The Vampire Project 40 The Queen's Order

While Queen Sofie's busy attending the charity event her mother organized for her, some auspicious presence starts lingering inside the orphanage. The orphanage that was supported by the late Queens up to the present. Somewhat she can sense something off in the area. It can't be vampires cause she exactly knows their auras. The presence keeps getting obvious yet she can't determine where it's coming from. As she interacts with the children, a priest went up to her whispering something that caught her attention. She dismissed herself asking permission from her mother which permits her to follow the priest. Her mother takes over the greetings and the turn over off new furnitures as well as the funds for the renovation of the whole orphanage. As she followed the priest, they entered a hidden chamber from the garden. Seems like as they went deeper and deeper the hallway seems to be getting smaller and smaller. She wants to utter some words but it feels like the place won't let her make some noice. A few moments later, they've reached a very open room. Pretty empty and at the far end stands the priest who slowly facing her. Chills began to runs down her spine as the priest looks very scary. His eyes glaring at her and any moment his gonna attack her. She still remained compose and clears her throat before starting up a conversation.

"Father Jules, now that we're here. You told me that a certain someone would be here to talk. May I know where he is now?" The priest said nothing but is pointing at her. She can hear breathing from her back. She didn't notice any movement so how come this person's standing right behind her. The breathing's too close for her to hear it. She slowly turns to see the person face to face but when she turns around there's no one behind here. She's about to ask the priest but the moment she faces the priest a dark shadow stands in front of her. Gripping her shoulder and forcefully stopping her from moving, she tried her best to struggle but even her vampire form's no match for the shadow's strength. The priest walks towards her with a terrifying grin on his face.

"Queen Sofie, seems like your authority towards the legendary black knights is far from the true power of the Queen's order. Do you really think your rightful for the throne?" Instead of getting terrified, Queen Sofie smirks and shakes her head in disagreement.

"Is that truly your concern Father Jules? Have you forgotten you're talking to the only daughter of King Harold and Queen Margot? You can't shake me. I am the new Queen whether you like it or not. The ring of seal is what I'm wearing, the coronation has been done. I deeply know the t.i.tle and the ring won't matter to the legendary black knights. It's the bearers desire and acceptance is the true key on unlocking my authority."

"You knew about that but why can't you take over them now?"

"Father Jules, I'm not the type who's gonna force someone's loyalty to me. I don't know if the Black Knights are humans or not but the fact that they have a mind of their own is enough for me to let them choose whoever they want to pledge their loyalty to."

"They're bound to obey the Queen. They have no say about it."

"I am the Queen, and it's my duty and responsibility to protect everyone around me. I'm in the middle of a difficult situation."

"Then having the black knights by your side as your aide will help you a lot."

"Father Jules, the only thing I want is to be able to fight alongside the people I love. They trust me and I trust them back. With or without the black knights we're gonna fight back the evil." She shrug off the hands of the shadow so easily which amazes the priest. With conviction and great desire to help her friends the rings starts glowing but she didn't even notice it. The shadow steps back as well as the priest.

"You can't win a battle that easily."

"Love, trust and loyalty. We all hold that inside our hearts. But to whom we share those differs to each one of us. As Sofie, I already pledge my loyalty to Slacovich and the others. That's all that matters to me. I'm not after your knights. I'm here to make it clear that I am the new Queen! And I am as well as the plain Sofie." She turns around and walks straight away but the shadow stop her from leaving.

"Queen Sofie, just like what the old Queen Celestine told us. One of these days, someone from her line will look at the legendary black knights with inportance and not just mere tools."

"Queen Celestine, my great grandmother. Her teachings to the past queens had been pa.s.s down. I'm not an exemption to that. The only difference now is that--" she changes into her vampire form and proudly showing off her batwings. "I am no longer qualified to be the Queen you seek. I am a pureblooded vampire. Will you still obey someone who feeds on blood?" Her red eyes stares directly into the shadow.

"Vampire or human, what matters is the heart." The priest suddenly changes into a man wearing heavy armor.

"You've never been Father Jules right from the start correct?"

"That's right Queen Sofie. I am General Richard of the black knights society." He bow down to show his respect as well as the shadow beside him.

"Black Knights Society?"

"As time pa.s.ses by, the society has been pa.s.sed down generation by generation. The legendary black knights are well known for their combat skills and loyalty. We value loyalty the most. As for the new Queen, we sincerely accept you. The t.i.tle and the ring are no mere tools for recognition but they're evidence of your existence."

"I'm really confused of what you all are."

"We're occupying human bodies. But our minds and memories are still intact. We've been reincarnated till the day we can serve a new rightful Queen. The day we've been waiting for is finally here. The long wait is over and in this new age, the black knights society has full access to modern technology and information. All of us have different occupation and are only recognized by the black knight's emblem. Only a few knows about the emblem so our very existence remains hidden from the public eye. We've lived normally to co exist with ordinary people but now that we're under your guidance we'll go wherever you want us to be."

"At ease General Richard. There's no need to regard me the old fas.h.i.+oned way. Like what you've said, modern age is quite different from monarchy that you've been to. Just call me Sofie from now on."

"Addressing you casually is quite disrespectful. Please allow us to address you as our Queen."

"You're really into your oaths. Okay I wonte argue with that but in one condition."

"Whatever it is my Queen."

"Regard me as your friend and ally but not as someone with higher authority than you."

"But that's----"

"The Queen's orders are absolute."

"Is it an order my Queen?"

"That's an order."

"In that case I won't defy your order." Sofie help General Richard stand up giving by him a gentle pat on his shoulder. The shadow stands up as well and Sofie can't help but wonder what it really is.

"Ahmm, Richard I don't wanna sound rude but is it really just black smoke like shadow or something?"

"My Queen sorry for not giving you details about the shadow guards. They are former soldiers of the late Queens who chooses to stay in their soul form rather than being reincarnated. They're quite reliable in gathering informations and going into dangerous places to spy on the enemies."

"Will they get hurt?"

"You truly care for our well being Queen Sofie, we are truly moved by your gesture of care and kindness. The fact of the matter is, they can't be directly hurt but their lifespan depends on you. You're the only one who can dismiss them and let them rest for eternity."

"Sounds like punishment to me. Why did they choose to be shadow guards instead?" The shadow went closer to her and gently touches her forehead. The shadow can't talk verbally but uses telepathy to communicate. Only the Queen and the black knights can hear them telepathically.

"I am the former captain of the late Queen Alice's hidden infantry. It's of my own will to be a shadow guard rather than being reincarnated. I failed to protect the late Queen and saw her dying in the hands of an a.s.sa.s.sin."

"You chooses to be a restless soul to punish yourself."

"It may seem that way your highness, but this time I won't let a single fly slip away from my sight."

"Thanks a lot, after this certain battle I'll make sure to send you all off in victory. You can a.s.sure that. For now, let's help each other." Sofie and Richard went out of the chamber while the shadow guard disappears. They went back to the event where Sofie's mother is currently at. Having a new ally by her side makes her confident that they can stop Volton's evil doing.