Prologue: A Selection Is Made 1
The dark was flawless as Romericco strode down the vast courtyard. Drops of rain stained the dark aura of the deadly black rose bushes near by. The Queen would be pleased with him tonight, unlike the last time he had come empty handed. He still had the scar to remember it by. This time however, he had decided to put more effort into his work. His bloodied blade served as a grim reminder of the precious information he had received. He walked into the castle gates, just catching a glimpse of the guards snoring away, fast asleep on their watch. 2
‘Ursula will not be pleased. Next time she would do better not to bind mortals to her services.’ he thought. 3
He quietly walked up the enormous stone steps, grasped the smirking door knocker, and knocked. 4
“Enter”, Cried the Queen from inside the castle. 5
As he entered, he wondered what compensation he would get for this information. A new title, some new estate, or perhaps…what he wanted the most… 6
“Ricco darling”, Ursula said in mock concern as he entered. She was studying her reflection in a huge silver mirror, in the middle of the grand entrance room. “What have you brought me today my pet?” 7
“I have brought you tidings of a most formidable candidate for your renewal.” 8
“Have you really, my dear boy? Gracious me, has it been five years already?” 9
“Yes, Milady”, he answered respectively as if he hadn’t counted the years, the months, and the days. “They are turning out to be more difficult to find as the years progress, highness. There were precious little places I’ve searched that weren’t full of humans without a drop of magickal blood in them.” 10
“Humans yet have a use, do they not? They are quite satisfying, no?” 11
“Yes…well…” 12
“Good. Now, now tell me about her. I want to be on familiar terms with everything about this lady.” 13
“She is sixteen, and of the Faye race.” 14
“Oh excellent Ricco! I haven’t had a Faye in over a decade.” 15
“She is beautiful…her only flaw is that she’s half human.” 16
“Half does not concern me. Her blue blood is enough to sustain me until the next ceremony.” 17
“The last Faye you took was her mother.” 18
“Oh yes I remember, the one with the red hair. I did so love her figure. What is her name?” 19
“That is the best part, highness. Her name is Mikahia Arcadia Demitrius Greenwood.” 20
“Oh Ricco you really have found me something! A princess no doubt! Tell me, what was my last victim’s name?” 21
“Celina”, Romericco said automatically. 22
“Descended from a siren king, was she not?” 23
“Yes she was”, Romericco said as he tried to forget the terrible night she was taken by the Queen. 24
“I like the beauty of her face, but I really don’t think blonde suits me. Red will be a nice change”, she said looking into the mirror. “Pray tell where did you find this girl?” 25
“In the mortal realm, Milady.” 26
“Really…how delicious”, she said with a flip of her golden curls. “She must have her realm hidden somewhere near then.” 27
“Yes”, he responded dully. 28
“You have done well this time, Ricco”, she said walking over to him and stoking the scar across his cheek. I think I shall reward you this time”, she said in a seductive whisper. 29
Romericco felt his chest tighten and his breathing take off as she pulled him tightly to her. This is what had gotten him in this mess in the first place. 30
“Am I what you yearn for Ricco?” she whispered licking her crimson lips. 31
“Yes…” Romericco replied barely audible. 32
His lips were barely touching hers. He closed his eyes, ready for her lips to embrace his like he so badly yearned. But it didn’t come. He opened his eyes. 33
“No Ricco, no. I’m afraid I don’t think you are ready yet. I changed you many centuries ago and yet you still are foolish like the human you once were. Maybe next time…” she said her cruel blue eyes narrowing. “In the mean time you are free to leave. Return in a fortnight with new information. Then I’ll consider your reward.” 34
Author notes
Greetings all Romericco fans!!! A new chapter!!!!
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 19 of 19
-
Ayla, my dear love, this is wonderful. Never did I dream of a story of this magnetude. Really, I must read more.
-
very good i think you would like my realm trinity
-
Man that is one awesome prologue I am going to have to read the rest of this! I like your plot so far, but what do your characters look like? I can't wait to see if the others can keep up with this so far you are the best I've read.
Donnia -
Wow. Thanks for entering this. I can tell this will be a tough contest already. Your story is very well-written. Good luck in my contest. I hope to see more of this if there isnt more already.
-
^_^
Yaaaaay! -
Ooh, a seductive enchantress...interesting. I like the whole 'women in control' thing. It made me smile.
A very different style and idea from that of "The Paradox Lament", but just as well-written.
I agree with the other comments. I love stories where the characters are developed nicely, and this one (as well as your previous one) had that. Each character had their own identity;; their own personality.
Amazing work!
-morgana
-
ooh, this is very good! you've gotten many comments stating how wonderful this is, so, i fear i shall just be repeating what has already been said by heaping compliments on you. but, ill do it anyways. this was wonderfuly written, both characters were intresting, deep.... mysterious, a marvelous read, i cant wait to read the next chapter. you really are an amazing writter
0.^ -
I'm either dizzy or this was a great poem
Dear Yellow Rose,
From the deepest wells comes the coolest waters.
I made that up!!!I'll be damned!!
I like what you say and how you lay it down on paper.
I read this from the featured list, and by the looks of the point cost you could not have offered too much.It was enthralling, but you've probably heard many such compliments.
I am going to read some more of your things, but, I'm starving, and I have peppered steak in the fridge that is talking to me; no, shouting!! -
Sharp write
I like this, it feels very much like the beginning of a novel in that it sets a tone and time (sword, Queen, etc.) and sets fantasy (Faes). It doesn't feel at all like an adapted short story, but rather the actual opening of a novel, and yet manages to have all the aspects of a short story besides a conclusion. Sharp. -
hmmm... I didn't get it at first, but not that I do- it's groovy. Ha. Anyways, it WAS a good write, not exactly what I'm used to but I still liked it. Is there more to this? Or is that in the up-and-coming thing? I'd like to read more if I can 'get into it' more. Again, nice write.
*Insanity.#08 -
This is an amazing story! It does remind me of Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, too! She is my favorite author. Anyway, WONDERFUL story!
-kayla=/ -
thank you. Soon this will be a novel, so I need all the critiques I can get!
-
bloody well done. r.
-
I think it takes a certain creative flair to write stories of this nature and you seem to have quite the knack for the challenge. I am assuming there is more to come? I certainly hope so now that you have me sucked into this. Great job! Thanks for sharing.
-
great story. You are so creative, its astounding. I love it.
Edited on Jul 07, 1:35 because '...'. -
This is an awesome story, definitely something i would buy at a store if i wasnt dead broke all the time. I love stories like this, it reminds me of R.A. Salvatore and his forgotten realms books. Awesome job, and I think it is a great prolouge to a story.
Fruit -
yay!! story!!
-
Interesting. I'm not generally a big fan of modern vampire fiction... the characters usually strike me as petty and self-involved for immortals. But I'd like to see where you go with this, anyway. Word of advice... you may wish to check the spelling of the word "prologue."
-
their all mixed up its getting confusing. ach. nein
Adding your comment:
1 - 19 of 19
