Until The Day I Die ((sign up inside)) Semi-Advanced/Advanced

(She's still with Harvey. Sorry for not making it clear.)

Asyline blinked as she was behind Harvey. She looked at the vampire with curiosity, I've seen him before...,.....But I can't place where..... "Harvey......Whatever you do........Don't kill him......." She whispered to him as she peered at Markus through Harvey's broad shoulder.

The stranger just chuckled, "My. Can you lash out your temper in front of a beautiful lady? You are no gentleman." He chuckled once more, "Never mind. I'm Markus Kueloma. Second in line for the throne and I'm merely just taking a breather from the vampire land." He took Asyline's hand softly in his and kissed it. A spark of electric shot through him.

Asyline blinked as she sighed and took a step back. Her brown eyes were dark and sad as she sighed again. "Okay Harvey. I'm going back to my room. Don't.Kill.Him." She whispered-shouted at him before she turned around and walked back to the castle with dainty steps and a heavy heart.

The skin was still tingling at the spot were Harvey had kissed het. She sighed and blinked as she walked into the kitchen. "Have any of you seen my sister? The Queen?" She asked the servants as she looked around. Her sister is two years older than her so she must know what she is feeling.

Markus watched the younger princess go as he looked at Harvey. His eyes being dangerously red, "What's your relationship with her Hm? She's mine and only mine." He snarled as his fangs elongate in his fury. "Go ahead and doing your pretty little bell or alert the Queen. I'll tell my father that and they will have an army in this land."

His fury had made him sprout out words that he knew that he would regret later. "As for my matter? My father can just go to h*ll." he growled and snarled at him. He admitted he was feeling something for the younger princess that made him for ,the first time ever, regret his parentage.

Markus growled at him before he glared at him. "Fine. But just because that I didn't want to cause a scene that might disrupt my princess......" He growled once more before he stalked away, his temper in check while trying not to explode.

He walked to a secluded place as he looked around for any guards. He quickly hid behind a pillar whe he heard footsteps coming before a bright glow alerted him. He looked up and all the anger and annoyance dissapeared as he looked at the glowing body of Asyline. She was dressed in a sleeveless white nightdress and her hair was tied up. "Oh Asyline......." He whispered to himself。

Niklaus had hardly opened the door when his father pounced on him, pinning him against the wall with his elbow. Alarik had the element of surprise, and the heir found himself deprived of much needed air. Alarik's rage-filled red eyes bore into his own frightened ones; covered with hatred for Alarik. He was mildly surprised to hear that Markus had also disappeared; no doubt to terrorize some poor soul Niklaus decided.

Once Alarik had let him go Nik rubbed his neck, feeling the sore and tender flesh with his hand with concern. It wasn't anything damaging, there would probably be a mark for a few hours and then it'd vanish; however his attention was directed towards Alarik as he was told to leave. Happy to comply Niklaus wheeled around on his heel and stalked through his father's chamber back to the hall. There wasn't much to do now but hopefully sleep. Tomorrow would bring more news of Corthy; and the exact plans so Nik could tell Mila.

As he wondered through the castle, the prince's mind began to drift towards the queen with an amused grin. He'd always found her rather spitfire type personality entertaining but concern welled in his throat for her. He hadn't meant to get attached of course, she was supposed to be a business partner nothing more; but the little wolf had grown on him. She was one of the few souls in this world he considered his friend. The thought that she could be possibly in danger because of him sent chills prickling up his spine. It would be too dangerous to check on her tomorrow; Alarik would be watching him under a microscope for the foreseeable future anyway.

His musings had brought Niklaus from Alariks chamber on the west wing, to his own chambers in the east wing. Vaugely he felt a burning at the back of his throat- and indication that it was time to feed. He knew that his own personal feeder would be waiting in his room so with no further ado Niklaus threw his doors open, revealing the middle aged human Hannah. "Niklaus!" She greeted warmly, instantly offer up her wrist as she walked over and the prince beamed back at her. "Tell me all about your travels, did you see the new queen?"

