Invisible

The putrid air penetrated his senses as he tried to remember how he ended up in the dungeons far below the castle. Rubbing his head, Maik closed his eyes and fought another wave of nausea. He lost the battle as the last remnants in his stomach spilled onto the stone floor.

Throbbing pain radiated from the back of his head. Reaching back there, he felt the sticky patch of dried blood tangled in his long black hair. How bad had his accusers beaten him before deciding to let him rot away in the king's version of hell? He felt like every bone had been broken, but he was still alive. For now. He intrinsically knew that he would probably spend his last remaining days on earth in this filthy pit of despair. If he didn't die from his injuries, he would die from the rats in the night when they gnawed at his decaying body.

Memories started to return slowly. Images of Clara formed in the recesses of his mind. Her beauty. Her smile. Her blond hair, almost translucent, cascading down her back. How he had wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but the king forbade their union because his money was from the trades and not from the nobility. He was the wrong kind of rich and would bring dishonor to the Princess. His lineage would bring disgrace.

The king never allowed Maik to defend himself as he raged at the young couple moments after he placed the ruby upon her finger. The sight of the ring and the smile on her face enraged the king beyond reason. When the king's rage settled, the beating started, and Maik was unceremoniously dragged away from the horrified princess until his broken body was tossed into the dank prison cell.

Not knowing how long he was unconscious, he wondered if Clara had already married an unsuitable suitor just to please her father's sense of decorum. His princess was lost to him forever, and his broken heart just wanted to fade away to the netherworld, knowing life without her was no life at all.

Maik tried to move away from the vomit and curled tightly into the corner, dreaming of the life he lost, knowing that no one would save him, a poor merchant who managed to earn a small fortune. In this kingdom, he was a nobody and would remain that way until his dying breath. He tortured himself, remembering her sweet lips. Their first kiss. Her hand in his. As the weight of sleep took hold, he held on to the one fact that could alter his fate, but how would he ever explain that to the king? Would King Lars even believe him? Probably not.

~~~

Several days later, Maik had grown much weaker from the lack of food and blood loss. When he heard the heavy boots walking towards his cell, he didn't have the strength to lift his head as his fever raged. His mind was racing out of control, with thoughts of the darkness waiting for him. He was ready to let go of this life when his thoughts were interrupted.

A familiar voice stated, "This is him. Bring him up to a private room and give him blood immediately. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. Right away."

Strong hands grabbed Maik and lifted him up. The movement was too much for his weakened state, and he passed out again. When he woke, his teeth had stopped chattering, and he noticed the room didn't stink of human waste. For fear that he had died, he kept his eyes shut tightly, fearing to open them.

Still pretending to sleep, he heard a door open quietly, and gentle steps moved toward the bed. He felt someone sit beside him and place a small hand on his shoulder. A sweet voice rang out, asking, "Maik, my love. How are you?"

Shocked to hear her voice again, he bolted upright and turned too quickly to look into her eyes. His head was spinning out of control, but he managed to grab her hand before he whispered, "Clara, but how?"

She smiled at him, brushing his wayward hair away from his eyes, saying, "Well, Prince Maik, your father was none too happy when he realized your unfortunate fate. He had a very stern conversation with my father."

He placed a hand on her face and quickly replied, "Then we shall be married as soon as I heal."

Clara stood, backed away from his bed, and wiped a tear away, trying to hold back the rest. She could barely get out the words but finally managed to say, "No, Maik. That will not be possible."

She ran out of the room without providing an explanation.

~~~

"Father, I don't understand. Why will King Lars not approve of our marriage now? This makes no sense."

King Florian looked at his son with compassion, replying, "Maik, he fears that you will become power hungry and overthrow him, combining both our lands. He wants us to return to our lands as soon as possible."

Maik sat in bed and growled, "Why then did you save me? If I cannot marry her, then I shall fade to the netherworld."

Florian stood up and looked annoyed at his son, declaring, "You shall do no such foolish thing. I have a plan, but I must know, are you willing to fight for her?"

"Of course," Maik replied immediately.

"Very well. Say nothing to no one, and let me work my magic." Florian left soon afterward, and hours later, several of his father's soldiers marched into his room, and the leader barked out his orders, "Prince Maik, get dressed now and come with us quickly. Do not waste our time!"

Ten minutes later, they were sneaking down the servant's staircase in the middle of the night. Once they reached the kitchen, they entered a hidden passageway and followed it deep underground.

Maik was getting weaker with each step. He wasn't ready to exert himself. He desperately needed blood and stopped, leaning against the wall. Barely breathing, he gasped, "Can one of you give me your blood?'

The leader stepped before him, saying, "Take mine, milord."

Letting his fangs grow, he took the soldier's blood and sealed the wound before replying, "Thank you, Devon. I owe you one."

Feeling revived, they rushed through the tunnels until they entered an underground cavern deep into the kingdom's mountain ranges. To his surprise, Clara was waiting in the center of the room, with his father beside her. As he stumbled in, he heard his father declare, "Maik, hurry before it is too late. You shall take her as your bride this very evening."

Devon helped him reach the center of the room, where he stood, swaying next to Clara. He whispered, "Father, I need your blood, or I shall collapse."

"Very well," King Florian answered. He stepped toward his son and added, "Be quick. Take only what you need. Time is of the essence."

Feeling the power of his father's blood coursing through his veins, he turned to his beloved Clara, asking her, "Are you sure about this? We will have to flee. Do you love me enough to sacrifice all that you know?"

Clara stepped toward him and smiled sadly, "I shall miss my kingdom and my people, but it is in your arms I belong."

Upon hearing her words, Maik didn't hesitate. He pulled her into his embrace and pierced her neck. He drank from her and spoke the magic, binding their souls to each other. He knew she could feel the magic working, turning her into his kind.

She clung to him, begging with her eyes to ease her pain. He turned to Devon and ordered, "Slit my wrist so I can give her my blood."

King Florian barked out, "Soldier, do it now!"

Pulling away, her lips were stained with his blood. He bent down and kissed her lips gently. Whispering in her ear, he said, "We cannot mate here, but once we reach safety, I shall devour you." He knew his words embarrassed her, but they heard the hound dogs barking and snarling down several underground tunnels before they had time to revel in their union.

King Florian yelled out, "Go now! I shall send my men when it is safe for you to return."

They raced down the tunnels and deep into the mountains, hiding in the darkness, waiting for their chance to escape.

~~~

Well, reader. I leave it up to you. Do they escape and live happily ever after? Or do they fade to the netherworld, lost forever in the mountains?

~~~

Thanks for reading The Invisible. Please check out my other stories. It would be awesome if you followed me! Thanks a million. KAS

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