As they continued down the hallway, Bowen noticed several female vampires casting appreciative glances in his direction, their eyes lingering on his body despite his now fully clothed form. "Don't these people ever sleep?" he mused silently, his irritation tempered by amusement.

One of the bolder females broke away from the group and approached Collias with an air of confidence. "Vra," Collias began shyly, addressing the female, "I've been meaning to ask you out. Would you like to—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Ginger interrupted, her attention on Bowen. She dismissed Collias with a wave of her hand and stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Bowen with intense curiosity. "I'm not here for you," she declared to Collias, her voice carrying a playful yet determined tone. "But for this handsome male behind you. Who is he?"

Collias frowned in response, clearly displeased by Ginger's disregard for his presence. "He's no one," he muttered curtly, feeling jealous once again.

Undeterred, Ginger pushed past Collias and positioned herself directly in front of Bowen, a bright smile spreading across her face. "What's your name, handsome?" she asked, her voice lilting with intrigue.

Bowen studied her carefully. Ginger was slender, with delicate features and small cleavage that it seemed too flat for his taste but who was he to judge. Her red hair cascaded in waves around her shoulders, a striking contrast against her pale skin and pink eyes—almost identical in shade to those of the princess. A pang of hunger stirred within him at the sight of her, mingled with a flicker of interest.

He couldn't deny that Ginger's blood seemed enticing tonight, though he knew it would merely sate his immediate needs, not sustain him for long.

Ginger's smile widened, sensing his hesitation. "Well, handsome," she purred softly, stepping closer until their proximity was intimate, "won't you tell me your name.

Bowen's charming smile widened as he regarded Ginger, her boldness both surprising and intriguing, he didn't know fairies had it in them to flirt with strangers. "If I give you my name, what do I get in return?" he countered smoothly, his voice laced with amusement and hunger.

Ginger bit her lower lip, her gaze momentarily flickering down his crotch before meeting his again with unabashed confidence. "You'll have a good time," she replied suggestively. Despite her lack of a curvaceous figure, Ginger exuded a worldly aura—a woman unbound, unafraid to pursue what she desired. her openness was refreshing, This was what he looks for in a female, willing and not trying to make him settle down but he found out he felt no lust for her even for casual coupling but he could use her blood.

Bowen considered her offer carefully. "Well, I could use some company," he conceded smoothly, his thoughts already calculating how best to satisfy his hunger without revealing too much of his true intentions.

Collias, standing nearby, sneered disapprovingly at Ginger's forwardness. "Throwing yourself at a man makes you look cheap," he remarked disdainfully. "Don't pretend to like him. You're only interested because you heard he might be paid in gold."

Ginger's eyes fell, her earlier bravado momentarily eclipsed by Collias's harsh words. His sneer turned into a smug smile, pleased with himself for putting her in her place.

Bowen's brow furrowed slightly at Collias's interference. "If this male chases away a potential food source because of his bruised ego," he thought to himself, irritation simmering beneath the surface, "I'll drink from him, willing or not."

Ignoring Collias's smugness, Bowen turned back to Ginger, his tone shifting to one of casual invitation. "I don't mind," he said smoothly, "especially if the lady in question is as beautiful as you. Come to the Captain's quarters when you're done with your duties. I promise to reward you with five pieces of gold."

Ginger's eyes widened in surprise and delight at the unexpected offer. She nodded eagerly. "Yes, I will," she replied, a hopeful smile spreading across her face as she hurried away, eager to complete her tasks and claim her reward.

Collias's lip curled in disgust as he watched her go. "What a slut," he muttered under his breath, his disdain evident.

Bowen rolled his eyes at Collias's judgmental attitude. "At this rate," he retorted dryly, "we won't make it to the Captain's quarters at all."

Collias shot him a skeptical glance. "Are you a magician?" he asked incredulously. "What are you using on these people to make them like you? You had her wrapped around your finger in mere moments."

Bowen shrugged nonchalantly. "She's a woman of the world," he explained dismissively, "mere words won't move her. She needs action."

The mention of action brought Collias to another line of questioning. "And what about Periwinkle?" he challenged pointedly. "What do you have to say about that?"