Hannah was the only one that Niklaus trusted enough to talk with; no one ever came in here and fear restricted Hannah to his chambers. "Yes I did. Got caught though." Her skin quickly bleached with color, and not just because Nik's fangs elongated with a soft, fleshy popping noise. "Did they... Are you in trouble?" His feeder asked as Niklaus finished his dinner, to which he shook his head. "Not that I'm aware of. Mila will handle it- you should rest now. I'll escort you to your chambers." Hannah nodded gratefully as Niklaus licked her wound; healing the lightly bleeding bite mark easily.

They chatted up until Hannah reached her door and once she was inside safely Niklaus headed to his own room for a night's, well day's sleep- making a mental note to interrogate Markus on his whereabouts tomorrow. Had he really scented his brother in the werewolves' land? And if he had, what in Gora's name was he doing there? Those were the last thoughts as Niklaus entered his room, and quickly changing into night clothes, curled up under his bed and swiftly fell asleep; only minorly worried about what tomorrow would or could bring to him.

Markus sighed as he looked up at the werewolf beauty before he stalked back into the shadows. He bit
his buttom lip as he avoided every guard and werewolf villager that might shout for help at him. His handsome face was scrunched up as he stalked away into the outskirts and used his superhuman strength to run back to the castle silently.

He finally reached the tall black building and stalked inside, he gulped and walked to the space where the servants tend to be afraid of. He sighed and knocked on the door of his older's brothers chamber.

The prince lay sleeping in his bed, as he had been for the past couple hours. The sky was getting to the point where it was beginning to darken out; yet rays of light were still out and Niklaus was suspended, between a plane of dreaming and a plane of darkness when a few loud knocks roused the light sleeper. A few expletives quietly slipped out of the princes' mouth as he quietly got out of bed and towards the door. "Who is it?" The eldest prince demanded throwing the doors open to reveal Markus; much to his displeasure. The younger prince wasn't really a favorite with Niklaus, in fact the eldest human and werewolf loving brother tended to loathe his whole family. His red eyes took in the younger boys appearance and couldn't help but smell the werewolf on his clothing.

Panic instantly clogged his lungs and without saying anything Niklaus gripped Markus by the forearm, hauling him into his room. "I was sleeping. This better be important. And why do you smell of werewolves? The last time I checked you couldn't be bothered to know if they lived or died- so why are you messing around in their territory?" The last part was spoken with an almost accusatory tone as Nik ran a hand through his sleep-tousled blonde hair with a glare. Near instantaneous concern for Mila struck Nik, but he knew Markus knew better than to kill either princess. Not that he cared too much for Asyline; not all like Mila.

"If you've gone and got yourself into trouble don't expect me to help you out. Father's already down my throat." The pale blonde stated with disdain for the younger prince. He merely hoped whatever his brother wanted, it wouldn't destroy any peace treaties he and Mila had been trying to bring about. "I swear in Gora's name Markus if you've gone and done something stupid to the wolves'... I won't be pleased." The man's tone darkened at this, and his red eyes became a bit murky and clouded with condemning anger. It appeared strange that Nik got so fired up over the wolves' safety; and while it could lead to trouble he didn't care at the moment.

Sleep mystified his judgement and agitation grew as his brother just stood there. A soft fleshy squelching noise could be heard as Nik's fangs grew with annoyance. It was clear that something was bothering Markus; normally the two avoided each other, and it was rarer still that the younger prince sought Niklaus out, so whatever he had to say would either be extremely frivolous, or monumentally important. Nik would rather know sooner than later. There was a small burning in the back of Niklaus' throats making his normally benign temper dissipate. The conversation with Alarik came back and before Markus could get a word in Nik made an impatient noise, "Alarik was looking for you earlier. He's rather vexed that both his sons disappeared for a day- I'd make sure to go to breakfast."

