The Dragon King's Heart

The journey from Kinshearth to Sanguim was a long and tedious one if they had traveled on foot the entire way. Lucky for them, they were able to use the portal to get there. Since Florin was uncertain if an order might have been issued for his arrest, they snuck into the capital city, Nyros. 

Unlike other Kingdoms, Sanguim had an overcast sky all year round. Sunlight is blocked off completely for the safety of its citizens. Streets were lit with light fixtures, emitting warm glows of light. 

Kol felt a little uneasy at first. He had not been around his own kind for a long time. But upon realizing he was no longer the odd one out, a wave of calmness washed over him. He straightened his back and traveled alongside Florin, keeping up with his speed. 

To mask their identities, Florin had forgone his fine clothes for more inconspicuous outfits. This allowed him to blend in with the common vampire folk of the city. 

-This way.- Florin said to Kol telepathically as they took a sharp turn at the fork in the road. 

In between the tall brick buildings, they found an inn to rest in. Laina had made a few calls to arrange suitable accommodation for them while they settled their affairs. Florin and Kol then took to the streets. 

Though they were here with a mission each, Florin wanted to show Kol around. Their first stop was the famous Nyros Bridge. This bridge spanned across a wide river, connecting the outer city, Ros, with the inner city, Ny. 

Florin stood at one end of the bridge, looking beyond at the outer city. He turned to Kol with a smile on his face. 

"I spent my entire childhood in the Ny, in the palace. I had never stepped foot into Ros until I grew older," the vampire prince lamented as memories of the past flashed through his mind. 

He reminisced about the good times he had spent with his mother in the palace. They only had each other to rely upon. He kept out of his siblings' way, only wanting to survive and lead a carefree life. 

But even then, he still got into trouble. 

"Do you know where they have taken your mother?" Kol asked as they overlooked the river from where they stood. 

Florin sighed as he shook his head, "No, but I'll find a way. Perhaps in the meantime, we should look for your family's bakery first."

Kol shook his head. 

"What's wrong?"

"Yours is more important, we should take care of yours first."

Florin had not expected that reply. 

"But aren't you anxious to meet your family? That's important too," he asked. 

Kol shook his head, "Mine can wait, yours can't."

He placed a hand on Kol's shoulder, "Thank you."

Just then, a shadow flew past them. It landed just a few meters away from them. In a puff of black smoke and ash, a figure emerged. Florin was immediately on high alert. He stood in front of Kol protectively as he bared his fangs to the figure who walked up to them. 

"Is that how you greet your sister, my sweet little brother? I assumed Lady Zayda would have at least taught you basic royal etiquette," the figure spoke eloquently as she revealed herself beneath the light of the lamp post. 

"She taught me well enough, Princess Kalfina. What do you want with me?" Florin asked through gritted teeth. 

Princess Kalfina was sixth-in-line for the throne. Her intellect was second to few in the royal lineage, having been compared to the great Empress Emerblynn who was the first vampire to unite her kind under one banner. 

Her long beautiful hair and pale skin attracted many admirers while her merciless tactics had even the strongest of warriors cowering in fear. As she walked up to her brother, she gave Kol a quick glance. 

"Looks like you finally made a friend during your escape. Is this perhaps the one who nursed you back to health?" she asked as she walked over to take a closer look at Kol. 

The hybrid did not know how to react, he simply stood extremely still. Kol clutched onto the grip of his weapon, ready to draw his sword should the need arose. Kalfina placed her hand on his, pushing his hand down to sheath the sword. 

"Don't worry, you won't be needing that. I am not here to look for trouble. I am here to offer a deal."

"A deal? What deal?" Florin asked outright. 

Kalfina chuckled, "So impatient? Where's the quiet little boy who used to follow me everywhere I went?"

Her words triggered something in Florin. His eyes were glowing red as his fangs sharpened in his mouth. 

"Don't you dare bring up Maron!" he yelled back at her. 

Kol had not seen Florin this agitated before and was quite surprised. But from all the pent-up emotions he was seeing, Kol deduced this was someone important to Florin. 

"Oh my, did I remember the wrong brother? Ah yes little Maron, how tragic. Drowned in the Royal garden pond. Rest in peace," she faked any form of concern she was attempting to show.

Her attitude only angered Florin even further, causing him to clench his fists in rage. 

"Now, now, Florin. I know that killer look in your eyes. I suggest you play nice if you want to save Lady Zayda."

The moment he heard his mother's name, the look in his eyes changed instantly. 

"What do you know?" Florin asked anxiously. 

Kalfina chuckled with a wide smile on her face, "Ah, there's that look I was looking for. Let's make a deal, brother. I have what you need and as much as I hate to admit it, I could use your help."

Florin furrowed his eyebrows. Unlike his other siblings who had multiple talents, military support, support from the nobles, or the people, Florin had none. As one of the youngest royal vampires, he was so far down the line of succession that no one really saw him as a contender. 

If he excelled in his studies, he would be bullied by his older siblings for outshining them. Hence, he had always kept a low profile. Kalfina was known amongst them for being a strategist.

She carefully hid in the shadows, biding her time like a viper until it was the right moment to land a killing strike. 

"What could I possibly have that would be of use to you?"