Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gavaldon was the last place for any vampire to visit.

Gavaldon was an uneventful, drab town most children hated to be in, but never admitted it. Even the adult villagers made their lives more entertaining by making up tales of witches lurking the streets, or demons running wild through the night.

Some hoped that maybe Gavaldon used to host fairies and all sorts of magical creatures before the Elders came. It was highly unlikely.

Despite their dissatisfaction, no citizen made any effort to move away or have a chance at a better life. To stand out.

Eventually, one particular child publicly displayed his apathy, provoking the attention of the teachers and authorities. He was named Midas, which filled some of the townspeople with an eerie feeling. His parents, after all, had a suspicious history. His father's mother was an avid devotee of the very Catholicism the Elders almost completely prohibited in the town. They favored their own interpretation of God's Word and shut down the ideas of anyone else. Midas’ own mother was not a zealous believer by any means and was a convert when she was first seen by the people newly married. Nobody really cared to know her, or trust her. She was a stranger, which was synonymous with an untrustworthy person.

Midas would constantly miss school and swim or sit by the cove, far away from the others. His behavior worsened after the disappearance of his mother, rumored to be caused by witchcraft. Even the former parish priest was questioned, perhaps causing mischief with his “cannibalistic devil worship” as the Elders liked to call the Catholic Mass, which was forbidden to be said and which led to the eventual dilapidation of the town church.

As he grew into adulthood, his rebellion and solitary behavior continued. He also earned the reputation as the surly, materialistic young man who hung around the cove with a snake following him around. He resigned all the jobs he ever had, content to run a business consisting of selling various methods of cheating on tests, reselling goods purchased with stolen money, and even “loans” with his own high interest rates. And for some strange reason, every place he left had some trace of gold that wasn't present before.

Whenever he was bored, even as a child, he'd rifle through the books his parents kept, mostly purchased at the local bookshop or inherited by family. His mother was quite the fanatic of the fairy tales that often arrived at Gavaldon. Midas also found the old Bible and the Lives of the Saints, presumably owned by his father. Secretly, of course.

Sometimes, little Midas stumbled across other literature. Oftentimes, in the nearby bookshop and not necessarily in his family's collection.

His father never really liked his son to know too much, because “too much” was food for the predator– the group of Elders that ruled Gavaldon with an iron fist. Therefore, he was weary of his son's strange isolating habits that stirred too much talk.

One of the things Midas found out for himself were certain creatures that caused panic in the town and whom his father was trained to hunt down. Other than witches.

Whisperers uttered terms like “night creatures,” which were simply nice ways to refer to vampires.

Midas couldn't say he was afraid. He himself was a monster. His father said so. He couldn't fear his own kind. If anything, Midas could scramble for holy water, or a wooden stake. Maybe he could even use an axe from another citizen to behead the damn things. Sometimes, he'd even wait in the forest at night, hoping to find something to take home and earn a lucrative reward. Vampire hunters made decent money, and his father could have been well off had he handled his finances better. Midas could never make it his profession, as the Elders had to approve of him and his moral character, but a few instances of taking initiative couldn't hurt.

He could have sworn there were occasions where his former classmate Arabella claimed to find one in her bedroom and times where he heard rustling in the leaves, with a blurred figure rushing away. One with green eyes, she claimed.

After all, if magical fish that made Midas cursed existed, why couldn't these villainous bloodsuckers?

Which led to another thing he discovered: the origin of his curse. His mother told him she blessed him with magic by making a wish and consuming these strange eggs when he was still an unborn child. She had hoped he would be rich and bring prosperity to the family. She wanted the town to be transformed through his magic.

Look where that took all of them. She wasn't even here anymore. And there were a few occasions he had some visits from the Elders.

Midas placed his palm on a rock near the cove and watched it slowly turn to gold. He wondered if it would attract anything like a fairy or a goblin. He hoped they wouldn't get burned and sent to Hell by the Elders, if they did come.

He felt something cold slither past his feet. Midas smiled slightly. Bongo, his snake, was enjoying himself today. He remembered the day he found him and brought him home, begging his father to keep him.

“They'll say you're influenced by the devil,” he scolded. “They'll find a reason– any reason– to punish someone. And you've given enough cause to raise suspicion!”

“I don't see why a harmless outdoor snake is demonic,” Midas replied, rolling his eyes. He never liked telling his dad anything, because he always stuck to his fearful, overprotective ways and his stupid rules. His father didn’t exactly agree with everything the Elders said, but he kept his head down and behaved like a whipped little dog. Midas never admired that.

“They'll mention that Eve was tempted by a serpent, for one.”

“A figurative serpent that talked! It isn’t my problem that the Elders are steeped in utter ignorance. Besides, what right do they have to talk about Scripture when they banished your mother’s?”

His father claimed up at that moment, looking away.

“See? Nothing to say. So I'll keep Bongo with me, whether anyone likes it or not. And if the Elders raise Hell about it, I'll return the flames.”

“What am I going to do with you?”

That was his father's favorite line. The memory wasn't the only time he said those words.

Sometimes, Midas admittedly wondered the same thing about himself. There was really nothing for him here. The Elders distrusted anything that was too closely related to increasing wealth, insisting that money was a temptation to sin… while remaining silent on the economic status of their favorite citizens. And his mother was gone. For some sick reason of God's, his father was left behind with Midas.

Midas didn't see himself as intellectual enough to earn himself a teaching job, at least nothing shown in the school around his area. He was awful at playing musical instruments and not necessarily a stellar singer, even making his music instructor cry– of pain. No job in this place felt promising. The interest rates of Gavaldon's banks were too low to gain anything of worth from a deposit. It was laughable to think the small shop owners, who were barely scraping by, would allow other citizens to hold shares in their business. All Midas had was his cursed way of making money and the somewhat dishonest way. And the occasional pickpocketing activity.

Occasionally only because his father had a fit after he saw Midas’ new boots once and knew that it couldn't possibly be bought with money that belonged to either of them. He ignored the fact he spent most of the money he earned from working as a hunter. On what, Midas could only guess. He did recall it was a slight grievance his mother had against her husband.

Midas’ father prohibited him from going to any city, even the one his mother had come from– that life never ended well for anybody, he claimed.

And so Midas was stuck with his cove, his snake, and his books. And his “business.”

Even the vampires have a better life than I do, he mused, with all their manors and elegance.

“Mrs. Sattursby was furious today!” a girl’s voice said. Midas tensed.“I don't blame you for playing hooky years ago. You must have hated that awful woman. I arrived late again.You're lucky your dad let you escape this hell. Mom made me repeat the year!”

Arabella. The classmate he distantly knew. Both of them had failed their last year for attendance issues. His father had given up on him and it wasn't like they had any useful form of higher education for him to worry about his aimless son.

