The Image of a Vampire

I bow down so low before the prince that my nose is almost touching my knees. The Prince clears his throat and I bring my head up, my eyes catching on the light of the chandelier hanging above the throne. Prince Valerian sits with his crown tilted to the side of his head, looking down at me with a sneer. The palace is filled with piles of gold with pillars in every corner and floor-to-ceiling long mirrors, in which the Prince’s reflection does not reflect. It's as if I am in a room on my own. “And who are you, human boy?” he says with a flick of his blood-red gown that cascades down the side of his throne in layers of silk, the hem of the white shirt tucked into black trousers. “I’m here to see you, my Prince,” I say, standing up straight and peering at the dull colour of my clothes compared to the ruby red of his waistcoat. “State your importance.” Demands Prince Valerian flatly, with boredom lacing his voice. A servant walks past me, a breeze following in her haste and a black suit tail dragging across the marble floors. The Prince’s throne is elevated above the ground, covered in jewels, crystals, and velvet pillows encircling around him. I watch silently as the servant reaches up on a step and hands him a golden goblet of a red liquid, too thick to be wine, thick enough to be blood. I gulp, my knees going weak. I withhold my posture as much as I can, staring confidently into his eyes. If I could I would run and never return. But one cannot deny the demands of the Vampire Prince.
“I, Rune, was sent here by your wishes. To produce a portrait painting more beautiful than the reflection of any mirror.” I stare up at him, waiting to see his expression. He leans forward indignantly in his chair, his eyes narrowed. “I thought it was supposed to be Calcus,” he says.
I nod my head, “My apologies, Prince but my father is not around.”
“And why not?”
“He- my father is dead, your highness. I have been sent in his place.
Valerian’s face doesn't flicker for a second. Instead, all he does is take a sip from his goblet and swirl it around with his wrist. I try to stand still as I wait for any kind of response, and then the clang of the cup being placed on the metal tray makes me jump. He eyes me, seeming to choose his next words carefully. I wonder if I have caused offense.
“Alright, I see. You will be shown to your room the, Rune."
The way he says my name fills me with an almost dread. His voice is cold, and sounds like velvet, with eyes a piercing jet black, the same as his hair.
I bow down again, lower this time. But when I look up again he is sprawled over his throne with legs over one side of the arms. And as I walk away, I feel his eyes burning into my back and hear the clink of the goblet against his teeth.

                                            ……

I'm led down brightly lit hallways, with mirrors covering nearly every wall. Chandeliers hang low from the ceiling, casting reflections in all directions. On my shoulder, I carry a leather bag that holds only my most needed possessions. A small pouch filled with pencils. And a book, filled with drawings.
Next to me walks a lady with grey hair twisted in tight coils around her shoulders. Her face is turned away and I don't catch what she looks like as she comes to a halt in front of another hallway lined with red carpets with gold fringe. The woman reaches out a hand and twists the slightly tarnished handle, opening the oak door slowly for me. I lift the bag that slips slightly from my shoulder and take a step inside. I turn to say my thanks to the lady, but she has vanished from my side. The door slams shut and I'm left on my own, surrounded by dark oak wooden furniture. I step into the middle of the room, standing on cold wooden floors underneath a circular red carpet. My bed sits opposite a small window that lets in little light. The view from outside shows nothing but fields and grey sky.
I sigh to myself, feeling my arms ache at my side. I chuck my bag on the bed and slip into the next room to use the lavatory.
When I return I notice two crates beside my bed. One holds my possessions and the other, my paints.
A knock from the door surprises me. But who’s behind it surprises me more. the prince stands on the other side, his placid expression rooting me to the floor. I feel all my muscles freeze at the sight of him. “I see you’ve settled in well?” he says, indicating to the boxes by the end of my bed. I swallow deeply and struggle to say yes.
I know what he is of course. A vampire prince with no lack of vanity and the most palest glowing skin I've ever seen. I'm not scared, but being this close makes my palms clammy and my heart beats a little faster.
He stands unnaturally far away from the entrance to the doorway, half leaning on the frame and half standing as rigid as possible as if he has no idea what to do with his body, his long slender legs planted on the floor. I may just be being silly but I sense an awkwardness from him, it's as if he’s a completely different person from the one I saw lounging on the throne. Despite this, I still feel the beads of sweat form on my forehead trying not to show the terror in my eyes. My father told me stories of their kind, and I've never met one quite like the Prince. He shuffles and stands upright as if reading my thoughts, completely overshadowing me with his height.
“There is no need for you to be frightened of me, Rune,” he says, maybe noticing my heart beating rapidly, or the way I clutch my hands at my side at the sight of him, stuck somewhere between horror and awe as the Vampire Prince stands before me, and tells me not to be scared. “I just wanted to personally see how you were, and if you needed anything.”
His words shock me but I try not to let it show, and bow quickly to show my gratitude.
“That's very kind of you, im very well thank you,” I say my words slightly rushed. I hope he doesn't notice.
He holds up a hand, “Please, don't bow. We’ll be spending a lot of time together over the next few weeks and I don't want you to get a bad back.” he laughs a small, almost practiced laugh.
“Your right, I apologise your Highness.” I bow again, my legs trembling. He smiles, making me feel stupid.
“I'll leave you to it then, Rune. I hope you find everything you need.” he glances around my small room and gives me a nod, I feel the same cold gaze I did from the throne room but somehow his smile is warm, even with the flash of his sharp white teeth.
“Goodbye, Rune,” he says and I close the door behind him.