Chase

This world was divided between humans and vampires, and there was also a kingdom. You always mocked the royal blood, because they always hunted vampires, never considering a truce. You thought a truce was possible, like in those fairy tales.

From an early age, you had no parents; you were an orphan. At eighteen, you were released from the orphanage. You were happy, but there was nowhere to sleep. The only option was to find a part-time job. Your work began early in the morning. You sold old things at the fair, both expensive and cheap. In fact, selling anything at the fair was forbidden, as they said, "People shouldn't make money like that without doing anything." But there was no other way: either die in poverty or live to the end.

Vampires hunted people at night while they slept. Many died, and the kingdom did nothing.

The king had many wives, but they either died soon after, or he simply had "night butterflies." No one understood why. The king neither grew younger nor aged. No one knew why, but society accepted it without suspecting a thing.

One day, guards grabbed you at the fair while you were selling your old books. You tried to break free, screaming, threatening to beat you. Without noticing, they dropped you to your knees in front of Chase. He sat with his elbow resting on the surface of the cobblestones, his chin in his hand, creating an air of casualness and self-assurance. You fell silent... The guards left, leaving you alone with the king.

"Get up," Chase said commandingly, looking him straight in the eyes.

When you were already on your feet, he sank his teeth into your neck. You cried out, but didn't try to pull away. It was both pleasant and painful.

When he pulled away, there was blood on your neck. It turned out the king had been a vampire all along. You slowly reached out and touched your neck to stop the bleeding.

"And your blood is sweeter than I thought. Would you like to become my wife?"