“I went to Miss Harissa’s bookshop again. Had something like that.” She pointed at a black and red leatherbound book about vampires. “The Elders are worried about it. I don’t blame them. I swore I saw one. He promised to come and get me, but he never returned back. Pity, because my mother didn't believe me.”

“Careful. The Elders might burn you and your mother because they may believe you both somehow summoned the creature” Midas responded dryly. “Which test did you need help with this time, Arabella?”

She grinned, her smile lighting up her dark eyes. She brought him a sack of coins she probably pilfered from her mother. “There’s fifty in here.”

Midas nodded approvingly. “Not bad.”

“I need answers for some stupid history test.”

Midas sighed, opening one book that revealed a paper with neat penmanship. He handed it to her. “You can leave now.”

She ran off, gleeful. Midas smiled a little himself.

Before he was left too much alone in his thoughts, he decided to return home. He couldn’t afford to hear another endless rant about his absence. As he left, stepping away from the cove, he tripped on something.

“I should've gotten this blasted axe out of the way sooner,” he grumbled, putting it near the cove. Maybe he could use it for his own purposes. Midas did plan to come back here later at night, when his father was away, hunting and not around to act as a guard dog at home. Terrence usually liked doing business at late hours, after all.

Chapter Text

“There are so many little villages and towns I've visited that I have no idea what you are talking about,” a man dressed in blue and gold said to his brother airily, sipping a glass of wine– mixed with blood. He smiled at a weary mortal, the contributor of his lovely little cocktail.

 “You don't get it, Rhian. We have fresh meat in these silly, naive, and ignorant people. Or even potential for more loyal subjects. Human servants, even. The lower vampires are becoming dissatisfied with being a part of a serving class, after all.”

“I prefer Your Majesty, Rafal.”

Rafal rolled his eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. Anyways, I've found someone.”

Rhian petted his anemic mortal until he fell asleep. “That's something new. You know, maybe this silly town you've found benefits you more than anyone else. I have no issues with my nature. I'm afraid I can't say the same for you.”

“It's a place we have never seen before. Quite a distance from here. The place reeks of old magic and I think the inhabitants may have it. In their blood, at least. Besides, it would be so easy to conquer them.”

“And eat them, I presume?” Rhian finally looked his twin brother in the eye, smiling and exposing his fangs. “Fear does make them more appetizing.”

“And easy,” Rafal insisted. “Besides, there's the matter of the woman you told me about. The dead one with the letter.”

“Oh? Her? What does this have to do with anything?”

“I think she's been there– it's called Gavaldon– based on what she describes to Vulcan, who obviously no longer reigns as King. It was dated a few decades ago too, from what you've shown me. I have no idea where she got the information about Vulcan but it looked like a hoax.”

Rhian shrugged. “Her letter was vague and didn't provide much context about her purpose. All it mostly did was describe a place. There had to be more letters. I had no real interest in it. But now, I admit I am intrigued about this Gavaldon place.”

“We can take some humans there, who will probably either fear us so greatly they will follow us to avoid death or will be enchanted by a promised life of pleasure and even immortality. The subjects here tend to lack loyalty and enthusiasm, and the people who do like you are either your silly mortal lovers or the stupid nobles.” Rafal grinned. “We can even share the blood of these mortals and maybe that will influence your subjects.”

“Let me guess. You want to host a masquerade ball where some of these mortals will be sacrificed to everyone else. Especially the newly created vampires, who'll jump at them.”

“That actually was one of my ideas.”

“I don't like killing the mortals,” Rhian said. “A lot of them are so sweet and so adorable, I don't have the heart to kill them.”

“I don't think you have the heart to kill anyone. I was the one who executed Demetrius last night after I discovered he was manipulating a human to stab you with a stake.”

“I still think he was falsely accused!”

“And that's just your problem, isn't it?” Rafal turned away to the door. “Anyways, Your Majesty, I would consider it. More land, different magic to manipulate, fresh blood, more people for our kingdom… The mortal kingdoms have no chance, especially about a place they know nothing about. We can even hide our most important people there.”

“Hm…. I'm surprised you visited a mortal town and spoke with a mortal girl without killing anyone. Like you did with–”

“That is irrelevant,” Rafal snapped.

Rhian got up, becoming impatient with his brother's presence. “Well, get out. I'll consider your ideas, and I'll talk to you tomorrow night. The Captain is visiting in half an hour. He arrived yesterday from a raid.”

Rafal frowned. “It's always the Captain with you.”

Rhian woke up the sleepy mortal and shoved him in Rafal’s direction. “Take him away while you're leaving. Make sure he reaches somewhere safe, away from everyone else.” Rhian pushed Rafal to the side as he left the room himself. “Thank you!”

As Rhian walked away, Rafal spied a golden ring he could have sworn wasn't there before. A gift from a lover, he thought with disgust. Rhian always got distracted with them– gifts and lovers- while leaving Rafal here to take over the affairs of this rotten kingdom. 

Sometimes, Rafal admitted he wanted someone too. It could just be based on a mutual desire for power, with no particular love or fondness from either of them. However, he wasn't as much as a favorite with the other vampires like King Rhian obviously was. Even the few who had enjoyed his company promptly forgot him for more charming people, to put it simply. And a mortal would be too much of a risk, physically and emotionally. He knew that all too well.

And yet, the redhead girl he met at that strange town had potential. Maybe Rafal would turn her into one of them in time so that she could have power here too. Maybe even be queen.

But that was a dangerous thought, considering his brother's rage was the reason Rafal was here, in this loathsome form, stuck in this eternal night. There was dragon fire behind that friendly smile and the people who found out about the darkest sides of himself never lived to see another night. Or day, as the case may be.

As Rafal had returned the mortal to his room for him to continue sleeping, he could overhear the Captain and Rhian, voices raised. He came earlier than expected.

The mortal stirred, his eyes opening. The vampire backed away, hoping he wouldn't be aware enough to see him. When the mortal did nothing but stare at roses behind Rafal, Rafal became less tense and decided to leave the room. Some hints of Rhian’s enchantments were still lingering. Either that, or the blood loss made him apathetic.

Rafal had returned to his room and stayed there, waiting for Rhian to be done with his guest. Rafal was told that the Captain's name was “Blackbeard,” but he felt that was not his real one. Rhian was undoubtedly the one who knew the truth. The Captain was his most beloved mortal, after all. However, he was the most… absent. The rest of Rhian’s human lovers lived in the palace, guarded and protected by neutral vampires who could care less about mortals wandering around. 

The Captain had no wish to be shackled down like everyone else. He was free to walk in the sun, to sail when the sun shone. He was also able to live as long as he could because he had some strange elixir. Rafal also suspected that Rhian was giving the Captain small doses of his blood to keep him in a state of eternal youth. This had its disadvantages, though. If something grave happened to the Captain, he could become a vampire. No, he would.