OOC: Just to clarify, when you meant "walked to the space where the servants tend to be afraid of. He sighed and knocked on the door of his older's brothers chamber." you didn't mean Nik's wing right? Becuase you know the reason that Nik and Alarik don't get along is because of their radically different views- Alarik's being more traditional and Nik's being much more progressive. He treats humans with respect and kindness, getting them needed food and herbs and doesn't treat them as if they're just meals on wheels. They're mostly afraid of Alarik and other "normal" vampires.

(Oh......Sorry.)

Markus blinked as he furrowed his eyebrows as he was being dragged inside by Markus. He twisted the ring in his hand that was indirectly a gift from Asyline. "Nicklaus.......Have you ever......Fallen for someone unexpected before? The enemy?" He asked as he looked up at his older brother. He knew that Niklaus didn't like him particularly that much and such but he needed advice from Someone whom had more experience with werewolves. Specifically, Werewolf girls.

His blood curled and froze when he had mentioned his father. He still remembered the beating that he had gotten from his father when he had snuck into werewolf territory when he was 14 to see Asyline, his face had a little grin when his thoughts had travelled to the pretty and young youngest Princess.

Niklaus watched his brother with a heavy note of suspicion. "What do you mean? I've not met any that I've fallen for." He settled for a false aloof tone his reddish eyes narrowing for a moment while a blush spread across his cheeks. It may not be the whole truth; but Markus didn't need to know that. Alarik probably sent the younger prince here to find that out, though the whole "For the enemy" thing was intriguing him. "What do you mean by that?" It was then he noticed his brother nervously twisting a ring in his hand. "Where did you get that and you evaded my question. Where did you go?"

The scent of werewolf that clung to Markus, rich, heady, and primal were like an inoffensive perfume. "You were in the wolves' territory?!" The first thing that flashed through his mind was Markus terrorizing Mila, and to an extent the youngest princess. After their first encounter, only encounter, Niklaus found he didn't care for all that much. She'd been quick to shift and attack; unlike when he'd first met Mila which was quite by accident. The man's thoughts began to drift off to the new queen and a wry smile curled over his lips.

However, there was a matter on hand to deal with and taking a deep breath Nik rounded on his brother. "What the hell are you thinking?! Are you seeing a werewolf?! Do you remember what happened to that kitchen maid who was caught with the werewolf soldier?! Starved, of blood- driven mad by torture and set on her lover. They tore each other to shreds or have you forgotten that already? Father did make us all attend that show." The words were spoken with obvious rage and hatred at the memory but Nik shoved it aside. "Why do you think it'd be any different for you?! It wasn't when you ran off the first time to their territory."

Fear at who it might be that Markus was seeing, Niklaus merely prayed he was wrong or if Markus was seeing a wolf, it was a more lowly wolf on the totem pole. "Loving a royal is dangerous. Kings, Queens, Princesses and Princes all get assassinated. All the time; to love one of us is a near certain death sentence. I'll assume you haven't forgotten Mother's death?" The blonde prince spoke in a strained tone, no one knew who had done it- but a vervain arrow to the heart, and Niklaus suddenly became motherless a the age of 8.

"For one of us to take a werewolf as our consort, that would be insanity. Neither of you would live to tell the tale. Even if you did think of what your heirs would go through. Hybrids are despised by both races, bullied, tormented, and killed for what they are. There is no silver lining Markus." That had been one of the many reasons that Niklaus was reluctant to take a consort, or a mate as werewolves called them. He couldn't risk putting the one he loved in danger; not that he was under any delusions that she returned his affections. Niklaus sighed and closed his eyes, rather awkwardly avoiding the question of if he had fallen for the enemy. Because he couldn't answer that truthfully and turning on his heel Niklaus gestured to the now dark skies.

"Breakfast. I suggest you scrub yourself of werewolf scent. It's extremely noticeable." The thin blonde said in an impassive voice before yawing, flashing his fangs through the dark room. "I'm going to find Hannah to feed. Then I'll be down- I detest watching Alarik eat." The man seemed to enjoy feeding until the human died, and Niklaus couldn't stomach that. He also, wanted to be alone with his thoughts for a few moments longer.

