Queen Of Adis

Haru's eyelashes fluttered as her eyes gradually opened to see the colors of life again. She stretched her arms like a lazy cat as she yawned and sat up. She was glad she was now feeling much better than earlier, but she's feeling hungry again. She wondered how long she slept.

She glanced at her side and was surprised to see Vladimir silently playing chess alone at the corner of her room. She blinked twice to confirm whether she was still dreaming or not.

Once the quiet child heard the faint rustle of the bedsheet, he immediately stopped his game, jumped out from his tall chair and curled the corner of his lips for an awkward smile.

Haru's expression softened, almost melancholic at the sight of the beautiful child in front of her. Vladimir was a ten-year-old vampire with captivating golden eyes, pale skin, small face, and thin lips. His shoulder-length gray hair was neatly combed and his ensemble was adorable and formal as always; leather shoes, shorts with suspenders, white long-sleeves and a cute ribbon on his collar.

"I'm glad you're awake, Mother. Vladimir was asked by Father to watch over you while he was away. Are you hungry?" The boy asked as he walked towards her.

She sniffed as her tears welled up in her eyes. "You have neglected this mother for so long. Are you not going to give me a hug first, Vlad?"

It was known throughout the land about the Queen's benevolence and love for children. She supported numerous orphanages, and aside from Fenrir, Vladimir was one of the children she adopted.

The child's face reddened but ran towards her and imprisoned himself in her warm embrace. "I've missed you more, mother. Please forgive this wayward son. I don't wish to hurt mother, hence I immersed myself in studying with master."

Vladimir possessed a destructive ability that sometimes consumed him and became out of control due to his young age. Adis entrusted him to his old comrade to cultivate the child's power. Vladimir had to live in an isolated mountain in Atlantis to follow his master and she had not seen him for over six months. She had truly missed this quiet, yet adorable child.

She rubbed her cheek against his head. "It's fine as long as you are here now. Why did you not wake me up? I would have prepared something for you."

Vladimir shook his head while a soft smile was on his lips. "Father said you need to rest because the baby in your stomach is also sleeping, that I must not make a noise and watch over you quietly. Is Vladimir a good boy?"

Haru giggled as she ruffled his hair lovingly. "Yes, my Vlad has always been a good child. Are you happy to have a sibling?"

Vladimir eagerly nodded. "Vladimir is really happy. I will protect him and share my storybooks with him. Oh, I will also share Mr. Bear with him, the plushie that mother gifted to me on my birthday."

"Aww, big brother is so sweet. I'm sure he won't get bored with you around." She kissed his forehead before they heard her stomach rumbled.

Their sweet laughter filled the entire room and caused flowers to bloom at the four corners of the bedchamber.

"Mother, father personally made this sandwich for you. Vladimir shall accompany you as you eat your meal." Vladimir pulled a chair taller than his with his small hands and motioned Haru to sit down. At such a young age, he was showing the grace and demeanor of a perfect gentleman.

Before Haru could sit on the chair, she heard a faint knock on the door. She tilted her head as she waited for Fang or Anais' voice after the knock but it did not happen. She furrowed her forehead as she slowly reached for the door.

"Ah, mother, please wait!" Vladimir ran and extended his arms to obstruct her way. "Father said that you must not open the door no matter what. Even if you hear sir Fang or lady Anais' voice, you must still not open the door. Father is the only one allowed to enter this room."

She pouted her lips as she blinked her eyes in astonishment. "Does that mean I am not even allowed to go to the library? B-but why?"

The child shook his head, "Vladimir doesn't know. But father said that it's very dangerous outside. Mother, let's listen to father and stay here until he comes back, shall we?"

Haru contemplated for a moment. He looked at the door once again as she heard another knock. Then, she spoke in a loud voice, "This Queen wishes to rest and does not want any visitor. If you wish for an audience, please reach out to my attendant. Leave at once!"

The knock had stopped and Haru sighed in relief. She instantly assumed that the person knocking was not her people as they would have announced themselves to make her recognize their voice. At this point, she refused to accept any interruption with her bonding time with Vladimir.

The vampire child was satisfied with her decision and quietly watched her eat. He was seated in front of her with his elbows on the table and his palms beneath his jaws while his legs were swaying. When he suddenly remembered something, he shifted to reach out for his welt pocket. "Mother, I almost forgot. Father left you a letter, here."

Haru swallowed the food in her mouth and took the letter. "Your father is really shameless to even think of writing a letter and making you his love messenger."

"I think it's cute and romantic. Father really loves you," Vladimir innocently chirped.

Haru playfully wrinkled her nose as she opened the letter. She giggled at the cliché intro of his writing.

'To my beloved,

I pray that you are already feeling well once this letter reaches you. Your worried husband hates to leave you alone, but there is an important matter that needs my attention. Please forgive this husband for not mentioning of Vladimir's planned arrival as I wish to surprise you of his presence. He had grown strong and reliable since he left. He would protect you in my stead and keep you company.

Allow me to share your burdens of carrying my child by personally making your meal. It may not taste that good but it would ease my worried heart if you will finish it. Finally, know that my heart and soul always yearns for you. I can't wait to see your lovely face once more.

Your lovesick King,

Adis'

Her eyes softened and her heart melted upon reading his mushy letter. This evil King had really grown accustomed to wooing her heart and leaving her exhilarated. However, her wide smile had slowly faded upon reading his postscript.

Before she could even react about it, a loud banging sound on the door startled her up.

Vladimir quickly positioned himself in front of her, shielding her with his small frame as his eyes cautiously fixed on the door. His golden eyes suddenly changed to scarlet at the first scent of danger. He bit his finger with his small fangs and called forth his weapon, a scythe made with his blood.

Haru held Vladimir's shoulder as she nervously breathed out. "Who dares to disturb this Queen's peace?"

A long silence came next before a timid voice was heard.

"...Haru? It's me... Pier. I have come for you."

Haru inhaled sharply and her eyes widened. "P-Pier?!"

Vladimir creased his eyebrows as he looked at his mother. He mouthed, "Uncle Pier?"

The child knew the man since long ago. His mother had been visiting him in the orphanage even before she married his father. And all those visits, uncle Pier was with her. He was a good friend of his mother and the man had treated him nicely too. But he remembered his father's strict instruction of neither going out of the room nor letting someone inside. Like an obedient child, he stood his ground and stopped his mother from opening the door.

"You can't go, mother, even if it's uncle Pier," he whispered to her. Vladimir memorized his father's instructions up to the last letter, including the one that he must not make anyone aware of his presence inside her mother's chamber to catch any intruder off guard.

Haru knelt in front of the child and assured her. "It's okay. Everything will be fine." She stood up again and spoke loudly as she walked. "Pier, I'm glad you're here. Was it you I saw at the Pavilion yesterday?"

Outside of Haru's chamber, Pier stood up straight while numerous corpses of imperial guards were scattered on the ground and beneath his feet. The floor was painted red with blood. In front, a huge dark magic circle was written on the gigantic doors. The only way for him to break through was for the person inside to open the door. Even a tiny gap would be more than enough for him to shatter the spell.

"Yes, I was in a hurry yesterday, hence, I am unable to speak with you. But now, I am here for you, Haru. Would you please open the door for me?"

Pier's grin broadened when he heard his maiden's reply on the other side of the room. "...I understand. I'm coming so please wait for a moment."