Rafal never particularly liked the sun or the daytime, but he did appreciate having the freedom to walk in it without burning into ash.

He turned to Rhian, who had burst into his room. His golden hair was messier than usual, his crown not even on, and Rafal could have sworn there were a few marks on his neck.

Rhian ignored the disapproval on his brother's face. “Are you too busy for a trip tomorrow night?”

“I have nothing important planned that day.”

“Perfect!” Rhian clapped his hands. “You really must ensure you dress your best. You're sort of my advisor. And my diplomat. I can't have you looking like you just murdered someone. Black, if you'd like, but please make it elegant for the Gavaldon inhabitants.”

Rafal pursed his lips. “What are you talking about?”

“Visiting Gavaldon. Also, be sure to make sure that you use enchantment magic to lure them in or even manipulate some of their actions, if needed. We can't have them want to kill us or be so afraid they run away. We need to play with the fear and turn it into love. As much as you hate your nature, I know this is something you're quite good at. And please do be sure to feed, like–”

“Are you insane?” Rafal hissed. “We have to spell them, yes, but we must make them believe we are harmless. One of them. The fear aspect comes later. They are ruled by these crazy cult leaders that will find any excuse to burn someone for magic. They also have vampire hunters employed by these men. There's one of them that I don't particularly like and I don't know why. I would suggest you look out for him too.”

Rhian frowned. “But I'm going to be their future king. Or lover.”

“Not this again. We are here for their blood and to know more about the magic of that place. That letter. Even about that maggot Vulcan. This isn't a royal tour. Or a brothel, for that matter.”

“Well, you do as you wish and I do as I wish. The mortals will never be able to tell the difference. Also, there is no need to be so distasteful.”

“I'm the one being distasteful? You literally–”

Rhian interrupted him. “Well, it's almost dawn and I'm sure you are exhausted, brother. We will set off as soon as night hits. The moon will be full. Not that it makes any difference to us.” He left the room, not waiting for any protest from his brother.

Chapter Text

“You have to go,” she said, sternly. She shouldn’t even have been here, but here she was. Again.

Midas– much younger here– protested, trying to run away. She was too fast for him. He was forced to look at gray eyes too similar to his own.

“If you don't go to school and behave yourself, I'm afraid I won't bring you anything from the bakery.”

“I didn't recall asking for anything from there.”

She pursed her lips. “So your father wasn't lying when he said you were talking back a lot more. Midas, my darling, I'm only trying to keep you from trouble. Even if you don't like it there, it's not like it will last forever.”

“What if they find out? The Elders might catch us.” 

“I don't think they'll suspect it was you. A teacher, perhaps. Even me, placing a spell on you for a heathen ritual. But never you. Never a child.”

Midas hated the feeling, but even then, he didn't trust her. How could he? The other schoolchildren were whispering that she was a witch, and that his father may have to turn her in for magic someday if he wanted to keep favor with them. He wasn't doing poorly with the vampire hunters' position, after all. Better than their fathers. And if they weren’t saying she was a witch, they were calling her other names they learned from their parents.

What was worse was that his mother was the one who cursed him with this strange power. She was filled with too much optimism and got so carried away by a spirit of magic she didn’t stop to think about the consequences of her actions.  He used to love his “gift”, being able to be a rich child at will, and knowing how much he was loved before he was born. However, as years passed, he realized that maybe, because of his father, they would always stay the same, no matter how much money he generated for them. In fact, those habits would only get worse and worse. Just like today. And because of himself and his mother, they would always be treated as outcasts, even if they did manage to earn money naturally.

His father didn’t even spend much time with them as the years passed, always trailing after the Elders and their approval. As a result, Midas spent less time with him, seeking refuge in his cove or in his treehouse until his dad demolished it as a punishment for his “disobedient spirit.”

Midas woke up to the present time, the memory irking him. It was the day before she vanished. Midas hated remembering anything that made him feel emotions about things he couldn't change. There was no use dwelling over her being gone. She was probably taken somewhere he couldn't follow and she was probably dead. His father didn’t even disguise his disgust for him now that his wife was no longer around to influence him.

 Midas suspected that if it weren't for the fact they shared blood together, his father would have exposed him to the Elders and had him burned. One less burden in his life. More money for him that came from the “good” people, not a shameful defect.

He looked outside, trying to focus on the moon, and remember if he had anything planned for tonight. He didn't have to wait for the chance to escape. His father was fast asleep by now.

Midas almost tripped over a pile of books while climbing out of bed. He aggressively kicked them to the side, some of them sliding to the door and hitting it. A lot of them were stupid tales of true love and adventure and happy endings. Others featured things that were much more “romantic,” with villainous immortals and their beloved mortal lovers. He hated them, despised how they taunted people with joy that did not exist. Adventures that could never be experienced. He wasn’t sure why he spent time reading them instead of getting a life like everyone else. 

Midas had practically run to his cove, with only Bongo and his slingshot in tow. Terrence and nobody else was present, and he was grateful for that. However, on the way here, he could have sworn he saw two people walking around the woods, probably trying to reach the village. From the corner of his eye, he could catch at least one of them looking in his direction. Oh well. It wasn’t as if he was going to take the trouble of acting like their kind, helpful guide. They should have known better than to stray that far from town without having a good sense of direction. He threw the axe to the side, unsure of why it was there and to whom it belonged. Considering the fact that it had been there when the sun was still up, it was probably abandoned like trash. Maybe he could pick it up on his way back and sell it later. 

Midas sat down on his usual rock, debating whether he should take the risk of swimming at night, with God knows what lying in wait to attack. He decided to just soak his feet in the water and toss random objects he found inside. Maybe count the fish that swam by and try to guess what kind they were.

As he was lost in thought, watching the moon's reflection in the rippling water, he eventually heard something curse and run past him so quickly it was a blur. Bongo hissed and hid behind a taller rock. Midas stood up, backing away to try to find the axe he so foolishly discarded or some stones for his slingshot. 

“Who's there?!” he yelled. He cursed having to be in such a deserted area with barely any chance of reaching nearby townspeople, much less hunters. He should have known better than to stay at home when Terrence didn't decide to show up tonight. 

He caught an extremely handsome young man sitting by the cove. Someone that was there before, but an outline he vaguely remembered. The blond man looked up at Midas with big blue eyes that reminded him of the ocean. He seemed to be wealthy– he was wearing this strange golden circlet, had no less than three bejeweled gold bracelets on each wrist, and he was wearing a rich blue that colored undoubtedly expensive fabric. He must be an idiot to ever walk in public, at night, dressed like that, with gold. Did he have a death wish?