Bowen's expression hardened, "You're overstepping your place, Collias," he replied tersely, his patience wearing thin. "I'm not subject to you. You should know when to talk and when to keep your mouth shut."

Collias bristled at the perceived insult. "Are you insulting me?" he demanded hotly, his voice rising in indignation.

"That's your problem," Bowen shot back coolly, turning to resume their path down the corridor. He shook his head slightly, a mixture of frustration and resignation coloring his thoughts as he walked away from Collias.

"Bastard," Collias muttered darkly under his breath, his anger simmering as he followed Bowen.

Bowen increased his strides, If he stayed any longer with Collias, he feared he might lose control and lash out at the infuriating male. At this moment, he didn't care about the consequences—his hunger and frustration boiled beneath the surface, threatening to erupt and Collias was worsening it.

Collias, walking alongside Bowen, spoke up suddenly. "You don't even know the way to the Captain's quarters," he remarked, his voice tinged with a mixture of irritation and bemusement.

They continued their journey through the maze-like halls in tense silence, which suited Bowen just fine. He welcomed the peace from Collias's chattering.

Eventually, Collias led Bowen to the Captain's quarters. "Let me get you a bowl of soup and some bread," Collias offered.

Bowen waved him off dismissively. "Leave it," he replied curtly, his hunger gnawing at him.

"You must be hungry by now," Collias persisted, his brow furrowing slightly. "Don't deny yourself food."

Bowen rolled his eyes, his patience wearing thin. "You might spit in the food just to spite me," he retorted sharply, not bothering to hide his distrust.

Collias's surprise was evident. "How did you know I was planning to do that?" he asked incredulously, caught off guard by Bowen's accusation.

Bowen chuckled darkly, a flicker of amusement crossing his features. "I think know you too well, Collias," he replied cryptically, his tone edged with a hint of warning.

Collias regarded him silently for a moment before relenting. "Fine," he conceded reluctantly, taking a step back. "You can take care of yourself."

Bowen's patience wore thinner as Collias persisted with unwanted concern. "Until Ginger comes?" Collias inquired.

Bowen frowned deeply, his irritation spiking at Collias's intrusion into his plans. "That's none of your business, Collias," he snapped, his voice low and dangerous.

"Just giving you a friendly reminder about palace rules and regulations," Collias replied evenly, his gaze steady. "You can have your couplings as long as you want, but remember this, a guard is forbidden from impregnating a maid."

Bowen's smile was tight and strained, masking his true intentions. He had no intention of bedding Ginger; his interest lay solely in feeding upon her but Collias didn't need to know that.

"I've heard you," Bowen replied curtly, dismissing Collias with a wave of his hand. "You can go now."

Collias hesitated for a moment, his expression unreadable, before finally turning to leave. As he exited the room, a muttered string of curses escaped his lips.

Alone in the Captain's quarters, Bowen exhaled heavily, his hunger pressing upon him like a burden.

Bowen sighed and secured the latch on the door of the Captain's quarters with a click.

He took a moment to assess his surroundings—a modest space that paled in comparison to beauty of his own castle.

The room's simplicity reminded Bowen of a time he preferred not to dwell upon—the early years of his existence as a vampire. Back then, he had awoken to a world without a recollection of his memories, he was forced to conceal his true nature for fear of being discovered. He had sought refuge in places far less hospitable than this humble quarters, surviving by his wits and instincts alone. Compared to those desperate times, this room was a luxury.

With a sigh, Bowen allowed himself to shift back to his true form—a tall, imposing figure with sharp features and eyes that glinted with an otherworldly intensity.

The transformation eased the strain of maintaining his fairy guise, allowing his vampire instincts to assert themselves more fully. Hunger surged within him. "When is she going to come?" he muttered aloud.

Moments later, a soft knock sounded at the door, breaking the silence. Bowen hesitated briefly.

A voice, distinctly female, spoke through the wooden barrier. "This is Ginger."

A slow, knowing smile spread across Bowen's lips as he shifted once more, this time assuming his fairy form once again. His features softened, his stature shrinking slightly.

"Dinner is served," Bowen murmured to himself in anticipation.