He took his steps with extra care. The air smoked as he kept breathing through the fog. Emerald had a lot on his mind as he kept walking through the castle. The apple tree in the central garden came into view. He took a few steps towards it , stood beneath it , the moonlight glittered it. Emerald’s eye’s were lost. He smiled.

“Are you feeling guilty” a young man stood beside him. Emerald looked at him and asked “ why “ . The young man smiled and said “ sometimes life can be cruel, but you gotta accept it as it is” . “What’s that supposed to for me” . “I’m Patrick, head of castle guards” . “Nice” emerald responded with dull face. “You’re doubting your existence “ . “My existence.., how so “ . “You think more about others than yourself, if you don’t know how to be clear on yourself, then what’s the meaning in helping others “ .

Emerald were lost in moving the mud on the ground with his toe. “So what make you the head of guards" . “Nothing in particular “ . “Even though you’re nothing in particular, there must be at least a things, that’s makes who you’re “ . “ I’m not a clan leader or natural one “ . “How old are you “ . “When was the last time a pandemic hit “ . “A hundred year’s ago I guess “ . “Well I’m a hundred years old “ . “What’s your story then, wandered in or—volunteered yourself “ . “I was dying , young as I’m, then I met some people , then turned me as per my request , and here I’m , High and epic “ . “So you’re not from any royal family “ . Patrick started to crack up after hearing that. “ Royal blood...., no I’m not, you think royal blood is such a high and might think, but it’s not , being a royalty is great, but living a life of royalty is hard, there will be rules and traditional things for you to follow to your grave “ . “How do you know, that I’m not myself “ . “Why do you think I’m the head of castle guards , a low-born like me “ . “Must be your technique “ . “You could say that, but more like my intelligent brain is a solid foundation for it , my technique is a good for nothing hearing “ . “Hearing......, what do you mean exactly “ . “Simply put, I can hear whatever the shit is going on the castle grounds “ . “Ain’t that normal for your kind “ . “Nah, I’m too good than the average vampires “ . Emerald looked at him for a little moment and left . Patrick kept his eyes on him as he walked out.

He walked out of the castle compound without leaving any trace. He walked into the town. Lively as ever without any scandals on his face. He were totally frustrated to be walking in a street full of vampires, but they didn’t even look at him , they just kept their work on track. Emerald walked as much as he can, without knowing the end. He came across the cafe , where he met Eva. He took turn and got in.

“We are closed...., oh it’s you Emerald, what’s the matter, it’s too scary to see a royal guest at this time”. Eva looked at him and said. She was wearing an uniform and apron. “You work her” emerald asked. “You didn’t notice , I own this shit dude” Eva replied with puffy face. Emerald grabbed a seat and started admiring the interior works, cause that’s all there is to do. To put out the silence he started to talk even though he isn’t a talkative guy. “ So you run a cafe, your sister runs a fashion store , right” . Eva was cleaning, she nodded her head and continued her work. “ Ain’t you got any family business like..” . “Like what?” . “Like I don’t know, like something traditional “ . “ My family own most of the fashion industry around the world, is that good” . “Really...., and good for what” . “Marrying me “ . “Marrying you, where’s that come from” . “ I thought you’re interested in me since you been visiting me frequently” . “That’s totally different” . “ Then why are you here” . “It’s nothing “ . “ Nothing, I can clearly understand that you’re lying, kid “ . “ It’s just that, I’m not social guy and I don’t like crowds , that’s why I’m wandering around in the night , that’s all “ . Eva brought him a cup of coffee and some cookies to eat. “ You cook “ . “I do” Eva replied. “Does all vampires cook “ . “No they don’t , if I remember correctly Genna doesn’t know how to cook , why do you ask?” . “Nothing just curious “ . “Your curiosity might kill you someday brat “ . “Yo, I got name “ . “ If you’re free, shit talking over there, give me hand here “ . “A vampire asking me for help, that’s great, why don’t you just use your abilities “ . “Where’s the fun in it “ . “ Ain’t it fun “ . She just gave him look. Emerald got up and gave a hand at washing the dishes.

After closing the shop she asked Emerald “ what you gonna do “ . “ Jus walk around and hit the castle in the morning” . “Brat you need sleep, get over there and sleep” . He looked at Eva with a disappointment. “What are you looking get going” . Emerald left for the castle. His mind was exhausted from thinking what to do, how he gonna face Genna, does she know that I know, what I’m I doing, i should apologise, blah , blah .

He opened the door, entered , walked with caution to the couch, he gave look to the bed. Genna is sleeping like a baby, he felt down from what he did. Emerald took a deep breath and walked over to the bed, took a pillow and slept aside her.

(To be continued)