“You claim to have visited here before, and yet, I've never seen you before,” Midas said when the man didn't answer him immediately. He was just ogling him. That unsettled Midas. Maybe he expected Midas to go through all the stupid formalities of introducing himself, and yet, why would he just trust this stranger from this horrid town at night? If Midas was more prone to violent forms of theft, he would have taken the opportunity to knock this fellow out and take everything he had. “Are you lost? I actually saw two people walking around here earlier. Where's your companion?”

“I don't live here. I come from a different place. And my companion is visiting a good friend of his.” He smiled. “This is such an ugly town, and I’m sad to say my opinions about it have not changed. Did you know that your bakery should go out of business? None of the other small towns I visited are this drab and uninteresting. They’re always rather charming.” He stood up and moved closer to Midas, to the point where the latter had to back away. Before he was able to, the man was able to lightly catch a curl of hair. “But you are a unique sight. I’ve never seen you around.”

“I made that observation first, about you.” He jerked away from the man's touch, finding it unwelcome and offensive. Midas then blinked because he was starting to feel radically dizzy. Maybe he should have eaten something before coming here. Maybe he should have kept sleeping. This was most definitely not because of this stranger.

The man only smiled more and kept approaching. Midas almost slipped, and he caught this. He tilted his head, curious. 

“Do you need help? You don’t look so well, Nameless Boy.” Another spell of dizziness.

“I’m doing just fine, thank you. As for you, I highly suggest you leave and go back to wherever you came from, because you’ll either get mugged or burnt at the stake for witchcraft. Or, a hunter will think you’re a night creature and behead you.” Midas was able to move farther away from the cove, but this man persistently followed him. “I’m currently not open to new friends, especially not ones that live miles and miles away! So, please leave or I’ll tell my dad!”

The man started laughing, and only came after Midas faster. “What’s your name?”

“What’s yours?” Midas shot back. This person did not understand what no meant. 

And then Midas caught it. 

As the man was still laughing as if he heard the funniest thing in the world, Midas spotted two sharp fangs from this creature's mouth. He also heard faint shouting from the distance.

“Get the hell away from me,” he hissed, trying not to feel afraid. He backed towards where the axe was. Not too far from a dead tree. 

Midas suspected this vampire had been trying to spell him and get into his head, because he was battling thoughts of adoration and love. Considering how this monster couldn't control his body or even effectively get into his mind, Midas suspected that he was very weak for his kind. He certainly didn't even have to use his golden touch to stop him.

Not like that would have solved anything, because he would still be alive, just temporarily encased. And Midas would also be hunted down by the very people he needed to help him.

“I just want to help you,” the vampire called out, desperately trying to make Midas feel safe. Midas picked up his slingshot and was able to find a few stones. The vampire still didn't step back at this silent threat of violence, still trying to talk to him.

“I'm not here to hurt you! I promise! I-” 

Midas hit it between the eyes with a larger stone from his slingshot, knocking it out within seconds. It even bled.

He practically ran to the tree now, with his slingshot in hand. 

Midas reached for the axe, about to swing this creature's head off his body when he came at it, until something slammed into him, tackled him to the ground and twisted his wrist so hard Midas dropped the axe. The weapon was thrown out of his reach moments later, and both wrists were snatched and pinned to the tree.

It was another vampire, probably that companion trailing after the blue-eyed creep. It had to be a stronger one, maybe even its monarch, because Midas could not look away at the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. His pulse spiked with either fear or excitement. Maybe both. 

Midas struggled from the creature's grip as he saw the fangs appearing longer and sharper than ever. Oddly enough, he wasn't scared after all. In fact, he somewhat relished in the closeness of something so beautiful, even if it was technically a horrific creature. The more he fought it, the more it held him in place. However, it finally let him stand up as it glanced at its servant, moaning in pain and rubbing its head. Midas smiled as he saw a trickle of blood roll down its forehead.

“Don’t run,” he–or it– hissed. “You'll only have yourself killed– in a bloody way.”

Midas kicked at the vampire, returning to reality,  but it dodged him and held on tightly again. This time it squeezed his throat. His mouth loomed closer to his neck, making Midas’ heart beat faster than what was safe for him. Did it have a name? Oh, this was pointless because clearly monster as he was, he was still a person at one point. Midas didn't even think of how traitorous that would sound to the Elders.

“You tried to kill him,” he went on, rushing in a manner that felt so at odds with his character. “You dared to try to kill the King of the Vampires. My twin.” He loosened his grip on his throat, probably awaiting a response from Midas.

Midas felt the swiftness in his tone was due to a strange battle for self-control rather than pure anger on his supposed brother's behalf. He heard shouting voices, especially an angry woman's, approaching closer, but somehow he didn't bother to pay attention.

“I don't bow down to vampiric royalty,” Midas snapped. “Besides, your king tried to kidnap me! And probably kill me.”

“You're glad I'm choosing to spare your life,” he said, calmer this time. He was no longer trying to strangle Midas, and the current lightness in his touch kind of made his victim go insane. Was it a desire to have a reason to hit back with more force? Or could it be something else he didn't really understand?

After all, Midas hated how he kept thinking that this was a furiously lovely, electric creature. He didn't know if this was envy as a human for immortality or something else. There were even seconds he thought it wouldn’t have been a bad idea to die. At least he’d die in the arms of an infuriatingly perfect monster. And maybe he’d become more of a monster than he already was, just to torture this one in revenge. Though what that torture would consist of, Midas wasn't too sure.

In this moment, Midas wasn't sure of anything, only aware of the heartbeat and the rush of adrenaline and the thoughts about him. How close he was. How if he wanted, Midas could… He was so so so close, and he felt himself gripping this vampires shoulders, not thinking about anything but how it would be better to enjoy being drained to death from every drop of blood he had–

The vampire abruptly backed away, glancing at Rhian, the King, now. His cheeks had the slightest traces of red in them. “No. It’s just a spell,” he snapped. “Don’t think too much of it, mortal.”

Midas inched towards the axe, but paused as the lovely creature swung to him. Staring intently at him. Tense.

Deflect, Deflect, Deflect.

Except, the ways he wanted to do it were stupid and dangerous. God, all he had to do was talk his way out of the situation. Not start kissing monsters in plain sight. 

Especially when that plain sight was going to involve the hunters and the townsfolk of Gavaldon arriving to help him, because he could clearly hear them now. Somehow, they knew he was in danger. Midas didn't need to feed their stake for kissing a vampire– a male one at that.

“Is he really the king?” Midas asked, his blasted eyes too fixated on “Rhian’s” brother. 

“Of course I am!” Rhian groaned. “Can't you tell?”

“Not really.”

“I have a circlet. Gold, just like your magic!”