Markus, for all his words, was in love with someone he probably shouldn't be. That in and of itself amused Nik to no end; while also making him sympathize with him to an extent. Niklaus knew what it was like to love someone from afar, to feel like your world turned grey when they weren't around- he himself was subject to it. However he hoped that Markus wasn't selfish enough to put someone in that position and with a heavy mind knocked on Hannah's chamber doors- to which she opened rather quickly. Breakfast was given to him in silence, and Niklaus appreciated it; he really wasn't in the mood to speak right now.

Once he finished Niklaus quietly bid his feeder goodbye and hurried to the hall that breakfast was being hosted at- seeing Alarik was already there with a worn and sickly looking human. There were numerous scars marking the human male's skin, his eyes were wide with fright, body trembling and yellowing bruises marred his face. It disgusted Nik to see humans treated in such a way and hoped that the meager herbs he bought yesterday would help him. What he wanted to do was set the human free, yet Alarik would kill ten more out of spite- he knew this from experience. He'd hardly sat down when Alarik fixed him with a cold dead stare and a snappy "Where is your brother." Niklaus merely shrugged, acting as if he hadn't seen him. "I'm sure he'll be here soon." Was all the blonde said with a soft and subtly repulsed tone.

Markus couldn't risk telling Niklaus about what he was doing. He sighed and ran a hair through his short brown locks as he blinked and walked away. His mouth let out a trail of words but a few of them are "Niklaus. I know you have fallen for Mila."

He walked to the bathroom and stripped of his luxurious clothes. He stepped into the bathtub as he closed his mind and let it wondered to Asyline. Then he thought of Asyline in this bathroom doing......Things to him. Markus blushed and reprimanded himself for thinking such dirty things.

He grabbed a long brush and scrabbled himself of the werewolf scent that Asyline seems so fond of. He scrubbed finished his whole body as he stood up and he wiped himself. Beads of water dropped from his chiseled chest as he wore his clothes that the maid had taken for him.

He blinked as he opened the door to the kitchen and walked to the dining hall while thinking of what Niklaus said. He spotted the weak and sickly looking human and he winced when he imagined that person as Asyline. "M-Morning Father." He bowed out of what little fake respect he has for him,

Alarik glared at his elder son, who refused to meet his gaze. That boy was up to something and he be damned if he didn't figure out what it was. "Where's your brother?" The King demanded in a harsh voice, one that left little room for falsities. Their eyes met briefly as Nik denied seeing him and with an agitated growl Alarik rolled his eyes. This boy was expected to run a kingdom within the year; yet couldn't even keep track of his own brother? This raised concerns in his mind, but didn't voice them instead sat there quietly thinking of what to do to Markus when he arrived.

Finally, after what seemed like ages the younger prince arrived, dripping wet from a clear bath. Alarik could practically taste the bitterness in Markus' tone, but elected not to say anything, he had much bigger fish to fry with this one. "Where were you?" He demanded coldly from his seat, blood red eyes unreadable. Still watching his son Alarik roughly gripped the human's arm, rising a small noise of pain before he plunged his teeth into the human's arm. Deep, greedy mouthfuls of blood were sucked down as the dark and seductive taste exploded in his mouth.

"Heard you rode off yesterday and you didn't return until late. So I repeat, where were you? And don't lie you know I'll find out." The father warned, in a dark and dangerous voice, as he pulled briefly away from the human's arm. His patience was wearing thin and the man was doing all he could to sit in his seat and hear Markus out, rather than going over and physically forcing the words out. "If I do catch you lying, Markus, I'll have your tongue cut from your head for treason." Alarik warned in a lazy predatorily voice. All he wanted to do was discuss the plans for Corthy, but neither of his sons were making it easy to focus on the topic at hand. Silence stretched out as Markus visibly paled at Alarik's threats- as he was not known for making idle ones.

Markus paled at his father's threats. I can't say anything that has gotten to do with the werewolves or Asyli e...... He eyes flashed fear for a second before he looked at Nik for help which he turned around and looked at his father.

