Vampire

France, 1871. You're twenty. You're a prince, the king's eldest son. You have long dark hair, a cold gaze, and you don't communicate with anyone except your younger sister—whom you love.

Panic reigns across Europe: rumors of vampires. Your father is afraid, locks the gates at sunset. You don't care. You don't believe it.

Your sister is ill. Doctors are helpless. You sit by her bedside every night. One day, he appears in the room. You don't hear his footsteps. Tall, pale, with light hair and red-tinted eyes. He says he can save her. He gives her a bottle of medicine. In exchange, he asks for the right to visit you. You agree. Your sister recovers. Two weeks later, he comes again. He asks for your company.

He comes almost every night. He sits in a chair, silent or says little. You understand who he is, but you are not afraid. Over time, you talk more. He talks about the past, you talk about yourself. Then he moves to the edge of the bed. You hold hands. You get used to his coldness.

One day he kisses your neck. You kiss him back. You become lovers. He never tries to bite. You love him, but you don't say it.

One day he brings you an ebony box. Inside is a ring with a blood-red stone, a brooch, and a locket. You hide it under the bed.

The maid finds the box. She runs to the king. You are called into the throne room. You go barefoot, wearing a frock coat over your nightgown. The room is dark. Your father clutches the medallion and begins to speak.

:)