“You're making me wish I could turn things to silver now!” Midas backed away from both of them, away from the weapon. Fighting his way out of this himself may not end well, and possibly turning these fellows into gold would only be a temporary– and foolish– decision. They would never let him make it out alive. Especially as Rhian was far more powerful than he could have guessed.

Also, it was eerie how the king knew about it when Midas never even told him. How long had he been watched? 

Midas was aching for this stupid crowd to actually take action instead of shouting exorcism prayers. Arrows, knives, anything.

“Rhian, we really don't have time. They're after me. We either leave the mortal or you take him now, before they catch us!”

“Why on earth–”

“That is a story to be told later, Rhian. So will you get him, or will you leave him?”

Rhian, finally fully recovering, dashed at Midas, and yanked him over with surprising force. An arrow grazed his ear, but he was relentless in getting his prey. Midas tried to kick at him, but Rafal rushed to the scene, hissing as a silver cross hit his face, and started talking. Hurriedly. He could hear crowds of Gavaldon citizens shrieking and yelling, Arabella’s mother being the loudest, calling them monsters, demons, creatures from hell, and other ugly names, but Midas soon lost focus because his brain was stormed with thoughts about how much he adored Rhian and would follow him to the ends of the earth. Rhian wouldn’t need to go through all the trouble of dragging him along, because Midas would follow without hesitation. It came to a point where he couldn’t even fight it anymore, and soon he felt pulled around like some doll in a child’s hand, but at ten times the speed. He felt something be placed in his other hand, and he felt the skin of the other vampire, who was also pretty nice to look at and whom Midas certainly did not think about “distracting” before. Midas almost fell forward because his head hurt so terribly, and flooded with thoughts about the vampire king again. It wasn’t too long before he felt a slight prick at the back of his neck and went totally unconscious. 

Chapter Text

Midas woke up to an aching wrist and a sore arm. His head was also pounding, and the room was slightly a blur for a moment.

When he came to, he found himself in an unfamiliar bedroom with a curtained window.

He couldn't recall his own bed so flooded with pillows or the sheets being silky and red. He also couldn't remember his bed being a four post canopy kind. The curtains were also a deep, bloody red, with some golden embroidery on it.  The only familiar thing here was his slingshot, left lying on the floor.

The room was flooded with the scent of roses, and Midas felt nauseous. It was something that wasn't as bad as, say, fruity perfumes, but it was overwhelming.

Midas tried to pinch himself and see if he was dreaming up all this luxury. However, everything from the night before came back to him: the vampires, especially the brother of the vampiric king. The way he was magically being controlled and manipulated by them. The fact that he was probably drugged somehow.

He would have appreciated all of this loveliness had it not been for the fact he was abducted by monsters with no way out. He was at least in the King's castle, or the manor of a higher-ranking creature. He couldn't even try to run outside in the daylight, because the others would catch him and kill him before he ever stepped foot outside. 

No silver, no stakes, no garlic, no crucifix, and no fire, it seemed, either. 

Midas was at their mercy.

He approached the door of his bedroom and found it was locked from the outside which was blissfully inconvenient. He tore open the curtain that was supposed to unveil a window, only to see it was a painting instead. Midas cursed. He was trapped, and his wrist was really starting to ache at this point.

He spun his head towards the door when he heard it unlock. 

The King's brother stepped inside, slamming the door behind him with one hand. His other hand was carrying a bunch of extravagant clothing that Midas would never have seen in his real life.

He threw it at Midas, who stepped back. The clothes all spilled to the floor. 

As Midas bent to pick them up, he crushed them under his feet.

“Hey–”

“I need you to answer some questions first,” he said harshly. “What were you about to do to my brother last night?”

If it wasn't a risk to his life to do so, Midas would have slapped him for ruining such expensive items. He would have killed for these back in Gavaldon. What a disgustingly entitled creature who was so used to having wealth and luxury at his feet every single day of his pathetic eternal life. He hated him, hated how the vampire Prince even tried to put a spell on him last night just to fool him into liking him. 

“Look, I was defending myself, alright? I had no idea he was the King, and even if I had come close to killing him, I would have still died. At his hand.”

“Or mine,” the creature snapped. “Have you enchanted my brother, trying to ensnare him to bring to your leaders?”

Midas bristled. He, enchanting the King? A worthless mortal? Was the Prince really this bored that he had nothing better to do than ask stupid questions?

“Did it look like that? Magic is forbidden by the Elders, and they would have ordered me to torture them with the cross or something if I was even an official vampire hunter. Your brother was taken with me by himself. I had to do nothing.”

The vampire’s green eyes narrowed. Midas hoped he believed him. “That wouldn't actually be surprising. ”

“Now, why am I supposed to answer these silly questions? Especially since you suddenly started asking about my well-being. Did King Rhian set you up to this? Is this preparation for a trial?”

 The vampire did not answer.

“Because if it is, I already confess: yes, I did try to murder your king, but only in self-defense. He was making me severely uncomfortable, which was one important reason why I attacked him. He even hurt me!” Midas lifted up his arm to show him, which Rafal only briefly glanced at. 

“Why were you out at night in the first place? You aren't a hunter, as far as I know. Creatures like my brother roam the night, looking for foolish mortals. You aren't the first town boy my twin has pursued and seduced.”

Midas crossed his arms. “I am not enamored with your brother. I am not like that at all.”

The vampire smiled slightly, even laughed. “Is that so? It doesn't explain how you were when you met me yesterday. I think the better way to say it is that you aren't overly fond of my brother, that's all.”

“You said it was a spell. Wasn't it?”

He paused, studying Midas. “That actually depends on quite a few things, now that I think about it, mortal.”

“What things?”

“I wasn't thinking of charming you that much. I didn't really think it was worthwhile to do more than the bare minimum to avoid as much human notice as possible, as you were my brother's handsome victim to capture anyway. Besides, if my brother wasn't that successful, I wouldn't waste time trying my luck.” 

“So what does that have to do with anything?”

“My point is that I didn't consciously spell you to almost kiss me, and I know it takes a lot of magic to make someone do something completely against himself, especially with things like these.” He was smiling for real now, probably relishing in Midas’ humiliation. With those stupid sharp teeth. Why, why didn't Midas let him kill him?

“I don't believe you.”

“Was I asking you to? I don't remember doing that.” The Prince looked away, and Midas wasn't sure if he offended him just now or if he was simply in a bad mood. And he wasn't sure if he was feeling flushed due to anger and embarrassment of being a stupid, worthless mortal in the face of a clever, eternal being or if it was some different kind of magic at play. He didn't believe the explanation for one minute.

“The clothes are a gift from my brother, and they won't be the only ones,” the vampire finally said, coldly. Midas believed he could tell the topic was uncomfortable, maybe for both of them. Maybe this monster didn't like it when people saw him as such.