I'll do whatever it takes to protect Asyline. Even at the cost of my life. He had a hatred and a grimaced look on his face that Alarik couldn't see through. "I was out searching for any clues of the werewolves. Somebody told me that a spy was in our mist........" He growled.

[hr]

Asyline walked out of the castle and she had a determined look."I need to find our that vampire boy is. Something tells me that he is not whom he is shown at first."

She sighed as she walked into the forest and she closed her eyes and concentrated in her mind. Her medium sized height and chocolate brown hair disappeared as she shifted to reveal a a large white wolf with white eyes and black spots.

She shook her whole body and her fur shimmered in the sunlight. She walked to the vampire side of the country and her leg got caught into something.

She bit back a howl as she fell to the ground with a soft thud. Oh my Paws......

Auden sat there, still as a statue, while Mila pled her case and begged the maid not to say anything. When the new queen finally took a breath, Auden waited a moment before pulling her into a hug, ignoring general rules about how one shouldn't touch a royal, let alone hug one. In that moment, Auden knew that it wasn't a queen speaking to her maid, it was just Mila, who was trying her best to protect the kingdom she loved, and Auden couldn't fault her for that. No matter how much she shared her kingdom's hatred of vampires, she believed that, with the right rule, things could change for both parties.

"You never even had to ask, Mila," Auden said, pulling back quickly in case the girl didn't like the sudden show of affection. "I was gonna keep it a secret anyway. Nik seems like a good man––for a sucker, at least––and I would be doing the exact same thing if I were in your position." Her knavish smile came back as she said, "Well, not exactly the same thing. I wouldn't let my vampire prince sneak into the heavily populated castle on my coronation day!" She laughed at that. "I'm not quite sure what either of you were thinking, but you'd best be careful from now on, especially around Asyline. She may keep quiet for now, but bring it up constantly and she'll really begin to question. For now, I have the staff believing that Nik––whom I know is the heir––is my cousin William. Luckily, nobody knows that I don't have a cousin William."

The honey-haired girl gave a brief, caring look before standing up from the bed, dusting her hands on her deep green skirt efficiently. "Now, come on. Let's get you cleaned up and into bed. Everyone downstairs is so slobbering drunk by now that they can't even hold their cup of whiskey, so you won't be missed in any case. Besides, you'll need your strength to take on all the crazy courtiers again tomorrow. I'm sure you'll have fun with that." Auden pulled Mila up off of the bed and went to get a nightgown out of the wardrobe while Mila bathed, pulling the screen door in front of the bath for privacy.

Demetrius had been out patrolling the borders as Alarik had commanded; making sure that none of his sons... Slipped away unnoticed. It was boring and dull work as the werewolves never wandered this way unless they had a death-wish. The moon glowed overhead, a thin crescent hung overhead and the darkened skies were scattered with a few scant stars. "Can't believe they made me go out." He grumbled under his breath walking softly through the thick forests, hand on his hilt.

Of course he wasn't alone, but the group had decided that their work would go faster if they all took a border. As he thought that this whole border patrolling was going to be rather pointless; a lone shape hunched on the ground caught his attention. Even from here he could see the long white fur; a clear indicator that it was indeed a wolf. Cautiously Demetrius unsheathed his shotel and approached the figure silently and slowly. He noticed it was laying on it's side, seemingly stuck "Dumb mutt." He though with a lip curl.

"Who are you?" The cold vampire demanded, holding the shotel to the creature's throat "Shift back." Was hastily tacked onto the end of his demand. Really he should just kill it now; but there was a spark of curiosity in his mind as to why the thing was here. Was it blind, was it not able to scent when it crossed the borders? Surely with how much bloodshed occurred there it would be clear? Was it just a lone wolf, or something else. He thought as he glanced at the shape, it appeared to have a regal air about it; which he supposed was something that was keeping him from killing it right off the bat. "If you don't' shift back in two minutes, I'm going to kill you." He stated flatly, brown hair gleaming under the cold light of the stars.