The Kingdom of Versailles was located in the west side of the continent. It was one of the largest kingdoms amongst the other twelve kingdoms.
It was not only large but also a very wealthy kingdom. Almost thrice the size and wealth of the Kingdom of Luminear in the east.
Luminear specialised in export of their exquisite jewels found only in their snowy peaks and medicines while Kingdom of Versailles specialised in various exports of oil, textile, wood and craftsmanship. They also had a huge port with a large number of ships to expand their reach to multiple Kingdoms.
Nestled amongst lush green mountains and embraced by vast shimmering water bodies was the capital city of Bastian in its serene splendor.
Towering over it all stood a colossal castle on top of the hill watching the rest of the city like a silent guardian. Within the castle walls there were quiet but purposeful footsteps of a man walking to his father's study. Stopping in front of heavy and intricately carved door that was left slightly ajar, the man knocked twice and entered without waiting for a response.
His cold blood red eyes stared straight at his father who sat in front of this desk with a quill moving quietly against the parchment. His father looked up from his parchment to the new arrival in front of him.
His only son, Prince Ivan Ignia de Ashen. Though his gaze was cold, they gleamed with volatile flames that could burn the world if provoked. His extremely fair complexion made his red molten eyes stand out more.
Ivan stood tall, his physique carved with the quiet strength of a born warrior not bulky, but like an art masterfully crafted over time. With his sharp jawline and straight nose and lips that seemed sculpted by desire itself. He possessed a beauty that was both haunting and magnetic. His short black hair styled neatly with some falling on his forehead, a touch of chaos in an otherwise calculated form.
Though drop dead gorgeous he had a dangerous air around him that would make people think twice before stepping into his breathing space. For Ivan was no ordinary man but a pure blooded vampire.
With a deep low voice he said "Father, I have taken care of the dark stone case. The ones who were selling the stones in the black market have been captured."
"Very well son, this will definitely give us a lead on who has been creating these stones." he said with a thoughtful look on his face. Then he asked "Did you make your preparations to join the new semester of the academy?"
"Yes it's not like there is much to do anyway." He stated in a nonchalant manner.
His father, King of Versailles, King Iskara Ignia de Ashen, chuckled listening to his son's uncaring attitude and said "You are their star student, if you stop going there, I am sure their reputation will take a nosedive and people might start questioning the academy's credibility as to why their beloved prince stopped attended it."
"Well if their credibility crumbles that easily then perhaps its not too late for them to stop running that place" as he said that a ghost of a smile made an appearance on his lips for a second only for to disappear as if it never existed.
"I have heard there are many new students admitted this year, even humans. One in particular caught my attention, Princess of Luminear has been sent to pursue her higher education" stated Iskara while observing his son for any reaction.
"Hm. But from what I've heard, the princess is hardly a Lumen at all." Ivan remarked in a dismissive tone."They say she holds energy so low that it barely registers in comparison to even the lowest kind of lumen. She is practically a lowly human." said Ivan, which made it clear that a foreign-born princess of such insignificance was hardly worth his attention.
It is true that the lumens were sought after by both vampires and humans because of the power of light that flowed in their blood. The lower lumens were made to serve their blood as their blood tasted sweeter than a normal human making it a delicacy. While the higher lumens had powers to heal wounds, lands and in some cases, even repel or destroy dark forces.
Ivan had no interest in the lower ones however he could find some use for the higher level lumens for his personal projects.
Saying his peace he saw no other reason to stay so he bowed his head slightly in front of his father and was ready to leave when his father called " Son" his voice a little more gentler than usual "I know very little really holds your interest apart from your duties.. but these are the days meant to be lived and not just endured before you step into more serious side of the world." King Iskara knew about the fire his son held inside him since his mother passed away and how horribly at that.
Ivan never stopped blaming himself so he kept his distance from everyone and everything remotely close to light.
Though he appeared as cold as ice, he was a burning inferno on the inside ready to burn anyone who dared. King Iskara knew that to shape Ivan into a ruler he should not only be feared, but also be respected. He would need to do more than command from a distance but to understand people. To lead with not just power, but also with presence.
'He already has a commanding presence just more in fear than anything else.' he sighed inwardly just thinking about it people shivering like dried leaves in front of his son. The only ones who could converse this freely with Ivan was him and his cousin brother Damien.
Hearing what his father said he acknowledged it with a nod and stepped out. King Iskara sighed again and thought perhaps a woman one day might be able to bring light to his son's lonely world. But for now he knew it was only a wishful thinking. Not wanting to dwell on it more he got back to this work again.