“Choose what you want to wear. He wishes to invite you over for dinner. There will be no trial as he pardons you. And I guess, so do I. For now.”

“He does realize that consuming human blood will make me sick, right?” Midas didn't know if dining with the King was any better than being executed for almost killing him.

“King Rhian has provided the proper food for you, fool. He has many human acquaintances that live here, or who visit him. You aren't special, mortal.”

Midas bristled at his tone. “I never claimed I was. I come from a lame town, of all things, something nobody else has probably ever even heard of. Of course I'm not special, Your Highness.”

The vampire tensed. “I'm not considered royalty of any kind. I just serve the King.”

Midas laughed in disbelief. “You're his twin. That makes you something special, does it not?”

“Not according to Rhian. The highest title he has ever given me is something akin to a courtier or an advisor.”

“Oh.” Midas hesitated continuing. He bent down and picked up something without thinking much, just anything Frosty didn't step on. A black coat with silver embroidery. He started to feel slightly uneasy in this creature's presence. What if this was a trap that Midas needed to be wary of? What if, in reality, “dinner” was for Rhian and his friends to feed on him until he died or at best, passed out? Maybe Rhian forgot about him already and his twin was feeling a little hungry. Beautiful things could be rotten within minutes.

“So you do have golden powers,” the vampire mused, eying some of the fabric slowly gaining a golden color. Midas quickly threw it to the bed. He was too stressed right now, and maybe the vampire advisor was casting a spell again to consume him when he wasn't paying attention. And later, give the leftover drops of blood to his royal brother in revenge for making him nothing. Nothing when he could have been everything.

“It wasn't my imagination. Though I can understand why you don't use them. Pity. You could have been so much more anywhere else.”

“I hate them,” Midas said. “It’s not a power I can always control, and sometimes I've ended up harming something, or someone.” He paused. “If you got turned into gold, would you still live?”

The creature didn't answer right away, thinking about an answer to the question. He was starting to become less harsh around the mortal, realizing he wasn't a threat. “I don't think it would affect me. Now if it was silver, that would be a completely different story.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “Why are you asking? One single attempt on my brother's life or mine, and you'll be sorry.”

“I was asking because I don't want to harm anyone, especially… especially after you both spared my life. Even after I attacked the King.”

“Yes, well, my brother is infatuated with you regardless. You are going to become his new obsession in the next few days, I'm guessing.” The vampire began to leave the room, turning his back on Midas. “I must see my brother and discuss certain things with him.”

“Wait,” Midas said before the vampire left. “What do I call you?”

He turned to face him, eyes staring right at him. “What do you mean?”

“What is your name? Since you have no royal title, I'm unsure of how to address you if I see you.”

“I would like to be shocked at how desperate you are to be in my presence and hold a long conversation until dawn, but considering how you were last night, I can't truly say I am.”

“I can't say I believe you,” Midas snapped, furious about the fact he was blushing, and how the vampire was grinning wickedly in response. He was no different than the rest of them. “But in all seriousness, I want to know your name. Your brother, ruler as he may be, isn't my only captor.” Midas paused. “Or my only future killer who could destroy me at will.”

“If you're really that curious about such a trifle, as all charming little mortals like yourself are, I guess I have no choice but to indulge you. My dear twin did tell me to be attentive to your needs after all. I'm Rafal. There's nothing more to it.”

“Rhian and Rafal. How silly.”

However, Rafal was no longer paying much attention to him, already leaving. “Be ready by the time I return.”

“And how much time will I have?”

“Two hours, I suppose. I will send in one of the King's other mortal pets to help you and keep you company. I have other things to do that are more worthy of my time than entertaining you.” Rafal wasn't even looking at him anymore, but looking at the door across from this room. 

“Very kind of you,” Midas retorted. “Not that I wanted to cozy up to a literal vampire who hasn't had dinner yet, alone with no way to truly defend myself.”

“I don't really have any mortals of my own, so it's not really something you should get your hopes up for. Anyway,” he said, truly leaving. “Two hours, and nothing more. Juniper or Julius or whatever his name is will be present shortly.” 

                          ***

Rafal returned to his twin, lounging in his chambers, only to find that they wouldn't be alone.

Rhian had company. Which was Rafal's oh so favorite thing in the world.

Rafal watched his brother happily engaged in conversation’ undoubtedly gossip, with an incredibly patient Pirate Captain. He crossed his arms, glaring at the King.

“Does he have to be here?” Rafal grumbled.

“It would be rude of me to send him away after he just arrived, Rafal. Not everyone lacks manners like you do.”

“You aren't obliged to extend respect to someone beneath you. Funny how you love to pull rank with me, your own blood who has helped this castle and kingdom stay protected and strong, but not this… this sailor.”

The Pirate Captain didn't even bother giving Rafal a glance.

“Well, the Pirate Captain is part of my circle of lovers,” Rhian gently responded. “They do have some importance in rank.”

“And I'm a vampire. If the fact that I share blood with you isn't enough, at least think of that.”

Rhian shrugged. He eyed a plate of cucumber sandwiches, with a cup of piping hot sandalwood tea at its side. There was also an empty little vial on the table.

“I had them bring your favorites!”

Rafal tensed. He knew that Rhian had given him some doses of blood in the tea, otherwise he couldn't properly hold down the food he enjoyed as a human. 

Rhian had also made Rafal constantly carry vials of human blood to consume the moment they were awake, most likely to protect the new mortal. There was something about him that made Rafal intrigued about something weaker than him, but that also ignited instincts he would prefer to ignore. 

Midas had a lot of emotions that weren't fear exactly, but still bait all the same. The last thing that anybody needed was for Rafal to rip apart his throat. Rhian would be very angry and punish him again.

Maybe even kill him.

“Do I have to attend?” Rafal asked, taking the tea and the plate. He sat down on the bed, until Rhian shooed him away. Rafal chose to sit down in another chair that was further away from them, near a vase of orchids.

“It would be inconvenient to me if you didn't,” Rhian replied. “Besides, why are you even here in the first place? I wanted you to help our new friend get used to his surroundings. And yet, here you are, disobeying my orders.”

Rafal laughed in disdain. “Oh, I'm sure he'll be more than your dear friend soon, sitting at your other side with your Captain. I don’t need to do more than what is necessary. I told him about the pardon and I gave him the clothes, and Juniper will take care of the rest.”

“Julius, you mean.”

“Well, him. I don’t remember bad ideas that well.”

“Julius will be nothing but welcoming to Midas. I just know it. He adores me. He would never do anything to cross me.” At this, the Captain rolled his eyes. “I had no knowledge there would be a new addition to the family.”

