The Prince, His Brother, and the Fae pt.2

Misa couldn't tell whose eyes were wider, hers or Prince Ran's. Prince Ran's or those of the three goons seated beside the prince's brother, Ryusei. It was clear that everyone in the room had either come to the same realization or had a badly protected secret spilled from a broken vault:

Prince Ran's bride-to-be was a human, with a beating heart and the veins to match, rushing with fresh blood.

At Ryusei's side, the three goons' eyes gleamed with focused interest. Their bodies reacted to her. All three leaned forward like they were being pulled off their chairs by the tips of their ears, an uncontrolled sort of attraction. Ryusei, though remaining still physically, also seemed interested in Misa's 'condition' judging by the slight drop of his jaw, his fangs exposed.

Feeling frozen to the floor, her legs heavier than normal and her lungs refusing to expand, Misa stiffly surveyed the room with only her eyes. She felt unable to manage her fear. She couldn't stop imagining that any movement from her would be enough of an invite for them to consume all of her there and now. 

She paid attention to the tension in Prince Ran who had risen from both knees to one at the vampire trio's movement. His stance was poised to pounce forward at any moment with eyes on them like a starved snake. 

Every occupant could feel how he dared them to move with every muscle of his body, and the pressure that had befallen the room was immense. The silence, suffocating.

Finally, after several tense seconds had passed, a firm, "Misa," pierced the still air. 

In response, Misa released a shaky breath from her aching lungs and said nothing. She still lacked the bravery to speak, and that was because she couldn't be mistaken about what she'd heard. 

Unabated anger from Prince Ran.

It was an anger from the prince that she had yet to hear in her days living in this vampire kingdom. And from the way he said it, it was clear that his anger was directed at her.

"Why," Prince Ran continued, slowly, without glancing her way, "have you followed me here? And arriving here with a Fae, no less. After I told you to stay away."

Misa swallowed. She imagined a cotton ball was lodged in her throat, choking her to an actual death that Prince Ran would have not an ounce of sympathy for. 

"It's because... Ran, I..." She started and then trailed off, unsure of how to continue because she was sure he'd be pissed no matter what she said.

There's no saving me from this one. If it's not these other vamps gobbling me up right here and now if I move a muscle, it'll be Prince Ran. He looks ready to tear someone's throat out. Mine, I guess. 

Wait. Will he spare me if I cry? 

She sat on the thought for a couple of seconds and then decided, Yeah, we're crying today, baby.

Except, movement from Ryusei caught her eye, shutting down everything. He had set down the wine glass he'd been nursing with a soft clink onto the wooden table. Then, he settled back into his chair, interlacing his fingers in his lap. 

So simple, and yet the whole room reacted as one unit to his actions. As if his movements were the beginning and end to everything, commanding attention and respect without speaking a word.

Unwittingly, Misa understood what kind of king this guy would have made.

"Relax, relax, little brother. No one is going to hurt your princess..." Ryusei said, "She's safe in our presence. After all, we four view our human neighbors as valuable natural resources. Therefore, we hesitate to waste any of them. Especially this one."

Now Misa's mouth dropped open. 'Natural resources...' he said. That's crazy, she almost commented aloud, and then thanked herself to the high Heavens that she didn't let that slip. Ryusei didn't look the type to find her funny. 

The smile he offered her was handsome, very handsome, but devilish. Ungenuine. "Can't risk draining the 'princess of prophecy.' The one who will slap a healing patch on age-old rivalries between ourselves and the Fae." At this, Tana, who had been quiet and virtually motionless up until now, leveled a dark glare at Ryusei. He didn't seem concerned in the slightest. 

He continued, "Bringing the divided lands together while reigning supreme over the humans. Plucking the humans off one by one, knowing that they will fight for a chance to live their tragically short human lives. And by doing so, will die, victims of our unequaled prowess. Effectively draining our resources and eventually forcing us to feed on lowly animal blood to sustain our immortal afterlives."

Misa made a face, confused, "I wouldn't do that." She said simply. "That would make no sense, considering--"

"That you are human, yes?" Ryusei interrupted. "I may value the blood of a human, but I am no admirer. Humans are weak and easily influenced. A human drunk on newly acquired power will only seek dominion.

"I assure you; it will not be long before you turn on your own kind. Maybe it'll be the humans out there," he then tipped his chin at Ran, staring down his nose at him, "or one of us."

"Oh, please! You're just speaking about yourself. What do you know about me?" Misa cried, utterly offended. She spun on her heel, ready to swear her fealty to Prince Ran...

... and to the humans...

And maybe even to the Fae. 

Lately, she'd been caught up in thoughts about their experience four days ago, riding in the carriage across the land. The Fae woman and her dead eyes, her ragged apparel, and her bony appearance often occupied a space in her mind and, once there, it was hard to get out. 

The Fae had looked so human and pitiful and vulnerable. Misa had wanted badly to help her. Actually, more than anything, Misa had felt like she could help somehow. Like she needed to.

"Ran--"

"Enough!" Tana interrupted sharply, "I grow bored of this."

As if she owned the very floor they stood on, Tana marched forward, planting herself directly in front of Prince Ran who--oddly--remained kneeling.

Misa wanted to scream, You're a prince, why are you kneeling?! but realized that she had far overstepped already. For now, she deemed it safer to just remain quiet. She watched.

"Prince." Tana addressed Ran.

"Princess." Prince Ran responded, meeting her icy gaze. They seemed to communicate with one another for several seconds while silence was shared among the others in the room, like hot air pushed back and forth in a breathing tube while submerged in frigid waters.

It was too freaking uncomfortable. 

Misa found herself frowning, wondering, What the hell? Princess 'who'?? 

Suddenly, Prince Ran shot her a fierce glance and Misa sucked her lips inward. Oh my, God, he heard me! She dipped her head and hid behind one of her hands. I really need to learn to control this. I can't take the embarrassment. 

"Get to the point." Prince Ran demanded, returning his attention to Tana. "Why are you here? I have business with my brother."

"Clearly, seeing as he has you kneeling before him like the hound you are."

"To kneel is my choice, Fae. You must practice caution with your words."

"Oh, I need not be cautious, heathen, when I am here to collect."

At that, Prince Ran's bored eyes grew steely. On the opposite side of the room, Ryusei hooted, "Ooh! This is interesting. Do tell." He sat up straighter.

Prince Ran stood. His suddenly towering height over the short Fae before him made him seem imposing. The aura around him was instantly different, darker and heavier. His voice, when he responded to Tana, left a tangible pressure in the air. 

"Collect what?"