“Believe me, I didn't either,” Rafal snapped. “And like always, the first thing you do when I finally get my hands on something to call my own is to snatch it away. Besides, I don't really feel like Midas even likes us. I'll try and give him a tour of the palace after he eats, but I can't guarantee that will warm him up in the slightest.”

Rhian stared at his lover uneasily, but addressed his twin. “You forget that you did have a different mortal planned in mind when we agreed to visit that place, and it wasn't him. Besides, if you had actually turned that lovely bar girl into a vampire like yourself, or broadened your horizons, maybe you wouldn't be so touch-starved and hungry over my goods.”

Rafal's cheeks reddened as if he'd been slapped. “It isn't like that at all, I promise you. Besides, I came here to explain exactly what happened in Gavaldon with Arabella, who I originally planned to take here.”

“I was curious about the incident,” Rhian said, finally facing his twin. “I suppose I'm not the only one that needs rescuing from trouble after all.”

Rafal glowered at him. “She told her mother about me, and ever since, the vampire hunters have been extra careful. Her mother didn't originally believe her story, nor the other inhabitants, but the Elders ruling that place suspected a so-called demonic presence in Gavaldon.”

The Pirate Captain intervened. “Why would you expose yourself so quickly to a random mortal girl? Especially as the very monster her town wishes to eliminate?”

“Nobody asked you,” Rafal hissed. He wasn’t wrong, though, as much as Rafal’s pride wouldn't allow him to admit it. 

“So let me guess, once this Arabella girl's mother came into the picture, she got the whole of Gobblygook to come after us.”

“That, and also all of the vampire hunters mobilized.”

Rhian sighed. “Well, I'm glad we were able to escape from that hell and still get what we wanted at the end. Well, actually, just me.”

“Thanks for making that so clear,” Rafal retorted. “I suppose you wish for me to leave you two lovebirds by yourselves? I have things to do, especially preparing to attend a mandatory feast.”

Rhian dismissed him, and Rafal went to his room disgruntled and bitter. He wasn’t sure why the Pirate Captain bothered him so much. He was neutral, not exactly as corrupt as Rhian’s previous vampire lover, the original King Vulcan. His affection for his twin seemed genuine enough, yet one could never be too suspicious.

As he rifled through his things, he found shattered glass and tarnished silver in his drawers and small boxes of things, taunting him of he would never be able to use any of these things again. Around the glass was what was once a mirror. 

There was a spell that Rafal had placed in the palace when he was still a living human, where his brother and the other vampires would be safe around glass. All of the glass was exchanged to not show their reflection of they were vampires.

Julius, Midas, and all of the mortals who dwelled at the castle could still see their faces reflected in glass.

Rafal no longer could. 

Maybe the reason Rafal felt this bitterness was the feeling that he was just a burden that King Rhian was forced to deal with. A disaster just waiting to happen. 

Rafal had to be fed blood constantly, and yet he never really liked to feed on humans by himself. It was a habit that led him to a state of uncontrollable hunger, where he couldn’t think before killing a mortal. A whole village, nearly a town. It was how he lost his first love, almost killing him. 

Kyma should have been merciful. The Night Crawlers should have just let him rest in peace. 

Well, there was no time to think of it now. It was too late. He was stuck in Rhian’s claws, forever, now.

The least he could do was make the mortals suffer for it, because they were under his power as well, as much as Rhian liked to pretend that wasn't the case. 

And that was a little better than nothing.

                             ***

After he left, Midas spent some minutes waiting for this fellow human to appear, but more time passed and he decided to stop waiting. It was only after a bath and when Midas was putting on some golden chain that this person even showed up.

“Good evening,” he chirped. “My name is Julius, Rhian’s main lover, and I'll be helping you get settled into your new life. I heard you came from a small town quite a distance from this place. Midas, correct?”

Midas couldn't believe anyone could make their first greetings so… strangely. All this Julius person had to do was introduce himself, not mention Midas’ home, which he shouldn't even know about. Or his stupid title. He was feeling irritated at first sight. He pegged this Julius man as the more pretentious kind, who would find any opportunity to sound more knowledgeable than others. 

“Rhian told you about me?”

“King Rhian didn't say much about you,” Julius replied. “Rafal gave me more information. You're his new mortal, correct? How surprising! I never would have imagined such a thing would happen, but here you are.”

“Oh, I'm not Rafal’s mortal. Apparently, King Rhian has taken a liking to me and I'll be spending more time with him as the days go on. He's the one who was kind enough to extend an invitation to dine with him.”

Julius raised his brow. “That doesn't make sense. I think you’re confused, my dear. I never took Rafal to be one that likes sharing his things, even if his twin brother does rule over us all. Most mortal humans usually stay with one vampire. Vampires are typically free amongst each other, because they enjoy more privileges than we do, for obvious reasons. Besides, why would he give you this if you didn't belong to him?”

He tossed Midas a small glass bottle with red liquid inside. Midas paled, wishing more than ever to murder this vampire with his bare hands.

Rafal claimed he would be fed normal food, and now he has the nerve to send him this. 

His blood, no doubt. Not even Rhian’s. His own.

Midas may have felt flattered in another circumstance, but now he just felt a deep sense of betrayal. A stupid emotion that shouldn't even be there. Did he seriously hope anyone so cruel and disgusting, literal undying demons, would be honest with him? That they wouldn't slap him in the face and humiliate him at every turn, remind him that he was a foolish mortal who could never survive against them? Or without them, for that matter. 

He wouldn't let Julius see this, though. 

“What is this for?”

“He said you sustained some injuries from yesterday, if I remember correctly. His blood is there to heal you. He thinks the pain will only bother you unnecessarily. What happened to you?”

Midas remembered his wrist, and he took his good hand to gently touch it unconsciously. Julius tracked the movement.

“I didn't know he would be that… harsh,” he said, laughing. 

“Rhian did it to me, I think. I don’t know. I believe I was drugged or something when they finally managed to bring me here. And I still don't think Rafal is my vampire. He would have said so.”

Julius shrugged. “I am one of Rhian’s mortals. I would be the first to know if you were to be added to my circle. He tells me everything, and we see each other quite often. I'm one of his favorites, they say.” He flashed Midas the kind of smile that screamed at him that he was nothing and he shouldn't pretend to be anything that he wasn't. That he was stupid and delusional and how dare he think that he could match this level of greatness.

Midas wanted to lash out and say that he couldn't even tell Rhian was a king in the first place, and that being akin to some royal monster's concubine wasn't as flattering as he thought it was. 

But it was better to act nice, for now. This spoiled brat could go crying to the King and maybe he would sic Rafal on Midas to drain him of every ounce of blood in his body as punishment for “harming” one of his beloved pets.

But maybe, Midas eventually would be transferred to King Rhian’s twin regardless, if he was too boring or useless to him. Rhian didn't seem to be needlessly cruel. Still dangerous and volatile, but not naturally unkind. Besides, the twins appeared to have a close-knit relationship and Rafal probably would appreciate the free meal.

“You're so red,” Julius commented, breaking Midas out of his thoughts. “And you haven't taken the blood yet. I think he wants you to be done with it by the time he comes back. It would be such an inconvenience to him if your wrist was useless and weak. So humiliating for himself. He may kill you as a result. Rafal is not a vampire known to be merciful.”

Midas wasn't sure why he would be turning so red over such a useless fool, and assumed that Julius was intentionally trying to annoy him. “I'll take it on my own time, preferably when I'm by myself.” He stared directly at Julius, who was staring at the ceiling, looking bored to tears. Midas was clearly no friend of his, nobody a part of his “circle.”

“You know,” Julius finally spoke up, “maybe Rafal feeds from you before you are allowed into our dinner, just so he doesn’t… well, never mind that. I think His Majesty would like it if Rafal actually acted the way he was meant to. Being the kind man he is, I'm sure he worries for his brother's wellbeing. And here you are, the perfect opportunity for practice. He started yesterday, I assume. And at the end of the day, Rafal gains a lot of this: sustenance, companionship, and other things. You'll learn a lot as the days pass by, though I'm not sure if Rafal will be as spectacular as His Majesty. King Rhian has always been exceedingly gracious to me, even when I was lost and scared at my arrival.”

“Of course he has,” Midas said, forcing himself to smile. He was also becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the way Julius had been talking. “King Rhian did choose the clothing for me. Rafal told me so himself.”

“He was probably doing it more for his twin than you. Nobody likes a present with hideous wrapping do they? No matter how good it is underneath. And Rafal loves destroying beautiful things. What's more fun than to rip apart something pretty before getting to the fun part?”

Midas froze. 

“Julius,” said a voice at the door nobody knew had opened. “Is that something you would say when you're about to dine in the presence of royalty?”

Julius spun to Rafal, dressed elegantly in 

navy blue, standing there in front of him to collect Midas. And probably him, too.

“I- I don't think I said anything wrong! I'm just making friendly conversation.” Julius seemed nervous now. A far cry from his earlier arrogance. 

“I don't think anyone would consider you talking about them being stripped down by another person, who also strangely happens to be me, ‘friendly.’ It is certainly never something to say in front of company at such a formal occasion.”

“That's not what I meant,” Julius snapped. Rafal stared at him, studied him. Determining if this little outburst counted as defiance.  Midas didn't think that was a good idea to talk that way to him, or any vampire, and as much as he disliked Rhian’s snobby lover, Midas didn't want to see anyone die. He was grateful for Rafal defending him, though. Even if it was only to save his own pride in never associating with someone like him.

“Then what did you mean? Because all I see is your friend flushed with embarrassment, probably for you more than himself. And clearly, he feels uncomfortable that all you have to say to him are such crude things.”

“I was talking about presents. Right, Midas?” Julius turned to him and smiled like an angel. Midas could pretend better than that. 

“That's not what I heard and I think he isn't extremely innocent to the point where he would completely miss the underlying meaning behind your discussion of presents. I don't think my brother would like to hear about the fact that his mortals are already shutting out one of their own. He is enamored by Midas, and expects you to be welcoming to him. You aren't the only one that warms my brother's bed, Julius. In fact, loathe as I am to admit, the Captain seems to be closer to Rhian’s heart than you'll ever be. You are merely a distraction and absolutely nothing without the King. You have no right to act better than others when you are practically nothing but one of Rhian’s toys.”

Julius was left speechless. His dark eyes looked down, repentant.

Rafal turned to Midas. “Ignore him. Many of them think this way. They cannot have anything else on their minds, I suppose. Rhian does nothing useful with them, and thus they know absolutely nothing about being of use. All of this being said, he's waiting for both of you at this moment.” 

He grinned at Julius, mopey now at the harsh rebuke. “I don’t think the King wants his favorite pet to be late, and to have such a hideous, miserable face to show for it, would he now? Get up, Julian. Nothing that I have said carries any falsehood in it. Instead of whining about what I have to tell you, maybe ask yourself if what I say is true.”

Julius finally got up, stomping forward, next to Midas. He looked furious, glaring at Midas with intense hatred. He returned the favor to Julius, with mutual feelings.

Rafal shoved Julius forward to the point where he tripped and twisted his ankle trying to stop it. 

“Let's hope nobody notices your weak and useless ankle at dinner. It would be humiliating for my dear twin, after all.” Rafal’s smile displayed those vicious fangs. Midas hated himself for not really thinking much of it these past few hours.

Rafal was not simply sarcastic and nasty. He was an evil creature who could turn on him any minute and for any reason. Gratitude should be the last feeling Midas should experience in this situation.

Rafal grabbed Midas’ swollen wrist and practically dragged him to the King. Midas flinched and Rafal caught the movement. He studied Midas, but said nothing. However, Rafal did eventually ease his grip.

“Why didn't you take it?” Rafal asked. “I gave it to you specifically to cure it. I see we were not exactly gentle when we were escaping Gavaldon with you in tow.”

Midas blinked, surprised how he could feign concern for his literal prisoner after being so unapologetically cruel to Julius simply for messing with his twin's plaything. Or his. Midas wasn't sure anymore. 

“I see. Now you don't want to talk when you had plenty to bitch about before.”

“My apologies for feeling no inclination to talk with one of my kidnappers. A stranger. Or does avoiding strangers only apply to your stupid brother?”

“My brother is not stupid. Just… imprudent.” Rafal tensed. “Stop talking that way about him. How dare you behave this way after he spared your miserable, short life. After you practically confessed to killing him. I told him everything you told me earlier when I returned to him. Do you know what he told me?”

“No, and I really don't care about what he said either. How long until we reach the dining room?”

“Still a long way to go. He scolded me for not helping you as if I was some disgusting human personal attendant. Which, seeing as Julius is too proud to do the job, we need to find someone else.” Rafal let go of Midas completely. “You don't deserve his kindness or his mercy.”

“I didn't even ask for it! Besides, you're still keeping me alive instead of killing me the first chance you get. Unless the King is really gifting me to you…”

Rafal scoffed. “Don't listen to that idiot back there. He's just jealous someone better than him will overthrow him as the ruler of Rhian’s affections. A title he never held, by the way. Also, I don't particularly enjoy sleeping with the mortals.”

Rafal walked past him, leaving Midas to catch up with him. Nothing more was said, and he wasn't sure if he felt relief or despair at Julius being wrong.

He wasn't sure if he was happy to be alive or if he was better off dead.